A natural scan converter brings standard interlaced (480i) signals to progressive (480p) resolution. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

The PT5492S's three-line comb filter enhances resolution by removing blurred edges between colors and reducing 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).

Onboard scan-velocity modulation improves 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 set also offers dynamic black-level expansion for higher contrast, theater-like viewing, and dual-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) lets you watch two programs simultaneously, or one program and one input (please note that the DVD source may not be selected as a PIP input).

Connections include one each rear-panel component-, composite-, and S-video inputs and a set of front audio/video inputs (including S-video) to accommodate your camcorder or gaming console. A rear AV output lets you hook the set up with a surround receiver.

The PT5492S also offers stereo reception and SAP (second audio program), which often carries an alternate-language track. Other features include a choice of three picture modes and five sound modes, auto channel setup, bass/treble/balance controls, non-volatile system settings (which remain in memory even after a power failure), V-Chip parental controls, closed captioning, and a universal remote control.