An especially attractive feature of this feature-loaded TV is its "neo slim-width" design, which conserves space while delivering high-quality video and audio. A separate enclosure houses a 25-watt powered subwoofer in the back of the set, eliminating the need for bulky side speakers. The mid- and high-frequency speakers (10 watts each) reside in the front panel, optimally positioned beneath the screen.

Total DSP (Digital Signal Processing) converts standard analog broadcast TV signals to digital and compensates for varying signal strengths, while the set's 8-bit, 20 MHz 3D Y/C comb filter removes blurred edges between colors and reduces dot crawl (tiny, moving dots of color along a sharp color separation in a vertical line, as in a depiction of a character's striped t-shirt). Velocity-scan modulation improves the definition at picture edges, creating sharper images by slowing the CRT (cathode-ray tube) beam's horizontal scanning during demanding work--say, when rendering transitions from light to dark parts of an image--and speeding it up when scanning easily rendered sections, like broad dark areas.

The TXN3298HF also offers 3:2 pulldown. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture. Samsung's DNIe Video Enhancer (or Digital Natural Image engine) enhances all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, and picture detail, incorporating digital noise reduction to improve low-quality video sources.

A shadow mask is a thin sheet of perforated metal behind the screen that restricts electron flow, each hole in the sheet corresponding to a single pixel. An Invar mask uses an alloy that's especially resistant to the high temperatures generated by the electron beam, allowing in a brighter, clearer picture. All onscreen information and menus appear in translucent overlays, letting you view video programs in the background while you consult the setup menus.

Other features include two-tuner split-screen picture-in-picture, BBE High-Definition Sound (improves speech intelligibility and restores the dynamic range of compressed musical passages), V-Chip parental controls, and plug-and-play setup, which uses automation and a simple menu to select the source (broadcast or cable), set the clock, and map the active channels.

Inputs consist of a DVI-HDTV input for direct digital connection with a DTV receiver, dual high-definition DVD/DTV component-video inputs, an RF input (for an older VCR or cable box), three rear and one set of side-panel audio/video inputs (including one S-video input) to accommodate a camcorder, game console, or other sources. The set comes with a universal remote control.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries, user's manual, and warranty information.