PhlatLight-enabled LED DLPs offer new illuminating schemes for rear projection HDTVs

A few months ago I received the new Samsung HL-T5689S, which is a 2nd generation 1080p rear projection HDTV to feature LED illumination powered by Luminus Devices' PhlatLight technology. Originally, Samsung introduced one model last year, but it was clearly a work in progress. This new model, which is now part of a new family of LED DLPs, shows just how far the technology and LED illumination have come. While this review focuses specifically on Samsung's model HL-T5689S, which is a 56-inch model, the findings can spread to both its 50-inch. (HL-T5089S) and 61-inch (HL-T6189S) brethren.

INTRODUCTION
The Samsung HL-T5689S is a 56-inch slim-depth widescreen (16x9)1080p high-definition rear projection TV that features LED illumination instead of the standard UHP or arc lamp. And, because LED illumination is employed, it also eliminates the much-maligned color wheel, which some people find objectionable because it contributes to the so-called "rainbow effect." This set is also part of Samsung's new slim line of HD rear projection DLP TVs offering a depth of only 14-inches, which is far slimmer than comparable 56-inch rear projection HDTVs.

PHLATLIGHT TECHNOLOGY
The focal point of this new breed of DLP HDTV is the use of Luminus Devices' PhlatLight technology. Luminus' PhlatLight LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology is setting a new standard in HDTV performance and reliability. This innovative illumination technology is a revolutionary light source that lasts the entire lifetime of the TV (over 60,000 hours) and delivers a consistent picture without fading, saving consumers lamp replacement costs and inconvenience over the life of the set.

PhlatLight technology is a new type of solid state lighting source that combines the benefits of both LED and laser technologies. This unique solid state lighting technology is ideal for display and illumination applications that require high brightness and the efficient harnessing of light from a small point source. Spun out of research at MIT, Luminus' PhlatLight technology is an innovative and efficient way to maximize light emission from an LED.