 Not a good HDTV buy Strengths: Price, only if using component video for HDTV is acceptable;
Built-in speakers.
Weaknesses: DVI port;
Programming a universal remote for use.
Summary: The DVI port seems only to work with a computer as a external video display. When connected to a HDTV cable or satellite receiver the screen displays a HDCP non-compliance error message along with interference (noise) around some parts of the viewing screen which can cause video burn-in. I tried several different receivers with the same result.
You can only use a "learning" programmable universal remote to operate the majority of the plasma TV functions. There is no functional Sampo TV code on the various universal remotes that came with my Scientific Atalanta cable receiver, satellite receiver, Harmon Kardon a/v receiver, Denon dvd player, Denon cd player, or JVC VHS VCR.
Sampo technicians have admitted that there is an "issue" with the DVI port after advising me to change the other equipment (which gave the same negative results). I specifically order a plasma with DVI so that I may take advantage of the great picture that this port supposedly displays. The first six months, my cable provider wasn't supplying receivers with DVI ports, but advised me that they were being offered soon. I patiently waited for about another 6 months before I was able to get the first DVI compatible receiver. The problem surfaced immediately and was blamed on the cable receiver (as per Sampo technical support). I reluctantly used the component video jacks to watch my HD programming, which was pretty good. I spent the money on this plasma TV to get exceptional HD reception, not pretty good. My cable provider came out with a different DVI compatible receiver...same result. I now use a HDMI compatible receiver and use a HDMI-to-DVI converter cable to possible get the "advertised" quality picture I was patiently awaiting...same story. I am back to using component video until I decide to sue Sampo for this inferior product.
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