Samsung HPT4254 42 Plasma HDTV

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Samsung HPT4254 42 Plasma HDTV

By HDTV Reviews | May 15, 2008

Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4254 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company’s latest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC–it’s perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery). Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung’s unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV’s own remote control.

While the HP-T4254 Samsung’s entry level 720p plasma for 2007, it differs from the step-up HP-T4264 on in the cosmetic design, and the lack of a USB2.0 connection. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you want a USB connction for playing photo files or MP3s, check out the HPT4264.

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. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.

Single-tuner Picture in Picture
This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can’t watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitation of PIP in most HDTVs currently available.

Connections:

HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
Composite video input: 1 (side)
Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
RF input: 2 (rear)

What’s in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner’s Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars TV died afer 2 weeks
I purchased this TV because of Samsung’s reputation of making great quality TV and Amazon had the best price at that time.

TV was delivered on time by Eagle. However, the problem started right way. It would not turn on, and after waiting for an hour, it finally did turn on. My husband started getting suspicious that something was wrong, but Samsung cust svc stated that it might be because TV was still warming up. Well, after 2 weeks of normal use (just TV and video watching, not video games), it completely died and would not turn back on!

I believe I got a defective product because TV is way too new to be having problems already. I returned it to Amazon and am waiting for a refund.

The TV was awesome though. It has a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, thus producing very sharp and clear picture. Even though it is a 720p resolution, I honestly do not see the difference between this TV and the 1080p one. The minor drawback is the sound quality, but that can be overcome by surround speakers. I am buying another Samsung because I love the TV.

The reason for the 2-star rating is due to the hassle of returning TV. I was told by Amazon cust svc that someone from Eagle/CEVA would contact me within 2-3 days to pick up the TV. After one week, still no word from them. I HAD TO CONTACT THEM, waited all morning for 4 hrs to talk to the “correct” person to schedule a pick up.

I don’t think I would buy a big ticket item from Amazon again. They have great prices, but if I get a defective product again, it is so much headache to return it.

5 Stars Great Tv
Great picture, even during the break in period. Tons of features and settings. Price was terrific, shipping was a breeze. No problems so far, no glitches and set up was simple. One thing, if you have a bright room dont get this tv. Glare is definetly an issue when the room is bright. Doesnt bother me cause I have a pretty dark viewing area but something to keep in mind.

5 Stars fantastic plasma
This is a great plasma display. Many folks are too oversold on this whole 1080p thing. This Samsung is a 768 display, but unless you are going real big on a display and will be watching a ton of 1080p HD or BluRay, 768 in a 42″ display is plenty of resolution.

I would buy this set again in an instant.

5 Stars Pretty decent!
It’s a really nice TV for the price. I received it couple of weeks back and it has been everything I expected. The picture quality is great; sound is not bad for a TV. No complaints.

5 Stars Great TV. Very stylish
Great looking TV, great picture, no complaints whatsoever. The set itself is very stylish, the sleek black frame looks great making the TV something to look at even when it’s powered off. Great TV, great price.

Not being a complete videophile, the stock settings on the TV look surprisingly nice. You can pick between Dynamic, Standard and Movie mode. Dynamic gives you the most contrast making the picture look more sharp.

HDTV and HD Movies look amazing on this TV. Xbox 360 looks almost real and the option of digital audio out gives you the option to connect to a digital surround sound system for amazing sounds.

TV was delivered by Eagle shipping. TV was delivered on time. Once they received the TV in my area, they sent me an email requesting a call to setup an appointment to deliver the TV. They need a 5 hour window to deliver the TV, but they can call you 30-60 min before the delivery if you want them too. They called 45 min before the delivery, arrived on time, carried the TV into the desired room, unpacked the TV and assisted me inspecting it for any damage. Very professional and courteous.

Buy/More Info

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