Samsung SP-A800B DLP Projector Overview

The new SP-A800B DLP projector from Samsung Electronics looks to be a nice addition to the 1080p DLP family, though it lacks some advanced features (like DarkChip3 or horizontal lens shift) we'd expect at its $10k price point. To squeeze out the highest quality home theater experience and color reproduction, Samsung teamed up with Joe Kane, a well-known and highly respected authority on visual imaging equipment and development. The result of this collaboration is a premium high-definition projector that reproduces astonishing flesh tones and natural colors. The SP-A800B allows users to freely select the color space for the three broadcasting formats (SMPTE-C, HDTV, and EBU) to deliver accurate projection regardless of format. In addition the projector has the capability of matching the gamma response curve of ultra-expensive studio video equipment. We've hung around Joe a few times - the man knows color and so we're expecting Samsung's new DLP projector to really shine in terms of its color accuracy.

In addition to its native resolution of 1920 x 1080, the SP-A800B uses a 0.95-inch DLP chip which boasts an impressive 95% aperture ratio and a fast 16 microsecond (0.016 millisecond) response time to further facilitate accurate and natural motion graphics. Gamers rejoice - this projector just might give you an advantage.

The HD projector features a stated dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1, so even our in-house measured ratio should be respectable. The projector also allows a native film mode refresh rate of 24 frames per second, matching Blu-ray and DVD discs and eliminating judder.

Incorporated into the SP-A800B design is a low-noise cooling system that supports and maintains whisper quiet installations - just 25db in theater mode.

The exterior unit features a "shark fin" design that looks very sleek. Touch-sensitive controls are provided on the unti to maintain that uninterrupted look and give it a highly modern feel. Color temperatures can be selected by number (as opposed to "High, Medium or Low") and there are seven picture modes. They include a 5500K mode - great for watching Black and White movies in that "near sepia" color tone that is pleasing to the eye and much more authentic.

While the projector features adequate zoom settings, the lack of a horizontal lens shift means that you'll need to take extra care when installing this projector. At this price the lack of motorized controls and complete lack of horizontal lens shift is a disappointment.

Specifications Breakdown and Comparison

Samsung released the A800B along with its lower-priced A400B model, allowing consumers the choice of an upper-scale system and a more affordable DLP choice. Both units feature DarkChip 2 technology and though they come in similar outer packaging the innards are considerably different:

Spec	SP-A800B	SP-A400B
Panel	0.95-inch DMD x 1	0.65-inch DMD x 1
Resolution	1920x1080	1280x768
Light Source	300W lamp	200W lamp
LAMP Lifetime	2,000 hours	3,000 hours
Brightness	1,000 ANSI lumens	2,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio	10,000:1	2,500:1
Color Wheel	6 segment	5 segment
Zoom/Focus	Manual/Manual	Manual/Manual
Inputs	2 x HDMI 2 x YPbPr HD15/PC S-video Composite RS-232C	HDMI YPbPr HD15/PC S-video Composite RS-232C
Lens Shift	Vertical only	None
Audible Noise	25 dB	30 dB
Power	380W	280W
Dimensions	17" H x 8.3" W x 18.9" D	13.5" H x 6.4" W x 13.7" D
Special Features	Dynamic Black 1080p/24 support	Brilliant Color
Chipset	Scaler: STP10 DMD Controller: DDP3021	Scaler/DMD Controller: DDP2230
MSRP	$9,995	$1,999

Like all Samsung projectors, the SP-A800B projector is backed by a two-year limited warranty on labor and parts as well as toll-free technical support for the life of the display. For more information call Samsung because they don't seem to have these products online in the US.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.