Add considerable style to the mix, and you have a TV that offers clear advantages over other HD plasma sets.

Look and Feel

The HP-S4253 sports a smart, shiny black chassis with speakers that are hidden inside the bottom of the unit. With an included oval stand and pedestal, the complete package measures 41.5 x 30.1 x 13.4 inches and weighs 88.2 pounds.

Features

Like a high-end computer, this Samsung comes bundled with lots of features, starting with split-screen and picture-in-picture capabilities. Viewing in split-screen mode places two channels side-by-side; picture-in-picture mode places a second channel -- or, thanks to a PC input, a signal from a desktop or laptop computer -- in a box in one corner of the screen.

Other inputs include two HDMI/DVI connections, which allow for the transmission of high-quality digital video and audio signals through a single cable, and two inputs each for component, composite, and S-Video signals.

We especially liked having some of these ports on the side of the TV, which makes it easy to connect and swap devices such as camcorders and video game consoles.

Another plus for joystick jockeys is a game mode, which optimizes the picture for video game play. An on/off timer and the ability to set sleep mode from 30 to 180 minutes add even more flexibility to this TV.

Performance

A resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels and the power of a 13-bit processing engine make for a clear and bright display. Many comparable TVs use 10-bit processors to drive the video images.

In addition, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio deserves much of the credit for this unit's excellent picture quality. Contrast ratio is a measure of color quality based on the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black. Right now, the ratio of this model is among the highest in the HDTV industry.

Because it is difficult to assess true image quality in isolation, we compared the HP-S4253 to another name-brand, 42-inch set. From a distance of 10 feet, a suggested viewing distance for a screen of that size, the picture on the Samsung was noticeably brighter and sharper.

Viewing the screen from several angles, from straight-on center to extreme right or left, showed no significant loss of image.

Audio performance was another winner. The sound from the two built-in 15-watt speakers was simply excellent.

Verdict

Samsung's Gen-5 HD Plasma TV offers the latest video technology at a competitive price. Beyond image quality, features like split-screen and picture-in-picture make the HP-S4253 easy to recommend.

Samsung HP-S4253 42-inch HD Plasma TV

Specs: 42-inch plasma flat screen (diagonal measure); widescreen aspect ratio with four modes; 175-degree viewing angle; two-speaker surround-sound system .

Pros: Bright, clear picture from 13-bit processing; split screen and picture-in-picture features.

Cons: Plasma technology presents some risk of burned-in images.

Verdict: Samsung's HP-S4253 offers the latest HDTV technology at a competitive price.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $1,999

www.samsung.com