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7
stars
Awesome, if you're watching front and center.
by LarryLarryLarryLarry
on
April 7, 2007
Pros: High definition picture quality, tv's looks when off.
Cons: Limited prime viewing angles, reflective frame.
Summary: First, the good news.
The picture quality on over the air HDTV programs, using my large rooftop antenna, can be spectacular. This is after playing with the picture settings-there are ...
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Summary: First, the good news.
The picture quality on over the air HDTV programs, using my large rooftop antenna, can be spectacular. This is after playing with the picture settings-there are a lot of settings to adjust. The picture quality on over the air stations varies. Some HDTV looks fantastic, some looks definitely less than fantastic, but still good. So far, from what I have seen, local news in high definition beats other high definition programs such as Leno, Letterman, and prime time dramas.
People, on a 40 inch HDTV, there is no need to get a 1080p tv (1920 x 1080 pixels). 720p tv's (1366 x 768) like this LN-T4053H, are all you need. Don't buy into the hype. A 40" 720p tv has 39 pixels per linear inch, and a 40" 1080p set has 55 pixels per linear inch. There is NO WAY that anyone can see a difference between 39 and 55 pixels per inch, unless they are watching the tv from three feet away or closer. Save your money. On a much larger tv, then you could see a difference, IF you had a 1080p source. But on a 40 incher, no way.
I like Samsung's reputation for a great combination of high quality and not so high prices on their LCD HDTV's. I like the looks of the curves on the 2007 models, as opposed to the sharp edges and corners on the 2006 models like the LN-S4092D, for example. The glossy black frame around the screen looks great when the tv is OFF.
The ability to freeze a frame of live TV is cool. Maybe there is somebody hot in high definition that you want to examine more closely 
The sound on the hidden, built in speakers will go to a quite loud level. But since there is nowhere to hide 12 inch woofers on this beauty, the bass is not as great as what most people would prefer to hear. If you need to hear more bass, hook up the tv to an external amplifier or home theater.
The tv's base was already attached to the tv in the shipping box.
Now the bad news.
When I get a great HDTV signal, as I sit dead center to the screen, the picture has a glossy look, like a plasma, but there are no reflections off of the screen. Depending on the source quality, the picture can be awesome! But as I sit there eight feet from the screen, if I move two feet to my right or left, or if I stand up, the glossy look fades to a flatter, hazier look. As if the contrast was suddenly turned way down. Like, well, what a lot of LCD computer monitors do if you move to the side and look at the screen. This doesn't bother me, because I sit dead center to the screen. But I wanted to mention this because most people want the picture to be visible at its best over a wide seating area, so that multiple people can watch the tv at the same time, and have all of the people seeing the same high quality picture. The sweet spot for the best picture viewing, then, is two people wide, at an eight foot distance. This is important for most people, which is why I only gave this tv a seven.
The tv's frame is a glossy, piano black. When watching the tv, the reflections on the frame from lights in the room, or sunlight, are hard to ignore. Why, oh why, Samsung, can't you just make flat black frames?
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8 out
of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Great LCD TV for under $2000
by Sambinger
on
April 17, 2007
Pros: Great picture even with STD DEF, easy set-up, multiple connection options, nice looking TV.
Cons: None at the moment
Summary: This is my first HDTV. I researched many LCD HDTVs. All makes and models before settling on buying a Samsung. You seem to get more bang for less bucks w/...
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Summary: This is my first HDTV. I researched many LCD HDTVs. All makes and models before settling on buying a Samsung. You seem to get more bang for less bucks w/Samsung. I got this at BestBuy for $1600 via a price match. A complete steal for this set. I have to say that even though I've only had this TV for a short time, this clearly is an unbelievable TV. The picture is crystal clear even though I only have regular digital cable hooked-up. I'm getting the HD cable box today and I can't wait to see what the picture looks like then. The picture from my home theater (also Samsung) connected w/component cables is spectacular. Even my wife is impressed and she not into the hi-tech/digital TV stuff. I'd give this TV a 10 but I need a little more time to see if any cons materialize (I don't see the viewing angle being limited as the other reviewer indicated). One other thing I'd mention is the style of this set. It looks great. The design of style is top shelf. If you buy this TV you will not be disappointed. I'll update this in the near future if needed.
Updated
Just to update, I got the HD Cable Box yesterday and hooked it up via an HDMI and the HD picture is unreal. Better than I thought it would be. Great TV.
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4 out
of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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7
stars
Perfect with 1080i and AV receiver, but some major problems with sound drop out and screen tearing
by xactlee
on
June 19, 2007
Pros: Great picture, decent sound from tv speaker, wide array of inputs, easy to navigate, good color after calibration, Great price
Cons: If manufactured before May 2007 there is an hdmi sound drop out problem, when using progressive scan (720p) there are tearing issues in the picture
Summary: This is a great set that has a phenomenal design and stunning picture. I would recommend it to anyone who is using inputs with 1080i and has an AV receiver. ...
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Summary: This is a great set that has a phenomenal design and stunning picture. I would recommend it to anyone who is using inputs with 1080i and has an AV receiver. The major issue with this set, and other Samsung sets from 2007, is that when using an input at 720p there will be a "tearing" line that travels up the screen from time to time. Samsung has yet to address this problem and refuses to acknowledge its existence. The other problem is with sound drop outs when using a device connected by hdmi. Samsung has addressed this problem, however, and has released a firmware update, either by service personnel or by sending the owner a usb device, that will fix the problem. It is not know if this fix is permanent. Since I do not currently use hdmi or 720p these issues are not a problem, but should be noted when considering for purchase. I really love this set and would recommend it to anyone with these caveats. Great value and one of the best LCD pictures on the market. If you can work around the problems this Samsung is worth the money.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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7
stars
Audio Drop Out Problems! Call Samsung Direct.....
by valkrocket
on
June 10, 2007
Pros: Great design and Picture.....
Cons: Audio Failures for many LNT units out there...
Summary: if an audio drop out prob is an issue.....ask for the "thumb drive firmware" fix. If the audio prob comes back...ask Samsung to replace the main board and ...
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Summary: if an audio drop out prob is an issue.....ask for the "thumb drive firmware" fix. If the audio prob comes back...ask Samsung 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. Predominant in 32" models and have also shown up in 40-50" as well.
Samsung will take care of it...just patience and persistence. Luck!
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2 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
720P Here, Better Than 1080P There!
by nathometheatre
on
February 20, 2008
Pros: Unbelieveable Picture @ 720P, Connections Galore!
Cons: Really none I can find worth mentioning
Summary: I did soooooo much research on LCD's vrs. Plasma. I was originally looking for something around 32"-37" (which there are no Plasmas in this size), and I really ...
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Summary: I did soooooo much research on LCD's vrs. Plasma. I was originally looking for something around 32"-37" (which there are no Plasmas in this size), and I really over researched (if there is such a thing) to the point where I came close to just waiting. I compared so many Flat Panels, they all started to run together, and I simply just lost interest and convinced my self to wait until technology improved a bit and was a little more consistent. Well, I came very close to buying the Sony Bravia 120Hz (which seems to be all the buzz right now regarding motion blur), and realized that 120Hz imo is really over rated. I had a sales rep hold a Sony Bravia for me, as I just wanted to make one more stop before making my purchase. As I was making one last look around, I had seen the Samsung LN-T4053H specs and prices on the net, but never saw one in the stores until now. Believe it or not, it just so happened to be displayed right next to the Bravia I was about to purchase at another store! I stood there for 20 minutes or so, comparing the bravia with the 120Hz on and off, with both sets at the same settings so I could compare them as close as possible for a fair demo. I was really impressed with the fact that not only was the Bravia in 120Hz mode, but also a 1080P with a 1080P source hooked up to it! The Sammy hung in there with absolutely amazingly sharp clarity, handle the motion blur just as well as the over priced Bravia (even in 120Hz), and it was about $650 less in price! I really wasn't letting price play a factor in this comparison, as I'm hoping this will be my last television (for our Master bedroom) I'll have to purchase. Well... after 20 minutes of comparing what I thought was the best LCD out there, to the Samsung, it was a no brainer. I was astounded at the sharp detailed picture, the colors were dead on (after i played with it a bit), and I personally like the black laquer trim, as it isn't over done. Again, I studied the technology on a ton of TV's including the actual "light source", and where there made, how long they should last with average viewing of about 4-6 hours a day, engine types, 60Hz vrs 120Hz etc.... I could go on and on about LCD technology but I'll just get a headache doing so. Anyway, if you can get a Samsung LN-T4053H (or any size in the LN-T 53 series) at $1400 or less, this is a steal for what you get! The quality is simply right there with the very best! Believe me, I know! Get one while you still can, as I understand it their now discontinued! Samsung, leave a great product alone! Keep this model, as it's one of your best!
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Great value LCD TV
by jeroque
on
February 14, 2008
Pros: Connectivity, features, picture quality & price
Cons: TV has glare and dust can be easily seen.
Summary: This set replaced my 37" Westinghouse 37W1 1080p...this tv has ample connectivity w/ 3 hdmi's, component and vga connection. It has many picture adjustment to satisfy your viewing ...
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Summary: This set replaced my 37" Westinghouse 37W1 1080p...this tv has ample connectivity w/ 3 hdmi's, component and vga connection. It has many picture adjustment to satisfy your viewing pleasures but I followed CNET's recommendation. SD picture quality is excellent and HD signals are outstanding. As a 40" lcd tv, the price is reasonable for its great performance and features.
For this size also I don't need a 1080p due to my viewing distance of 9ft. The picture quality of this set is better than my Westinghouse lcd even though this is only a 720p resolution tv. You won't regret buying this tv...this set is also light and easy to transfer from 1 room to another by just one person.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Nice features and connectivity!
by binoche69
on
April 17, 2007
Pros: Lots of inputs(3 HDMI, 2 comp, VGA + USB )
Cons: None so far.....maybe the video calibration
Summary: I used to have the 3251 model and was really happy with it,but when i saw this one on sale at my local Fry's store for $1199, I ...
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Summary: I used to have the 3251 model and was really happy with it,but when i saw this one on sale at my local Fry's store for $1199, I couldn't pass is up. I exchange it and only paid $100 more and it was really worth it. The set looks awesome and I was able to connect all my video and audio components(360,ps3,hdmi dvd, receiver, hd cable box and a media center pc)It has a lot of video settings to mess around with before getting the right calibration that is up to my par. The usb connection is a bonus for playing mp3's and watching pics from ipod or camera. Picture looks great on HD broadcast and average on local channels. This set is meant for High-Def anyways. All in all this set is NICE! and HIGHLY recommended.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Exellent TV
by F4F16DRVR
on
January 9, 2008
Pros: Sharp picture and colors
Cons: None noted in the 6 months I've owned the set
Summary: Connected to a surround sound system so I haven't evaulated the stand-alone sound quality.
Summary: Connected to a surround sound system so I haven't evaulated the stand-alone sound quality.
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9
stars
Worth the wait!
by rqs_007
on
December 28, 2007
Pros: Excellent features and calibration options. No motion blur on sports and action movies. Great picture quality!
Cons: Sound isn't powerful
Summary: VIDEO (*****)
The quality of video for this 720p TV is remarkable. As a sports fan, I was concerned about motion blur with LCD's over the last year or two, ...
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Summary: VIDEO (*****)
The quality of video for this 720p TV is remarkable. As a sports fan, I was concerned about motion blur with LCD's over the last year or two, but after researching, I realized that it's not an issue with modern day LCD's. The 120Hz is just hype. I have absolutely no blur with my TV that I have accepting signals from the DirecTV HD-DVR (HR121). Sports look spectacular and movies look great as well. I was very pleased with the standard definition picture as well. If you're sitting too close to it, you can see artifacts, but my couch is almost eight feet away and I can rarely see artifacts in SD.
AUDIO (***)
This is really the only think that kept me from giving it five stars overall. With home theatres today, sounds from the TV isn't that big of an issue and I think the guys from Samsung had that in mind when making this one. It's not bad, but it's nothing that will blow you away at all. I will give it credit for handling speech very well. It's a very clear and crisp sound.
FEATURES (*****)
This think has a ton of features. Different fonts of closed captioning, deep calibrating options, three picture modes and sound modes. 16:9, 4:3, Just Scan, Zoom 1, Zoom 2 and I think I forgot one. Side-by-side PIP, top/bottom PIP, and conventional PIP. The only catch to that is that one signal has to be digital (HDMI or component) and the other has to be analog (S-Video, A/V, or coaxial). I was able to do PIP with my Xbox (via component) while watching TV with my TiVo (via S-Video). I'm not able to play X while watching my HR121 (via HDMI). Adding/deleting stations is a breeze! It's very user-friendly and even someone who isn't a techie can use it. There's a USB (Wiselink) port in the back and I used it to view photos and even play MP3 background music during my slideshows. The remote is pretty good as well. Easy to use with one hand although it's a little long for my taste. I have a Harmony 880 now, so I rarely use it. You only have to cycle through inputs that are being used not every single one of them. That saves a lot of time.
OVERALL (****)
I absolutely love this TV. I've been in the market for HD for 2 years now and this TV finally made me feel comfortable enough to make a purchase. I feel like it was well worth the wait. It handles all types of programming well (even black & white movies) and it responds quickly to the remote control. I got it for $1100 at a local electronics store here in Jackson, MS. Anyone saying 1080p is superior to 720p hasn't really watched a 720p. From a distance of six feet or more, if you can tell the difference between the two, you have to be a professional.
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8
stars
Great LCD for the price!!!
by raburton
on
December 12, 2007
Pros: Once configured, the picture is as good as it gets on an LCD
Cons: Common to LCDs, it struggles with motion and darkness
Summary: I bought this TV as an open box item which was already on sale for $799, so I got a great deal. First off, 1080p is pointless at this screen ...
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Summary: I bought this TV as an open box item which was already on sale for $799, so I got a great deal. First off, 1080p is pointless at this screen size (40") so this resolution (720p) is all you will ever need. I used the calibration DVD that cnet recommends and it made the picture on this tv amazing. I knew coming into this that there would be an issues with black levels and large amounts of motion (hence the 8 out of 10), so I'm not going to complain about it. I'm probably most happy with the deal I got on the TV, but for a "mid-level" Samsung product, they don't make a better, LCD produced, image than this. I strongly recommend this set to anyone shopping within this screen size and price range. Don't worry about 1080p until you get over 50".
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Samsung LN-T4053H
