Samsung SPN4235 42-Inch Widescreen Plasma Flat-Panel HD-Ready TV Reviews
We bought this TV via Amazon in 2004 and have been very pleased overall. At the time it was one of the cheapest 42" plasmas available at around 00, and now it can be had new for closer to 00 thanks to the rapid developments in plasmas. If, like us, you don't have HDTV service or immediate plans to upgrade, it's a good choice. DVDs look excellent and standard channels (we use DirecTV and Tivo) look as good as they possibly could.
Keep in mind, though, that this isn't a top of the line and will have some trade-offs. Most notably, the resolution is not true HD even though the TV can accept all HDTV formats and will display them at its own maximum resolution. Also, there are no built in speakers or HDTV tuner, but this isn't an issue when most people will use the unit with a surround system and cable box/satellite receiver. We route all our video sources (DirecTV, DVD, VCR, video game) through a 0 Sony surround system that routes the video into a single cable to the TV and the audio to 6 satellite speakers. If you have HDTV service the set does support the DVI connector but not HDMI, so you may need an adapter.
She set emits an audible buzz that's loudest when the unit first turns on, but never goes away fully. It does not have a noisy internal cooling fan, though, as some early plasmas did. The set also radiates a lot of heat and draws a large amount of power -- more than 350 watts according to the specifications.
Many people mistakenly fault plasmas like this one for premature burn-in when what they're noticing is only temporary. If you see the shadow of a previous image on the TV you need only watch something else for a few minutes and it's gone.
Picture quality will be astounding for those upgrading from a standard CRT TV like us, but it's not perfect. Darks lack clarity and night scenes are often hard to make out. Bright scenes look excellent. We watch standard TV in the "Panorama" mode, which gradually stretches the square image to fit the rectangular screen. We prefer this to watching with gray (not black) bars on the sides of the image, but that mode is available too. DVDs will display in full 16x9 widescreen mode and look beautiful.
Samsung SPN4235 42-Inch Widescreen Plasma Flat-Panel HD-Ready TV Feature
- 42-inch widescreen high-definition plasma display with DVI input and 16:9 aspect ratio; 40.4 x 24.8 x 3.1 inches (W x H x D)
- 852 x 480-pixel EDTV (480p) resolution; built-in image scaler accepts 720p and 1080i signals and scales them for 480p viewing
- Extraordinary 1,200:1 contrast ratio, high 700 cd/m2 brightness
- NTSC dual-tuner, split-screen PIP lets you watch two programs simultaneously
- 10-watts-per-channel speaker outputs (for use with optional matching speakers, model PSM4230); subwoofer output for a direct sub hookup
A built-in analog tuner, a pedestal stand, and a generous array of inputs and outputs make set up a snap, and the SPN4235's widescreen (16:9) display is specially configured to match or approximate the native aspect ratios of your favorite movies, either from DVD or from HDTV broadcasts when the set is hooked up to a DTV receiver (not included).
With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile. The SPN4235 is an astoundingly slim 3.1 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting (the set includes a convenient pedestal stand, pictured). Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.
Additional inputs include one HD component-video input (480p/720p/1080i) and one SD component-video input (480i) as well as one each S-video, composite-video, and RF. Samsung's proprietary video-enhancement technology, Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe), performs 3D noise reduction and detail and contrast enhancement for all interlaced (non-HD) sources.
The set also houses a 10-watts-per-channel audio amplifier for use with optional speakers, such as those in your existing stereo or home theater, or Samsung's matching PSM4230 speakers. A dedicated subwoofer output is just what you need to hook the set up with a powered sub for rafter-rattling low frequencies from your favorite movies and music. And, if you're listening in stereo or 2.1 (stereo plus subwoofer), onboard Dolby Virtual surround sound will simulate an enveloping surround experience with no need for rear-channel speakers.
The set's NTSC two-tuner picture-in-picture (side-by-side, split-screen) grants convenient, simultaneous viewing of two TV programs, and a fanless cooling system ensures quiet operation. Other optional accessories include a wall-mount kit (WMN4230) and a pneumatic floor stand (FS420).
What's in the Box
TV, pedestal stand, remote control, remote batteries, 3 ferrite cores, 2 speaker cables, 1 RF audio/video cable, 1 S-video cable, 1 PC cable, 1 component-video cable, 1 composite-video cable, stereo analog audio (left/right RCA) interconnect, detachable AC power cord, user's manual, and registration information.
Samsung's new generation Plasma Flat Panel Displays reach the highest level of performance. Drawing upon years of development and numerous picture enhancement technologies like Samsung's exclusive DNIe, these sets reproduce digital images with stunning clarity and realism. New convenience features like built-in analog tuners, integrated pedestal stand and a loaded jack-pack make set up a snap. With technology and convenience - wrapped up in a gorgeous new cosmetic design - it's sure to be the envy of the neighborhood.
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Customers Reviews
Poor service - DVD user -
This, like other Samsung products, worked great for a few months. All of a sudden it won't recognize my Mac from the DVI port. The Mac works fine with other monitors, and even a Dell LCD TV. But the Samsung no longer recognizes it. Support from both the Tweeter store where I purchased it and from Samsung direct were absolutely NO help. I would stay away from Samsung and Tweeters for this reason.
Sep 11, 2010 21:30:03
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