Three cheers . . . 3D ready!

The third dimension. It's the future of HD home theater viewing . . and it's here. With a C90 series plasma HDTV from Samsung, you're ready for it. As a Samsung plasma panel, the 50" PN50C680 sports integrated 3D-capable technology that, when combined with a 3D video source and 3D Active Glasses (sold separately), gives you the ability to experience three-dimensional viewing right in your living room. Samsung's 3D technology uses the same principles upon which human sight is based to achieve a 3D effect in the home theater. By themselves, each human eye sees only two dimensions. However, because our eyes are set slightly apart, each sees an object or scene from a slightly different angle. And when the brain processes the images seen by each eye into a single image, we are able to perceive depth in what we are seeing. Add depth to the height and width (2D) seen by each single eye, and ta-da: 3D! For its part, a Samsung C680 series panel actually shows two different versions of a movie on the screen at the same time (alternating frames from each at extremely high speeds). What makes the two versions different is that they were filmed from slightly different angles. Now, 3D Active Glasses communicate wirelessly with the C680 HDTV. Using special liquid-crystal lenses, the 3D glasses alternately block out the left or right lens in coordination with the frames flashing on-screen. Accordingly, the right eye sees only the "version" of the movie intended for the right eye, and the left eye only sees its version. Just as with normal human sight, the brain combines the two versions into one, and voilà, you see 3D. Three cheers!

Beyond Full 1080p . . . the E³-Panel

Whatever the "E" in Samsung's new E³-Panel technology stands for, you can be sure that it's a synonym for smooth, vivid, high-performance video reproduction from an HD plasma panel. Serving up moving image with enhanced fluidity and realism on the 50" full high definition 1080p panel (1920 x 1080p), this Samsung plasma HDTV offers 600Hz Sub-Field Motion technology. Because the illusion of motion used in movie and television programming is achieved by flashing a series of still images, or frames, on the screen in fast succession, the smoothness and naturalness of motion depends upon how many frames are shown and how fast they appear. Frame rates for film and television content range from 24 frames-per-second to 60fps (also expressed in Hertz). 600Hz Subfield Motion technology flashes each frame ten times, meaning that up to 600 frames are shown every second (when viewing 60Hz content). The result is nothing less than dramatically improved continuity between frames which translates into seamless, lifelike motion.

E-Panel doesn't stop there . . .

Not only does the PN50C680's E³-Panel technology deliver stunningly lifelike motion, but it also combines two other technologies for improved fast-action performance and enhanced detail. First, a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio provides improved, purer black-level and color performance for sharper detail and more vivid colors. Second, all your favorite movie and TV programming appears even smoother thanks to the PN50C680's incredibly fast 0.001ms pixel-response time.

Beyond "ordinary" connections

Yes, it certainly is a big deal that the PN50C680 plasma HDTV offers three HDMI inputs. That's the most advanced, single-cable video and audio connection available . . . times four. In other words, you're equipped to connect up to four HD-capable devices to this C680 series panel. But when it comes to connections, the PN50C680 raises the bar even further. With Samsung's, AllShare technology you can sync the PN50C680 up with your home network via the rear-panel ethernet port. Once connected, you're free to stream audio and video from your PC/home network directly to the PN50C680 using the remote control. You effectively convert your HDTV into a multimedia hub. Further, a rear-panel PC input allows you to transform this HD plasma panel into an incredible 50" computer monitor!

Speaking of audio . . .

For a surprisingly full audio experience from a 50" plasma HDTV, Samsung has designed the PN50C680 with two 10W speakers enhanced by SRS TruSurround HD technology. SRS TruSurround HD creates an immersive, feature-rich surround sound effect from just two speakers. Experience rich bass, detailed high-frequency audio, and clear dialogue.

Get tuned in

Geared up and ready for the Digital Television Transition (the government mandated switch to all-digital television broadcasting) the Samsung PN50C680 comes equipped with digital ATSC and QAM tuners. These digital tuners make receiving and enjoying digitally broadcast content — whether from the air or from cable or satellite — easy and worry-free.

ENERGY STAR of approval

Seeking to meet your demand to reduce energy use and preserve the environment, Samsung has made sure that the PN50C680 meets the U.S. government's standard for ENERGY STAR qualification. What does the ENERGY STAR qualification mean? ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. For the family or homeowner, energy efficient choices can reduce energy consumption and expenses by up to one third while resulting in similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice. When a product boasts the ENERGY STAR qualification, this means the product meets stringent government standards set by the EPA and US Department of Energy for conserving both energy and the environment. So whether you are concerned for the environment, your pocket book or both, this HDTV helps ensure both are given an easier load to bear.

The advanced connectivity of HDMI

Bringing you the absolute best in connectivity, Samsung's PN50C680 features four HDMI connections. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the only interface in consumer electronics that can carry both uncompressed high-definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and even 1080p. And now, HDMI v1.4 connectivity offers expanded bandwidth, allowing for transmission of 3D high definitoin content. Your incoming media content comes in a variety of sizes, resolutions and formats, and with that in mind, HDMI systems automatically configure to display that content in the most effective format. Since HDMI carries all channels on video and audio, there is only one cable to plug into any HDMI-enabled source and display device. No more complicated cable set-up when installing your home theater system, and no more ugly cable mess behind your components. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on this single cable. Also, HDMI is fully backward-compatible with DVI. (Please note that a physical adapter, sold separately, is needed to make the conversion from HDMI to DVI.)

Your HD lifeline

High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is the only home A/V connection that allows for both Full HD 1080p video and 7.1-channel studio-quality audio to be passes along a single cable. In other words, in order to take full advantage of your home theater's high definition potential, you need to HDMI cabling to link HD-capable components. It's only natural that you might have questions regarding how best to outfit your personal HD system. Vann's sales representatives are here to explain all of your options. Call the 800 number at the top of this page for expert advice.

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