In comparison with equivalently jumbo-sized plasma and LCD displays, DLP rear-projection TVs represent astonishing value for money. DLP's reputation for picture clarity is considerable, and the diminutive light engine allows for some unusually slim cabinet design (first-generation rear-projection TVs used a trio of picture tubes, which guaranteed cabinet bulk).

Samsung's 50in SP50L7HX breaks the rear-pro mould entirely, however, by utilising a proprietary DLP Rocket Engine design and vertically mounting the source projector, allowing for a sleek, cylindrical pedestal to hold the screen.

There's no doubt that this Samsung set is eye-catching. The screen frame is gorgeous, with a gloss-black finish and three exposed, circular speaker grilles either side. But it's the pillar stand that's the coup de grâce. Marrying a silver finish with a contrasting black stripe, it looks very post-modern, and it sits atop a clear glass trapezoid.

Unfortunately, and controversially, I found that the whole doesn't quite match the sum of its parts. It looks like three good design ideas in one, and therefore mismatched. However, everybody else who passed through the test labs thinks it looks stunning, so it's probably just me.

I also found that the base distracted the eye a little too much, which is a shame seeing as the screen performance is one of the best I've seen for a DLP rear-pro.

More on that later though, because it's just as easy to be wowed by the back of the set and its connectivity. Three Scarts are supplied, with two of them RGB-enabled, but it's the high-definition future-proofing that impresses the most. Not only are there VGA and HDMI ports, but the component inputs are high-def compatible too (as well as PAL/NTSC progressive scan). It's okay with standard feeds; S-video and composite AV ports make up the numbers.

Features are also plentiful, with Samsung's own DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) the most impressive. The technology makes pictures sharper with more contrast, produces a richer colour field and improves motion. And although this picture processing system has been received with mixed feelings on previous screens (notably plasmas), here its performance is exemplary.