-
"Great picture. Sound is superb, when you can hear it!" on by ArtSee1
Pros: Picture quality, features, style
Cons: Sound cut-off problems - PLEASE READ!
Summary: I was going to comment on the updated post by mcooperstein on May 1, 2007 but I wanted this comment and rating to be 'right out there'
I purchased the LN-T3253H from Circuit City on March 3, 2007. While I love the picture and host of features, the sound problem mentioned by mcooperstein is a known issue with Samsung and they have not as yet identified the problem. While it seems to be related to the HMDI connection, it is Samsungs problem and not a fault with every conceivable device that connects to the LN-T3253H. I've tried more than one cable box and the trouble stays with the Samsung.
I phoned Samsung (1-800-726-7864) today and confirmed that there is a known issue and yes, they would like to pin it on other products but that won't cut it. I was advised to contact them again before my 30 day return option expires. I would love to keep this TV but if this issue is not resolved, it goes back.
The frequency of this sound loss is of course proportional to the amount of time the set is on. As a test, I had the set on for 6 hours the other day and the sound dropped three times. This is totally unacceptable.
I would have rated this set an 8 or higher but given the unfortunate sound issue, it will get a 2. I will gladly update this post when and if the problem is resolved. -
"Great monitor..supercedes last years LN-S3251D" on by mcooperstein
Pros: Twice the contrast ration of last years model (8000:1), more setup flexibility
Cons: Setup right out of box is too bright, SD channels not nearly as nice looking as HD channels
Summary: Preliminary: This is my first HD set. I've been studying the technology for about a year, and feel like I've made a pretty informed decision for a first time purchase! My HD source is DishNetwork VIP622 DVR HD system. My programming includes *all* of the HD offerings DishNetwork has, which includes all of the VOOM channels (DishNetwork evidently bought out VOOM). I've had the VIP622 for six weeks, before getting the Samsung, which gave me a chance to familiarize myself with it's operations/quirks. I was using it on a SD set (I guess that’s 480i) before finally deciding on the Samsung. It's a dual mode receiver meaning it can control two sets independently, although only one is HD. It is also a DVR that can record a HD program. It has all the choices of outputs, to match all the input choices on the Samsung. I can do composite video, S-Video, component video and HDMI. I chose HDMI, but have also hooked up a component set of cables to do an A-B comparison. HDMI is a digital signal, component being an analog HD signal. I wanted to see if there was a difference, especially in light of the fact that several people that have reviewed the DishNetwork VIP622 on CNET have complained about the HDMI output being unstable. I'm not sure what 'unstable' means, but all I can say is after one week of solid operation with the two, I've not had any problem with the HDMI signal. One curious thing about the HDMI stuff, I cannot find specs anywhere that specify the HDMI version on the Samsung LN-T3253H. I guess it's either 1.1 or 1.2. One last bit of preliminary info: I had initially decided on the Samsung LN-S3251D, which was a 2006 model. It got very favorable reviews for a 32" LCD sporting 4000:1 contrast ratio. When I went to make my purchase I found out the Samsung LN-T3253H (2007 model) was just released to replace the LN-S3251. It has 8000:1 contrast ratio, and has addressed some of the shortcomings that were inherent in the older model.
Ok, like I previously said, this is my first HDTV, and my first LCD. It's taking a bit of getting used to, as its...different then the traditional high quality CRT's that I've been used to. Looking at a 1080i HD channel is really great. The quality and resolution are sooo much better then NTSC standard def (SD) stuff. But, as anyone knows who's been to Europe and watched TV there, the US has been lost in the '50's with it's soon to be defunct NTSC standard. For those who don't remember...NTSC defined a scanning system that was built around a 60 cycle vertical refresh rate, with 525 *interlaced* lines. That meant that you only really saw 262.5 lines every 30th of a second. It was very crude, but it had design advantages for it's time (which is long past). The European PAL/SECAM systems had higher refresh rates, and thus *looked* much better then American TV did. For those who wonder what HD really is about, it's ALL about the resolution. Resolution takes into consideration refresh rate (an archaic concept since it's only pertinent with a scanning electron gun CRT), and aspect ratio. This Samsung LCD set can display a 1080i signal. That means that the resolution is 1920 X 1080 interlaced signal. So, you can see 1920 pixels horizontally, and 1080 vertically, although of the 1080 you're seeing 540 per frame. This really isn't a big deal, since most film movies are recorded at 24 fps, so there's a lot of up scaling/downscaling to match the signal with the set.
The Samsung's video controls allow you to manually set all of the available video settings: contrast, brightness, sharpness, color, tint, etc.. Or, you can choose from one of three presets: "dynamic, standard, and movie". The factory default is "dynamic", which has the brightness and contrast adjusted just a bit too..”gay” for my taste. I set it at standard and it seems to be a more natural picture. Other video settings include "color tone", which has different levels to choose (cool1, cool2), Digital Noise Reduction, Active Color, DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine), all of which are probably proprietary Samsung video settings, most of which I have only dinked with a little in an effort to get a natural looking picture. I suspect, that if I had a professional come in and 'setup' my set using color calibration equipment, this set would really show off its best, but as it is, I'll continue to play around and figure out the best combination of settings for the best picture.
One of the things I noticed immediately when I first started using this set, is that when the picture would change to a mostly black screen, there would be 'ghost' patterns on the LCD that would quickly fade. I think, this was due to incorrect video settings, as I don't seem to notice them anymore since I've tweaked it to my liking. This also might be attributed to the 8ms response time, which I suppose is faster then it used to be, but I know that Samsung is now making LCD gaming monitors that have 2ms response times. Speaking of gaming, this set has a 'gaming mode', which is useful for hooking a computer or game box to this set. I have no desire to do either, so I cannot comment on this aspect. I did out of curiosity hook my computer to the VGA input to see what it looked like. It was OK I guess, but again, I didn't get this to be used as a computer monitor, so its a moot issue. Speaking of inputs..this set has lots. It now has 3 HDMI inputs (one conveniently on the side for easy access), two component inputs, S-Video, composite video, audio (analog and digital) and a WiseLink USB port for hooking up jump drives and the like so you can display your JPEGS and home videos.
So, I'm pleased with the picture now that I've tweaked the video settings a bit, although SD signals look boring. I have the Samsung set for "just scan" meaning it will take the incoming signal and just scan whatever resolution it's transmitting without alteration. That means that SD (non HD DishNetwork satellite channels) is displayed in a 4:3 box with black bars on the side. Its OK I guess, but what can you expect from a signal that was developed in 1950! Ultimately, in the next two years, the FCC will be converting ALL signals away from NTSC to a new digital standard (not necessarily HD, but digital just the same). Oh, BTW, this Samsung has a built in ATSC digital tuner for picking up over the air digital transmissions. So does my DishNetwork VIP622. I cannot comment on either one of these, since I live in the boonies of southwest Virginia, where over the air reception (analog or digital) is impossible, even with a good outside antennae.
One last comment about the video...I mentioned that I hooked up both HDMI AND component video so that I could A-B the signals. There's very little difference between them, all things considered, but I have to say that I think I prefer (why I'm not sure yet) the component input over the HDMI. It's very subtle, but it's just a bit easier on the eyes to look at. Then again, the Samsung allows each input to have individually set video/audio settings and preserves them in non volatile memory (an improvement over last years model). When I was A-B’ing the two sources, I'm not sure that I had the exact same video settings between HDMI and component, which might account for my slight preference towards component.
The audio of this Samsung is pretty good, with two speakers hidden under the front panel. Anyone who is really serious about home theatre (I'm getting there!) will ultimately use an external surround sound system for audio.
I should comment on the looks of the LN-T3253H. It’s gorgeous. It's finished in a shiny piano black enclosure that I think looks great.
Some people have commented on the Samsung's remote control being too clumsy. I don't know how I feel, its ok I guess. Basically, I'm not really using it anymore since I've programmed the DishNetwork VIP622 remote to control the Samsung as well. It takes care of most of the basic functions, so it ends up being one less remote I have to worry about!
All in all, I'm pleased with this set. I got a great price on it from www.ButterflyPhoto.com. I chose a 32" because it fits my needs. My living room is small, and I didn't want something that shouted: "BIG SCREEN TV HERE" when you walked into the room. I do wonder though, if a comparable plasma would have a better picture all things considered. Of course, a comparable 32" plasma would cost more then what I got the Samsung for, so it’s not worth losing any sleep over! I think I will be very happy with this purchase, and intend to keep it for a long time!
Oh, about my "9" rating. I'm not a qualified reviewer, just an "enthusiast". At first I thought an "8" would be fairer, but like I said at the top, this is my first HD set, and I'm real excited to finally get it!Updated
ammendment: 5/01/07
After having this HDTV for several weeks, a curious problem has developed. Sometimes, the audio will just drop out. Cycling the mute doesnt fix it, the only way to get audio back on the HDMI input is to either power cycle, or cycle through the inputs (I also have cable connected). I called Samsung tech support, and naturally they want to blame it on everything else but their TV. The DishNetwork receiver, the HDMI cable, Jupiter mis-aligned with Mars, etc. However..another user review on CNET stated that he was losing audio occaisonally using his Xbox and HDMI, so I'm leaning towards this being a problem in the Samsung. Right now, it happens infrequent enough to be a minor PITA, so we'll just wait and see what develops.Updated
Samsung has finally acknowledged the audio problem and has a fix for it. If you call their technical support department, they'll send you a free USB thumb drive that has the new firmware on it. Since I applied this 'fix', I have not experienced any more audio drop-outs! Yey for Samsung!!! -
"Great potential but poor customer support" on by Icer Mize
Pros: Nice picture and design
Cons: The sound cuts out! The sound cuts out! The sound cuts out!
Summary: Companies love to brag about the great reviews their products receive. Well, with one exception, this TV has received wonderful 8+ ratings from CNET members yet many of you have had the same problem that I have experienced. Audio problems related to the HDMI connections on this TV persist and yet only one person posted a negative review.
I believe it is important to not only let Samsung know what a miserable job they have done, it is also beneficial to warn potential buyers of the TV's inadaquecy.
Benson -
"Audio Drop Out Problem!!!" on by valkrocket
Pros: Excellent price and Picture
Cons: Current audio prob on LNT Platform....multiple models/sizes
Summary: Check on Amazon.com's blog for the LNT3253H-
It's a prob with other sizes as well. A Couple of factory fixes...trial and error...may be required to find satisfaction of audio interrupts!!! Beware!
Call Samsung and they will admit it to you. Just be prepared for some hassle to figure out the actual fix....within your warranty period! Otherwise it might fall into your pocketbook down the road.Updated
if an audio drop out prob is an issue...call Samsung and ask for the "thumb drive firmware" fix. If the audio prob comes back...ask them to replace the main board and integrated sound card. Expensive fix (free under warranty)...but this has put the audio issue to bed. They do have some bad boards out there from early '07 production. Issue in multiple sizes and models. Luck! -
"8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio,and an amazing game mode make this 2007 model one of the best LCD TVs" on by bbarbour
Pros: dynamic contrast ratio of 8000:1, cathode lamp really illuminates every image, blazing fast game mode, great design, 3 hdmi outputss, 2 component outputs, usb output, doesn't smell like sony,
Cons: it isn't 1080p (try to find a 32 inch 1080p tv), still 8ms respnse time, touch sensitive buttons may be strange at first
Summary: This is my 4th lcd tv in the last 2 weeks,and I think I am finally content. I have always gone with Samsung because they pack the most bang for the buck, but some of the other models I have purchased didn't come near the luxory presented in this TV. As before, the game mode really brings the xbox 360 to life with rich vivid colors and no detectable ghosting (unless it is built into the game). I was worried that the 8ms response time would be too slow when both Sharp and Toshiba have 2007 LCDs with response times of 6ms or less, but I have yet to detect any motion blur in any of my 360 games. While the xbox 360 and original xbox games played on the 360 look amazing (try dead or alive ultimate 2 on the 360), ps2 games (like God of War 2) still look pretty crappy, even on 480p. I have a Wii and I haven't tried it yet on this tv, but I am guessing I won't be pleased. For any video game system (or standard tv signals) that run below true HD-I would stay with a CRT. HD-DVDs blow me away on this set. I have the HD-DVD drive for my 360 and King Kong looks comparible to the movies I see in 1080p on a 40" xbr at work (Best Buy). Unless the television is greater than 40 inches, it is difficult to detect the difference between 1080p and 720p, and besides, there are no 1080p tvs less than 40 inchs on the market. I almost forgot to mention the sound on this tv. So many TVs come from the factory with awful speakers, but the trusound technology on this tv really delivers. I have gone through 2 other samsung lcds that were supposed to have this technology, but this is the first one where I actually noticed it. while playing F.E.A.R on the 360, I could swear their was someone walking outside in the hallway-it is a nerve racking experience. The virtual sound technology on this tv somehow mimic the effects of surround sound and make it seem like you are really in the middle of the action. The only problem with the sound that I found is the base isn't deep enough. Well, I have gone on long enough about this tv. I guess to summarize: it looks great from a design point of view (I love the blue light on the bottom and the little samsung melodies that play every time I turn it on), Video games in HD are amazing (microsoft engineers helped to design the game mode on this and last years samsung models, pretty much any HD signal looks amazing with (unless it is PBS where there is an abundance of ghosting for some reason), it sounds great, and it is reasonably priced. Get this TV!-I hope this is a good first review for this tv, let me know what you think!
Updated
I loved this tv, but unfortunately I had to trade it in. I had problems with a horizontal line forming only when this set was set to 720p (abc, fox, xbox 360. The line would form 6 in from the bottom of the screen and work its way to the top about every 15 min. Since I was informed by others that this problem could get worse, I traded my set in and received another. Unfortunately it did the same thing! I had last years comparable ln-sxxx model and I never had these problems. If you are thinking about buying this set, search its model number in the avs forums or search for the term screen tearing (i don't think it is screen tearing, but it is definitely a defect. They took a poll on the forums and 55% reported a similar defect. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN BUYING THIS SET. I traded it in for the new 1080p sharp, which definitely doesn't look as "sharp" in 1080i or 720p (kinda ironic), but i havent yet tried it on 1080p. I have had no such problems with that set. I stand by my review of this tv..it was awesome..i just didn't want a samsung tech to crack it open! GET A SERVICE PLAN if you are thinking about buying this tv!
Write a Review
Compare to other s
Compare Selected
