Samsung PN42B450 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV (2009 Model)

From the ManufacturerManufacturer's Review (April 23, 2009)It's easy to see the difference in picture quality with the PN42B450 plasma HDTV. 720p high definition resolution and e-panel technology deliver sharp images and crystal-clear details. You also get more realism and vivid color. Plus bothersome glare isn't a problem with FilterBright and 600Hz Subfield Motion with a .001ms response time delivers a clear picture for fast-moving scenes. Enjoy eye-catching images and brilliant color every day.

Filter Bright Antiglare Technology

Minimized image glare and maximized contrast make this HDTV perfect for the ultimate viewing experience day or night. The anti-glare filter reduces reflections noticeably while maintaining ultra-high picture contrast. Daytime sports look crisp and bright, while movies at night feature rich blacks and realistic shadow detail.

e-Panel Technology

Samsung's e-panel technology makes sure you get superior picture quality.

• FilterBright panel minimizes glare and reflections.
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for clear motion pictures.
• A fast .001ms response time minimizes blurring of fast motion in sports programs and movie content
• Mega Dynamic Contrast ratio provides an improved, purer black level and color performance in Samsung's latest-generation plasma panels.

Built-In Digital Tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)

The SAMSUNG plasma TVs have all the tuners you need for any type of cable service, including high definition.

Game Mode

Get in the game with enhanced blacks, sharp picture quality and optimum audio. At the touch of a button, game mode speeds up the image processing response so you get the most out of your gaming experience.

SRS TruSurround HD

Assisted by the PN42B450's two 10W bottom speakers, this creates an immersive, feature-rich surround sound experience from two speakers, complete with rich bass, high frequency detail and clear dialog.

Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)

Get rid of the herd of remotes roaming across your coffee table and hiding in your couch cushions. One remote does it all with Anynet+. It delivers one-touch control for all your HDMI-connected compatible Samsung devices--such as your TV, AV receiver, or home theater system--and leaves you plenty of room to put your feet up.

Side A/V Connections

Provides convenient and easy connection for camcorders, cameras, or other compatible AV devices.

ENERGY STAR Compliant

By being ENERGY STAR compliant you are assured that your SAMSUNG model is helping the environment by using less energy while saving you money. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy promoting energy efficiency.

Wide Color Enhancer 2

Whereas blue and green shaded areas of the picture are washed out on conventional screens, wide color enhancer lets you experience more brilliant colors. Simply imagine a wider range of color than you ever thought possible.

What's in the Box

Samsung PN42B450 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV, Remote control, Cable holders and stand, TV stand and hardware, Cover bottom, Program CD, Owner's instructions, Cloth clean, Quick setup guide, Warranty card.

Enjoy eye-catching images and brilliant color every day.

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.

• Minimum size = Viewing distance/3.
• Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5.

600Hz Subfield Motion delivers a clear picture for sports, action, and other fast-moving scenes.

Contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this HDTV.

Wide color enhancer lets you experience more brilliant colors.

• 42-inch high definition TV with 720p resolution.
• Two component, and one composite video input; two 10W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD for a rich surround-sound.
• Mega dynamic contrast ratio for a stunning high contrast picture.
• Anynet technology makes system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation.
• One-year parts and labor warranty.

CLICK –

SAMPLE CUSTOMER REVIEW'S

1) Best budget HDTV - Great quality at this price point, way above my expectations!

My goal was to get an HDTV for no more than $1000.

This is how I convinced that Plasma 42" 720 p is the right choice for me .I've done quite bit of click shopping at online stores- amazon, eBay, newegg, abt.

1. Size: I don't need a TV bigger than 50". I live in a Condo. This is for my living room. Watch distance is ~8 feet.

2. Output: For <=50" size, I can not distinguish if the output is in 720p or in 1080 p(or 1080i).Comcast telecasts HD in 1080i in my area. As per my research, it takes at the least 2-3 years for Cable providers to upgrade their output quality to >=1080 p as such upgrade requires huge investment.

3.Plasma vs LCD vs rear projection: Partly this choice was governed by next criterion, price. Rear projections , available in the market, are largely >50". Between Plasma and LCD- I could not find any annoying feature in either technology when I watch those sets in stores -Walmart, target, sears, frys and best buy. At times I found colors of Plasma-warm and more appealing than I found those on LCD.
4.Price- I found Plasma sets did better on this criterion over LCD sets. Also most LCD sets produce 1080p. I do not need 1080p and I did not want to pay for that feature.
5.Other hygiene factors: HDMI inputs(3), Component connection, Optical link for sound
6. Factors I did not care: height(above 6000 feet) . I 've no reason to believe that I'll need to use this set at that elevation. Watching in light: I 'm okay to pull the blinders if too much sunlight affects experience . Burn in: latest Plasmas have advanced technology that constantly moves the picture and does not let burn in happen. Also if burn in does happen after few years, I am okay. I am sure I'll go for another TV in next 3+ years and can use this in any other room. 1080p-bluray: my TV downgrades the output signal to 720p. I wouldn't notice any difference anyways between 720p vs. 1080 p at <50".
7.Brand: Pioneer, Panasonic, Samsung are the leaders in plasma. Pioneer's TVs are way above my requirements- in terms of TV size and price.
8.Personal Tests- At stores- without looking at specifications- tried to call out output and LCD vs Plasma. I was largely successful in identifying LCD vs Plasma but not quite successful in identifying 720p vs 1080p. On closer look 1080ps looked better than 720ps.( I just told myself that store guys apply settings in such a way that 1080ps look better..See I made the decision to buy 720p and was looking for evidence to support my decision! )

I narrowed down choices to Panasonic P42X1 and SamsungPN42B450. Both appeared great- my wife likes Samsung's external finish over Panasonic. I like the fact that Samsung is $20 economical compared to Panasonic.

I bought this item from Amazon , received it yesterday. Out of box settings are great. Played around with those options on remote control -with energy efficient options, Picture modes, sound modes. It's exciting.

Will post updates to this review if find anything exciting or disturbing with this unit.

**Update 6/21/2009- I could not find any significant evidence that Plasma increased my energy bill.
-My energy bill for May 2008-June 2008 was USD 76, for Apr 2009-May 2009 was USD 82 , for May 2009-June 2009 it is USD 63. I've got few additional electronic appliances since last year including this Plasma (I kept my 20" LCD in my guest room) April last week.

By Narasimha on May 2, 2009