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Date: 2009-05-23 Excellent set -- and differences with newer model 42B450 I own this model 42A450 plasma as well as an earlier Samsung 4254 plasma, similar to this model. Both are excellent sets with beautiful PQ even in 720p or 1080i instead of 1080p. The only realistic reason to spend $ for the 1080p in a set this size (42 or smaller) would be for even greater clarity using BluRay, since neither cable nor antenna broadcasts arrive in 1080p so the 720p set does as well as any can. Even then, one of my sets IS hooked up to BluRay and it is still an amazing picture even in "only" 720p HD. Watching the BBC's Planet Earth series is a treat. Anyway, I just do not sit close enough to the set to see any difference in the few signals, like BluRay, that use the 1080p resolution. Buying 1080p is at best about bragging, not reality. At any rate, so far there is no Samsung plasma in 42 inches that is full 1080p (nor really should there be, given the lack of ability to tell), though soon they will release a 42B550 that does offer that. I highly recommend considering this set in plasma and "only" 720p in contrast to an LCD in 1080p that will be about 5000 times slower in response time and with less rich colors. For me, the only reason I would opt for LCD in a bigger screen like 42 or 50 inches would be if I lived at altitude (plasma buzzing) or had a lamp or sunlight right behind the unit (direct glare -- but this swivels anyway, to adjust). I just do not see paying extra for a non-discernible 1080p resolution in a blurrier LCD. I do not have the newer model 42B450, which is much like this 42A450, but it appears to have many of the same features and qualities. I discount claimed differences in dynamic contrast and refresh speed because those are ephemeral or higher than one would ever use even on the older models with smaller numbers, e.g., you would not set it to dynamic anyway so a native contrast of 20,000:1 is plenty. Right now they are about the same price, so I suppose most would opt for the B model, and I suspect it continues this set's value and quality. But I would note there may be a reason to grab this A model before it is gone (or at a cheap price if it is on clearance). For instance, the A model has an S-video port (as does my older 4254), while the B model does not (nor does the 42A400). That may lose some customers who own a nice DVD player using S-video who are not prepared to get rid of that just to say they own the 2009 model TV instead of the 2008 42A450. The A model also has a V-chip. Perhaps the B model does too, but I would check first before buying it if that feature matters to you. I do not see it listed in the Amazon product description as it is for the 42A450. Nor does the 42A400 have that chip. Just wanted to note the differences and assure those considering the 42A450 that it is an excellent set and really not "older" in any way that matters. And in one way -- old enough to continue S-video -- some buyers will prefer it. Aesthetically, the 42A450 looks sleek and modern when mounted to the wall. It does not look like "last year's model" in my opinion. There is easy access to the S-video port and one of the HDMI ports from the side (as well as composite RCA jacks for quick hookup of game consoles or most camcorders), in addition to the harder-to-reach back plugs of many varieties including two more HDMIs. Finally, I hook all my HDMI components up with fairly cheap HDMI cables found on Amazon, not Monster, and do not believe that makes a difference at all for a digital signal. I do use better RF cable for analog, and ferrite cores on all connections necessary, to reduce interference. If you do get buzzing on your plasma and are not at altitude, it may well be the connections and power cord -- perhaps a ferrite core near the plug or a better power center with surge suppressor and line filtering will make the buzz disappear. Hope this helps. Date: 2009-03-17 Can't beat it! Colors are outstanding, audio very good and set up was super easy. For the price this TV is an excellent value. You won't be disapointed. Date: 2009-03-03 Awesome Plasma Display! Amazing for the money! This review is for the Samsung HPT4264 which is this models predecessor. I can only imagine this TV is as good or better, and I could not be happier with mine! I use it to watch TV (HD & regular), play video games (PS2) and watch DVD's on an upconvert DVD player. The picture is stunning. Better than my Sharp LCD, way better than my Olevia LCD, better than the Sony plasma's I have seen, and also slightly better than the Panasonic that my friend has. For the money, I don't think you can do better. I was a Panasonic fan until I saw a friend's Samsung and was blown away by the colors, so sharp and vivid (and more so than the Panny). My next TV purchase will be a Samsung LCD which a friend has recently aquired and in 1080P and no plasma burn to worry about, it seems like the way to go, especially for video games. Incidently, I broke in my TV in as recommended, and I do play PS2 on it, and it has not displayed any permanent burn-in. But that topic is for an entirely different debate of plasma vs. LCD. I think the only way you can do better than this TV price/performance is to consider a Samsung LCD 1080p, which have come down a lot in price, but will still set you back a few hundo more than this one. If you buy this I don't think you will be disappointed! Date: 2009-02-26 Good lookin' TV for little money! After shopping around, Best Buy, going-out-of-business Circuit City, H.H. Gregg, this was by far the best price for a 42" plasma TV I found. With free shipping and no sales tax, it was the best deal. It arrived within a week, carted in and set up by a private firm. (I actually set it up myself because I wanted to save the packing box for when I move). The picture is very good, and setup was easy. We have been enjoying it for about a month now, and I would do the same thing again. The picture is really just as good as the cable will allow, but overall, it is a great set. Date: 2009-02-22 It's capable of displaying "1080p" resalotion. I have a PS3 and i thought i would not be able to display 1080p. but i was curious so i set my PS3 to 1080p in the display options menu thinking the screen would just go black or blank or would say "mode not supported" but the screen when to black for a second and then came back at 1920x1080 i pressed the info button on the remote and it said 1920x1080 @60Hrts, BUT when i set my PS3 to 720p the info says 1280x720p @60Hrts, or when i set my PS3 to 1080i it says 1920x1080i @60Hert the difference the "p" or the "i" when PS3 is set to 1080p it does not say 1920x1080"p" but at 720p it does. so make of that what you will, at 1080p it looks amazingly better then 720p, plus with a 20,000:1 on screen contrast ratio and a 3D sync out this is one hell of amazing display for the money. * Price is subject to change. |
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