6/24/2011

Samsung TXN2668WHF 26" Widescreen DynaFlat HDTV TV/Monitor Review

Samsung TXN2668WHF 26 Widescreen DynaFlat HDTV TV/Monitor
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Having finally obtained an HDTV after enormous hassle with Amazon (anyone else notice all the fraudulent listings up here?) I ordered this particular television for around $400. Due to the negative reviews posted by other viewers, I was almost expecting something to be wrong with mine (mind you, I've had it for less than a week so far) but instead have found myself quite delighted with it. My model did not experience any color problems that others have reported, but looked crisp and richly colored. After setting it up with my 5.1 surround sound system, my 1080i HDTV tuner, my cable, and my HDTV antenna, I was able to sit in my smallish bedroom and be caught up in rapturous visuals and thundering sound (with the surround sound cranked up). Another neat feature was the nifty side panel which allowed for easy hookup to my computer (which has an S-Video out). I was headbanging to my massive MP3 collection and watching streaming broadband video on my new TV, and was almost in digital nirvana :-)
The remote takes a little getting used to, but if you are smart with your settings you can really squeeze the most features out of your system. Overall, this television ended up being perfect for my digitally-wired bedroom.

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Samsung's sleek, Premiere Series TXN2668WHF offers everything from high-definition resolution (1080i/480p) to a multitude of inputs and picture enhancements for a detailed, high-contrast picture. The set's widescreen display is specially configured to accommodate the native aspect ratios of your favorite movies, and front-panel control keys let you access TV menu settings without having to use the supplied remote control.
For the screen, Samsung's proprietary DynaFlat technology delivers a perfectly flat viewing surface with none of the curvature, image distortion, or detrimental glare that accompany traditional TV screens. Hook the set up with any DTV set-top box or progressive-scan DVD player to take full advantage of its high resolution and picture-enhancing technologies.
This particular 800-line screen brings higher resolution than that achieved by earlier-generation sets because the individual phosphor color spots (or pixels) are smaller and closer together in this configuration. The set's multiple-focus electron gun illuminates finer spots for a more detailed picture, edge-to-edge, and it's assisted in this job by a three-line digital comb filter and velocity-scan modulation circuitry.
Velocity-scan modulation improves the definition at picture edges, creating sharper images by slowing the CRT (cathode-ray tube) beam's horizontal scanning during demanding work--say, when rendering transitions from light to dark parts of an image--and speeding it up when scanning easily rendered sections, like broad dark areas.
Another set of image improvements is wrapped into Samsung's Pro Picture three-stage video correction: Total DSP (Digital Signal Processing), Pro Chip Plus (converts all interlaced analog signals to superior, flicker-free progressive scan images), and the above-mentioned three-line digital comb filter (which analyzes multiple lines of picture information to better minimize edge image artifacts while improving transition detail).
A shadow mask is a thin sheet of perforated metal behind the screen that restricts electron flow, each hole in the sheet corresponding to a single pixel. An Invar mask uses an alloy that's especially resistant to the high temperatures generated by the electron beam, allowing in a brighter, clearer picture.
Connections include a component-video input, an S-video input, a trio of composite-video inputs (with accompanying stereo analog RCA audio inputs), an RF input (for VCR or cable box), and a set of audio/video outputs for feeding a DVR or VCR. Convenient side-panel audio/video inputs foster hookups with camcorders and gaming consoles while preserving the set's uncluttered silver front panel.
A zoom screen-filling option lets you customize the view of letter-boxed DVDs from the supplied remote control, while screen-capture picture freezing lets you view still images, even with broadcast television. Convenient side-panel buttons let you configure the set and access its menus without having to use the remote.
The TXN2668WHF's 15 watts per channel (x 2) ensures sonic clarity and an ability to play loudly. Several sound modes offer dynamic audio settings for whatever you're watching; choose from standard, music, movie, speech, or custom. Surround-sound mode simulates an exciting surround effect from any two speakers, and a side-panel headphone jack allows private listening (headphones not included).
What's in the Box TV, remote control, remote batteries, and user's manual.

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6/23/2011

Samsung LNT1954H 19-Inch LCD HDTV White Review

Samsung LNT1954H 19-Inch LCD HDTV White
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The real issue I had with this TV, which I returned, was the inability to brighten shadow areas. For those of you not familiar with LCD screens, many small ones have a very little dynamic range -- in other words, they tend to push shadow areas into total darkness. You won't notice this in the store, since most of the carefully chosen video is of bright, sunny scenes like hot air balloons and afternoon baseball.
But when you get the set home you'll notice darker scenes, especially in movies, are virtually unwatchable. I spent two days trying to adjust the brightness and contrast, but finally had to admit defeat. Now if you're just buying this for the kids to watch cartoons, you'll probably be ok. It's a beauty in a kitchen. The touch buttons on the side are also very cool. But it just didn't work in our bright kitchen. We went for the 20" Vizio which allows adjustment of the backlight (which will probably shorten its life!), and is much crisper, overall. But the Samsung sure looks cool. White TV's are rare, which makes it even more of a shame the picture was so mediocre.

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Offering an unparalleled sleek design in a gloss white finish, and one of the best quality 720p LCD panels available, Samsung's 2007 model LNT1954H 19-inch white flat-panel LCD HDTV is an excellent choice for a kitchen, or small bedroom TV. Compared to the previous year's model this one offers an updated cosmetic design,hidden speakers, and 1 HDMI connection.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass through hidden side speakers. TruSurround XT audio adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

Connections:
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) 1
RF antenna 1
Component (Y/Pb/Pr) in 1
S-Video input 1
A/V input 1
PC input 1
Headphone jack 1

What's in the box: Samsung LNT1954H LCD TV, remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power Cord, wall mount kit, cleaning cloth, owners manual, warranty card.

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6ft PTC Premium Gold Series Elegant Dual Tone HDMI Cable, Supports Deep Color Review

6ft PTC Premium Gold Series Elegant Dual Tone HDMI Cable, Supports Deep Color
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[Anyone remembers the old "I am not going to spend a lot for this muffler" commercial?]
[NOTE: I bought TWO Premium Gold Series cables and I actually took home one Monster cable at one time so maybe I know what I am talking about :)]
Just in case someone may feel guilty for not paying a lot more for, basically the same thing, let's look at our top of the line offer, Monster HDMI 1000HD Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters) and do a quick comparison.
The Gold Series item supports the HDMI 1.3 standard. Any HDMI 1.3 cable can carry up to 10.2 Gbit/s. Hmmm... I suppose the Monster is much better, right? Well... it "guarantees a certified cable bandwidth of 10.2" Okay, but the Monster also supports "x.v.Color, and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD". It turns out that, all of the above, and more, are part of the HDMI 1.3 specs and they are fully supported by every cable that complies to the standard and can be had for about 95% less in the Premium Gold. The expensive brand presentation simply enumerates the HDMI 1.3 specs as if it being HDMI 1.3 compliant was a really big deal. It is not a big deal. Even a cable that costs 95% less is HDMI 1.3 compliant.
My suggestion: if you think that the proponents of the expensive brand have a point when they claim that their product is a lot more durable, buy TWO Premium Gold wires and still pay almost 90% less than you would pay for one of the expensive ones.
My personal experience: I've never paid 'a lot' for an HDMI cable because it makes no sense to pay more. I took home one of the 'expensive' ones once because the salesman promised to take it back if I wasn't amazed by the difference. It made zero difference and I returned it.
________________________________________
The following are the HDMI 1.3 specs and any certified HDMI 1.3 cable is going to support them.
Maximum signal bandwidth (MHz)340
Maximum TMDS bandwidth (Gbit/s)10.2
Maximum video bandwidth (Gbit/s) 8.16
Maximum audio bandwidth (Mbit/s) 36.86
Maximum Color Depth (bit/px)48
Maximum resolution over single link at 24-bit/px2560?1600p75
Maximum resolution over single link at 30-bit/px2560?1600p60
Maximum resolution over single link at 36-bit/px1920x1200p75
Maximum resolution over single link at 48-bit/px1920?1200p60
sRGB
YCbCr
8 channel LPCM/192 kHz/24-bit audio capability
Blu-ray Disc video and audio at full resolution
Consumer Electronic Control (CEC)
DVD-Audio support
Super Audio CD (DSD) support
Deep Color
xvYCC
Auto lip-sync
Dolby TrueHD bitstream capable
DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream capable
Updated list of CEC commands (only on HDMI 1.3a,b,c)

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PTC's latest revision for HDMI doubles the bandwidth of the original and has opened the door for a host of potential new advancements in Home Theater Audio/Video performance. New features such a "Deep Color," higher color gamut, and high resolution, multi-channel audio formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio will make higher bandwidth demands than ever before. Equipment manufacturers are bringing out new devices to take advantage of these new features.

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6/22/2011

Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV High-Definition Receiver/HDTV Tuner Review

Samsung SIR-TS360 DirecTV High-Definition Receiver/HDTV Tuner
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My ts360 is great; there are lots of features in the menus to customize your use and appearance of the guide. I use mine solely as an OTA receiver, and bought it second-hand. There were a few issues...
The first was, since it was stored away for a while by original owner, it would not power up right away. There was a constant clicking noise; no display. After letting it click away for a few hours, it came back to life. Then a "boot fail" error on the display. You can still bypass this by pressing 'select' to get to the menu to choose "no dish". The receiver resets itself, then works like a charm. I was so happy to get all my local digital/hd channels. BTW, both problems were solved by a little 'googling.'
The ts360 is easy to use, and the guide still provides you with almost all the info (times, descriptions, etc.) on programs found on the digital subchannels (18.1, 24.1, etc.). I've had no problems with it ever since I revived it.

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Looking for ultimate flexibility and future readiness? Then you're looking for Samsung's SIR-TS360 high-definition DirecTV Receiver and HDTV tuner, an all-in-one set-top box offering unprecedented reception of all 18 ATSC over-air digital broadcasts formats, analog broadcasts (NTSC), as well as more than 225 channels of digital satellite programming from DirecTV. With it 7-day DirecTV Advanced Program Guide, selectable output formats, built-in games, and true videophile design, the SIR-TS360 is a great choice for HDTV content reception.Other stand-out features of the SIR-TS360 include a DVI (digital video interface) with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and complete remote operability: the unit is RS-232-capable and Crestron-approved. A guide-search function lets you scan program listings via the names of actors, movies, and other one-step search fields. A picture-in-guide window lets you continue watching a program while surfing the listings, or Samsung's Quick Guide will display listings one 30-minute time-slot at a time in an opaque overlay atop your program.The SIR-TS360's 7-day Advanced Program Guide integrates both analog and digital signals for seamless switching between programs broadcast via satellite and via terrestrial antenna. The receiver/tuner, which features a bilingual user interface (English and Spanish), also lets you search available programming by keyword and schedule specific programs to watch (the receiver will power on and switch to the appropriate station at the appropriate time).Consistent with the all-in-one theme, the SIR-TS360 offers selectable output formats, including 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i. This lets you optimize performance by matching the output to your digital television monitor's native resolution, whether you're using a plasma-, LCD-, DLP-, or CRT-based set. Additionally, the SIR-TS360 simultaneously outputs standard 480i composite-video, allowing a dual connection with an analog TV or standard VCR.A full complement of audio/video inputs and outputs accommodate current and future devices. These include component-video (Y, Pb, Pr), RGB+HV (15-pin D-sub), DVI, composite-video, and S-video outputs, and 1 each optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs for Dolby Digital 5.1 passthrough to a compatible audio/video surround receiver and speaker system. The unit offers 1 each composite-video, component-video, and S-video inputs.Samsung makes an optional RF remote (model SRC-S401RF/A) as well. You can use an RF remote jack and cable to operate the receiver when it's installed in a cabinet or in another room in your house.What's in the Box DirecTV receiver/HDTV tuner, 1 universal remote control (5-device), remote batteries, 1 conditional access card, 1 owner's manual, 1 phone cable, 1 A/V (RCA) cable, 1 S-video cable, 1 component-video cable, 1 VCR control cable.Note: A continuous land-based phone line connection is required for DirecTV Pay Per View functionality and DirecTV subscriptions. Any calls generated by the DirecTV HD Receiver are toll free. These calls are typically made in the middle of the night; your phone is in use for approximately 30 seconds. Due to copyright restrictions, you may not be able to view some high definition programs in high definition format using this product. Whenever possible you should connect both HD and SD interfaces to permit SD viewing of programs if HD viewing is restricted due to copyright restrictions.

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Samsung BD-C7500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Review

Samsung BD-C7500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
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This player worked well for about 1 week. Then, since I had auto firmware updates on, The firmware updated to the current version (1010.4). No problem. Then a day later auto updates ran again. This time updating to version 1015.2 (which is not listed for this product). I have been having problems ever since.
Every time I would turn on the player, I would get an error stating "Model Information in your upgrade file does not match with your player. Please check and retry". Everything I would try to do would pop up this error. So I had to disable auto firmware updates to be able to do anything. Now, when I insert a DVD, the player will eject it at least three times before it successfully reads it. When I try to connect to Netflix, it freezes. I have to power off and power on and try connecting again. This happens anywhere between 3 and 10 times in a row before it will work. When I do finally connect to Netflix, the player asks if I have a Netflix account and makes me "authorize" the player for the millionth time. Then sometimes, the player freezes when I am scrolling through my queue.
I have tried to use a usb flash drive to update the firmware to the current version of 1010.4 but the player does not let me. Probably because the version on my player (1015.2) is supposedly after 1010.4.
Now, onto Samsung's technical support....After about a month I got fed up and decided to try to get this problem figured out. I called 1-800-SAMSUNG. Jumped through their hoops to get to the right person. I explain the problems I am having with the firmware. They tell me that the error message I am receiving when trying to update firmware is "because their server is busy" and to try again later. I told them I did not believe that their server was busy for a month. So they tell me to fix the problem "disable auto updates". I told them I already had and that is by no means a fix. I had to repeatedly tell them that the firmware in my player did not match what was on their website to get them to believe that anything was wrong. So they escalated me to Level 2 support and tell me I will receive a call in 24-48 hours.
Three days later still no call from Level 2 support. I call back, jump through hoops, give my reference # and the person tries to help me. I told them I did not want to talk to them, that I was escalated to Level 2 support and would only talk to them. They connect me to Level 2. I tell them the problem. They tell me that the reason I am getting that error is because the server is busy. (I am thinking to myself "Do these people think I am an idiot?") They tell me to try a USB update. I already tried that. After more useless conversation, they escalate me to a "Product Specialist" and tell me I will receive a call back in 24-48 hours.
One week later, I find myself calling Samsung back because I have still not heard from their product specialist. They tell me that there is not one available for me to speak with and they will have one call me back in 24-48 hours. I'm not holding my breath.
Everyone I spoke with at technical support was arrogant and would talk right over me. Luckily I am pretty tech savvy so I know to call their B.S. when they try to give me a fix like "just turn auto updates off". So my advice is if you buy this product, turn auto updates off as soon as possible, but better yet don't buy it. I got suckered in because of the wall mountable feature. I have had bad luck with Samsung players in the past so luckily I purchased an extended warranty on this one. So if tech support fails me, I can fall back on that.UPDATE:
After several more calls to technical support, they agreed to ship the unit to them for them to repair. Have not received it back yet.
I tried to submit a review on Samsung's website several times. Every time, I get an e-mail a couple of days later saying that they could not post my review because it didn't meet their guidelines. I reviewed their guidelines in detail and nothing I said violated any of them. I think that what it boils down to is that they don't want a negative review on their product site. They want to scam everyone into thinking this is a great player. Well, they're not fooling me.

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The BDC7500 can also has a wireless LAN adaptor included. Add to that AllShare™, which enables content to be seamlessly streamed between DLNA® devices, allowing you to play files stored on your PC through your Blu-ray Player. The Samsung BDC7500 Blu-ray Player is also wall-mountable.

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Samsung HW-C700 AV Receiver Review

Samsung HW-C700 AV Receiver
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First off, let me say that the features list here on Amazon is incorrect - the system does not feature multi-room capabilities. I could not find mention of it in the manual, so I called Samsung, and they confirmed the system does NOT have multi-room capabilities. This was a feature I wanted on my next system, haven't decided whether or not to return the receiver based on this not being there as advertised.
Other than that, it's a good system. The sound quality is really good. It was very easy to hook up all my components and send the video through just one HDMI cable to my TV.
I haven't fully tested the HDMI-CEC functionality, but based on other reviews and from what I have read in the manual, this feature only works with other Samsung (Anynet+) devices. I have an Anynet+ capable TV (Samsung) which works fine, but it will not control or send commands through the TV to my PS3 via my Harmony One remote. Although this might be just one item that isn't supported, consider the manual states Samsung devices if this is a feature you are dead set on.
The iPod/iPhone cradle works with my iPhone 3G. It charges the phone when powered up. It does not allow shuffle or playlists, it only plays each song in alphabetical order. This is a pretty big weakness, but I will overcome it by running a cable to the AUX input on the back of the unit and doing my music seletion directly from my iPhone. At least they aren't charging another $100 for this cradle like many other receiver manufacturers.
Using this receiver with my Logitech Harmony One required some manual configuration. Logitech does not have the correct codes for the system available yet. Even so, manual setup (learning) of the Samsung's remote was not difficult. I am glad that it offers discrete buttons for each of the inputs, sure makes setup a lot easier.
Overall, a bargain for the price, but not as full featured as advertised.

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7.1 Channel,(120Watt x 7),3D Surround,True HD Decoder,Active Subwoofer

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6/21/2011

Samsung UN46B7000 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV Review

Samsung UN46B7000 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV
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My requirement for a television is quite simple: plug it in to the cable box and have it work the first time; then turn on the sports event of the day, e.g. Mets or Yankees, Jets or Giants, etc. The Samsung 46 inch LED TV does that very well. You plug it in, it works.
This TV does more with less. It weighs only about 40 pounds plus another 10 pounds for the stand. Compare that with the older Samsung 950 model of the same size which weighs 70 pounds. The elegant stand allows for easy rotation. The TV is only a little over one inch thick! Power consumption has been measured by reviewers at about 105 watts. The 950 model comes in at 180 watts.
The picture is great. The contrast ratio, rated at 3,000,000 to 1, exceeds that of older LCD TVs. The black areas are dark and the picture has an almost 3D quality. There are four preset picture options. I chose the "normal" setting. The next higher setting, "standard", makes infield grass look almost dayglow. I do not think that there is a need to have any further adjustment done on the picture. However, there is an automatic dimming of the overall brightness for dark scenes. For instance, when the credits of a movie run against a black background the lettering becomes dimmer. This has no effect on sports, but does effect dark movie scenes.
The screen surface does reduce reflections but does not eliminate them entirely. The black frame is shiny and does also reflect some light. Rotating the screen to the best angle helps.
The remote provides choices for four picture size variations. I use "16:9" for the HD format or "wide" to make the non-HD, 4:3, video fill the screen. That loses some of the 4:3 picture at the top and bottom edges, but the picture quality is still good.
The sound also has four preset choices. Although, the internal speakers are not bad, I decided to use my sound system for the audio. The TV has an audio output connection, but the TV remote volume control only allows variation in the sound level for the internal speakers. The audio output stays at a constant level. I got around this by taking the audio from my cable box directly to my sound system and controlling the level with the cable remote. This works.
Although Samsung provides a version of the instruction manual on a USB drive with the TV, I found it easy to download and print a pdf of the manual from the Samsung support center. Having the printed manual is helpful. See my comment for the web address of the support center.
After one month, I still really like this TV. It is great for sports. An added bonus is that my electric bill has actually gone down.
Note: This review was written for the 6000 model. The 7000 model differs from the 6000 model in its I/O capabilities. Recently some people have reported that the 7000 has a better picture. If you do not need the extras, go with the 6000 and save a few dollars.

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HDTV just raised its game to a whole new level. Samsung LED technology provides brighter colors, deeper blacks and sharper images than we've ever achieved before. It also features our slimmest design, advanced media functions, and is our most environmentally friendly HDTV yet. With stats like that, you can't lose.

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