Samsung HPT4264 42-Inch Plasma HDTV

Features:

• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 18 bit color processing
• Filter Bright 2 Anti Glare Technology
• 3 HDMI, 2 component, 1 PC input

Product Description

Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4264 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company's latest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery). Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.

Samsung currently offers two 42-inch 720p plasma models; this one and the lower priced HPT4254. this model is set apart from the HPT 4254 by its cosmetic design and by the inclusion of a USB 2.0 connection for playing photo files or MP3s. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you don't need the USB connection, you may want ot consider the the HPT4254.

The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.

Single-tuner Picture in Picture

This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitation of PIP in most HDTVs currently available.

Connections:

• HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
• S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
• Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
• USB 2.0 Connection: (1 side)
• PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
• Composite video input: 1 (side)
• Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
• RF input: 2 (rear)

What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.

Review

I received this TV from Amazon via Eagle delivery last Saturday in perfect condition. No problems with the tv tilting on the stand like some people reported in the avs forums.
So I hooked up the cable and set everything up and I was in for a treat. Before I go any further I want to add that I went TV shopping at Circuit City to see what this TV or rather the hpt4254 would look like. The demo feed at circuit city was good but it never prepared me for what I would see with my own tv. My first time watching an HD channel was truly eye opening. It was akin to a religious experience on the grandest scale. The clarity of the image and the colors gave shame to the real world. That's how good this TV is. If you're hesitating and wondering whether this TV is good, it's not. It's better than good, it is awesome. The picture quality is bewildering that anything can look this good.

PROs:

• SD Channels look good to excellent.
• HD quality is superb.
• plenty of options in adjusting picture settings
• 3 HDMI connections
• VGA connection
• USB connection
• great styling, piano black finish
• swivel stand
• reasonable price

CONs:

not 1080p (which is getting cheaper and cheaper as time goes on)
when changing inputs have to cycle through all inputs instead of selecting desire input from menu

What does regular TV looks like? It looks ok like regular tv. But after watching HD why would you even want to watch regular tv? Buy this tv now! I gave it a 5 star rating for its awesomeness and you'll agree with me once you have your own TV.

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Samsung FPT5094W 50-Inch 1080p Wireless Plasma HDTV

Features:

• 1080p HD Resolution
• 802.11 Wireless Technology w/ broadcast hub included
• Ultra Filter Bright Tecnology with Anti Glare Technology
• 175 degree viewing angle
• Swivel Stand

Product Description

Samsung's 50" FP-T5094 offers full HD 1080p resolution. Watch its astonishingly crisp picture from any angle - even in a brightly lit room, thanks to its ultra FilterBright anti-reflection filter. Because the image is transmitted to the screen from its remote hub, you have more options as to where to place this stylish HDTV.

Review

If you are looking for a beautiful picture and sound, flexibility in placement, and WOW factor don't look past the Samsung FPT5094W.

Purchased this TV at the end of June after having little luck finding much on the web other than the 4 reviews here on Amazon. After I placed my order I did find 5 reviews on Bestbuy for the 58" version of this TV which caused me to experience buyer's remorse while waiting for my TV to arrive. I'm happy to report that within an hour of the TV arriving and being setup, all regrets were quickly replaced with joy. The picture on the set is beautiful. I own 3 Panasonic plasmas in the 37" to 42" range and the picture is easily equal to if not better. HD programming pops on the Samsung and during a 4th of July party we recieved comments from at least 30 people about how beautiful the picture was.

Now the best part. The wireless capabilities are incredible and allowed us to hang the TV over our fireplace which is on the opposite wall from our outlets. We have our DirecTV HD DVR, OTA HDTV antenna and PS3 connected to the wireless AV unit stored away in a wooden cabinet approximately 17 feet from the TV. Everything works like a charm...even with the doors closed. Being cable free except for the power cord provides the ultimate in flexibility and looks. We have experienced no issues with picture or sound quality with the wireless capabilities. I have played games like MotorStorm and Resistance Fall of Man on the PS3 with output set to 1080P and everything looked and sounded perfect. Personally I think the reviews on BestBuy were written by installers who are scared that this technology will take a bite out of their profits. If I could make one improvement, it would be to allow any input in the picture-in-picture. Currently it is limited to OTA antenna.

If you are looking for a beautiful picture and sound, flexibility in placement, and WOW factor don't look past the Samsung FPT5094W.

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Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Features:

• High Definition 1080p Resolution (1920 x 1080p)
• 60-Inch Diagonal Class / 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
• New Deeper Intense Blacks for Unmatched Contrast (5x the Previous Generation)
• New Thinner Cosmetic Design
• 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 Inputs

Product Description

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning. Optimum Mode automatically analyzes and adjusts audio and video settings according to specific room light conditions and type of light and color. Program content is also monitored and finely adjusted so movies, sports and news are all faithfully reproduced. Smooth Film mode eliminates motion jitter in 3:2 Pulldown (60Hz) providing natural even playback of film content. Detachable bottom speaker with fully integrated digital amplifier for pristine clarity and accuracy of sound 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 inputs with HDMI-CEC control and the ability to accept 1080p 24/60Hz signal Room Light Sensor for automatic picture adjustment Standard 3 - 2 (60Hz) and Advanced PureCinema with 3 - 3 Pulldown (72Hz) for accurate playback of film content Fully Integrated ATSC and NTSC Tuner with Clear QAMSupported Formats - Video - WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG4 (SP/ASP), and MPEG4 (H.264/AVC) Audio - WMA9, MP3, Linear PCM (WAV), HE-AAC, and MPEG-4 AAC Photos - JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 (1 side, 3 rear) with PC support, 2 with analog audio, 1 Component, 3x Composite, 1 S-Video Antenna, USB (Mass Storage Class), LAN (10/100 Base-T --Ethernet), and PC input Optical Digital Audio (Dolby Digital/PCM), Audio LR, Subwoofer, SR, and Headphone output Dimensions - Width 57-11/16 x Height 34-1/2 x Depth 3-21/32 / 57-11/16 x 37-5/8 x 3-21/32 with speaker Weight - 112 pounds / 131 pounds 8 ounces with speaker and stand

Review

There is a noticeable picture improvement over 6010 (last year's model). Even analog channels look great (considering).

Pros:

Lighter

Thinner

4th HDMI input on the side

Optical out (audio) works with HDMI inputs

Optimum mode (adjusts to room light)

Game Mode (supposedly better burn-in avoidance, faster updates)

Cinema Mode (24 fps)

Ethernet Port for Media Display via PC network

Cons:

• 4th HDMI input moved to the side. Only three on the back
• Cable Card Slot gone
• Remote is passable, but not able to be a useful Universal Remote
• Small text on the remote
• Media Display options not accessible from Apple Macs
• Deleting analog and digital channels found via the autosearch is painful because the channel doesn't change to the selected channel as you move down the list
• HDMI control is problematic (one HDMI devices controls another - just use a universal remote instead)
• Can't change settings for an input unless you are currently on that input

A big item for me is that I'd like all my input to go to the TV first and only send audio to the AV Receiver if I choose to use its 5.1/7.1 sound. Otherwise I like to use the TV's speaker. The issue is I don't want to wake everyone up with the loud sounds if I want to watch something and the family is sleeping. The 6020FD makes this a little easier as the optical output produces audio for everything except "protected" content (whatever that means). I haven't found any on my Blue Ray disks (via PS3). However I wish there were more HDMI ports on the back so I could hook all my (current and future) devices up directly.

Hopefully with the Ethernet port there will be a firmware update so I can access the display from my Apple Macs and maybe the new Amazon media store.

Pioneer has built a nice tuner. However the TV guide is now gone. Unfortunately the tuner is kind of a waste given that there is no point in buying this set unless you'll have HD content from your cable or satellite provider.

So far, I'm very happy.

Now I just have to find a universal remote to control the 6020, Comcast STB/DVR, Mitsubishi DVD player and PS3 (and next an Apple TV).

P.S. The Onkyo SR606 AV Receiver works great with this set.

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Samsung PN42A450 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Features:

• 720p HD Resolution
• 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 3 HDMI Inputs
• Filter Bright Anti Reflective Technology
• 3D Ready for 3D gaming

Product Description

Take your home entertainment experience to the next level with the Samsung PN42A450 plasma HDTV. The Samsung PN42A450 42" Widescreen Plasma HDTV with 720p resolution is big enough to transform any space into the ultimate home theater. Advanced features like a FilterBright to protect against glare and 100,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio will simply amaze you and your guests. 1365 horizontal x 768 vertical pixel resolution presents video and text with outstanding clarity and resolution. Select Game mode with the touch of a button for advanced video-game action. The ACE silhouette editor eliminates visual noise from the deepest dark tones. SRS TruSurround XT offers natural, lifelike HD sound. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through the two speaker internal playback system. Samsung Digital Natural Image engine dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance. Entertainment Mode allows customized picture settings, optimized for different content. Universal Anynet Plus HDMI-CEC allows peripheral devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by TV remote control. Side A/V ports provide easy connections so you can connect a camcorder, digital camera, or any other digital device with no hassles. V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content. 13650 x 7680 pixel resolution 175-degrees viewing angle Natural True Color with 18 bit color processing NTSC/ATSC tuners with Clear QAM Sports/Game/Movie modes via hot key 10-watt per channel built-in audio amplifier Direct down-firing speaker system Auto pixel shift (user programmable) Signal pattern processing function Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface (2 rear/1 side), 1 Side S-Video, 1 Side Headphone, 2 Rear component video inputs, Side and rear A/V inputs, and 1 Rear PC input (D-sub)

Review

This is a Plasma 42" HD with 720P output, and it looks excellent when you supply the HD Source. With ordinary programming, the picture is still good, but not great. But HD output will blow your mind.

At first I was going to get a 42" Vizio LCD from local Costco for about $900.

But here, you are getting a Samsung which obviously is much better. And I didn't have to worry about hauling the TV from the store to my home.

The TV itself from the outside is beautiful. The screen when the TV is off is grey color. I wish it was black, but apart from it is beautiful. The panels have a shiny feel which is great too.

If you are wondering whether to buy this or a LCD of same size with 1080p and couple hundred extra, I suggest you look at this one instead. How in the world will your eyes notice the 1080p vs 720p?

I'll tell you, the HD channels on this TV appear better than what you would see in real life. It's that good.

I haven't tried any upconverting DVD players or Blue-Ray inputs, but with HD input from my silver comcast cable box, the picture is unbelievable.

Having said that, I don't think these TVs will get any cheaper. This is as cheap as they get. Everything from this point on will be more expensive, because of the rising fuel costs, weaker dollar, and bunch of other reasons. So, if you feel, you need the best possible resolution to insure against improving technology in the future, then 1080p for couple hundred extra might be a good bet.

Now I just wish they had all my favorite channels in HD. Watching HD programming is very addictive. The price of this TV I paid is worth every penny, especially if you look at my cable bill.

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Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Features:

• 1920 x 1080 Resolution


• 1000000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for the Brightest whites and darkest blacks


• 5120 Shades of Gradation for spectacular Color Reproduction


• Viera LinK™ HDAVI Control lets you operate all of your home theater components by pressing a single button on your TV's remote control


• GalleryPlayer allows you to enjoy the world's finest high definition art and photography on your Panasonic HD plasma TV

Product Description:

The PZ800 series meets the THX Certified Display specifications, signifying the highest standards of performance and quality. The PZ800 Plasma televisions feature an improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1; Game Mode; VIERA Link; a PC Input, four HDMI connections and an all new one sheet of glass design concept.

Amazon.com Product Description:

With its 2008 Panasonic Viera Plasmas, Panasonic brings an astonishing 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio to the table. advanced pixel resolution and image-processing technology with the plasma TV's natural ability to beautifully reproduce fast moving images, so every detail is rendered with amazing clarity, and all the action is delivered with a high degree of fluidity.

Review:

If you factor tax and delivery, I bought the TH-50pz800U Plasma for about $700 less than retail and it performs great. The best-upgraded features on 2008/09's Panasonic 800 series include the 24p playback for Blu-ray movies and 100,000-hour lifespan of the display itself.

Why the 100,000-hour lifespan is important

This feature was a major selling point for me because I wanted a Plasma due to LCD's poor dark color reproduction but was worried about the shorter lifespan of most Plasma's which is typically only 30,000 to 70,000 hours. However, this baby specs out at 100,000, which is equal to 8 hours per day for over 34 years. Unheard of for Plasma displays until the 800 series arrived in April.

Why 24p is important

Although this HDTV supports a variety of features that will be better utilized in the next stage of HD technology 24p is here now. Currently only Blu-ray and a variety of high-end camcorders are capable of outputting 24p content. What is 24p? In a nutshell 24p is the frame rate in which images are displayed on your TV or Computer screens. A 24p capable system can display video at 24 frames per second rather than succumbing to display a converted video signal at 30 frames per second. This is important because all Hollywood films are shot and later projected in theaters at 24 frames per second. After theatrical release, studios then convert their films to 30 frames per second and ship them to the home video markets as well as television broadcast networks. This conversion process is known as 3:2 pull down and it means that you ultimately lose several frames as they are blended together to display at 30 frames per second. This is why you sometimes will not see smooth motion when you fast forward or rewind DVD's. Once a Blu-ray begins, be sure to use your TV remote to enter the advanced custom picture options and select 48Hz (a factor of 24) rather than 60Hz under the "24p Direct In" field. The instructions to set this up are included in the checklist at the end of this article. At first, you may notice a slight flicker but after your eyes adjust, you will feel as though a State of the Art film projector is rolling your favorite movies right in your living room. When you are done with 24p content, the TV will switch back to 30 frames per second (60Hz) automatically.

Future Proof

The other features available with the 800 series Panasonic's are intriguing but will not be able to dazzle you until media technology catches up. For example, this TV supports Deep Color, which is technically the next step up from True Color. True Color is the color depth standard that has been output to computer displays for years. Deep Color enables many more variations of color. Unfortunately, nothing on the market except for a few high-end camcorders output images utilizing this advanced color pallet. It is safe to assume that Blu-ray movies will do so in the future because of there massive storage capabilities. For PS3 owners you will need to turn on the "Super-White" feature under "Display Settings" to enable this functionality. It took a bit of research but essentially "Super-White" is Sony's name for Deep Color. Again, detailed instructions for setting up this feature can be found at the end of this review.

Many websites and message boards claim that Deep Color will not be a big deal when it finally arrives because its full potential is impossible to detect. What this means is that although Deep Color will offer several thousand additional color variations the human eye will only be able to differentiate about 360 of them. Still, further research will reveal that those 360 additional shades essentially push the entire color pallet of the human eye to its limits. In other words, all the real time color data that went into establishing the next shot of a film appears in front of you exactly as it did for the director. No visible shade of color gets lost or fades when put through the eventual electronic transfer process. Do you remember when HDTV first came out? The early reviews claimed that the picture was so clear it was like looking through a window. Well, theoretically Deep Color will bring this statement to life because for the first time in history an electronic image will be able to reproduce every single color that is recognizable to the human eye.

Conclusion

The 800 series of Panasonic displays are the perfect solution for consumers looking to add a long-term home theater display to their arsenal. The set is ready for features that have potential to become more of an HD standard in the years to come. The product line is truly future proof and ready to adjust to the rapidly evolving HD industry. If you are like me, you may also be considering the only other real competition in the high-end Plasma HDTV market, Pioneer. If so, consider this; beginning next year Pioneer will no longer continue developing their HD product line from scratch. Instead, they will be outsourcing for raw plasma displays and then tweaking them. Where will they get these raw displays? You guessed it, Panasonic.

Samsung PN50A550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Features:

• 1080P HD Resolution
• 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio / 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• 3 HDMI Inputs
• Filter Bright Anti Reflective Technology
• 3D Ready for 3D gaming

Is there really a noticeable difference between 1080i and 1080p? You bet!!! And the Samsung PN50A550S 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV shows off the difference brilliantly.

First let me say how pleased my experience with ordering the TV on Amazon was. I ordered it on a Monday and it was delivered in 5 days...on a Saturday!

Okay, back to the TV.

The picture is magnificent. As I said earlier, there is a real difference between 1080i and 1080p. For the past three years I'd been watching on a 1080i maximum Hitachi Plasma, and I thought it really couldn't get much better. But it can.

1080p Blu Ray discs and Playstation 3 games in 1080p are both vividly more defined on the Samsung than on my Hitachi. At this time cable looks about the same, because the highest definition that my cable company (Cablevision) is broadcasting is 1080i. You can set the Samsung's picture to Standard (for a TV placed in a normal environment), Movie (for dark rooms) or Dynamic (for bright rooms). There are (several) other settings that the factory has pre-set and all look great, but you're free to manually adjust just about everything, and on that note....

I did have one issue that was really bumming me out. At the very bottom of the face of the TV is the Samsung logo, and directly below that is a relatively oversize, bluish, bright LED light that serves what purpose I have no idea...power indicator...decoration maybe? All that dumb light served to me was distraction; my eyes were drawn to it all the time, especially with the lights lowered while watching a movie. So I called Samsung and asked about it; I was sure that there would be no way to turn it off....but I was wrong! Customer service answered the phone with no wait after navigating briefly through a menu in order to get me to the TV people. The guy put me on hold for a minute and came back to tell me how to turn (what he agreed to be) "the very annoying" light off (the instruction also happens to be on page 67 of the User Manual). So no more annoying light!

I have set the TV's speakers to off, so I can't comment on sound. I use a Home Theater receiver in a room set up for Surround; the sound connections for the two devices (an HD Cable Box and a PlayStation 3 (60GB)) that I have go directly to my receiver (I think it's this one Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver).

The TV has a USB port (called WISELINK) that lets you play MP3s & view pictures from a USB-flash-drive (which I'll probably never do either of on the TV), but importantly if/when Samsung upgrades the TV's firmware, you can download upgrades to a file on your PC, load the upgrade onto a USB drive and connect the USB drive to the TV to upload the upgrade (all explained in the User Manual). So I am really stoked about my new Samsung PN50A550S 50-inch 1080p TV. I try hard to get to the gym more often or just get more outside activities into my everyday routine, but this TV is gonna make a couch potato out of me for sure.