Samsung SP-A800B 1080p DLP Video Projector - Product Review

At an MSRP of $7,495, the Samsung SP-A800B Video Projector may seem pricey, but is definitely worth the extra cash for those that are looking for high-end projector with precise color accuracy. Its Texas Instruments DLP DarkChip2, native 1080p resolution, and acceptable light output provide excellent image quality which is very natural. Also, the SP-A800B comes equipped with two HDMI ver 1.3a inputs, and provides video upscaling for standard DVDs via its proprietary processor. The Samsung SP-A800B was developed in conjunction with Joe Kane Productions.

The features of the Samsung SP-A800B include:

1. DLP Video Projector with (DarkChip2 with 6 segment color wheel), 1,000 Lumens of light output and 1920x1080 (1080p) Native Pixel Resolution.

3. Image size range: 40 to 300 inches - adds flexibility for both small and large screen sizes and room environments.

4. Native 16x9 Screen Aspect Ratio.

5. 10,O00:1 Contrast Ratio (Full On/Full Off), 300 Watt Lamp, and 2000 Hour Lamp Life.

6. Reference Color Temperature: 6500K, Color Temperature Settings: 5500K, 6500K, 8000K, 9300K.

7. HDMI (2), VGA, HD-Component (2), S-Video, and Composite Video inputs.

8. Compatible with input resolutions up to 1080p, including 1080p/24. NTSC/PAL Compatible.

9. RS232 Interface for custom installation control needs.

10. Automatic video input Detection - Manual video input selection also available via remote control or buttons on projector.

11. Manual Zoom, Focus, and Vertical Lens Shift. Fan noise: 24 db (decibels) in Theater Mode, 30 db in Bright Mode.

12. Built-in Set-up Patterns: Crosshatch, Picture Size, focus, and color adjustment.

13. Ceiling and Table mount compatible. Wireless Remote Control. Easy to read owner's manual.

14. Dimensions (WxHxD) 18" x 8.5" x 19"

15. Weight 21.6 lbs

16. Lamp Replacement Cost: $499

For an additional, close-up look, at the features and operation of the SP-A800B, check out my supplementary Photo Gallery

What makes Samsung projectors in general, and the SP-A800B in particular, different from other projector makers is Samsung's specific goal of making sure each projector offers identical performance and adheres to specific video standards.

To accomplish this goal, Samsung has partnered with Joe Kane and his production team (JKP Productions), developers of the well-regarded Digital Video Essentials home theater calibration discs, to help oversee the development of their DLP projector line-up.

As a result of this partnership, Samsung DLP video projectors are increasingly used in studio and editing facilities where professional CRT monitors were previously employed as reference for adhering to consistent video standards.

Unlike many companies that employ "enhanced" color processing schemes that may look good to many average consumers, but do not adhere to standards used in the video production and mastering process, Samsung has taken the approach that it is better to be accurate than just appear to look good upon a casual glance.

Every Samsung SPA-series video projector is pre-calibrated to industry standards before it leaves the factory. This approach assures both the consumer and installer that every SPA-series projector starts from the same reference point before installation. In other words, there is very little, if any, variance between individual projectors coming out the factory. The user, or installer, only has to make minor calibration adjustments to compensate for actual room lighting conditions, and the type of screen, and screen material used.

As part of the review process for the SP-A800B, Joe Kane made a "house call" demonstration of the projector, the calibration process, and an overview of how his role of being the "video standards cop" related to the Samsung SP-A800B.

Product Review Components

The components and room for this review were provided by Gary Altunian, About.com Guide for Stereos and featured the following:

Projection Screen: SMX Cine-Weave 100² screen

Blu-ray Disc Player: Panasonic DMP-BD55K

Preamp/Processor: Anthem AVM-50v

Amplifier: Anthem MCA-50

Speakers: Episode HT-650 LCR, HT-525 Surrounds, and C5-SUB12 Subwoofer.

Power Management: Innovolt HEM-X1000 Power Protector

Interconnects: Tributaries

Setup and Initial Viewing

Initially setting up the Samsung SP-A800B for this review was straightforward. The input connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and while the onboard touch controls were not that easy to use, the remote control certainly was. The SP-A800B turns on quickly and also has fast cool down turn-off time.

The SP-A800B offers several types of connections (2 HDMI, 2 Component, S-Video, Composite, and VGA). Also, although there is no dedicated DVI-HDCP input, you can connect a DVI source device to the SP-A800B's HDMI 1 input using an DVI/HDMI adapter connector or cable.

The SP-A800B does not offer power zoom/focus controls, but its lens mounted manual controls are straightforward. Also, there is a vertical Lens Shift function, but no horizontal shift function, which can make physical projector-to-screen placement more difficult in some cases, especially with ceiling mounting, but I did not have a problem placing the projector on a table-cart, sliding to the best horizontal position in relation to the screen, and then using the vertical lens shift and bottom adjustable feet to get the right height angle to the screen.

The included wireless remote has an uncluttered look, with a good layout and well-spaced buttons. The remote control is also backlit, which makes it easier to use in the dark. Also, the onscreen menu system, although very comprehensive, was easy to navigate. In addition, the user manual is very well laid out, with easy-to-understand explanations and good illustrations. In fact, for such a high-end projector, the user manual is laid out in a deceptively simple manner.

Proceed to Page 2: Evaluation and Final Take