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"Standard definition picture excells" on by drwatt
Pros: Easy to set up, clear manual, high quality standard def., multifunction remote controls 4 devices
Cons: None so far
Summary: I originally went to purchase Sony's KDL-40S2000 model after reading several reviews here. There was a sale at a local store for $2,080 on the Sony 40 inch. However after viewing the Sony and the Samsung side by side I chose the Samsung. In HD the PQ was almost identical between the two sets. Each set had some scenes that looked better on the respective models. I concluded it was simply a matter of personal preference on how each set was adjusted for PQ. I also adjusted each set to factory defaults to compare PQ.
The biggest difference was in the reception of Standard Def. PQ. I viewed the Sony and this Smasung model together at 3 different stores, Fry's, Circuit City and Best Buy. At all three stores the Sony exhibited a sub par picture in standard Def. The PQ in Standard Def. was especially poor when it came to reading text on the screen. The Sony looked out of focus, blurry, whereas the Samsung was crisp. I tried adjusting the picture to clear it up but I couldn't make the picture much cleaner. Since a lot of my viewing will be standard Def broadcasts I chose the Samsung. The deal cincher was the store matched the sale price of the Sony for the Samsung model.
After setting the set up at home, I found the PQ of Standard Def through a Comcast digital box to be even better than I experienced in the store.
I have a Panasonic DVD RAM recorder and Hitachi VCR hooked up to the Samsung. The picture looks stunning from both of these on the Samsung's 40 inch screen. The remote can be set to control these devices and I found this to be easy to do.
CNET rates the Sony above this Samsung model, however if you are like me and will not be viewing all your programs in HD, I would definitely give this Samsung product consideration.Updated
Check the reviews from users who have purchased the Sony 40 inch model. One reviewer lists analog reception in the Cons list, basically agreeing with my observation that Std. Def. broadcasts are received poorly on the Sony model. -
"Nice packaging and price but the display doesn't cut it." on by tom.o
Pros: Price, packaging, swivel stand and pletty of inputs.
Cons: Image isn't as clear as it should be.
Summary: I have adjusted the display settings and have managed to remove most the noise around the images; but, it still looks blurred whenever the image isn't HD. The Picture In Picture doesn't allow for the PIP being off the air as there is only one tuner. I want PIP so that I can watch two OTA signals at the same time.
The DVD display is very nice which leads me to believe they have comprised the tuner by combining both analog and digital tuning into the same tuner. Very disappointing not worth keeping.Updated
After having the opportunity to run Video Escentials and adjust the CUSTOM picture settings, I am impressed with the overall picture. Out of the box all setting other than MOVIE are oversaturated and have too much sharpness. Remember sharpness adds noise and trash. For those that don't have a copy of Video Escentials, you should; but, if you set all inputs to use MOVIE it will be the cleanest image and have the least amount of trash. Other than that I would suggest on all modes to take sharpness to zero. After having a chance to fix the out of the box settings, I would raise my rating to an 8 out of 10. -
"Big improvment over the last models" on by VicLaw
Pros: Great SD and HD picture
Cons: Can"t adjust tint on the component and HDMI inputs.
Summary: The PQ on SD and HD sources is really improved over the old LN-R series. Blacks are very good and colors are vivid. To my eye beat both the Sharp and Sony on display. Once I tweaked the settings the picture is amazing – you have to tone down the light level you can use this set as a reading light.
As a bonus it will take a PC input and has a game setting (I’m still waiting for my Xbox). If you do not see a good image at the dealer, make them hook up a DVD this set is that good. -
"I agree with CNET." on by cowboyobe
Pros: Looks, Contrast Ratio, HD Inputs, Energy Saver, Cost, Plug and Play inputs
Cons: Light spots in corners, Options for PiP
Summary: I started looking for LCD's around 1DEC06. I went in the local stores, took some mental notes and looked here at CNet. I did buy this TV, 19DEC, thanks to Best Buy I didn't get it until 13JAN07. Have a physical inventory done before you actually buy it.
The cons on this TV aren't very bad at all. The light spots in the corners was found by CNET and I found them as well. When the TV portrays a black screen the corners are less black then, lets say, the middle. It is only seen when you have black being put there. If you have color and movements on the screen, they aren't as defined and you don't notice them at all. Using the Energy Saver option works well at night and it also helps get rid of those lighter areas as CNET said. But, it makes your overall image darker. I use the Picture in Picture a lot actually. Playing video games and checking the channels for shows. To get PiP up is no prob with the button on the remote. As per getting the sound on the PiP is in the menu under Sound. Then if you want to move the location or dislay of the PiP also includes opening the menu under Picture, then to the PiP settings. But that is user opinion due to using it often.
Don't get me wrong now, I love this TV. Sometimes its almost to bright being used to old CRT's. 4000:1 is the highest contrast ratio I found for 40" LCDs around $1299-$1799. The Plug and Play inputs are awesome. The TV won't select an input unless it has a cable plugged in. Its great not having to flip through 8 inputs to get #9 that you want. Also, CNET mentioned the TV not remembering the settings on one input to the next. It may have been actual model they got. The LN-S4051D I have does remember the settings as far as, Image setting (Dynamic, custom, movie..), Size setting (16:9, zoom 1 or 2, and 4:3), and possibly the sound. I haven't checked that one yet. As per the energy sav. setting is across the board. If its high on AV1, then its high on HDMI#1 except the PC input that isn't affected. The PC input display is amazing. Best monitor I have ever owned. Although the PiP doesn't work with this source, its still incredible. The swivel is great, the hidden speakers is hot, giving this TV an awesome look. At 50 lb's it was Super easy to get in the door.
CNET did rate this to what their specs rate this TV. I can spot things, but not near the testing CNET does. Take their opinion as advice because they know the Technical aspects of them all. As per me, I watch it and just because it might have a jaggy line, I promise I won't see it. I can't watch 40" that close even 10 ft. away. I'll quit now, Thanks for your time. Brandon. -
"All is well after adjusting set from factory settings Read the owners manual in advance" on by spooky20
Pros: Easy to set up owners manual well written easy to read and understand
Cons: cleared up vibration in speakers with sound adjustment -Equalizer reset was the trick
Summary: Have looked off and on for three years or so and finally made the purchase.Excellent television for the money. If setting up by yourself (it was easy for the wife and I)do some reading in the operators manual. It'll make life easier. If I had a room big enough I would have gone to the 46 inch LCD.I didn't rate the tv as a 10 because in my mind there is nothing perfect in the electronics world. Shop around and be patient and look for specials at any of your favorite electronics stores. If this tv fits your budget and requirments then go for it. We did.
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