Samsung PN58A550 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
58" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels * 30,000:1 contrast ratio (1,000,000:1 dynamic) * 175°(H) x 175°(V) viewing angle *
Samsung PN58A550 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Accessories
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Samsung PN58A550 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Reviews
At first I asked that they take the box with them, but one of them wisely (or lazily. I think the former) suggested that I keep the box for a week in case something went wrong and the TV should have to be removed. It arrived when they said it would, and it was carefully unboxed, plugged in to make sure that it was working and then away the delivery men went. I'm lucky: my experience was near flawless with the delivery of this television.
Though not "cheap", I am amazed that a TV of this quality can be purchased for the price it's being offered at. If not mounting the TV right away (as I did - had to put the 3rd party stand together when it was delivered) make sure to completely unbox the TV so that it can stand true. SD pictures on it, as many have said, are not great, but I belong to the school of thought that reasons you should be watching HD if you're buying this television, or any 1080p television of this size. Fellas.". This TV is sold through Amazon, but WHO actually sells you the TV can revolve between any number of providers. I use a separate receiver, and speaker set-up for sound so can't honestly assess the aural qualities of the TV's speakers. The only problem you might have is that your living room will become your friend's new favorite movie theater.
Once it's in place, it really is a thing of beauty with stunning picture quality and amazing detail at its native 1080p resolution. On the downside, and why I didn't give it 5 stars, is that it generates a lot of heat, and uses a LOT of electricity. This made me feel more secure about the purchase and my recourses should something go wrong. It's not terribly heavy (158lbs with stand, 135lbs without), but it's awkward when lifted and a big slab to navigate should you have to go up stairs or around corners (neither of which I had to do). It's a monster: it's a giant sheet of fragile glass sitting in your room, not unlike the monolith in Arthur C Clark's books.
Storing a box of that size, however, presents problems of its own living in an apartment in an urban environment where space is harder to come by than in the suburbs. Glare could also be an issue for those with a viewing set-up that has natural light behind the viewer, but in my case that hasn't been a problem.
In hindsight, though nothing has gone wrong with the TV, I think this sound advice. I recognize that these drawbacks are inherent in the plasma technology, but it doesn't mean I have to like them.
Seriously. I have a PS3 to accompany this behemoth and games and Blu-ray movies are mind blowing.
"Time to go fellas. I (wisely, or so I believe) waited until the TV was for sale by Amazon itself and not a 3rd party vendor.
Overall, I am very, very happy with this purchase, and would recommend it to any and all of my friends.
Amazon was outstanding as well. This is a great HDTV. justifying the cost difference. The picture is amazing - hard to imagine any of the more expensive TVs (Panasonic, Pioneer, etc). We had the TV just 3 days after placing the order
I could not be more pleased with this TV and Amazon. This is a great deal, the delivery was fast and efficient and the delivery company was asked to call me at work 30 minutes before they would come to my house and they did, so I did not have to sit around for half a day. When it died I went shopping. The Olympics just happened to be on the first week I had it.
The TV has a pixel shifter feature that was on by default that should minimize burn in, my other big worry. I get distracted watching people in the crowds because the little details are so clear. Best picture I ever saw.
Great deal, great TV. The bad reviews you see here about windows and a light room have no basis in reality for me. I think the set paid for itself immediately with the airfare I saved to Beijing, because you think you are there with this thing. I was an early adopter of HD TV and bought my first 50" HD set in 1998.
Compared to this set I think I have never seen HD TV before. I have a surround sound system so I don't use the TV speakers and can't comment on the built in sound. I have Direct TV and used the HDMI cable to connect the TV. I have the TV facing three windows with inside plantation shutters and the TV is clear and easy to see even on bright mornings with the shutters partially closed.
The color and blacks make Plasma worth the concerns with burn in. WOW. They say this is a worry mainly on the first 200 hours, so I'll be careful for now.
The HD picture just jumps out at you. The only cons so far, obviously being plasma you must control the light in your room and the menus seem, at first glance, to be somewhat cumbersome. One warning: only the driver comes, there is no two person team. So far very pleased, will update should anything noteworthy occur. Not easy to lift. First thoughts on delivery day. The delivery was actually 2 hours before the scheduled window, the delivery man did call and say he was coming.
I'm not sure if that is a plus or a minus since you could spend a week trying all the combos. This is not my first HD TV, its actully my fourth, so I'm used to HD and would not be impressed just by seeing HD for the first time. The local electronics dealer would have ended up costing $951 more ($3299 + delivery + tax),even after their "lowest price we can go to" which obviously made my decision easy. Might get better with some fine tuning. SD is about average for an HD TV.
Therefore you have to help pick up the TV and put it on your stand, and help maneuver it into the house. The driver did offer to hook it up but knowing my system better I decided to do it myself, after making sure it did work. While TV's are lighter than the old days, this still weighs in at 138 pounds, over 150 with packing. While a long time Amazon customer I was hesitant to order such a large TV. But this beats my Toshiba plasma picture easily and my old (3 years )JVC DLP.
The reason to buy an HD is obviously the picture so given how good the picture is I'm willing to put up with the cons listed below. It is amazingly clear and sharp, literally like looking out a window. There are so many picture options, color, tint, warmth, etc.
I decided to buy this one since it was a few hundred-dollars less. It looks like the people are right in my living room. I was so hesitant buying this instead of the Panasonic. I have never seen a picture this clear in my life. I just can't wait till more of our channels are broadcast in HD.
It is amazing. I did tons and tons of research before buying this and reach lots and lots of feedback. It is pretty grainy when hooked up to regular TV but the HD channels are incredible. This TV is great.
If all our channels were in HD we would have definitely given this 5 stars. I would highly recommend this TV to anyone. VERY happy with this TV. It is a great buy for the money.
I am SO pleased with my decision.
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