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Samsung PN50C490 50" 3D-ready 720p plasma HDTV

Item # 30550C490

2D, 3D ... it's a gorgeous picture either way If you're a plasma fan, and want a future-ready 3D-capable TV,...

2D, 3D ... it's a gorgeous picture either way If you're a plasma fan, and want a future-ready 3D-capable TV,...

Item # 30550C490

Shop all Samsung 3D TVs

About the Samsung PN50C490

Steve Kindig
2D, 3D ... it's a gorgeous picture either way
If you're a plasma fan, and want a future-ready 3D-capable TV, Samsung's PN50C490 is one of the best deals going. You've probably enjoyed 3D movies in a theater, so you know how much 3D adds to the viewing experience. You feel more like you're in the on-screen world, not just watching it. This TV has 720p screen resolution, so you won't see quite all of the detail in 1080p sources like Blu-ray. Still, the picture on this set is pretty awesome.

2D, 3D ... it's a gorgeous picture either way
3D TV Learn more If you're a plasma fan, and want a future-ready 3D-capable TV, Samsung's PN50C490 is one of the best deals going. You've probably enjoyed 3D movies in a theater, so you know how much 3D adds to the viewing experience. You feel more like you're in the on-screen world, not just watching it. This TV has 720p screen resolution, so you won't see quite all of the detail in 1080p sources like Blu-ray. Still, the picture on this set is pretty awesome.

Put on the glasses and get wowed
You'll only be able to see this set's three-dimensional effects if you're wearing a pair of Samsung's 3D glasses. These liquid-crystal "shutter" glasses alternately block out the left or right lens in coordination with the video frames flashing on screen. The glasses communicate wirelessly with the PN50C490 via infrared beams. It sounds complicated, but it works seamlessly, creating an intensely immersive experience for movies, sports, and video games.

What can you watch in 3D? More than you realize
The ultimate 3D viewing experience starts with video material that was filmed or created in 3D. You can choose from several 3D Blu-ray players, and a limited number of 3D Blu-ray titles should be available by this fall. Also, ESPN® and DIRECTV® have launched dedicated 3D channels so that true 3D content is available to over 40 million satellite and cable TV viewers. As a bonus, the PN50C490 features powerful video processing that creates a 3D effect with standard 2D broadcasts, Blu-rays, DVDs and video games.

Learn about the ins and outs of HDMI connections at the Crutchfield Learning Center.
Shop our selection of HDMI cables.

Tip: For a list of over-the-air digital TV stations you can receive, as well as antenna recommendations for your location, enter your zip code in AntennaWeb's mapping tool.

READ LESS

Features:

  • 49.9" screen (measured diagonally)
  • Touch of Color™ bezel with blue highlights
  • tuner receives over-the-air HDTV broadcasts (antenna required)
  • QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)
  • can display 3D images when viewed with Samsung's shutter glasses (sold separately)
  • 600Hz Subfield Motion for clearer video motion
  • 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • built-in stereo speakers (10 watts x 2)
  • remote control
  • Anynet+ simplifies remote control of compatible Samsung components via the HDMI connection (HDMI-CEC)
  • picture settings memory for each video input
Connections and Dimensions:
  • 5 A/V inputs, including:
    • 2 component video (one is selectable composite/component)
    • 3 HDMI v1.4
  • PC input
  • RF input for antenna/cable signals
  • optical digital audio output
  • USB port for connecting to a camera or thumb drive
  • detachable swivel stand (stand "footprint" is 28-3/8"W x 12-1/8"D)
  • wall-mountable (wall bracket not included)
  • 47-1/8"W x 28-3/8"H x 3-1/4"D (31-1/4"H x 12-1/8"D on stand)
  • weight: 56.2 lbs. with stand; 51.8 lbs. without stand
  • warranty: 1 year parts & labor — in-home service or pick-up for service
  • MFR # PN50C490

What's in the box:

  • 50" Plasma 3D TV
  • Pedestal stand
  • Guide stand
  • 5' AC power cord (with right-angle plug)
  • Wireless remote control (BN59-01109A)
  • 2 "AAA" batteries
  • Ferrite core
  • Bottom-cover
  • Four M4 x 10mm machine screws
  • Four M4 x 12mm screws
  • Screen cleaning cloth
  • User Manual
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Stand Assembly instructions
  • Warranty Sheet
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Cleaning note

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More details on the Samsung PN50C490

Research Team

Product Research

Video Features
Audio Features
PC/USB Functions
Convenience Features
Remote Control
Mounting Options

Video Features

Clear Image Panel: Samsung's Clear Image Panel technology delivers clear images from every angle without the dual images and blurring typically found with conventional panels. This single-filter clear panel design eliminates the off-angle reflections that cause picture blurring of images and details so images look great at virtually any angle.

600Hz Subfield Motion: The television features 600Hz Subfield Motion technology with a fast 0.001ms response time that minimizes blurring of fast motion in sports programming and movie content.

HDTV Tuner: The TV has built-in over-the-air HDTV (ATSC) and Digital Cable (QAM) tuners, so you don't need a separate set-top box to receive and decode over-the-air HDTV/SDTV or unencrypted Digital Cable signals.

Native Resolution: The Samsung Plasma TV has a display resolution of 1360 x 768 and scales all inputs for display at 720p. The TV's HDMI and component video inputs will accept 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i signals.

Video Inputs: The Samsung Plasma TV offers HDMI, Component, and Composite video inputs.

  • HDMI (ver.1.4): The Samsung Plasma TV features three 1080p (24/60Hz) HDMI 1.4 inputs (2 rear/1 side). The Samsung Plasma TV supports HDMI 1.4 (with 3D). The HDMI 1 input can also be used to connect a device with a DVI output (a DVI-to-HDMI adapter cable is necessary). If a DVI-equipped device is used, a separate audio cable will also be needed from the device to the "PC/DVI Audio In" 3.5mm stereo audio jack. In addition, any HDMI input can be used to connect a PC to this TV.
  • Dual Component Video: The two Component Video jacks will accept 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i signals. Separate RCA stereo audio inputs are provided for each Component Video input. The Component Video 1 input can also be used as a composite video input.

3D Ready: The Plasma 3D-ready TV enables you to view 3D video from HDMI 1.4 3D (1920 x 2205p-24Hz and 1280 x 1470p-50/60Hz) sources and standard HDMI 2D (1920 x 1080p-24Hz or 1280 x 720p-50/60Hz) sources in three-dimensional 720p. In order to view 3D video, you will need a pair of Samsung 3D Glasses (such as the 305P2100X; sold separately). You can adjust the images for the left and right eye to enhance your 3D experience. The Samsung Plasma TV offers various 3D modes to match your 3D viewing needs.

  • 2D-3D: Changes a 2D image to 3D; you can adjust the focus and depth of the image to maximize 3D experience.
  • Side-by-Side: Displays two images next to each other. You can set the TV to display a Side-by-Side 3D image automatically for the following resolutions (16:9 only) - 1280 x 720p (60Hz), 1920 x 1080i (60Hz), and 1920 x 1080p (24/30/60Hz).
  • Top & Bottom: Displays one image above another. Available when the resolution is 720p, 1080i or 1080p.
  • Line-by-Line: Displays the images for the left and right eye alternately in rows. Available when the resolution is set to PC through HDMI or DVI.
  • Vertical Stripe: Displays the images for the left and right eye alternately in columns. Available when the resolution is set to PC through HDMI or DVI.
  • Checker Board: Displays the images for the left and right eye alternately in pixels. Available when the resolution is set to PC through HDMI or DVI.
  • Frequency (60Hz): Displays the images for the left and right eye alternately in frames. Available in PC mode only (1920 x 1080).
  • 3D-2D: Displays the image for the left eye only.
  • Off: Turns the 3D function off.

Note: There is a 3D emitter on the front-panel of the Plasma TV. If there is any obstacle between the emitter and the 3D glasses, the proper 3D effect may not be obtained. 3D glasses from other manufacturers may not be supported. 3D Mode is automatically disabled when accessing Media Play. PIP, Auto Program, and some Picture Adjustment functions will be disabled in 3D mode.

Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio: The TV has a mega 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio which offers rich black details.

Wide Color Enhancer: Whereas blue and green shaded areas of the picture are washed out on conventional screens, wide color enhancer lets you experience more brilliant colors. Simply imagine a wider range of colors than you ever thought possible.

Anti Burn-In Technology: To reduce the possibility of screen burn-in, this Plasma TV is equipped with screen burn-in prevention technology. Samsung's Anti-burn-in technology uses auto pixel shift and signal pattern processing functions to ensure that no images are burned into the plasma panel. The Time setting allows you to program the time between movement of the picture in minutes.

  • Pixel Shift: This function shifts the pixels of the displayed image every 1-4 minutes to prevent burn-in.
  • Scrolling: This function removes after-images on the screen by moving all the pixels on the PDP according to a pattern.
  • Side Gray (Dark/Light): When you watch TV with the screen ratio of 4:3, the screen is prevented from any damage by adjusting the white balance on both the extreme left and right sides of the television.
  • Auto Protection Time: If the screen remains idle with a still image for a certain period of time (10, 20, 40, 60 minutes) defined by the user, the  TV's built-in screen saver is activated to prevent the formation of host images on the screen.

Screen Sizes: You can choose one of the following picture sizes:

  • 16:9: Sets the picture to 16:9 wide mode.
  • Zoom 1: Vertically enlarges the size of the picture and allows you to move the enlarged picture using the arrows on the remote.
  • Zoom 2: Vertically enlarges the size of the picture more than Zoom 1 and allows you to move the enlarged picture using the arrows on the remote.
  • Wide Fit: Proportionally enlarges the picture to fit the entire screen without changing the aspect ratio.
  • 4:3: Sets the picture to 4:3 normal mode with pillars on the left and right of the screen.
  • Screen Fit: See the full image with no resizing when HDMI (720p/1080i/180p) or Component (1080i/1080p) signals are inputted.

Note: Screen Size settings can be stored for each external device you have connected to an input of the TV.

Picture Control: You can make the following adjustment for an optimum picture:

  • Automatic Picture Settings:
    • Standard: for the optimum display in a normal environment
    • Dynamic: for high-definition in a bright room
    • Movie: for viewing movies in a dark room
    Manual Picture Settings:
    • Cell Light: sets the pixel brightness
    • Contrast: adjusts the contrast level of the picture
    • Brightness: adjusts the brightness level of the picture
    • Sharpness: adjusts the edge definition of the picture
    • Color: adjusts the color saturation of the picture
    • Tint (G/R): adjusts the color tint of the picture
  • Detailed Picture Settings:
    • Black Tone: adjusts the black level on the screen to adjust the screen depth (off, dark, darker, darkest)
    • Dynamic Contrast: adjusts the screen contrast so that the optimal contrast is provided (off, low, medium, high)
    • Gamma: adjusts the primary color (red, green, blue) intensity from -3 to +3
    • Expert Pattern: by running the Expert Pattern function, the picture can be calibrated
    • Color Space: color space is a color matrix composed of red, green and blue colors, you can select your favorite color space to experience the most natural color; you can choose from Auto, Native, or Custom (Red/Green/Blue)
    • Color Tone: adjusts the overall color tone of the televisions using one of four presets: Cool, Normal, Warm 1, Warm 2
    • Flesh Tone: emphasize the pink flesh tone in a picture
    • White Balance: adjusts the color temperature for more natural picture colors
    • 10p White Balance: controls the white balance in 10-point intervals by adjusting the red, green, and blue brightness
    • Edge Enhancement: emphasize object boundaries in the picture
    • xvYCC: provides a wider color space when used with xvYCC-compatible video components and content; using HDMI or component video connections; you can turn this feature On or Off; Picture Mode must be set to Movie to use this feature

HDMI Black Level: You can select the black level on the screen to adjust the screen depth when you have a component connected via HDMI to the television. You can select either Normal or Low.

Digital Noise Filter: If the broadcast signal received by your TV is weak, you can activate the Digital Noise Reduction feature to help reduce any static and ghosting that may appear on the screen. You can select Low, Medium, High, Auto, or Off.

MPEG Noise Filter: This filter reduces MPEG noise of the picture. You can set the MPEG Noise Filter to Low, Medium, High, Auto, or Off. 

Film Mode: The TV can be set to automatically sense and process film signals from all sources and adjust the picture from optimum quality. Film mode is supported in TV, AV, Component (480i/1080i), and HDMI (480i/1080i).

Game Mode: When connecting the television to a game console, you can enjoy a more realistic gaming experience when selecting Game Mode.

BD Wise: BD Wise provides the optimal picture quality setting for Samsung DVD, Blu-ray, and Home Theater products which support the BD Wise feature for a richer picture.

PIP (Picture-in-Picture): You can watch the TV's tuner and one external video source simultaneously. The TV channel will be displayed in a sub-screen which can be moved to each corner of the television's screen.

Main Picture Sub Picture
External Input: Component, HDMI, PC TV: Antenna input

Note: PIP does not function in the same mode.

Audio Features

Auto Volume: Auto Volume automatically adjusts the volume of the desired channel, lowering the sound output when the modulation signal is high or raising the sound output when the modulation signal is low. This reduces the difference in volume when changing channels. The Auto Volume feature can be set to Normal, Night or Off.

SRS TheaterSound: You can choose from the following sound settings:

  • Standard: Select the normal sound mode.
  • Music: Emphasizes music over voices.
  • Movie: Provides the best sound for movies.
  • Clear Voice: Emphasizes voices over other sounds.
  • Amplify: Amplify mode is for people who have difficulty hearing.

Equalizer: The television lets you adjust its 5-band EQ (100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, and 10 kHz) when in Standard sound mode.

SRS TruSurround HD: SRS TruSurround HD is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including the internal television speakers. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats.

SRS TruDialog: This function allows  you to increase the intensity of a voice over background music or sound effects so that dialogue can be heard more clearly.

Audio Delay: The Audio Delay function corrects audio/video mismatch, when watching TV or video, and listening to a digital audio output using an external device such as an AV receiver. You can adjust the audio delay from 0ms to 250 ms.

Audio Outputs: The Samsung Plasma television provides an analog and digital audio output.

  • Digital Audio: The optical digital output on the rear panel will output Dolby Digital (when available) or 2 channel PCM.
  • Analog Audio: The 3.5mm stereo audio output allows you connect the TV to your home stereo.

Note: The TV's audio output terminals will output audio from the television's antenna, HDMI, and RCA inputs.

PC/USB Functions

PC-Capable: This unit has a 15-pin D-Sub (RGB) input that allows you to use it as a high-resolution computer monitor. Any HDMI input can also be used with a computer. The TV can be set to automatically adjust to the video signals received, or you can use the setup menu to adjust the screen quality and position. The Samsung Plasma TV provides an optimal PC resolution of 1360 x 768p (60Hz).

Note:  The PC input consists of a stereo mini-jack and an analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin) jack. This jack allows you to connect a personal computer with a D-Sub 15-pin output. When using the RGB (D-Sub 15-pin) jack, you must use the PC Audio 3.5mm input for your audio connection.

Media Play: Media Play enables you to view photo and movie files, as well as listen to audio files saved on a USB Mass Storage Class device (MTP: Media Transfer Protocol is not supported) using one of the television's side-panel USB (type-A) port. Files must be formatted in FAT16/32 or NTFS. The TV can recognize up to 1,000 files in each folder.

  • Video (MPEG-4) Playback: The TV supports the following Video formats (MPEG 1/2/4, DivX 3.11/4.x/5.1/6.0, XviD, H.264 BP/MP/HP, and WMV-9) up to a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. Movie files are displayed in a folder and title list in either date or alphabetical order. The TV offers Play, Pause, Search, and Resume playback functions for compatible video files stored on a USB mass storage device.
  • Still Image (JPEG) Playback: The TV supports JPEG still image files with a maximum resolution up to 15360 x 8640. JPEG still image files can be viewed as a slide show with background music or as a thumbnail view (up to 15 images). Still images can also viewed full-screen and zoomed or rotated.
  • Audio (MP3) Playback: The TV supports MP3 audio files with a frequency rate of 32, 44.1, or 48 kHz. MP3 music files are displayed in a folder and track list, and can be sorted by Artist, Album Genre, or Mood. Music files can be repeated in a selected folder.
Convenience Features

Favorite Channel: You can create a list of your favorite channels and recall the list using the FAV.CH button on the remote.

Channel Labels: Each analog channel programmed into memory can be labeled with a name up to 5 characters. Digital channels names are already assigned and cannot be edited.

Input Source Names: You can assign a pre-programmed name to each of the inputs. When input naming is completed, you will no longer have to remember which component is connected to each input when selecting a source to watch. Source names include VCR, DVD, Cable STB, Satellite STB, PVR STB, AV Receiver, Game, Camcorder, PC, TV, DVI PC, DVI, IPTV, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, and Digital Media Adapter.

Analog Channel Fine Tuning: The fine tuning feature allows you to manually adjust analog channels for optimal reception. A separate fine tuning setting may be put into the TV's memory for each analog channel.

V-Chip: The V-Chip feature automatically locks out programs that are deemed inappropriate for children based on the user selected parental guidelines. The user must enter a 4-digit password before any of the V-Chip restriction are set up or changed.

Sleep Timer: The sleep timer switches the television off after a specified amount of time. The sleep timer can be set to 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 minutes.

On/Off Timer: The three On/Off timers allow you to program the television to turn itself on and off by selecting a specific on time and a specific off time. You also choose the On Timer's channel and Volume. The on and off timers work independently of one another.

ENERGY STAR Compliant with ECO Settings: The Samsung Plasma TV is ENERGY STAR compliant and provides ECO settings to reduce the TV's power consumption and cut-down on energy costs.

  • ECO Sensor: To enhance your power savings, the picture settings will automatically adapt to the light in the room.
  • Energy Saver: This feature adjust the brightness of the TV in order to reduce power consumption. When watching TV at night, set the Energy Saver feature to High to reduce eye fatigue as well as power consumption. You can set this feature to High, Medium, Low, Auto, or Picture Off (sound remains on).
  • No Signal Power Off: The TV will automatically switch to standby mode, if no picture is being received for a predetermined set amount of time (15, 30, or 60 minutes).

Self Diagnosis: The Samsung Plasma TV provides a Self Diagnosis menu which allows you to check the television for picture and sound problems.

On/Off Melody: A unique melody plays when the TV is turned on and off. The melody volume is adjustable, or you can turn this feature off if you prefer.

Remote Control

TV Only Remote: The supplied remote control is designed to only operate the Samsung Plasma television and Anynet+ connected components. You can use the remote control up to a distance of about 23 feet from TV with a direct line of sight.

Note: This remote control has Braille points on the Power, Channel, and Volume buttons for the visually impaired.

Anynet+: Anynet+ is a function that enables you to control all connected Samsung devices that support Anynet+ with the Samsung television's remote control. The Anynet+ system can be used only with Samsung devices that support the Anynet+ features. The Anynet+ feature must be turned on in the menu to function.

Mounting Options

Swivel Pedestal Stand: The TV is shipped with the pedestal stand unattached. The pedestal stand consists of two individual pieces (base and guide-stand) that need to be assembled. The pedestal stand then attaches to the television using the supplied hardware. Once attached, the pedestal stand allows the TV to swivel 20° left or right. The television weighs 56.2 lbs with the stand

Wall Mounting: The TV has four threaded inserts on the back for use with an optional wall-mount bracket. The spacing of the mounting holes is VESA 400 x 400 (400mm horizontal x 400mm vertical) in accordance with the industry standards set by the Video Electronics Standards Association. The threaded inserts require M8 (8mm) machine screws (not supplied). The television weighs 51.8 lbs without the stand.

Detachable AC Power Cord: The TV features a detached 5' AC power cord. The power cord's right-angle three-prong AC plug sits 0.875" from the wall-socket. The AC power cord plugs into the back of the television and sits 0.3125" out from the rear-panel of the TV.

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