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| Date Reviewed: 10/30/2007 |
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Strengths: Amazing life like picture quality.
25000:1 contrast ratio.
3 HDMI inputs.
PC-Input.
Can store 3 different picture/color settings per input.
Does a decent upconversion on it's own.
Weaknesses: Maybe a little too small to really appreciate the full 1080p.
120 Hz Automotion feature can cause "triple ball" effect when watching sports. Not a big deal though since you can turn the feature off.
Summary: I've had this TV for over a month now and I have to say that I couldn't be happier with it. It is the best picture quality I have ever seen, has plenty of inputs and many other great features. There is a good comparison of this vs. the 81 series from Samsung on avsforum, and they conclude that it is not worth the extra money for the 81 Series to get the LED backlight. I did not see the 81 series, but when I was at the store, this TV stood out among the rest as having the best blacks and the most lifelike picture of all the TVs there, even compared to the plasmas.
I've used PC, HDMI, and S-Video inputs and all work flawlessly and have plenty of picture tweaking options. The TV does a decent job of upconverting standard definition DVDs, but my laptop does a bit better. The difference is not that noticeable though.
It's a whole new experience to play games on this TV now. The games all look great in HD. You might want to turn on game mode when playing games though to get the best image quality.
When watching sports, you may want to turn off the 120 Hz Automotion feature to avoid getting the "triple ball" effect (looks like there are 2-3 balls on the screen at the same time). It happens during a throw in football for example. Using the automotion during normal TV also takes some getting used to. Normal TV shows begin to look like soap operas, ... kind of creepy. I usually keep the feature set to low or off.
Well, I don't know what else I can say except go and get this TV! Frys still has the best price around and it is worth every penny.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/01/2007 |
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Strengths: Amazing constrast ratio: like Plasma. Great technology for less. Rotating stand. Full 1080p.h
Weaknesses: Remote control is not that sensitive. 120hz generates triple ball effects, wish it had a direct route to sources
Summary: Great TV with super clear screen. Amazing picture quality due to its 25,000 contrast ratio. 40" is not that small when you take it home. I live in a 1200 square feet apartment and it's big enough for my space.
Some negative stuff...remote control is not that sensitive. Triple ball effect is a bit annoying since I watch a lot of sports. Hope Samsung can fix this problem but I was told that they do not take this issue seriously.
The remote control does not have direct access to oter inputs (sources). I have to go through menu --> input --> source. Or I have to continue clicking source button until I get to the one I want. The old Samsung TVs had a source button that showed all my sources at once and then I could choose.
In summary...great TV if Samsung can resolve the Triple Ball Effect (TBE) and make the remote control a bit more easily accessible. By the way the remote control only has a limited backlight. 120 refresh rate is controllable a feature Sony lacks. Sony only has on/off but Samsung has off/low/medium/high.
People say that TBE is not a problem if you turn if off but what's the whole point getting a 120 refresh rate TV if you have to turn it off when it counts the most.
I think Sony (XBR4) has smoother picture quality and colors look more natural but they are not worth the extra 600~700 dollars. If the difference is about $300...then go for the Sony. But if it is over $500...Samsung will do the job.
If Samsung fixes the Triple Ball Effect then hands down SAMSUNG!!!
100% of People (4/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/23/2008 |
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 Samsung - Great Reputation - Horror Show Customer Support/Repair Strengths: If it works, and it contains actual Samsung-made parts, it's a pretty fine TV - at least it was when I saw it in the showroom.
Weaknesses: Horrible Samsung Product Support - lied to, told contradictions, months after buying it I still didn't have a functioning TV.
Summary: Defective out of the box. Almost 3 months later I still don't have a functional TV - Samsung slow to implement repair service, each component they replaced did nothing to repair it, so we had to schedule another and another and another appointment. Sometimes repairman didn't show up for appt. because part was still unavailable. Samsung then gave out contradictory information - said panel had ceased production - never to resume - so they would either refund my money or ship a new tv - but it'd take about 6 weeks to arrive as it was backordered. Then their repair guy called saying Samsung told him to replace the panel. All in all a royal pain filled with lies, contradictions, incompetence. Plus, repairman (a veteran of 20 years) says that the 'special features' (120 mhz, special picture modes, etc.) that you pay extra for in this set effectively aren't functional, so you're better off paying less for the base set and get the same picture. Further, depending what's in your set (some parts are made either by Samsung or a different supplier according to repair man - making for noticeable differences in picture quality.) Do you feel lucky? Then order this model (or any Samsung tv.) If not, stick with Sony for assured quality. (Oh, also, still haven't received some of the rebate/gift offers - if you like chasing people on the phone, Samsung is the company for you.)
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| Date Reviewed: 09/30/2007 |
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Strengths: Glossy screen gives excellent black levels
No need for an Antenna to pick up over the air HD
Weaknesses: No ambient light
picture in picture function is weak
Summary: 2007-10-11 19:08:21 I found this TV at our local Frys for $1699 which is $1000 than anywhere else. I ran to our Best Buy that was selling it for $2699 and then did a 110% price match for a total of $1599.
This TV has the best picture that I have always seen. I decided on the 71 series anyway because I wanted the two new features (120hz and 25000:1 ratio) that the 65 series didn't have. Both features make fast action shots very smooth and life like.
Once turned on for the first time, the tv took about 20 minutes to scan for our cable channels (when only have analog cable). To my surprise it picked up 8 (.1) channels. The .1 channels turned out to be High Def. channels that Indianapolis broadcast. So I could watch channel 6 or also go to 6.1 and see NBC in HD. It did this without an Antenna.
Some people (like cnet) complain about the glossy screen giving off glare, but we haven't noticed any glare what so ever. I give this TV a A++++++ and it's WIFE PROOF!!!!!!
About the only complaint I have is the PIP function is very picky about which inputs you use. For example you can have both co axle cables being used for PIP, but this is a very minor issue.
95% of People (21/22) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/24/2007 |
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Strengths: Incredible Contrast Ratio. Awesome Blacks. Lots of ports for connecting all your accessories. Great Aesthetics.
Weaknesses: Not such great reproduction of standard definition signals (true for most HDTV). Some outstanding issues with the 120Hz Technology. Glossy Finish which is a drawback for some.
Summary: This is a truly awesome LCD TV. I did a fair bit of research before I ended up buying this one. If you want to compare manufacturers, Samsung rates right among the top for LCD Panels. Infact Sony uses Samsung panels in their TVs! Among the Samsung models, I spent some time looking at the 65 and 66 Series and comparing with the 71 and 81s. The 71 performs much better than the 65 and 66. With the price difference narrowing, it would be safer to go with the 71. The 81 looked fantastic, with it's LED backlighting. But this is the first model from Samsung with the new technology and I was not very convinced. The price difference at this point is about $300 between the 71 and 81 series. The TV is a 1080p panel. At this point in time in the technology curve it does not make much sense to buy a 720p panel. True that the channels that do offer HD are maximum 1080i today. But in 2 years from now, I be that there will multiple 1080p channels. You want the TV you buy to not be totally useless in 2 years ! The picture quality with 1080i or 1080p sources is just midboggling You have to see it to believe it. There are a few issues with the 120Hz technology, the infamous Triple Ball Effect. Till Samsung addresses it with a firmware fix, you can turn this option off. After buying this TV make sure you calibrate it properly. They are rarely set at optimal calibration parameters from the factory. Refer the appropriate thread on avsforum for a sample calibration parameters. All in all this is a fantastic TV to purchase and you will not be disappointed. It is as good, if not better than the XBR4 and at a good price.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/12/2008 |
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Strengths: One of the highest contrast ratios available 25000:1. Several inputs for connecting other devices. Very slick looking, and picture quality is amazing.
Weaknesses: The auto motion 120hz shows triple ball effect or sometimes makes people look like they are in slow motion. However this can be turned off which is mostly how I keep it.
Summary: When comparing this tv in store you will see that it produces one of the truest blacks. My only recommendation is that in order to get the best picture quality to make sure you use a HDMI cable to your cable box or other devices.
67% of People (2/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/14/2008 |
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Strengths: Nice picture quality, Good Product.
Weaknesses: Sound colud be little better.
Summary: It is good product. Liked it so far.It has very good swivel angle. I liked the menu navigation. I could program the remote to cable as well as VCR also. Unfortunately could not program the Sony DVD system as they use different remote sensors.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/04/2008 |
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Strengths: Excellent picture. Love the swivel stand to view at different angles. the design of the tv is wonderful
Weaknesses: remote controller response a bit slow. when watching sports, with 120Hz the picture quality is not great, lag and triple ball effect is noticeable.
Summary: This is my first HDTV but I did do alot of homework before buying it. I was also thinking about buying the Sony but it was way too expensive. This TV got a really nice design and it is so clean. The picture quality is superb. Everything is excellent. I have this TV hooked up with my PS3 and my HD cable box from comcast. I tried to get the OTA (over the air) with antenna to pick up hd but it didn't work for me. So I decided to go with comcast and try it out. I really hate to pay for extra money for cable but......once I watched it, I couldn't cancel it. It blows my mind. And my gaming experience is fantastic. I love this TV!
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| Date Reviewed: 12/22/2007 |
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Strengths: Great picture quality. Many inputs. Great for sports.
Weaknesses: None
Summary: Got a great deal from Amazon. Fantastic for watching football - like being at the game. Amazing clarity. 1080P and 25000 contrast ratio says it all. Can customize the configuration with many many variable settings.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/21/2007 |
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Strengths: The TV is perfect for me! The resolution, the color, the contrast ratio, the price----
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I highly recommended this TV to everyone. I got this from Amazon for $1450. I think the price also reasonable. I put it in my bedroom and enjoy the home movie very much!!!!!!!!!come on!!!!!!!
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| Date Reviewed: 12/15/2007 |
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Strengths: Many inputs. Has picture in picture so you can watch TV in the lower or upper right corner of the screen as you use the HDTV as an external monitor. True 1080p 1920 x 1080 resolution, 25K contrast!
Weaknesses: PIP only displays analog input, to get sound for PIP must go thru multiple remote key presses, clarity of HDTV not as good as Sony Bravia which I returned due to poor side by side pic by pic.
Summary: Nice unit, but they could work out some user unfriendliness in the menu and remote functionality. Samsung is about the only manufacturer to make true picture in picture these days. Unfortunately I had to go with them again after the HDTV tuner went out in a smaller Samsung HDTV/monitor which had 3 years of warranty. Their reps were unwilling to give me a truly comparable model with the same resolution so I had to purchase this one with only a 1 year warranty locally, but got a good deal at Circuit City. My former model Samsung 242MP, 24", had much better user control over the PIP subscreen, basically transparent intuitive ease of operation.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/30/2007 |
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Strengths: Very good quality, Lots of inputs, Good price comparing to others
Weaknesses: None so far
Summary: I like this TV a lot. It has lots of inputs and good picture quality. And the design is very nice. I have no complaints. With its price I guess this was the best deal I could buy.
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