Samsung TX-R3079WH

• Average user rating:
  2.5
  stars out of 57 reviews
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Product summary

CNET editors' take

• Reviewed by:
  Matthew Moskovciak
• Edited by:
  David Katzmaier
• Reviewed on: 06/21/2005

While most of the recent developments in TVs are focused on new flat-panel or rear-projection technologies such as plasma, LCD, and DLP, the old reliable cathode-ray tube (CRT) has recently gotten a makeover. The Samsung TX-R3079WH is a 30-inch direct-view HDTV with new "thin tube" technology, dubbed SlimFit, that supposedly takes the advantages of a tube TV and squeezes them into a box about 2/3 as deep as traditional sets. The TX-R3079WH is currently available in stores and online at $999.

Upside: While Samsung's "2/3 the size" claim is a little exaggerated--at 16 inches deep, the Samsung isn't quite 2/3 the depth of the 22-inch deep Sony KV-30HS420, for example--it's still pretty slim. Sure, similarly sized flat-panel LCD sets measure from 3 to 5 inches deep, but they can cost twice as much. The Samsung TX-R3079WH is equipped with a built-in ATSC tuner but is not Digital Cable Ready. This means you can receive over-the-air HDTV signals with no additional equipment, but you'll need a separate set-top box if you want to use digital cable. Its connectivity is highlighted by an HDMI port and two component-video inputs.

Downside: While direct-view TVs traditionally have delivered excellent picture quality, we won't know how these "thin tube" TVs perform until we review them. It wouldn't be shocking to find that stuffing a tube into a slimmer form factor resulted in decreased picture quality. Also, like all tube TVs, the TX-R3079WH is heavy, weighing in at 132 pounds. Although it's slim, don't expect to be able to hang it on a wall.

Outlook: With its relatively low price and slim profile, the Samsung TX-R3079WH should appeal to those who want to make the jump to HDTV but have to stick to a budget. We'll update this preview when we're able to publish a full review.

See more CNET content tagged:

Samsung Electronics,

flat panel,

HDTV,

CRT,

TV

User reviews

• Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 57 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 57 user reviewsSee all 57 user reviews

• 2.5 stars

  29 out of 29 people found this review helpful

  "Great TV with some problems"

  by rasmoses on June 26, 2005

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• 4.5 stars

  14 out of 16 people found this review helpful

  "Great picture"

  by cpo99 on June 29, 2005

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• 4.5 stars

  12 out of 13 people found this review helpful

  "Almost close to perfect"

  by 20021985 on July 3, 2005

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• See all 57 user reviews Write review

Where to buy

Samsung TX-R3079WH: $425.00

store	price	in stock?	rating
Amazon.com Marketplace	$425.00	Yes

see prices from 1 store

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Where to buy Samsung TX-R3079WH

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• Amazon.com Marketplace $425.00 Yes
• See store