Samsung 30" HDTV $899.95

[treasurehunter]

>What does the lack of firewire have to do with the TV? I a newbie to all the HDTV technology. Is it used for video cameras or dvd players and such?

These links should be helpful in explaining the digital input copyright issues:

Link 1
Link 2

The issue is that the cable companies may eventually only provide HDTV signals through a digital port on the cable box. So if you don't have a digital input (DVI, Firewire), then you won't be able to take advantage of HDTV. So the set top box will essentially be the source of the problem. You will only be able to take advantage of HDTV via air (antenna). Of course, there's also a chance the digital format they settle on might not be DVI or Firewire, so then everyone is screwed. . . .

 

[Darkstar757]

Well Guys I bought the 4:3 model of this TV on Sunday. I must say so far im very pleased with the picture. With all the problems this TV will do me fine untill everyone is brodcasting 16:9 format. MY DTV looks great and DVDs are awsome. Anyne have any idea when HD DVD are coming out?

 

[OrlandoTiger]

Congrads!Do you have a progressive scan dvd Darkstar? If so youll see the benefits of right now as long as its hooked up properly.How many monkeys did it take to carry it?I was thinking two should be fine but I know its more the bulk than the weight...

 

[bigal]

Not all DVD players have the 3:2 pull down feature. I bought the Onkyo DV-CP500 DVD changer which I have found has no 3:2 pull down detection. Only the very top of the line Onkyo DVD player has this feature.

 

[Darkstar757]

well It took me three monkeys to carry this 220 lbs beast. I dont have a proscan DVD player. I have the Apex 600A with Component hookup and the picture looks great. The only thing is i hope that I dont regret not getting widescreen but hell no ones seems to be really brodcasting in widescreen. Now all I need is a TV tuner.

 

[GnatGoSplat]

Most of the networks are broadcasting in widescreen but a DTV tuner is required to see it.

 

[arswihart]

that weight is incorrect darkstar, please post the correct weight

 

[Darkstar757]

dude its like close to 200 lbs i dont know the exact weight. I didnt put it on a scale.

 

[theBUK]

(I'm tryin' folks!)

High time for HD? [CONSUMER REPORTS]

Falling prices make high-definition TV more attractive than ever.

For the best at-home viewing, a high-definition television (HDTV) is the way to go. These digital sets can display sharp, lifelike images that will surpass anything you?ll see on a regular analog TV.

You?ll get the best picture quality when you pair the TV with an HD signal from an antenna, cable, or satellite dish. Until quite recently, very little HD programming was available. But there?s a growing body of HD content from the major networks as well as from cable and satellite channels. Even with regular TV signals or DVD movies, which might represent much of your viewing for a while to come, an HDTV?s picture will almost certainly be better than a regular TV?s.

With prices on HD sets falling steadily, you may be increasingly tempted to buy one. The least expensive way to enjoy HD is with a direct-view TV. This type of set, which uses a picture tube, is essentially an enhanced version of the conventional TVs you?ve been watching for years. Prices for 27-inch TV sets capable of displaying HD have fallen to less than $1,000. TVs with 32- and 36-inch screens start at less than $1,500 and $2,000, respectively.

To enjoy HD content on a bigger screen, you may want to consider a rear-projection set. Those sets have screens measuring 42 to 73 inches. HD-ready projection TVs cost about $1,700 and up, but their picture quality isn?t as good as a direct-view set?s.



Consumer Reports ratings via 2003, - best listed first.


WIDE-SCREEN 30- AND 34-INCH SETS All sets in this group have flat screens with a wide-screen shape (16:9 aspect ratio)

1
Philips 30PW9818
(30-in.)
2,300
Very good set has fine picture, dual-tuner PIP, and many features. Has motion compensation.

2
Toshiba 34HD82 (34-in.)
1,800
Fine set with dual-tuner PIP and many features. Among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation.

3
Samsung TXM3097WHF (30-in.)
1,000
Fine set with dual-tuner PIP. But onscreen menu so-so.

4
Panasonic CT-30WX52 (30-in.)
1,800
Fine set with dual-tuner PIP and numerous features. Among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and BBE. But could be easier to use. Onscreen menu so-so.

5
Panasonic CT-34WX52 (34-in.)
2,500
Good set with dual-tuner PIP and numerous features, and among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and BBE. But could be easier to use. Onscreen menu so-so.

6
RCA Scenium D34W135D (34-in.)
2,600
Good; includes dual-tuner PIP and built-in DVD player. But onscreen menu so-so.

7
RCA D34W20 (34-in.)
2,225
Good set with dual-tuner PIP and more, but onscreen menu so-so.


IMHO, the next home TV will be 16:9. Ummm....future. Maybe near, maybe stretching a lot of 4:3 programming, but prepared to enjoy! In the meantime, folks reporting about stretching aren't deterred; via amazon or epinions Customer Ratings.

Let me know if other ratings are desired.

-theBUK

 

[Darkstar757]

Can you do the rating on the 4:3 HDTV's

 

[theBUK]

SURE.

Gimme just a bit, please.

[BTW, I had somehow missed your post of having already bought the 4:3 version. No qualms regarding my "IMHO" I hope!]

==> OK.

32-INCH SETS All sets in this group have flat screens with the familiar squarish shape (4:3 aspect ratio).


5
Sony
KV-32HS500
1,450
Fine picture and sound for the price. Among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and dual-tuner PIP.

6
Sony
KV-32HV600
1,700
Among the best performers with HD images, plus excellent sound. Has dual-tuner PIP and features galore. Has motion compensation.

7
Zenith C32V28
1,500
Very good set can double as computer monitor. Has dual-tuner PIP and solid performance.

8
Philips 32PT8320
1,300
Consistently fine performance across the board, and very good onscreen menu.

9
Samsung TXM3298HF
1,300
Very good set with dual-tuner PIP, subwoofer, and BBE. But onscreen menu is so-so.

10
Panasonic CT-32HX42
1,400
Very good set with dual-tuner PIP. Among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and BBE. But onscreen menu is so-so, and remote control difficult to use in low light.


====> NEXT:
36-INCH SETS All sets in this group have flat screens with the familiar squarish shape (4:3 aspect ratio).

11
Sony
KV-36HS500
$2,100
Fine picture, and among the best performers with HD images. Very good onscreen menu. Has motion compensation and dual-tuner PIP.

12
Sony
KV-36XBR800
$2,300
Fine if pricey choice is among the best performers with HD images. Generous (24-mo.) warranty on parts, labor, and picture tube. Has motion compensation.

13
Toshiba 36HF72
$1,800
Very good, except for sound. Among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and dual-tuner PIP. But onscreen menu only so-so.

14
Zenith C36V23
$2,000
Very good. Has integrated digital tuner for receiving off-air DTV.

15
Panasonic CT-36HL42
$1,900
Very good set with dual-tuner PIP; among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and BBE. But could be easier to use. Remote control difficult to use in low light. Onscreen menu only so-so.

16
Panasonic CT-36HX42
$1,800
Very good set with dual-tuner PIP; among the best performers with HD images. Has motion compensation and BBE. But remote control difficult to use in low light. Onscreen menu so-so.


They do have a bit more info. I'll post it later this evening, - must run and pick up the wife.

--theBUK

ps. Orlando Tiger--
I've been looking for their reliability ratings, but no luck yet, just ratings for "normal" tvs. I will post again later with whatever I find.

 

[OrlandoTiger]

theBUK thanks for that info! Do you have the consumer reports section showing the reliability of this tv verses the others in the same size range?I dont get that magazine anymore but it may be in the year end buyers guide book and they grade by screen size and user reports of problems with a given screen size and brand tv.Sorry for all the requests we are making but Im sure youll be helping many who arent posting as well.
Darkstar dont you know its the law that you have to take your set off its shelf for weighing, even if its all hooked up if you havent personally weighed it ahead of time? I think that got passed by the matress tag people

 

[Darkstar757]

Yea I hope that this was a good buy i dont want to be pissed in like two months later

 

[Oxonium]

Darkstar, I don't think you will be disappointed. I compared the 32" 4:3 vs. the 30" 16:9 when I was looking for an HDTV. Both looked very good. I decided to go with the 16:9, but you can't really go wrong with either for the price. I haven't seen too many HDTVs in this price range that weren't open box/returns at Best Buy (not that there's anything wrong with those TVs. I've gotten many good open box deals at Best Buy). I'm still happy with my TV almost 6 months later.

**Rant Time**
I simply can't see HDTV catching on over standard TV until HDTVs come down in price, even with all the muscle of the government behind this transition. There also needs to be smaller HDTVs, which I know kinda defeats the purpose of HDTV, but honestly how many people have at least one TV smaller than 30" in their house? Probably most of the U.S., not to mention other countries. Heck, I have 2 small TVs besides my HDTV. Without smaller and more affordable HDTVs, it will be a very slow transition. Whaddya think?
**End Rant**

Edited to add Rant Time

 

[Darkstar757]

I totally agree with you. The only downside is that the picture quality on this TV is so good It really exposes the pixel flaws in Direct TV and Cable TV. I dont have a HDTV turner and I need one badly but I dont want to spend another 200bucks on one.




Any ideas guys

 

[OrlandoTiger]

I dont remember if you talked about your cable company before,but they may have the set top boxes for hdtv.Of course they'll be happy to rent to you for a fee.A few companies dont charge extra for the box you'll need.Give them a call and see...

 

[RabidMongoose]

i should look into this!

 

[theBUK]

oK.

Here are some histories of various sets, yet there are no published HDTV set ratings as their history has been brief thus far and consumer polls/satisfaction surveys are still being conducted.

REPAIR HISTORY -- CONSUMER REPORTS RATINGS

31/32- and 35/36-INCH SETS

31-36" bar graph



25-27" graph


COLOR TVS--32 & 36-INCH MODELS
A decent number of the sets we tested have a very good picture, sometimes even when signals are piped into the antenna/cable input. As the picture-quality judgments show, almost all sets tested had an improved picture when signals were supplied through the S-video input, which is used with devices such as DVD players, satellite receivers, and digital-cable boxes. If you want to connect a device such as a DVD player, make sure you use the set's S-video input (or, better still, the component-video inputs, if the set and player both permit such connections).

You'll find good choices among analog sets in each of the sizes we tested.

32-inch. The standout is the $750 Toshiba 32AF42, which offers quality performance all around, and excellent picture quality via the S-video input. Among the lower-priced sets, the $550 JVC AV-32D203 and $450 Zenith C32A26 are fine choices.

36-inch. If you have champagne tastes, consider the Sony KV-36FV300, $1,350, which offers a flat screen, dual-tuner PIP, wireless headphones, and a very good picture. For little more than half that price, the Toshiba 36A42, $750, offers very good performance but fewer frills.

HD-ready sets. If you have a high-definition satellite receiver, can receive HD on cable, or watch lots of movies on DVD, you might want to consider an HD-ready TV, which offers a superior picture when receiving standard signals (and, with additional equipment, can even display the superior images from high-definition broadcasts). The 32-inch Sony KV-32HV600 and 36-inch Sony KV-36HS500 had the best picture of all, plus interesting features.

I hope that helps, some.

--theBUK

 

[OrlandoTiger]

BUK, thanks for taking the time to relay all that info.It takes going back to the 25-27" sets to see the samsung ratings but it looks like they are holding their own well there.Usually on those they say ratings within 3% arent meaningful.
I want to thank everyone for their input in this thread.This would be the perfect entry level set for HDTV except for that question about no dvi or firewire inputs.But that could end up being an issue before long if someone wants more than local stations in hdtv...

 

[Darkstar757]

All I can say is that im very happy with my 32HDTV. Tiger I think you should go ahead and buy it. I got the 4 year service plan also. Just in case!

 

[theBUK]

No problem, Orlando Tiger. Anytime.

Darkstar757, congrats on your new HDTV. I've seen it locally and it looks fab., no question.

As a consumer advocate I will carefully suggest you take a close look at the 4 Year Service Plan and weigh its' cost against SAMSUNG's warranty and BB's return and/or service gaurantee. Often these plans make HUGE profits for stores (9 times the profit of selling products, - i.e. Staples, OM, OD, BB, Sears, etc.), but offer very little more in true protection or service for the customer.

Newsweek, 60 Minutes and a buddy, university professor of economics, studied a variety of these and found since their inception, all these stores have:

1. Profited almost entirely off of sales of these plans and "Extended Warranties"

2. Less than some 17% of folks were ever able to take advantage of their "plans"

Sales staff push these plans religiously, often offering discounts on products if a plan of this type is purchased. ?Ever see them get turned right off when you say "No, thank you" to buying one upon their suggestion?

Please, consider looking it over for your own sake and peace of mind, Darkstar757. I want you to get the deal, NOT them! I really don't want to step on toes. For I don't know your plan, maybe you got a great deal where they fly out to your house-boat in mid-Atlantic transit to replace an ailing cable for you, or move it from below deck to the top of the mast for better party viewing, - but most often....its a planned-scam, corporate-style with a smile!

I have had to return a few of these "plans" my wife came home with [once a salesperson at Sears added it in without even mentioning it]. So, no worries if you find you don't need the plan. These plans are all pro-rated and may be returned like a product.

===> It may be great to find you suddenly have enough $ to trade your plan in for an HDTV decoder/tuner box!

Either way, enjoy that beauty! That SAMSUNG really looks it right-on!

-theBUK

 

[Darkstar757]

BUK Thanks so much i didnt think about that.



I got the standard 4 year Best Buy Service Plan. Do you think i should get rid of it. If so I would have enough to get my HDTV reciever.
Help me out please.

 

[theBUK]

I'll help anyway I can, Darkstar757.

I'll have a look to see if they publish their "4 Year Service Plan" specs on-line.

Buy 'n large, I'd say forgo the plan straight-a-way!

What you can do is call a BB CSR and ask them to simply tell you the advantages of their plan over their store policy/manufacturer's warranty. Then just listen carefully to see if they actually offer something/anything of substance. Chances are they'll stumble around and attempt to just read the brochure of the plan to you.

Tell them you're aware that the product is warrantied via manufacturer for X amount of time, thus, how much will you pay if you need to fix it after that time has elapsed.

Will all services be free?

Will parts be free?

Will they be coming out to your house to pick it up?

Will they charge you if it needs to be shipped out for service?

Listen for confidence in their plan. Chances are, a CSR fielding direct questions on the matter will seem a little hard-pressed to convice you.

*For a better test, call a BB CSR and tell them the unit seems dead on its feet, and you want to know their first course of action.

I wish you luck, Darkstar757.

Personally, I buy from Sears (they have many more products available for order via catalogs then ever present in their B&M stores, they pricematch 110% to B&M or on-line stores) and "Satisfaction is Guaranteed." Just hold onto your receipt, - and bring it back in a few years time for an updated replacement if you wish. With a storewide policy like that, no one should ever buy one of their plans. But then again, I'm not familiar with every plan they offer.

Ok.

You hold 'em and I'll try and hold 'em.

--theBUK

 

[Darkstar757]

Well BUK i can tell you right away im not good at all this legal stuff. If you could find out the difference between the two cause at the store I couldnt tell the difference. Man I need to know quickly cause Best buy return policy isnt that great.



Cheers,
Darkstar

 

[theBUK]

I'm not here to make you nervous, Darstar757.
No worries.
It would be as simple as walking back into BB with your receipt and nothing else if you wanted to make the return of the warranty.

I spoke with a CSR via phone and was told, "all repairs and service would be covered under your plan if the problem was mechanical or electrical."

Since its larger than 25" they will send someone out to your house. If they can not service it there, they will take it to the shop or ship it out on their dime. There are no guarantees on time-to-fix, but if they have a call on the same item three times, they may elect to replace it.

So, it seems a decent bit of protection.

SAMSUNG says with purchase comes a one year warranty for parts and labor:

Consumer Electronics
Warranty Service Policy & Procedure
During the term of the U.S. limited warranty, Samsung Electronics America (SEA) provides for carry-in/mail-in service on new SEA products purchased and used in the U.S. at a Samsung Authorized Service Center. Where available, in home service is provided for 27" and larger televisions and specific home appliance models. Please refer to the warranty statement included with your model for the specific terms and conditions. To determine if your consumer electronics product needs service, or for more information on warranty policies and procedures, please contact us online or call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

Samsung Medallion Service Centers
Samsung?s "Medallion" Service Program is unsurpassed in the industry in ensuring the highest levels of support, service and responsiveness to our customers and dealers. The 100 nationwide Medallion servicers are a strategic network of specially qualified service centers, which receive priority support and up-to-date information from our service headquarters, while providing world class repair turnaround time. This web site contains a Medallion service center locator for your use.

Authorized Field Service
For further customer support and convenience, there are an additional 1000 local Samsung Authorized Service Centers nationwide. For the nearest location, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

To obtain Operational Assistance or Warranty Service for your Consumer Electronics Product (TV, VCR, TVCR, Camcorder, Stereo, MWOven, Etc), please follow these instructions:

After reviewing the User?s Manual and the FAQ section for your product at this web site, call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Select the phone option for Consumer Electronics Customer Service.

Provide your name/company, model number, and serial number to the Samsung Customer Service Representative.

Provide an explanation of the information you need or the problem you are having.

After problem determination by Samsung Customer Service, and if service is necessary, the Service Representative will discuss the appropriate warranty service procedures with you.

The Service Representative will then provide the name, telephone number and address of a Samsung Authorized Service Center.

Verification of warranty coverage, such as a sales receipt, is required prior to the completion of service.
Conditions
The above procedures are for warranty service and the customer will be responsible for any costs associated with non-warranty conditions. Samsung reserves the right to make final decisions regarding problem determination and the appropriate service option. Please refer to your Samsung Limited Warranty Statement for complete terms and conditions, as some models have different terms and conditions.

SAMSUNG contact info. for in-home service warranties:
1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864); http://www.samsungusa.com

You've got a great set, a great price and a great outlook with the 4 year PSP.

The decision to forgo the next 3 years of coverage in lieu of a HDTV/DTV decoder must be your choice.

You'll make the right choice,- just being well informed.

-theBUK