I've tried Dan's settings, but also dont look good on my display. Everything has yellow tint, and picture dont look sharp.

I dont have any calibrating discs/equipment so have to trust my eyes. Played around with contrast/brightness/colour/tint, but on all settings the yellows seems to bright, green also (your eye will keep on catching yellow objects while watching movie. How do I change/adjust this?

Use Ps3 as BD player.

Does your display look like the #2 pics in my previous post? Check it out a page back or two. If you're seeing that. There's no fix I'm aware of. I'm still trying to get a hold of Samsung to see if they can shed any light.

I bought the 42" model about ten days ago when Fry's had it on a one-day sale for $599. I was impressed by how vivid the colors were on things like David Letterman's set, and by how crisp and detailed the overall image was on an episode of "America's Got Talent" (it is taped in a theater setting which is very visually complex, and which is lit up like a Christmas tree), but anytime I looked at a ball game or golf match or anything with grass, the green was like Day-Glo paint, and skin tones in most programming were very odd looking (almost like embalmed corpses or Wax Museum figures). I was considering returning the set and getting an LED model instead, but I found this thread through a Google search.

I gave Dan's settings from post #86 a try, and I am now much happier with the unit. The colors seem to be very well balanced, and skin tones are much improved. Thanks for taking the time to do the calibration and post the settings, Dan.

I do occasionally have the impression that there is a very slight muted, brown-gray overlay, somewhat like a much less exaggerated version of what polarized sunglasses make things look like. (I remember noticing this in particular in a car race telecast that had a lot of long shots with lots of blue sky/white clouds in the picture.) Is there likely to be any change in the picture with more hours of use (I am just putting the set to normal use, not doing anything special to "break it in"), or is there a particular one of Dan's settings that might be tweaked to eliminate this overlay, but without messing everything else up?

(I'm basing most of my impressions on watching over-the-air network TV HD broadcasting. I have an old, cheap DVD player and an even older Dish TV box; I need to upgrade both.)

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread so far.

HP

You might try the dynamic contrast to 'low'...I wouldn't use anything but 'off' but that will take away the slight film-look you are seeing.

Got my parents 50b450 calibrated sunday.
I don't have time to type everything out, but Dan's settings were a fantastic starting point and there set was only slightly different post claibration.
I will be back with write-up soon.

You might try the dynamic contrast to 'low'...I wouldn't use anything but 'off' but that will take away the slight film-look you are seeing.

Got my parents 50b450 calibrated sunday.
I don't have time to type everything out, but Dan's settings were a fantastic starting point and there set was only slightly different post claibration.
I will be back with write-up soon.

waiting;)

Help! I'm not getting sound through HDMI. I have tried all three ports and on each one I am only getting picture without sound. I even tried hooking up a different cable box and used a different HDMI cable and still no luck. My cable box is a Scientific Atlanta 4250 HDC box.

So for right now I'm using component cables until someone can help me figure this out or if I need to get a brand new set.


anyone?

ghostfacekilla do you have anything else that you can try your hdmi on, like BR/ ps3 / dvd. To see if you get volume, at least that way we can figure out if its just your cable box or tv itself.

I use these because I think we're experiencing the same thing in Movie/Warm2 mode.

I still have no idea how to calibrate contrast, lol.

Standard Mode - Calibrated using combo DVE and AVSHD Disc
Cell Light = 10
Contrast = 70
Brightness = 47
Sharpness = 50
Color = 40
Tint = G47/R53

Black Tone = Off
Dynamic Contrast = Medium
Gamma = -1
Color Space = Auto
White Balance = Default
Flesh Tone = 0
Edge Enhancement = Off

Hi dallows,

I've checked out your pictures. Mine with Dan's calibration does not look the same as yours. Where you get a reddish tint, mine are more yellowish and got a haze.

I' dont really know the theory on calibrating the White Balance, but on standard (all 25) it seems as if yellow/green/pink colours "pop" more that the other colours. My eye will "pick up" these colors more during a movie (almost neon like), than e.g blue/red,

With my color setting lower, it seems I'm getting more control over these colours. Currently on 35.

Will try to get some pics when I have a chance.

Hi....I just bought this TV last Sunday.

It's advertised as 600Hz, but everytime I change my input (antenna, dvd, satellite), I get a popup window that says 720@60Hz.

Is that because the programming can only be displayed at 60Hz?

Am I missing something? I noticed last night while watching a concert DVD that the picture was not very smooth.

Thanks.

600 hz is just the reaction time of the pixels, and the higher the better for fast motion to reduce artifacts. They still have to operate at the frequency of the signal, 60 hz being the most common.

Dan

Thanks Dan.

So the TV is limited to what the input is capable of? In my case, it seems to be 60Hz.

Someone tried to tell me that the TV is capable of upconverting the 60Hz input to 600Hz and that's why the TV is advertised as 600Hz. Any truth to that?

All I can say is that it will depend on your source material. You mention a dvd of a concert. firstly it's in DVD format, so the definition is lower and we don't know the style or how it was filmed, intention, etc, so it's hard to say what the lack of "smooth" really was.

Someone tried to tell me that the TV is capable of upconverting the 60Hz input to 600Hz and that's why the TV is advertised as 600Hz. Any truth to that?
Apparently not a lot. Here is the CNET reviewer's opinion of the 600Hz feature on the pn58b650:
Samsung and Panasonic share a lot of features in their plasma TVs, including "600Hz" panels that are said to improve motion resolution to reduce blur. The best thing we can say about this feature is to ignore it; the number was created in response to the 120Hz and 240Hz refresh rates of LCDs. Plasma technology is inherently less subject to blurring than LCD, and in any case it's really hard to see any difference with real material.
(See CNET pn58b650 review (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn58b650/4505-6482_7-33573754.html).)

And here is another relevant passage from the same review:
According to Samsung, its plasmas use 600Hz subfield motion technology, which sounds like the 600Hz subfield drive employed by Panasonic on its plasmas, but the two didn't deliver the same results. The Samsung didn't quite match the motion resolution of the Panasonic plasmas or the 240Hz LCDs in our comparisons, delivering between 800 and 900 lines, according to our test. That's still very good, however, and as usual we suspect that even the most blur-sensitive viewers won't notice a difference with regular program material.

Tom Huffman posted a (very favorable) review of the PN58B650 (http://www.displaycalibrationonline.com/reviews_samsung_plasma_2009.asp) which might have some measurements useful in calibrating this generation of Samsung plasmas.

I received an email from Samsung this morning saying they had email problems and that's probably why there was no response. So I'll have to resend or call tonight.

I' dont really know the theory on calibrating the White Balance, but on standard (all 25) it seems as if yellow/green/pink colours "pop" more that the other colours.
I think I may have this problem, too, but all I've noticed wrong is new grass, which is a fluorescent and unnatural green. I'm using these settings:

Movie Mode
with other settings at default, except for
Cell Light = 10
Contrast = 70
Brightness = 62
Color = 42
Color Tone = Normal
Tint = G55/R45

I changed Color Tone from Warm2 to Normal partly for the sake of more natural looking flesh tones.

I think the picture quality of this pn42b450 is even better than that of my pn50a450.

Edit: I fixed my virulent green problem by (counterintuitively) turning Tint to more green. I think that the picture overall was green deficient, leaving too much contrast with areas that had a pure green hue.

I just picked up a 42" b450 last night and dialed in Dan's settings and got a very red picture. It was horrible. Obviously Samsung has changed things in some sets. Gonna try Dallows settings and post my impressions.

Oh, and Movie Warm2 looks great out of the box at default settings. Maybe Samsung tweaked the color temp and secondary color balance in later sets? Tint is perfect at 50/50 and Warm2 is very close to D65 out of the box according to my Spyder2. Primary color is light years better than my previous Panny. I really miss the Panny's blacks though, this Sammy does not even compare but I'll try it for a week and see if it grows on me. Otherwise I might just have to shell out for money for a better set with the best of both .... if it exists.

I just picked up a 42" b450 last night and dialed in Dan's settings and got a very red picture. It was horrible. Obviously Samsung has changed things in some sets. Gonna try Dallows settings and post my impressions.

Oh, and Movie Warm2 looks great out of the box at default settings. Maybe Samsung tweaked the color temp and secondary color balance in later sets? Tint is perfect at 50/50 and Warm2 is very close to D65 out of the box according to my Spyder2. Primary color is light years better than my previous Panny. I really miss the Panny's blacks though, this Sammy does not even compare but I'll try it for a week and see if it grows on me. Otherwise I might just have to shell out for money for a better set with the best of both .... if it exists.

On my set I noticed the default Movie mode was worse. Tweaking improved it but not my much. The set has been in use a while so I might go and try to adjust the settings - see if anything changed/improved with use.

As far as getting a better set I'm looking to get a higher grade Sammy end of this year-ish. I don't really want to wait until they release a new line. I need something bigger, something better. I kick myself all the time wondering why I didn't at least get the 50"

The overall assumption of these calibration threads is that there is a unique magical set of adjustments that will optimize picture quality for all TVs of a given model. I have grave doubts about this. Wouldn't the manufacturers have provided the best adjustments, at least as defaults? They're no dummies. One of the strong points of Samsung's TVs is the relatively complete set of user controls that let us compensate for the peculiar properties of our individual sets. We just need to practice looking critically at the picture, or maybe use instruments, and learn how to use those controls.

The overall assumption of these calibration threads is that there is a unique magical set of adjustments that will optimize picture quality for all TVs of a given model. I have grave doubts about this. Wouldn't the manufacturers have provided the best adjustments, at least as defaults? They're no dummies. One of the strong points of Samsung's TVs is the relatively complete set of user controls that let us compensate for the peculiar properties of our individual sets. We just need to practice looking critically at the picture, or maybe use instruments, and learn how to use those controls.

I totally agree, especially after this experience. There are no magic numbers. All TVs seem to be different. All we can do is calibrate it ourselves to either our own eyes or calibration equipment. Or just set it at the Manufacturers defaults and just enjoy it if it looks "right". I prefer the calibration using equipment, in all cases it has looked better to my eyes afterwords.

Anyways, the Sammy is all packed up and being returned. This is my second Sammy in the past month. The first had a piece of plastic wedge between the glass and the panel, right inside the screen inself. This second one has a few dead pixels right off the bat and they are bright red and distracting. The Sammy DVD player also has a VERY hard time opening the door ... almost a grinding sound. I think I'm giving up on Samsung for now. My old CRT is hooked up now and I couldn't be happier. My colors are bang on and the blacks are deep. things aren't as sharp or big, but I'm willing to live with it for now. I'll make the jump to Plasma when I can get reliability, acurate colors, and deep blacks; all at a good price (sub $1000). Out of the PannyC1 (good blacks but piss poor color accuracy), SammyB430 (defective and poor blacks), SammyB450 (defective and poor blacks) I've just had many headaches and grueling returns to the store this past month. I'm throwing in the towel guys.

The overall assumption of these calibration threads is that there is a unique magical set of adjustments that will optimize picture quality for all TVs of a given model. I have grave doubts about this. Wouldn't the manufacturers have provided the best adjustments, at least as defaults? They're no dummies. One of the strong points of Samsung's TVs is the relatively complete set of user controls that let us compensate for the peculiar properties of our individual sets. We just need to practice looking critically at the picture, or maybe use instruments, and learn how to use those controls.

No, I think the people who actually understand the purpose is to give others who don't have access to actual equipment something to go on. Your settings might not necessarily work for my tv, but it's at least someplace I can try starting at. No one in this thread has said there is one group of settings for all the tv's across a certain model.


I totally agree, especially after this experience. There are no magic numbers. All TVs seem to be different. All we can do is calibrate it ourselves to either our own eyes or calibration equipment. Or just set it at the Manufacturers defaults and just enjoy it if it looks "right". I prefer the calibration using equipment, in all cases it has looked better to my eyes afterwords.

Anyways, the Sammy is all packed up and being returned. This is my second Sammy in the past month. The first had a piece of plastic wedge between the glass and the panel, right inside the screen inself. This second one has a few dead pixels right off the bat and they are bright red and distracting. The Sammy DVD player also has a VERY hard time opening the door ... almost a grinding sound. I think I'm giving up on Samsung for now. My old CRT is hooked up now and I couldn't be happier. My colors are bang on and the blacks are deep. things aren't as sharp or big, but I'm willing to live with it for now. I'll make the jump to Plasma when I can get reliability, acurate colors, and deep blacks; all at a good price (sub $1000). Out of the PannyC1 (good blacks but piss poor color accuracy), SammyB430 (defective and poor blacks), SammyB450 (defective and poor blacks) I've just had many headaches and grueling returns to the store this past month. I'm throwing in the towel guys.

I never understand why people give up so easily. Unlucky I suppose. My TV is flawless aside from the movie mode issue. But I believe something was changed up during production. My standard looks pretty close, if not the same as Dan's Movie mode, so I'm good with that.

I never understand why people give up so easily.
So you first say that no one assumes that all the b450 sets are alike, and then you imply that because lat3ncy apparently can't get his to look as good as yours, that must be his fault. Why? Because his set must be the same as yours?

So you first say that no one assumes that all the b450 sets are alike, and then you imply that because lat3ncy apparently can't get his to look as good as yours, that must be his fault. Why? Because his set must be the same as yours?

What? That's not really what I said at all, or meant to imply.

He's had 1 return per each model he's owned. Apparently a B430 and a B450. But he's already casting Samsung aside. It's that portion I don't understand. Yeah I can understand the frustration, but in his words - he is giving up.

He tried Dan's settings and they didn't work. Sound to me like he had a similar issue to what I experienced. He said he would try my settings but didn't really post a response, just that he was "giving up." He didn't state whether he tried getting the DVE calibration disc or the AVSHD disc from this forum. No posted pics or anything.

He didn't really give a lot of support info, so it's hard to help.

I am sorry guys. I will make it crystal clear.

1. The Samsung B450 gave great color IMHO, they just lack the blacks that I expect. I can't stress the word "I" enough. I watch a ton of horror flicks and to me black level and shadow detail is VERY important.

2. Samsung as a brand is probably very good. There are many many people on here that have had great success and reliability out of them. Personally, I've never owned anything Samsung in my life. I purchased 3 pieces of Sammy equipment in the past 3 weeks, all of them defective. I don't think I am overreacting by not trusting them anymore, PERSONALLY. I have a small econo car and it's not easy taking out my two baby car seats and hauling a big TV every week back to the store. It's my time and I have wasted enough time on returning budget Plasmas.

3. I am basing my judgment by my own eyes as well as my Spyder2 w/ ColorHCFR. I know the Spyder isn't dead accurate but when I calibrate with it, I really like the results and it makes everything look very neutral to my eyes.

4. I tried Dan's settings and they were so far off from reference it wasn't even funny. His screen shots look great, the settings obviously worked on his TV. He was a very cool guy (as with Dwallows) to share settings that might help other people get in the ballpark of reference settings. I also tried Dwallows settings and they were not close to reference either (but MUCH closer). The best I got with this set was with these settings:

Movie Warm2
Contrast 78
Brightness 51
Color 41
Tint 50/50
Sharpness 20

Everything else zero or off with no color temp adjustments. With these setting I would have been 100% happy. But two major things played a part in this. 4 bright red pixels and very poor blacks. And trust me, I made the blacks as dark as I could, even tried crushing them and it did not even come close to the Panny that I had 2 weeks ago, or my current Toshiba CRT. I am throwing in the towel right now, because I can't find a decent priced Plasma with good blacks and accurate colors. I could go out and buy a Panny G10 or Samsung B650, but I did not budget for something twice the price point. When these TV's come down in price or I come to the point when I can justify spending $2000 (Canadian) on a TV, I will have the ideal picture. But for now like I stated be4, I'm throwing in the towel and enjoying my CRT upstairs and LCD Projector in the basement. No hard feelings guys, no loss of respect to anyone. We are all hear to help, right? :)

-Joe

Great thread guys. Just wanted to chime in that my brand new PN42B450 seems to be similar to dallows, rather than dan's. when using Dan's settings everything seems yellow/redish and rather foggy. flesh tones are very yellow. When using dallows standard settings, everything looks much better.

just my 2 cents.

I am sorry guys. I will make it crystal clear.

1. The Samsung B450 gave great color IMHO, they just lack the blacks that I expect. I can't stress the word "I" enough. I watch a ton of horror flicks and to me black level and shadow detail is VERY important.

2. Samsung as a brand is probably very good. There are many many people on here that have had great success and reliability out of them. Personally, I've never owned anything Samsung in my life. I purchased 3 pieces of Sammy equipment in the past 3 weeks, all of them defective. I don't think I am overreacting by not trusting them anymore, PERSONALLY. I have a small econo car and it's not easy taking out my two baby car seats and hauling a big TV every week back to the store. It's my time and I have wasted enough time on returning budget Plasmas.

3. I am basing my judgment by my own eyes as well as my Spyder2 w/ ColorHCFR. I know the Spyder isn't dead accurate but when I calibrate with it, I really like the results and it makes everything look very neutral to my eyes.

4. I tried Dan's settings and they were so far off from reference it wasn't even funny. His screen shots look great, the settings obviously worked on his TV. He was a very cool guy (as with Dwallows) to share settings that might help other people get in the ballpark of reference settings. I also tried Dwallows settings and they were not close to reference either (but MUCH closer). The best I got with this set was with these settings:

Movie Warm2
Contrast 78
Brightness 51
Color 41
Tint 50/50
Sharpness 20

Everything else zero or off with no color temp adjustments. With these setting I would have been 100% happy. But two major things played a part in this. 4 bright red pixels and very poor blacks. And trust me, I made the blacks as dark as I could, even tried crushing them and it did not even come close to the Panny that I had 2 weeks ago, or my current Toshiba CRT. I am throwing in the towel right now, because I can't find a decent priced Plasma with good blacks and accurate colors. I could go out and buy a Panny G10 or Samsung B650, but I did not budget for something twice the price point. When these TV's come down in price or I come to the point when I can justify spending $2000 (Canadian) on a TV, I will have the ideal picture. But for now like I stated be4, I'm throwing in the towel and enjoying my CRT upstairs and LCD Projector in the basement. No hard feelings guys, no loss of respect to anyone. We are all hear to help, right? :)

-Joe

The only thing I will touch on is the black level. You can't have expected more for such a budget TV.

The only thing I will touch on is the black level. You can't have expected more for such a budget TV.

Well, I did expect better from the Sammy since the C1 was the exact same price. The C1 had deep blacks that bled into the bezel at night viewing. This is all I ask when I want deep blacks, otherwise it's distracting and takes me out of the movie. At night, the Sammy has distinctive dark grey black levels and they do not bleed intot he bezel at all. The B430 and B450 were the same, it was not a lemon. My eyes do not lie and I'm sure if you saw a C1 beside a B450, you would agree it has very good blacks in comparison. Either way, you are happy with your Sammy and the black levels are good enough for you. Enjoy your TV Dwallows! :)

At night, the Sammy has distinctive dark grey black levels and they do not bleed intot he bezel at all.
I don't find this to be true of my set: the black of night does blend into the black of the bezel. Uh, why don't you turn down the Brightness? If that loses shadow detail, there are other things to try, like increasing the Gamma adjustment (with lowered Brightness), or using the Black Adjust control.

I agree with Greg saying your setting probably just needed adjusting. I don't get gray blacks unless it's intended or something with the source. I can't tell you if the blacks blend to the bezel but I would kinda doubt it. Even with the C1. But I won't push the subject. I plan to upgrade end of this year anyway.

I don't think the C1 was out when I was looking either. The comparative model was the X1. And trying to research it seems like the C1 is a step down (slightly) from the X1.

Well, I had two lemons then. Like I said, I was crushing blacks. I was crushing them to outrageous settings like a brightness of zero. The black was still grey. It is a very dark grey but very distinct. The C1 was deep and blended with the bezel perfectly when calibrated properly at a brightness of 52. You can believe me or not, this is what I saw and I am not bias towards any company at all, I liked neither TV :).

The black was still grey. It is a very dark grey but very distinct.
Yes, the b450's darkest picture areas are very dark gray and not black. I guess we're dealing with differing user expectations.

You think?

great thread i have found here.

just picked up a 42b450, with a pricepoint of 599, it is to hard to refuse.

I have inputed dans settings and they look extremely good, I do slightly notice what
some would call a brownish/grayish haze look. I mainly notice this on HDTV broadcasts. It is not bad, and other than that the clarity and colors look great. Ill have to examine this further through media/BD playback.

I also have to agree with some that i have not reached the deep blacks that blend into the bezel. Ill have to play some more. Adjusting the brightness seems to have no effect, as i adjusted it 0 and can still see a grayish black rectangle form, when viewing in completely dark room. perhaps this can be fixed by adjusting the gamma, I currently have it set to 0.

I am quite picky with the colors and qualities of the screen... so many of things pointed out an average viewer wouldnt notice. That said, i think this a great bang for the buck panel.

regarding DANs settings: Under p.options HDMI black levels are you using a normal or low selection?
i didnt see you mention this in your settings.

I have inputed dans settings and they look extremely good, I do slightly notice what
some would call a brownish/grayish haze look. I mainly notice this on HDTV broadcasts. It is not bad, and other than that the clarity and colors look great. Ill have to examine this further through media/BD playback.


also.I am wondering if this haze attributes to greyish appearance on black bars?

great thread i have found here.

just picked up a 42b450, with a pricepoint of 599, it is to hard to refuse.

I have inputed dans settings and they look extremely good, I do slightly notice what
some would call a brownish/grayish haze look. I mainly notice this on HDTV broadcasts. It is not bad, and other than that the clarity and colors look great. Ill have to examine this further through media/BD playback.

I also have to agree with some that i have not reached the deep blacks that blend into the bezel. Ill have to play some more. Adjusting the brightness seems to have no effect, as i adjusted it 0 and can still see a grayish black rectangle form, when viewing in completely dark room. perhaps this can be fixed by adjusting the gamma, I currently have it set to 0.

I am quite picky with the colors and qualities of the screen... so many of things pointed out an average viewer wouldnt notice. That said, i think this a great bang for the buck panel.

regarding DANs settings: Under p.options HDMI black levels are you using a normal or low selection?
i didnt see you mention this in your settings.

I spent a lot of time seeing how dark the screen would go. And even adjusting the Cell Light (which should be 10 always I think... still anyway) it never blended with the bars. Just not going to happen on this type of low end tv. I'd love to see the C1 do it though.

Anyway, if you just bought the set and used Dan's setting you'll need to give the tv time to break in. It could change things and probably will.

I've always set the hdmi to low. And if you use a blu-ray player (I know ps3 does it anyway) it locks out that option.

Back to the black level for a second. I remember when calibrating using the AVSHD disc I was able to get it so the white/gray box in the middle at like 1% or 2% to completely blend with the background. But there was still enough light emitting from the panel to keep it from going totally black. But at least it will blend with the black bars.

BUT, you should be able to get it where you're getting the best from what the set has to offer - which is damn good imo for the price point

Ya, i spent some more time tonight trying to see how black i could get it.
I spent time adjusting gamma, contrast, brightness. Not much of a change at all. It always emits a dark grey light. The set actually looks good with a tad of ambient light as of now, as this eliminates noticing any darkgreys giving a good a feeling of nice blacks.

My bluray source is a PS3.. i do have the option of hdmi of black levels normal or low. the low definitely looks better; Seems normal just adds an overall brightness to the set.

What has come to please the eye best for me is:
HDMI playback using Dans settings with a gamma: -1

and using dallows standard mode settings for Digital Air HDTV.

I am gonna try and settle with these settings for a while, then see how it looks after some more hours as the set has probably around 30 hours now.

Is it possible blacks could get darker after more hours?

Ya, i spent some more time tonight trying to see how black i could get it.
I spent time adjusting gamma, contrast, brightness. Not much of a change at all. It always emits a dark grey light. The set actually looks good with a tad of ambient light as of now, as this eliminates noticing any darkgreys giving a good a feeling of nice blacks.

My bluray source is a PS3.. i do have the option of hdmi of black levels normal or low. the low definitely looks better; Seems normal just adds an overall brightness to the set.


You'll have the option available to switch depending on what your output is. If it's a game I think you can change it, but if you play a blu ray it should lock it out. Mine does anyway.

My bluray source is a PS3.. i do have the option of hdmi of black levels normal or low. the low definitely looks better; Seems normal just adds an overall brightness to the set.

HDMI Black Level is not a "preference" option:

Normal is for standard "video" grayscale range of 16-235
Low is for RGB (computer) grayscale range of 0-255
I believe that the PS3 can be set to output to either standard... the TV should be set to match which mode the PS3 is in.

A mismatch of settings will either severely crush both blacks and whites, or compress the grayscale, making everything looking washed out, with a severe loss of contrast.

HDMI Black Level is not a "preference" option:

Normal is for standard "video" grayscale range of 16-235
Low is for RGB (computer) grayscale range of 0-255
I believe that the PS3 can be set to output to either standard... the TV should be set to match which mode the PS3 is in.

A mismatch of settings will either severely crush both blacks and whites, or compress the grayscale, making everything looking washed out, with a severe loss of contrast.

Do you have anything to back this up?

I can tell you based on testing that changing the setting really had no effect on the range when I used the AVSHD calibration disc.

Do you have anything to back this up?

I can tell you based on testing that changing the setting really had no effect on the range when I used the AVSHD calibration disc.


It is discussed ad nauseum in many of the calibration threads.

It is grayed out when the source is color-encoded (YPbPr) because this is always a "video" source with 16-235 grayscale - so the display sets itself because there is no user choice to be made.

It is selectable when the source is RGB because unencoded full bandwidth color can be used for both video (16-235) and computer (0-255) sources.

I have about 400 hours total now. I use the Dynamic settings with Brightness at 70-75 and contrast at around 60. I have noticed some IR (for maybe not even 10 minutes)but it goes away really fast. I love this Plasma. I mainly use it for gaming at around 60% and SD TV viewing at the other 40%. I also noticed that other peoples settings really dont matter because every Plasma is different.

HDMI Black Level is not a "preference" option:

Normal is for standard "video" grayscale range of 16-235
Low is for RGB (computer) grayscale range of 0-255
I believe that the PS3 can be set to output to either standard... the TV should be set to match which mode the PS3 is in.

A mismatch of settings will either severely crush both blacks and whites, or compress the grayscale, making everything looking washed out, with a severe loss of contrast.

I will have to check out what my video settings are on the ps3 and see if there is any noticeable difference. I am pretty sure my HDMI level on my ps3 is set to normal. I never thought about it til now... And this is the source i use to judge black levels mainly.

jcalabria is right, there is a right and wrong setting. Set it wrong, you'll be clipping black and white detail and/or you'll end up with grey blacks. You need to match your color space. Normal (or RGB FULL) = 0-255, Low (or RGB Limited) = 16-235.

The HDMI Black Level setting is only adjustable with RGB sources (generally PC's and video game machines). Most video devices output YCbCr.

I'll test this again tonight if I can remember. I believe my ps3 is set to RGB Limited so according to rahzel HDMI Low would be correct.

right?

edit: this would be both for ps3 gaming and blu ray

I'll test this again tonight if I can remember. I believe my ps3 is set to RGB Limited so according to rahzel HDMI Low would be correct.

right?

edit: this would be both for ps3 gaming and blu ray
Right.

I recommend setting BR output to YCbCr though as that's the native color space for BR (YCbCr420 16-235). Games/XMB use RGB color space regardless, so if you're more concerned about getting your games looking right, then ideally you would set BR to RGB and calibrate. But if you calibrate with YCbCr and set RGB to Limited, your calibration settings from YCbCr color space should work ok with RGB limited as they both have the same range (16-235).

This is what I'm using with my PS3 and A650 LCD (which is generally the recommended settings):
Blu-Ray output - YCbCr
RGB Full Mode - Limited
YCbCr super-white - Enabled

HDMI Black Level - Low

The Full setting (was not available on launch) was probably introduced for people who use their PS3's with PC monitors which are 0-255 whereas TV's are usually 16-235 (sometimes with choice of 0-255).

Okay.
I'm more concerned with TV and Bluray than gaming.

Okay, I've done some tinkering.

Current settings for hdmi via ps3

Standard
Cell Light - 10 (setting to 0 obviously makes the cells darker but I think there's a big impact on the gamma curve)
Contrast - 70 (can't set this for my life)
Brightness - 51
Sharpness - 50
Color - 45
Tint - G50/R50

Black Tone - Off
D. Contrast - Low
Gamma - neg 1
Color Space - Auto (confused on this one. TV says Native will set the space to wider than the source, not sure what that means. But Auto seemed to make changing the color settings a little easier
White Balance - default
Flesh Tone - 0
Edge - On

HDMI Level - Low

PS3 Settings
Set to YpbCbPrCr
Cross Color Reduction Filter - off (dunno what it does even)
RGB Range - Limited
Super White - on

hi whats up i just hooked up my new samsung and i love it.the only thing is the IR i dont like it happends quick should i wash it everynight?im new to plasmas i WAS a lcd man i was fooled by the bright picture silly me

the only thing is the IR i dont like it happends quick should i wash it everynight?
I haven't seen any IR on my pn42b450 yet. As it happens, I noticed that I had had an SD picture with vertical bars on for a whole day, so I turned on the eraser bar this morning for the first time in at least a week. But I couldn't find any trace of IR at all. I wonder why you're seeing it. Maybe you're using some high contrast mode?

I haven't seen any IR on my pn42b450 yet. As it happens, I noticed that I had had an SD picture with vertical bars on for a whole day, so I turned on the eraser bar this morning for the first time in at least a week. But I couldn't find any trace of IR at all. I wonder why you're seeing it. Maybe you're using some high contrast mode?yea im using dynamic and standard remember i had lcd's before this t.v.so im to a bright picture but the plasma picture is much better than my lcd and the IR goes away very quickly.if i keep my setting on high how long will it take to damage my t.v. the reason i ask is because i buy a new t.v. every 3 years and i love bright pictures but i love the plasma color.also i dont ever pause my movies or my dvr and if i do i turn off the t.v. while its paused

is there a Official thread just for this t.v.

is there a Official thread just for this t.v.
You're in it.

I don't know how long it would take a high-contrast fixed image to permanently damage the set. I've never heard of it happening to a b450 or a450 model. I've had an a450 since December which has no sign of burn-in, though images can be retained for more than a day.

I posted about three weeks ago that I had been initially disappointed with the picture, but that using Dan's settings from post #86 had improved things. With the passage of time, the picture under those settings has seemed to get murky, with the brown/gray overlay I noted more pronounced. Today, watching over-the-air NBC Sports programming (a car race under mostly overcast skies; a very bright outdoor beach volleyball match, and now the Hall of Fame football game that started out under daylight and transitioned to under the lights), I've switched back to the Standard mode, and the picture is just outstanding. I've sat through this entire meaningless football game, just marveling at how great the picture is. I think I have everything set at the default settings, except the cell light; I've been fiddling around with it, and can't decide where I like it best.

I bought the set right after the 4th of July. I don't have any idea how many hours of use it's had at this point.

I need to find a golf program or a baseball game on a natural grass field to see if the "day-glo" green I was noting before has toned itself down.

I haven't explored this forum very much; is there a particular thread or FAQ section that covers, for beginners, the process and equipment that are needed to calibrate a TV? Or is more of a thing where you just have to spend time reading through a lot discussions to pick it up?

I need to find a golf program or a baseball game on a natural grass field to see if the "day-glo" green I was noting before has toned itself down.

If not, try turning the Tint control toward green; say G55 or so.

Got mine delivered yesterday, woke up this morning turned it on to play the break in DVD and discovered a dead pixel! :mad: Called Amazon and had them send out a new one today. Anyone have problems with this?

I posted about three weeks ago that I had been initially disappointed with the picture, but that using Dan's settings from post #86 had improved things. With the passage of time, the picture under those settings has seemed to get murky, with the brown/gray overlay I noted more pronounced. Today, watching over-the-air NBC Sports programming (a car race under mostly overcast skies; a very bright outdoor beach volleyball match, and now the Hall of Fame football game that started out under daylight and transitioned to under the lights), I've switched back to the Standard mode, and the picture is just outstanding. I've sat through this entire meaningless football game, just marveling at how great the picture is. I think I have everything set at the default settings, except the cell light; I've been fiddling around with it, and can't decide where I like it best.

I bought the set right after the 4th of July. I don't have any idea how many hours of use it's had at this point.

I need to find a golf program or a baseball game on a natural grass field to see if the "day-glo" green I was noting before has toned itself down.

I haven't explored this forum very much; is there a particular thread or FAQ section that covers, for beginners, the process and equipment that are needed to calibrate a TV? Or is more of a thing where you just have to spend time reading through a lot discussions to pick it up?

I have some revised settings for Standard on the page just before. I had it set for a long time with a group of settings I liked, but decided to see if time had helped and I could adjust it to enhance it more. It was a foolish thing to do because now I'm obsessed with it again and can't decide what I like best.

But for a set like this it's hard to warrant worrying so much. Just set it to what you like and be done.

There is a calibration sub-forum which has a lot of info and tools to help. I used the AVSHD (I think that's the name) calibration dvd. It's free to use. But you need a color filter to do it right. The DVE disc has a filter included and you can usually get it cheap off amazon.

Got mine delivered yesterday, woke up this morning turned it on to play the break in DVD and discovered a dead pixel! :mad: Called Amazon and had them send out a new one today. Anyone have problems with this?

Not all that uncommon and what's worse for you.. it might not actually be dead at all. Sometimes new plasmas will have a few misbehaving pixels which eventually settle down and start behaving as they should (pixel might start out as working then stop or it decides to display only one color, but then, it springs back to permanent normal operation again, all within the first 100 hours or so).

That's why it's always best not to freak out and act hastily until you know for sure, giving it a week or two. The replacement might turn out to have one or more truly dead pixels and then what? Will Amazon keep replacing at your word with no restock charge?

Forgive me if it's already been covered, but could someone please tell me whether it's a bad idea to just pick up a PN50B430 from Target or Best Buy instead of ordering a PN50B450? Information on Samsung's site is pretty nebulous, and incorrect in some cases (native panel resoultion is listed at 1024 x 768 on the 50" model), so I don't really trust it, but if one less HDMI port is really the only difference, then I really don't care.

Thanks.

Forgive me if it's already been covered, but could someone please tell me whether it's a bad idea to just pick up a PN50B430 from Target or Best Buy instead of ordering a PN50B450? Information on Samsung's site is pretty nebulous, and incorrect in some cases (native panel resoultion is listed at 1024 x 768 on the 50" model), so I don't really trust it, but if one less HDMI port is really the only difference, then I really don't care.

Thanks.

I don't see a PN50B430 listed on the Samsung site. You might want to call up to verify.

With the prices the same on the PN50B430 and PN50B450 at Best Buy I would just get the B450.

... just pick up a PN50B430 from Target or Best Buy instead of ordering a PN50B450?
Here (http://answers.us.samsung.com/answers/7463/product/PN50B450B1DXZA/questions.htm?page=2&scrollToTop=true) it has this Q+A:
question: "What's the difference between the PN50B450 and PN50B430?"
answer: "The main differences between the two sets are that the B450 has FilterBright, composite connections on the side and a PC input."

Here (http://answers.us.samsung.com/answers/7463/product/PN50B450B1DXZA/questions.htm?page=2&scrollToTop=true) it has this Q+A:
question: "What's the difference between the PN50B450 and PN50B430?"
answer: "The main differences between the two sets are that the B450 has FilterBright, composite connections on the side and a PC input."
Thanks, Greg. That's exactly what I was looking for. And yeah, your info agrees with what I managed to figure out by going and examining them in person since my original post. The build quality is also a bit different in that the 450 has a slight crimson hue to the existing plastic at the bottom of the bezel, while the 430 just has a cheap-looking crimson plastic stip tacked on. I managed to negotiate a great deal on the 450 from Best Buy today, and I'm enjoying it as I type.

How much banding is there on this display?

I just got this bad boy yesterday and its displays a beautiful picture. When taking in account the price, its an amazing value.

Just wanted to chime in regarding picture settings. I thought it looked great out of the box on Standard. I tried Dan's settings and the picture does seem a bit dull and dark. I applied dallow's settings on the previous page and picture seems great. Will let it be for a week and then look again. I'm connected via HDMI to FiOS HDTV and via component to my XBOX. Both output in 720p.

After 500-1000 hours, I looked over the settings again and made some adjustments.

Movie Mode, Warm 2 setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 51
Sharpness: 20
Color: 40
Tint: G47/R53

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: 0
Color Space: Native
White Balance:
Red Offset: 26
Green Offset: 25
Blue Offset: 15
Red Gain: 26
Green Gain: 0
Blue Gain: 20

For those who's picture is slightly red with my previous settings, you may want to try these new settings. This gives me 38 ftL and a pretty natural image also. It's a little more blue than my previous settings, so it might work for those who didn't care for the previous settings.

Dan

How much banding is there on this display?

I personally, haven't seen any.

How much banding is there on this display?
On mine, honestly, there's tons while viewing in a dark room. It's brand new though, so we'll see how it looks after a while.

So do you guys think that using a Gamecube on this Plasma is a bad idea?

So do you guys think that using a Gamecube on this Plasma is a bad idea?

No. Why would it be?

StereomanDan you the man:cool: I liked your other settings, so I'm sure these new one are great also, once again thank youu so much for taking time to post them for us:). They came and gave me a new panel couple weeks ago because of the pink and new panel is better except that it has one stubborn green pixel that dont seem to want to change color:eek: I tried pixar movies and scrooling screen and still there, good thing is I cant see it from more the 5 feet away. Hopefuly it will wake up soon. Dallows I also use your settings during the day when its brighter in the house. Thank you for the standard settings

No. Why would it be?

Increased chance of Burn in since games huds dont fade away like todays generation of games

Increased chance of Burn in since games huds dont fade away like todays generation of games

Ah. I haven't seen an issue with my panel yet and I've left images on for a while, including games with a pretty static hud. I don't think you should be worried.

Ah. I haven't seen an issue with my panel yet and I've left images on for a while, including games with a pretty static hud. I don't think you should be worried.

Hey guys. First of all I'd like to thank everyone for putting their two cents in about this television as I've looked at if for a while, just recently purchased it.

About the IR or burn-in, as I am new to this, and just received my 42" yesterday I fell asleep, after moving into an apartment all day with the black bars on the sides of the screen (brand new out of the box, 8+ hours on the screen). I cannot tell that there is any IR whatsoever.

Thank you to dallows and dan for their settings, haven't used a bluray for dan's just yet but for everyday viewing (HD and SD) for the 48ish hours I've watched seem fantastic, albeit the default settings also look good.

I didn't know where to post this, I hope someone can help.

I bought this TV with the Amazon deal of a free HDMI cable and Sylvania NB530SLX blu-ray player. I'm sure this is a stupid question but the blu-ray player has been out of stock for a while now. I received the HDMI promptly but I wonder how long Amazon's going to be out of this particular player?

Anyone else get the same deal? I'm thinking about selling the player to get a better one but who knows, if it does what it's supposed to I'm sure I'll be happy.

... and Sylvania NB530SLX blu-ray player. I'm sure this is a stupid question but the blu-ray player has been out of stock for a while now. ...
Amazon's entry for this player now says "In stock". If you want opinions about the quality of this player, you might inquire in the Blu-ray Players forum.

Hey guys. First of all I'd like to thank everyone for putting their two cents in about this television as I've looked at if for a while, just recently purchased it.

About the IR or burn-in, as I am new to this, and just received my 42" yesterday I fell asleep, after moving into an apartment all day with the black bars on the sides of the screen (brand new out of the box, 8+ hours on the screen). I cannot tell that there is any IR whatsoever.

Thank you to dallows and dan for their settings, haven't used a bluray for dan's just yet but for everyday viewing (HD and SD) for the 48ish hours I've watched seem fantastic, albeit the default settings also look good.

I think plasmas have come a long way with regards to their IR.

It seems with this model you get 1 of 2 panels. The first is like my set, where Standard seems to give the better picture and the 2nd being like Dan's, where Movie mode is the way to go.

The only thing I'm struggling with now is whether to go back to 47 brightness or not. 47-51 isn't a huge difference though.

...I'm struggling with now is whether to go back to 47 brightness or not. 47-51 isn't a huge difference though.

The settings you gave are great although I am coming from years of CRT viewing so there is a "wow" factor for me.

I didn't know where to post this, I hope someone can help.

I bought this TV with the Amazon deal of a free HDMI cable and Sylvania NB530SLX blu-ray player. I'm sure this is a stupid question but the blu-ray player has been out of stock for a while now. I received the HDMI promptly but I wonder how long Amazon's going to be out of this particular player?

Anyone else get the same deal? I'm thinking about selling the player to get a better one but who knows, if it does what it's supposed to I'm sure I'll be happy.

I did the same deal on the 4th or so. Got the cable last Friday, the TV on Monday, and will be getting the blu-ray player on Monday. So I would give it a week or so. Anyways they don't charge you for the DVD player until it ships.

I plan on selling mine. Don't have any blu-ray content right now anyways.

I did the same deal on the 4th or so. Got the cable last Friday, the TV on Monday, and will be getting the blu-ray player on Monday. So I would give it a week or so. Anyways they don't charge you for the DVD player until it ships.

I plan on selling mine. Don't have any blu-ray content right now anyways.

Net-flix go.

I did the same deal on the 4th or so. Got the cable last Friday, the TV on Monday, and will be getting the blu-ray player on Monday. So I would give it a week or so. Anyways they don't charge you for the DVD player until it ships.

I plan on selling mine. Don't have any blu-ray content right now anyways.

I don't know if Amazon did you the same way but they have currently charged me $532 for the TV and $8.10 for the cable. The blu-ray has yet to ship, but will they charge me $159.99? I opted for Super Saver Shipping and the order total is $679. I was just wondering how this all worked. Thank you.

Like some people in this topic, I've got many problems calibrating the tv, especially the colors....on TV channels, the faces looks like yellow aliens ( :D), with dvd's (I don't have any blu ray yet ) they're more red...etc...even if I try to change this, there's always this yellow/red tint on the image. (I'm obliged to stay in "cold" colors in standard....if I choose Warm 2 in Movie Mode, or the other modes, it's too much yellow :D )

I've tried many configurations of this topic, no one works well with my B450...

I think I'll just stop trying to find great colors, and adapt my eyes :cool:.....:D

(sorry for my english, i'm French :D)

Like some people in this topic, I've got many problems calibrating the tv, especially the colors....on TV channels, the faces looks like yellow aliens ( :D), with dvd's (I don't have any blu ray yet ) they're more red...etc...even if I try to change this, there's always this yellow/red tint on the image. (I'm obliged to stay in "cold" colors in standard....if I choose Warm 2 in Movie Mode, or the other modes, it's too much yellow :D )

I've tried many configurations of this topic, no one works well with my B450...

I think I'll just stop trying to find great colors, and adapt my eyes :cool:.....:D

(sorry for my english, i'm French :D)

I would try to pick up the DVE disc from amazon and wait until you have 150hours or so on the set. And then run through your own calibration. It's pretty easy though you can drive yourself crazy with trying to perfect things like the colors.

On my set Standard was pretty on the ball at it's default.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the inputs will have separate settings from each other. Meaning if you set the preferences on HDMI 1, HDMI 2 will not take those settings. I'm assuming it's the same for the Components and Composite, but I haven't really checked.

How are you hooking up your equipment?

I would try to pick up the DVE disc from amazon and wait until you have 150hours or so on the set. And then run through your own calibration. It's pretty easy though you can drive yourself crazy with trying to perfect things like the colors.

Thanks for the advice.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the inputs will have separate settings from each other. Meaning if you set the preferences on HDMI 1, HDMI 2 will not take though settings.

Yep, I discovered this a few days ago :).

How are you hooking up your equipment?

I'm using my TV (excepting the tv channels) only with my PS3, for blu rays, dvds, and gaming. (i'm not sure I answered your question :D )

Thanks for the advice.

The DVE Disc has the color filter included. Which is a minimum otherwise you have to try and eye ball it. I noticed the color buttons on the remote don't work. Not sure if I'm doing it wrong or it's just not supported on this model.


I'm using my TV (excepting the tv channels) only with my PS3, for blu rays, dvds, and gaming. (i'm not sure I answered your question :D )


So do you have cable that goes to a box or just have the coax run to the TV?

For the PS3 are you using HDMI? I think you might get slightly different results based on the connection type.

I don't know if Amazon did you the same way but they have currently charged me $532 for the TV and $8.10 for the cable. The blu-ray has yet to ship, but will they charge me $159.99? I opted for Super Saver Shipping and the order total is $679. I was just wondering how this all worked. Thank you.

They charged me a bit more for the HDMI and less for the TV, but it all worked out to $679 at the end.

... weird. Amazon broke out the charges for my order differently from either of your two orders. $541.xx plasma, $8.xx cable and the balance for the blu-ray.

Plasma arrives tomorrow. I ordered on the very last evening of the deal.

My pn42b450 is occasionally giving me an error message "Mode not supported". Has anyone seen that? It's happened three times. After some fiddling with controls, the problem goes away. It could be a problem with the satellite receiver that the TV gets its signal from --- I don't yet know.

So do you have cable that goes to a box or just have the coax run to the TV?

I just have the coax cable, which is directly connected to the tv. (I don't get tv with internet boxes, or everything else.)

For the PS3 are you using HDMI? I think you might get slightly different results based on the connection type.

Yes, I use HDMI cable.


After many trials, I think I've found satisfying configurations for the tv, and the PS3.... I'll try the DVE disc to get better colors. :D Thanks again dallows ;)

I just have the coax cable, which is directly connected to the tv. (I don't get tv with internet boxes, or everything else.)



Yes, I use HDMI cable.


After many trials, I think I've found satisfying configurations for the tv, and the PS3.... I'll try the DVE disc to get better colors. :D Thanks again dallows ;)

No problem. You might notice some changes after the TV gets 100+ hours on it. Slight changes so that's why it's recommended you wait until about 150 hours to calibrate.

My TV is constantly making noise like it's "settling". I've almost had it a month....If you touch the top of the TV and slightly rock it back and forth, I can reproduce the sound...It's almost like the plastic on the bezel or stand is settling. Would have thought it would have stopped by now. I don't know what to think about this...

I also cannot get a picture that I am satisfied with OTA w/ coax.

OTA used to look great on my LG.

Hi Everyone.
Just purchased a PN50B450 yesterday.
Just wanted to tell you my story.
This is my fifth HDTV this year and I have some things to say that you may find interesting.
The first tv I bought was a Samsung HL67A750 LED DLP . It had a VERY nice picture on it and was my first experience with HD.
I ended up buying a used Vizio p50hdtv10a PLASMA for my bedroom because going from 67 inches in the living room to a 19 inch crt at bedtime sucked ..lol
Well, after watching the plasma in the bedroom with its sharper images and excellent screen uniformity, I started to become unhappy with the DLP set.
SO , I put the DLP up for sale, got $100 more than I originally paid for it, and went and bought a PN58B550 plasma.
Had the B550 for a couple weeks and became unhappy because of pink hue issues and it didnt seem as sharp as the 50" vizio.
So , I took it back and got a Panasonic TH-58PZ800U.
I used service menu offsets provided in the owners thread for the 800U but after 2 months, I could NEVER get a picture I was happy with.
I also think that maybe Plasma is better suited at 50" or under because it didnt seem very sharp either..like it always lacked a tad bit more focus.
(By the way, I have a PS3 for bluray).
Finally got fed up with the Panasonic 800U, sold it on craigslist at a loss of $400, bought the PN50B450 and brought it home.

Heres my findings about the TV's i've had so far:

Samsung HL67A750: Great pic if you dont move your head up or down or sideways when viewing...or if you lay down on the couch to watch tv, the screen goes dim at the top.

Samsung PN58B550: They STILL didnt fix the pink hue??????
Still, a great picture on it, excellent colors and blacks were on par with the Panasonic 800U IMO. however, the "soft" image of what I percieve to be a deficiency in plasmas over 50" was annoying.

Panasonic 58PZ800U = CRAP! THX Mode = DIM even with service menu adjustments. Colors just never popped and had a dull, lifeless picture on it.
Blacks, IMO, were NO BETTER than the Samsung B550.
Like the B550, picture seemed soft.

Samsung PN50B450 = I'm finally a happy camper. I wish the screen could be bigger but I wont go there with plasma (over 50") anymore.
It is SOOOO nice to see good colors again in my living room.
I cant tell one bit of difference between this and 1080p sets as far as resolution goes. It actually even looks sharper.
I'm using an average of the common setting in this thread (my Movie, warm2 mode looks good, not red like others have reported)

With that said, here's what you might find surprising:
The VIZIO P50HDTV10A in my bedroom, bought from craigslist for $500, with the red snow storm issue (which I took care of myself by adjusting voltage to potentiometers on the video boards) has, by FAR, the BEST LOOKING PICTURE of all of the tv's I have owned so far.
The HD pictures from my STB are just amazing and even 3D looking and the colors are completely satisfying - I adjusted the colors and picture settings to my liking when I first got it and I NEVER EVER -NOT EVEN ONCE have changed a setting on it since - and I am very picky.
It just sucks knowing that i will eventually get the "Pop of Death" that these particular models suffer from and it will be gone :(
And SD tv, looks better than on any other HDTV I've had too.
Black levels, to these eyes seem to me to be on par with everything else I've owned.


So, its the Cheap Vizio, with the B450 coming in at a close 2nd.
YEP, 2 720p sets, bottom of the line, entry level plasmas, have better, sharper, crisper images with more pleasant colors than the much heralded 1080p Panasonic 58" 800U or the 58" B550..and cost me a thousand and change LESS.

**Scratching my head**** :)

^^^^ Can you try and take any pics of the Vizio in use to show us? I'm curious.

Calibration Settings HDMI 1080P input:
Movie Mode, Warm 2 setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 80
Brightness: 52 (51 would also work, but you might crush blacks slightly)
Sharpness: 20 (I did check this, and found the default of 20 to be very good at not producing excess edge effects. Any higher, like 30 or 40 and edge effect were easily visible to me)
Color: 44
Tint: G34/R66

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: 1 (Since doing this calibration I have found that zero or -1 is much better. This provides a higher gamma and more dynamic image. I leave mine set at zero)
Color Space: Native
White Balance:
Red Offset: 12
Green Offset: 24
Blue Offset: 6
Red Gain: 25
Green Gain: 0
Blue Gain: 17
Dan

I just picked up a PN50B550 and was getting frustrated with some of the settings I was finding, the colors were just off.. too vibrant, too unnatural, etc..

I used these and the picture is nothing short of AMAZING, with every component I use. Thank you!!

I have a PN42B450, when I try to access menu item "Advanced Settings" it's grayed out and won't allow me access. Can anyone tell me how to get access?

Thank you.

I have a PN42B450, when I try to access menu item "Advanced Settings" it's grayed out and won't allow me access. Can anyone tell me how to get access?

Change the Picture Mode from Dynamic to Standard or Movie.

I just picked up a PN50B550 and was getting frustrated with some of the settings I was finding, the colors were just off.. too vibrant, too unnatural, etc..

I used these and the picture is nothing short of AMAZING, with every component I use. Thank you!!

Glad to help! Enjoy.

Dan

I've had my b450 for about a week now, progressively lowering the color setting over time. I'm down to 40 now, and it still seems inaccurately overly-colorful to me (using movie/warm2, of course). Perhaps with a few more hours, I'll have to start digging into the sub-menu, white balance, etc. Don't get me wrong, the colors look gorgeous, just not entirely believable.

Yes, the primary colors are very oversaturated out of the box. Almost all digital TV's are now. It's an unfortunate side effect of trying to have your model TV stand out in the store, just like how they default to Dynamic mode in the store. Yuck.

I've found that nice clean HD feeds can handle a higher color setting, like 44, but most standard def stuff has a harder time with higher color settings. I think mine is set 40-44 right now for day to day standard def material.

Dan

hmm, I'm finding just the opposite. For example, I was finishing up a movie early this morning, standard def dvd released about 10 years ago (Duets, played on an Oppo 981 with all settings neutral/untouched on the Oppo dvd player), and it was almost shocking going from the movie to live tv (the Today Show in HD) and seeing how much more incredibly colorful the Today Show was in comparison.

I could have easily cranked up the color settings on the plasma for viewing the dvd without issue as opposed to notching up the color setting for much of the HD television content I view.

Why isn't there an owners thread for the 42B450?:confused:
Anyways i'm thinking about picking one up just to last me for around 2 years, then I'll sell it and it put it towards a 50" 1080p 3D ready HDTV when the Wii2 and PS4 come out in 2011-2012.

I was thinking of going for the Panasonic 42" 1080p S1...but why spend the extra $600 for 1080p(and inferior Color and processing)when the Wii only does 480p to begin with AND i barely play My PS3, but i watch Alot of movies and now Bluray...But i guess 1024x768(The lower end 720p) using HDMI is good enough for now until i upgrade 2 years later to 1080p. What can I say, I just want to get rid of my Bulky heavy Silver Sony 32" wega CRT:o And replace it with one of these. My only gripe is the red stripe on the B450...and i worry that the Color,Motion and Blacks wont be as good as my CRT...Those 3 things are what i LOVE about my Wega.

My only gripe is the red stripe on the B450...

Ha, I didn't even notice this until you said something. I know I couldn't see it; I had to get out a flash light to directly shine on the bottom to see it. I wouldn't be worried about it.

Why isn't there an owners thread for the 42B450?:confused:
Anyways i'm thinking about picking one up just to last me for around 2 years, then I'll sell it and it put it towards a 50" 1080p 3D ready HDTV when the Wii2 and PS4 come out in 2011-2012.

I was thinking of going for the Panasonic 42" 1080p S1...but why spend the extra $600 for 1080p(and inferior Color and processing)when the Wii only does 480p to begin with AND i barely play My PS3, but i watch Alot of movies and now Bluray...But i guess 1024x768(The lower end 720p) using HDMI is good enough for now until i upgrade 2 years later to 1080p. What can I say, I just want to get rid of my Bulky heavy Silver Sony 32" wega CRT:o And replace it with one of these. My only gripe is the red stripe on the B450...and i worry that the Color,Motion and Blacks wont be as good as my CRT...Those 3 things are what i LOVE about my Wega.

If you decided to go with the B450 I don't think you would be disappointed. Unless you expected deep blacks. They're good but full screen blacks are a bit gray. I deal.

The red at the bottom isn't noticeable at all.

If you decided to go with the B450 I don't think you would be disappointed. Unless you expected deep blacks. They're good but full screen blacks are a bit gray. I deal.

The red at the bottom isn't noticeable at all.


I wish there were pictures up, or an owners thread for the B450.
Anyways, how is 600hz for motion? as well as brightness and Color. Honestly i wish Samsung would of come out with a 42B550

is 600hz almost as good as CRT Motion? The last time i was at FutureShop i never really had a good chance to check out the displays, they all looked like crap running on the same feed...Nothing was bluray, just fuzzy looking TV channels:o Also since its 1024x768...When playing PS3 games on 720p or watching Bluray there will be upscaling and downscaling which sucks...But how much worse would the picture look considering I'm missing out on 256(Compared to 1280) pixels..Somebody mentioned there's a bit of overscan also, whatever that means...Anyways, it would be great if somebody could post up some pics to show off the blacks and color ect...And why would the blacks be Lighter when set to fullscreen? that's pretty weak....After all, for the Wii I'll be playing Virtual Console games in 4:3, but that's really it...And i dont watch alot of TV....Supernatural and South Park are the only shows I watch hehe. It will be mainly for the Wii and Bluray/Dvd's and maybe some PS3 gaming once in a while...If i were to soley buy this for 1080p Bluray movies and PS3 games, then i'd go 1080p...But since the wii is 480p it doesn't make a difference.

I wish there were pictures up, or an owners thread for the B450.
Anyways, how is 600hz for motion? as well as brightness and Color. Honestly i wish Samsung would of come out with a 42B550

is 600hz almost as good as CRT Motion? The last time i was at FutureShop i never really had a good chance to check out the displays, they all looked like crap running on the same feed...Nothing was bluray, just fuzzy looking TV channels:o Also since its 1024x768...When playing PS3 games on 720p or watching Bluray there will be upscaling and downscaling which sucks...But how much worse would the picture look considering I'm missing out on 256(Compared to 1280) pixels..Somebody mentioned there's a bit of overscan also, whatever that means...Anyways, it would be great if somebody could post up some pics to show off the blacks and color ect...And why would the blacks be Lighter when set to fullscreen? that's pretty weak....After all, for the Wii I'll be playing Virtual Console games in 4:3, but that's really it...And i dont watch alot of TV....Supernatural and South Park are the only shows I watch hehe. It will be mainly for the Wii and Bluray/Dvd's and maybe some PS3 gaming once in a while...If i were to soley buy this for 1080p Bluray movies and PS3 games, then i'd go 1080p...But since the wii is 480p it doesn't make a difference.

Well this is kinda the "owners thread." This one has the most info/settings/feedback. I don't know what happened to the OP or if he could change the title.

I've never had an issue with Motion. I'm not sure what the 600hz translates into real world but there's no hiccup or lag I've seen.

I don't have an issue with the resolution either. I don't notice any weirdness or problems with the image when I play ps3/xbox360/blu-ray. It all looks crisp and clear and colorful.

If you go back to pages 7 and 8 Dan and I have posted some images of our displays. They're not exact but pretty close to what you'd see, just imagine better when actually viewing. On my pictures though I was comparing my Standard and Movie modes. So all of the images labeled 1 are the Standard config. the problem we discovered was not all the sets are the same. Dan uses Movie/Warm2 and gets awesome results whereas I have to use Standard mode(calibrated a little) to achieve the same picture. It's just the way some of the panels are.

We also have our settings posted throughout the thread - the latest being on most recent pages.

What I meant by "full screen" blacks is if you have a black image, piece of clothing, whatever, in the middle of an image that has other elements to it, it will look dark black, like it should(depending on source). But if you have a scene say like in the Dark Knight were the Joker is in the interrogation room; then you'll see a bit of glow from the display when there's a lot of black supposed to be in the image.

Get what I mean? The panel can't go deep black, but it gets the job done for a $700 set.

my quick take on recent questions:

"touch of red" - as mentioned a few posts ago, I too have had the experience of pulling out the flashlight just so I could get a better glimpse of this supposed red color strip. If your room is very bright, you'll see the color of red somewhat, but it will be very muted in terms of intensity. Get any dimmer in the room and it disappears from view.

black levels w/ respect to old Sony CRT - this is one of those "it bothers some a lot, it bothers others just a little" subjects. I'm in the former camp and I suspect you will be disappointed too coming from a higher quality CRT. Like stated before, mixed light scenes with black content will look great in terms of the black tones. But that's not the crux of it. Even any el cheapo LCD can make blacks look good in those types of scenes (I know, I've owned a few).

It's when you get to scenes where it's predominantly dark throughout the frame or scene that the black levels of this base Samsung model really takes a hit. I find it pretty distracting and subpar but I pretty much knew that would be the case going in (based on reading these forums for ages and previous experience with a Samsung plasma).

Knowing that I wouldn't be keeping this model beyond 1-2 years, I was willing to live with it because it was still a very slight upgrade in black levels from my previous LCD and purchasing a base model at a great price would allow me to flip the plasma down the line without taking much of a financial hit. In the interim, I'll concentrate on the superior colors, size upgrade & other positives this Samsung plasma has over my previous tv.

Motion - I haven't had much of an opportunity to evaluate this aspect yet. It should be close to your CRT, so much so that I wouldn't worry about it. I think a much bigger issue is bit-starving of programming content, especially noticeable with motion scenes and having nothing to do with the plasma itself. The recent Miss Universe pageant broadcast last Sunday was a recent case in point. An absolute mess, nearly unwatchable. And that's really saying something given how spectacular looking some of those women were. Any time there was movement on screen, the picture became a fuzzy, blurring, distracting macro-blocking disaster. This was very evident even on the generally superior OTA NBC HD broadcast and our local spanish language HD OTA station which also aired it.

Motion - I haven't had much of an opportunity to evaluate this aspect yet. It should be close to your CRT, so much so that I wouldn't worry about it. I think a much bigger issue is bit-starving of programming content, especially noticeable with motion scenes and having nothing to do with the plasma itself. The recent Miss Universe pageant broadcast last Sunday was a recent case in point. An absolute mess, nearly unwatchable. And that's really saying something given how spectacular looking some of those women were. Any time there was movement on screen, the picture became a fuzzy, blurring, distracting macro-blocking disaster. This was very evident even on the generally superior OTA NBC HD broadcast and our local spanish language HD OTA station which also aired it.

I just wanted to note real quick that if you have cable and upgrade to an HD package there is a lot of variation between channels and source broadcasts. Some cases may look awesome while others less than some. It's just the nature of it.

Now if you pop in a nice blu-ray it really compliments the set.

my quick take on recent questions:

"touch of red" - as mentioned a few posts ago, I too have had the experience of pulling out the flashlight just so I could get a better glimpse of this supposed red color strip. If your room is very bright, you'll see the color of red somewhat, but it will be very muted in terms of intensity. Get any dimmer in the room and it disappears from view.

black levels w/ respect to old Sony CRT - this is one of those "it bothers some a lot, it bothers others just a little" subjects. I'm in the former camp and I suspect you will be disappointed too coming from a higher quality CRT. Like stated before, mixed light scenes with black content will look great in terms of the black tones. But that's not the crux of it. Even any el cheapo LCD can make blacks look good in those types of scenes (I know, I've owned a few).

It's when you get to scenes where it's predominantly dark throughout the frame or scene that the black levels of this base Samsung model really takes a hit. I find it pretty distracting and subpar but I pretty much knew that would be the case going in (based on reading these forums for ages and previous experience with a Samsung plasma).

Knowing that I wouldn't be keeping this model beyond 1-2 years, I was willing to live with it because it was still a very slight upgrade in black levels from my previous LCD and purchasing a base model at a great price would allow me to flip the plasma down the line without taking much of a financial hit. In the interim, I'll concentrate on the superior colors, size upgrade & other positives this Samsung plasma has over my previous tv.

Motion - I haven't had much of an opportunity to evaluate this aspect yet. It should be close to your CRT, so much so that I wouldn't worry about it. I think a much bigger issue is bit-starving of programming content, especially noticeable with motion scenes and having nothing to do with the plasma itself. The recent Miss Universe pageant broadcast last Sunday was a recent case in point. An absolute mess, nearly unwatchable. And that's really saying something given how spectacular looking some of those women were. Any time there was movement on screen, the picture became a fuzzy, blurring, distracting macro-blocking disaster. This was very evident even on the generally superior OTA NBC HD broadcast and our local spanish language HD OTA station which also aired it.

I think your observations coincide pretty well with mine. I do not own this model but I recommended, installed and set one of them up for my dad for use in his basement game room.

I (barely) noticed the TOC but my father, brothers and step-mother all failed to even notice it until I pointed it out. It's so subtle on this model it's a non-issue.

Last thing I want to do is get into a plasma vs. LCD discussion... each has its place. For several reasons, I would generally prefer a plasma but happen to own an A550 Samsung LCD. Based mostly on viewing angle requirements in his room, I recommended this plasma to my father, who was not looking to spend a huge sum for a game room TV. Well... I would LOVE to have the black levels of this TV on my LCD. No... it's not "CRT black", but for the price of this TV I was VERY impressed with what it had and with the overall PQ. Even playing Blu-ray content with the room darkened, the blacks were still much better than any LCD I have come across.

For a TV sitting at the lower end of a manufacturer's lineup, this TV is quite impressive. Is it the ultimate display for critical HT viewing? No... but anyone looking for better from a $600 display is suffering from unreasonable expectations, not a problem with this display.

dallows -

Agreed. There is all sorts of variability in terms of HD quality, for various reasons; HD camera settings, station transmission/bandwidth, content provider handling (cable, satellite, OTA), etc. But to experience such poor quality on what's generally considered to be the optimal platform for superior quality HD, OTA (over-the-air) HD broadcasts, was really irritating. Whatever the problem was, it wasn't that.

I think your observations coincide pretty well with mine. I do not own this model but I recommended, installed and set one of them up for my dad for use in his basement game room.

.................... For a TV sitting at the lower end of a manufacturer's lineup, this TV is quite impressive. Is it the ultimate display for critical HT viewing? No... but anyone looking for better from a $600 display is suffering from unreasonable expectations, not a problem with this display.

Agree with you, mostly. I would disagree with your (to me) overly positive impression of black levels but again, part of that comes down to individual taste and standards, not unlike how many LCD fans seem to overly discount the contrast/color fading of off-axis viewing. Some see it as no problem at all or claim there is no difference. I used to think they were all deluding themselves or being overly defensive but eventually I came to view it as something that those people were honestly just not as sensitive to. Me, that off-center slight LCD fade I find to be highly irritating.

For the price though, yea, can't complain too much about the b450, and besides, there would be no reason for more expensive higher end models if the b450 was any better than it already is.

dallows -

Agreed. There is all sorts of variability in terms of HD quality, for various reasons; HD camera settings, station transmission/bandwidth, content provider handling (cable, satellite, OTA), etc. But to experience such poor quality on what's generally considered to be the optimal platform for superior quality HD, OTA (over-the-air) HD broadcasts, was really irritating. Whatever the problem was, it wasn't that.

Oh yeah. No, it seemed there was definitely something messed up with that channel's broadcast. Is it always like that?

No, I don't think I've ever experienced anything as poor as that on any NBC HD content; not sports or dramas or sitcoms, etc. Or on any other HD OTA channel for that matter (I don't have cable or satellite but have been exposed to a fair amount of that provider content too).

I did a couple searches on AVS to see if anyone else had been discussing it but I didn't find anything, which I found surprising given how sensitive many members are to issues like these.

hmm, I'm finding just the opposite. For example, I was finishing up a movie early this morning, standard def dvd released about 10 years ago (Duets, played on an Oppo 981 with all settings neutral/untouched on the Oppo dvd player), and it was almost shocking going from the movie to live tv (the Today Show in HD) and seeing how much more incredibly colorful the Today Show was in comparison.

I could have easily cranked up the color settings on the plasma for viewing the dvd without issue as opposed to notching up the color setting for much of the HD television content I view.


Interesting. Must be the feeds, and I have no reason to doubt what you are seeing. Program accuracy can change drastically, that's for sure. My favorite live HD content is golf. It just looks so dang good. So does hockey. Also, some of the PBS material is fantastic, documenting travels across Europe for example. Those are the feeds that seem to have the most natural color. I love watching football also, but many times the contrast is too pumped on those feeds. Still looks great overall.

Anything recorded indoors is going to have a harder time with accurate color reproduction, and some look great, some look way off.

I watch all of my HD content on an OTA antenna.

Dan

Thanks for the info guys;)
Also, just wondering what are the exact differences between the B450 and last years A450? Spec wise, i've noticed that the B450 has 600hz and a better AntiGlare screen, any other differences regarding Color, Blacks ect?

And again, alot of people are saying the B550 has better color(and maybe blacks, not too sure) than the B450...yet why doesn't Samsung pull off a panasonic and release 42" 1080p displays? I would of liked having a higher 1080p and native resolution...BUT, based on what people are saying there wont be any difference at all if you're sitting around 9 feet aways from a 42" display with a resolution of 1024x768 like the B450...Besides if i do decide to get it, I'd just keep it for 2 years and upgrade to a 50" 1080p 3D Ready HDTV once the Wii2 and PS4 hits like i mentioned before.

Anyways...I could live with slighty inferior blacks that the B450 has compared to my CRT, in favor of

~720 HD(the lower res kind..1024x768 ;p)
~Progressive Scan
~HDMI
~Widescreen
~A Beautiful, Black, Flat Panel and Not so 'dinasaur' heavy cooler looking display.

Again though i'm dieing to see how the Wii would look on it.
My VGA Wii cable will be coming in the mail in a couple of days so i can test it out on my Samsung 23" 1080p LCD Computer Monitor for fun...Obviously the Samsung B450 will beat it out regarding Color, Motion and Blacks:cool:
Anyways, I'll probably check the 42B450 out in a couple of days at BestBuy/Future Shop and play around with it....And if I like, well...You can say goodbye to my CRT ;p

PS: Is there a Costume mode on this set, or can you just adjust the settings in the Modes that the TV has?
And on another note, my Uncle has a Panasonic PZ85u from last year, got a solid Picture when i played around with it on Costum Mode...The colors could of been alittle better though, the blacks seemed good enough to me. THe downside is that when i tried the Wii on it, it was hooked up with Composite cables, so of course you're going to get crappier color, a less sharp/crisp image, not as bright and No progressive scan. Another thing is that the TV could of been 'alittle' brighter...I never got a chance to see any Bluray movies on it, instead i was watching HD movies on TV, so obviously they're not going to look as good as Bluray. All in all, the PZ85u seemed pretty Solid...The blacks were great, the Color was good, could of been a tad bit better, motion wasn't as good as my crt and it could of been alittle better brighter. And i bet the B450 will be beat it regarding Color and Motion...Brightness and Blacks maybe too?

Update My colorometer was measuring red incorrectly, so I adjusted the meter, and created a new calibration. I am very happy with these. The adjustment focused on the greyscale (white balance), and now whites are a nice white, and dark areas are dark grey with little hint of any color skew.

Movie Mode, Warm 2 setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 50 (this can vary from 48 to 52 depending on what input or source you are using)
Sharpness: 20 for standard definition content. I use 5 for HD content (Blu-Ray, or High Def Channels)
Color: 38
Tint: G42/R58

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: 0 (or -1 if you like)
Color Space: Auto

White Balance:
Red Offset: 21
Green Offset: 25
Blue Offset: 15
Red Gain: 25
Green Gain: 0
Blue Gain: 27

Dallows, can you tell me how this looks on your set?
EDIT: Tweaked a little more and now it's even better. New numbers have been updated above on 11-28-09 (white balance and Color)

Dan

Ok, so I noticed that my black and white pictures were showing hints of blue and red. I think my colorometer doesn't measure my Plasma very well, so I calibrated by eye and here are my new settings. I am very happy with these. The adjustment focused on the greyscale (white balance), and now whites are a nice white, and dark areas are dark grey with little hint of any color skew.

Movie Mode, Warm 2 setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 51
Sharpness: 20
Color: 40
Tint: G47/R53

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: 0 (or -1 if you like)
Color Space: Native

White Balance:
Red Offset: 3
Green Offset: 25
Blue Offset: 4
Red Gain: 23
Green Gain: 3
Blue Gain: 24

Dallows, can you tell me how this looks on your set?

Dan

I'll give it a go tonight or tomorrow night. I still kinda feel like I'm being gypped by the differences with the Movie mode though. Still need to contact Samsung about it.

I have read every single reply on this forum tonight. I have tried some of the settings, but some of them I cannot change. I am trying Dans new settings. I am using Input HDMI2/DVI.

It will not let me change to Warm 2. I cannot change color, tint, or a few others. Im sorry I'm a noob. It allowed me to change them to the CABLE settings using componet cables.

But I want to calibrate my western digital hd tv media player for my blu-rays.

PLEASE, someone...? do I have to access service menu's? and how do I do that?

Lilc a big welcome to you:D The only way you can access warm2 is to be in movie mode. Not sure why you cant change color/tint, are you using hdmi?.

Dan I tried your new white balance settings and I cant really tell the difference from the old ones:)They still look great on my tv. I can notice the difference though from your very 1st ones to these though. How does your chart show with the new wb settings

Lilc a big welcome to you:D The only way you can access warm2 is to be in movie mode. Not sure why you cant change color/tint, are you using hdmi?.



I tried it in movie mode also. Still cannot change into settings listed. Yes it's hdmi. Maybe because it's hdmi/dvi slot? I'll try using hdmi slot 1. Checking now.

EDIT* I moved the HDMI to HDMI-3(the one on the side of the panel) All menus are now accessible.

I tried it in movie mode also. Still cannot change into settings listed. Yes it's hdmi. Maybe because it's hdmi/dvi slot? I'll try using hdmi slot 1. Checking now.

EDIT* I moved the HDMI to HDMI-3(the one on the side of the panel) All menus are now accessible.

Did you try HDMI 1? I don't think the settings would be locked for HDMI2 as I have my xbox360 on that and I can adjust them fine. I'm talking about tint/color, etc. The Color Temp is locked at cool or normal in Standard. Movie mode has the others unlocked.

If you could take a picture of the HDMI2 settings page with the locked out items it might help us figure it out.

Oh. you could also try a factory reset maybe. When you turned the tv on for the first time it ran through the initial setup right? You would've chosen Home as Store or maybe demo could change things.

Did you try HDMI 1? I don't think the settings would be locked for HDMI2 as I have my xbox360 on that and I can adjust them fine. I'm talking about tint/color, etc. The Color Temp is locked at cool or normal in Standard. Movie mode has the others unlocked.

If you could take a picture of the HDMI2 settings page with the locked out items it might help us figure it out.

Oh. you could also try a factory reset maybe. When you turned the tv on for the first time it ran through the initial setup right? You would've chosen Home as Store or maybe demo could change things.

I put it back to HDMI2, everything was shaded out again. Cannot change them. The pics are below. Kinda hard to see but on STANDARD and MOVIE modes, Sharpness Color and TINT are shaded out and cannot be changed.
And in ADVANCED settings, Only Gamma and White Balance can be changed. This seems to be only in HDMI2/DVI input.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/izblilc/Photo0137.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/izblilc/Photo0138.jpg
Sorry, Movie Mode Photo also...
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b352/izblilc/Photo0140.jpg

All is well now. Just moved the wd hd tv media player to hdmi 3. Changed settings to "Calibration Settings HDMI 1080P input:" and it looks amazing.

Anyone have any good gaming settings? my xbox360 looks great with the default settings...

I really appreciate this forum. I used it for my panny 42" also. I am greatful for all your comments and suggestions gentleman/ladies.

All is well now. Just moved the wd hd tv media player to hdmi 3. Changed settings to "Calibration Settings HDMI 1080P input:" and it looks amazing.

Anyone have any good gaming settings? my xbox360 looks great with the default settings...

I really appreciate this forum. I used it for my panny 42" also. I am greatful for all your comments and suggestions gentleman/ladies.

Wheres the bolded option from?

and whats the western digital symbol from?

Wheres the bolded option from?

and whats the western digital symbol from?

From this thread. It's dans new set-up I believe. and the WD logo is the Western Digital HD TV Media Player. Best piece of eguip I ever bought.

From this thread. It's dans new set-up I believe. and the WD logo is the Western Digital HD TV Media Player. Best piece of eguip I ever bought.

Oh I see. That's what Dan titled his settings or whatever.

I also bet your locked out options stem from using the WD player.

When the TV is turned off, is the screen black or grey?:confused:

When the TV is turned off, is the screen black or grey?:confused:

Why would that matter? It depends on how much light is hitting it. With it off (Red standby light on) It will go from gray to black depending on the lighting.

Why would that matter? It depends on how much light is hitting it. With it off (Red standby light on) It will go from gray to black depending on the lighting.

I dont understand why the media player would lock out settings on the TV itself? It lets me change anything I want in HDMI-1, and HDMI-3. But not HDMI-2/DVI slot. I'm not exactly sure. Has anyone done the Firmware update? Is it beneficial? Thinking maybe this will repair my issue...?

I dont understand why the media player would lock out settings on the TV itself? It lets me change anything I want in HDMI-1, and HDMI-3. But not HDMI-2/DVI slot. I'm not exactly sure. Has anyone done the Firmware update? Is it beneficial? Thinking maybe this will repair my issue...?

I'm just trying to give ideas about your setup. The HDMI2/DVI might recognize it differently than the others and lock those settings accordingly. I don't have my manual on-hand (I'll try to look it up) so I don't know what it says exactly about that input, you know?

I have no done the firmware update. I think it has a few fixes but I don't think it's huge.

I dont understand why the media player would lock out settings on the TV itself? It lets me change anything I want in HDMI-1, and HDMI-3. But not HDMI-2/DVI slot. I'm not exactly sure. Has anyone done the Firmware update? Is it beneficial? Thinking maybe this will repair my issue...?

If the media player is outputting RGB "PC" video (as opposed to YPbPr "TV" video), controls related to color decoding (converting encoded YPbPr, S-Video or Composite to full channel RGB), the TV will sense this and lock out controls that have no function with a full bandwidth RGB input... typically this would be the standard color decoding controls such as Color and Hue/Tint.

If the PN-B works like my LN-A, HDMI 2 is the only input designated to accept "PC" video standards (hence the HDMI/DVI designation). An RGB video signal input to the HDMI/DVI input essentially puts the display in "PC Monitor" mode"... you will not find color decoding controls on the typical dedicated RGB PC monitor, either.

It seems that everything is working as it should.

this is my sammy and my infinity souround sound setup more pics coming give me some feedback good or bad!!
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01529.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01519.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01505.jpg

post your pics please I tried to start it up let's go fellas!!

If the media player is outputting RGB "PC" video (as opposed to YPbPr "TV" video), controls related to color decoding (converting encoded YPbPr, S-Video or Composite to full channel RGB), the TV will sense this and lock out controls that have no function with a full bandwidth RGB input... typically this would be the standard color decoding controls such as Color and Hue/Tint.

If the PN-B works like my LN-A, HDMI 2 is the only input designated to accept "PC" video standards (hence the HDMI/DVI designation). An RGB video signal input to the HDMI/DVI input essentially puts the display in "PC Monitor" mode"... you will not find color decoding controls on the typical dedicated RGB PC monitor, either.

It seems that everything is working as it should.

You said what I was trying to say.

this is my sammy and my infinity souround sound setup more pics coming give me some feedback good or bad!!
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01529.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01519.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af133/nola504boy7/DSC01505.jpg


These are blocked for me at work.Use imageshack.us I don't think that's blocked.

These are blocked for me at work.Use imageshack.us I don't think that's blocked. okay

okay

You don't have to use it. I can't always look at home tonight. Just a suggestion. :)

new stand coming real soon I hate my stand!!:mad:
http://img33.imageshack.us/i/dsc01529xjx.jpg/
http://http://img3.imageshack.us/i/dsc01519o.jpg/
http://img170.imageshack.us/i/dsc01525b.jpg/
http://img41.imageshack.us/i/dsc01505w.jpg/

sorry about the big pics above^^^^^^^^^^^

If the media player is outputting RGB "PC" video (as opposed to YPbPr "TV" video), controls related to color decoding (converting encoded YPbPr, S-Video or Composite to full channel RGB), the TV will sense this and lock out controls that have no function with a full bandwidth RGB input... typically this would be the standard color decoding controls such as Color and Hue/Tint.

If the PN-B works like my LN-A, HDMI 2 is the only input designated to accept "PC" video standards (hence the HDMI/DVI designation). An RGB video signal input to the HDMI/DVI input essentially puts the display in "PC Monitor" mode"... you will not find color decoding controls on the typical dedicated RGB PC monitor, either.

It seems that everything is working as it should.

Then I guess it is in fact the connection on the tv. It being HDMI/DVI. As it's the only slot not able to change these settings. Thanks for the help. I'm more than benefiting the settings on both other HDMI slots.

Guys - I just got a new Samsung PN42B450. I am noticing kind of a drop shadow especially with lighter text on a dark background. It is quite visible when I pull up my cable's TV Guide on the screen. I tried calibrating it by adjusting tint, brightness, contrast etc. but it doesn't seem to completely disappear. It is also very noticable in the text that appears on TV.

I am new at the HD game and need to know if I need to set my tv up properly or if it's defective so I can return it. I sit 10+ feet from it and the lighting conditions in my living room are low to moderate.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated

Guys - I just got a new Samsung PN42B450. I am noticing kind of a drop shadow especially with lighter text on a dark background. It is quite visible when I pull up my cable's TV Guide on the screen. I tried calibrating it by adjusting tint, brightness, contrast etc. but it doesn't seem to completely disappear. It is also very noticable in the text that appears on TV.

I am new at the HD game and need to know if I need to set my tv up properly or if it's defective so I can return it. I sit 10+ feet from it and the lighting conditions in my living room are low to moderate.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated

These guys will have the answers. But I will say I see this from time to time. If I'm not mistaken, it's the angle the tv is at. Because (and excuse me if i'm wrong) the plasma is behind a glass front. So It's simply just at an angle you're seeing both the plasma display and the glass display?

If I view my tv from the side, I see it also.
Is that what you mean?

Guys - I just got a new Samsung PN42B450. I am noticing kind of a drop shadow especially with lighter text on a dark background. It is quite visible when I pull up my cable's TV Guide on the screen. I tried calibrating it by adjusting tint, brightness, contrast etc. but it doesn't seem to completely disappear. It is also very noticable in the text that appears on TV.

I am new at the HD game and need to know if I need to set my tv up properly or if it's defective so I can return it. I sit 10+ feet from it and the lighting conditions in my living room are low to moderate.

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciatedits most likely just IR your seeing is it a ghost like image in the background? i know u said your new to HD thats one thing plasma's have

its most likely just IR your seeing is it a ghost like image in the background? i know u said your new to HD thats one thing plasma's have

Thank you for replying, yes, it's a ghost like image, mostly visible on text e.g. when i pull my tv guide on screen the white text on blue has a black shadow. same with espn hd where there are lots of tickers going on at bottom and on the sides. the picture actually without text seems to be fine.

is it a normal plasma occurrence or is it defective.

Thank you for replying, yes, it's a ghost like image, mostly visible on text e.g. when i pull my tv guide on screen the white text on blue has a black shadow. same with espn hd where there are lots of tickers going on at bottom and on the sides. the picture actually without text seems to be fine.

is it a normal plasma occurrence or is it defective.normal it will go away its just ir turn your contrast down some until its broken in then you wont have that problem

I just changed the model of my Samsung with one setting in the service menu! Write down all you settings before you proceed they will be set back to factory default when you enter the service menu.

First enter the service menu with the TV off by pressing mute, 1, 8, 2, then power. Press enter with option highlighted then the down arrow twice to get to model then press enter and the left arrow once and then enter again, your model should now be listed as PB560, now press the power button to exit the service menu and once more to turn the TV back on. Now put on some 24p content and Cinema Smooth is now an option in the menu.

Hey did anyone read this post yet? I wonder if we're able to change ours from 450 to 560 like poster did. that would be cool if we had cimema smooth also:cool: I might give it a try later when wifey go's to bed in case I screw up the tv:eek:

Hey did anyone read this post yet? I wonder if we're able to change ours from 450 to 560 like poster did. that would be cool if we had cimema smooth also:cool: I might give it a try later when wifey go's to bed in case I screw up the tv:eek:

Haha, yeah. Give it a go and let me know. I'm not really interested unless it gives better black levels.

Haha, yeah. Give it a go and let me know. I'm not really interested unless it gives better black levels.me too:)

I did it and it gave me the cinema smooth option. However, when enabled, I'm not sure that it works. I'd need a good scene on a bluray (I only have the spiderman trilogy) to test it out. Anyone know a scene to test for cadence?
The rest of my HD movies are streamed from my computer through the PS3 and cinema smooth is greyed out when playing those.

Monktrump do you have the 42b450 or the 50b450

monktrump you have the 50b450, right. I have the 42b450 I guess I'll give it a try only problem is they dont have the 560 in the 42" model so I wonder if I can change mine to the 560 and if I can will it do anything to the tv thinking its a 50 instead of a 42:confused:,hmmm. Can you change it back once you change it?

ok I gave it a whirl and I now have cinema smooth also, now to see if it works. The only blue ray I have is final fantasy advent children, so when my kids done with the ps3 I'll give it a try and post back.
Edit: havent tried it yet but I did notice that I have usb wiselink enabled now also, I clicked on it and it came up but said no usb connected so I'm gonna try to use the usb service to see if it works. Monkstrump have you tried that yet?
edit; it works i put in my 250 gb wd hd and it recognizes it. so we know have usb also yahoo

ok I gave it a whirl and I now have cinema smooth also, now to see if it works. The only blue ray I have is final fantasy advent children, so when my kids done with the ps3 I'll give it a try and post back.
Edit: havent tried it yet but I did notice that I have usb wiselink enabled now also, I clicked on it and it came up but said no usb connected so I'm gonna try to use the usb service to see if it works. Monkstrump have you tried that yet?
edit; it works i put in my 250 gb wd hd and it recognizes it. so we know have usb also yahoo

Have you tried a blu ray yet? Hows the cinema smooth? Any difference with it now thinking it's a 50"? Can you change it back?

I just tried this on my PN50B450 and while it seems to work pretty well at getting rid of judder, it adds a ton of noise to the picture that isn't there with it off. (tested with the Adventureland blu ray on my PS3)

actually thinking its a 50" was a none issue because when you change the model# it only has the model# and not the size. I will try the ps3 and cinema smooth 1st chance I get and will keep all posted

Monktrump do you have the 42b450 or the 50b450

I have the 50B450

I did the firmware update. no major difference as noted previously. Had to change all my damn settings again though.

ok well I tried the cinema smooth and I'm still trying to tell the difference but it did make everything go brighter when I activated it. I'm using Dans settings which looked great and when I activated CS I imediately got those green dancing lights from the brightness increase, so we can at least say that the glitch works:)

I just tried this on my PN50B450 and while it seems to work pretty well at getting rid of judder, it adds a ton of noise to the picture that isn't there with it off. (tested with the Adventureland blu ray on my PS3)
I only have advent children to test it on and I cant really the difference, but then again I never saw any judder anyways. Seattlite whats the best way to tell?

Well i'm not 100% sure it was working but I seemed to see it the best on the credits, though it could have just been a placebo effect... I tried to do some a/b comparisons with it on and off and it seemed smoother overall with it on. When I activate it the brightness seems to be the same so I don't know where the noise is coming from ("green dancing lights" seems like an accurate description though, as they are greenish and move even when the movie is paused)

have you tried the media usb yet. I believ it will only show jpegs and play music

have you tried the media usb yet. I believ it will only show jpegs and play music

I saw it in the menu but I haven't messed around with it yet. Made me curious as to whether or not setting it to a 650 would allow us to use the USB wifi dongle for the internet functions... but i'm not willing to buy the dongle for $40 just to find out and I doubt anyone else is either.

will this void the warranty?:confused:

will this void the warranty?:confused:

I doubt it. You can change it right back without problems.

I doubt it. You can change it right back without problems.cool:)

Looks like several have had success changing their PB450s to PB560s in the SM. Has anyone tried this with a PB430? I have an Insignia NS-P501Q-10A which is really a cheap PB430 with a scaled back user menu, and would like to try the same trick and maybe even get the full user menu.
Regards, 007

Just picked up one of these babies for the bedroom:D. I have a pn50a400 down in the den hooked up to a sony s360 surround sound. I am so impressed with the a400's performance that when I saw the 42b450 in costco at an unbeatable price I couldn't resist:D.

This set wont be used for gaming, just movies and regular programing(sd right now), so I wont have to go through as rigorous break-in period, as I had for the last one. Just full screen heaven!!:cool: JoeB.

Question for you guys'...

I have the older model (42A450) and looking for newer one. I've noticed you guys' have mentioned the contrast much higher than that of what was quoted here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1019776&page=4


Is there a reason for this? Does the "B" series handle contrast high now? I thought the higher the contrast - the higher the chance of IR and Burn In?

Please help as I am looking for a new Sammy in the next month!

Abe I went from a 42a450 to a 42b450 and I like the b450 better. I had a real bad pink problem with the a450 and after 3 panel replacements samsung gave me the newer model. The only thing I dont like about the b450 is that samsung took out the cms. You can only chose auto and native, no custom mode anymore. They also took out the blue screen which made it easier to calibrate tv yourself. As far as blacks and pq I beleive the b450 is better. The A450 was nice also but the b450 is even nicer:D

Abe I went from a 42a450 to a 42b450 and I like the b450 better. I had a real bad pink problem with the a450 and after 3 panel replacements samsung gave me the newer model. The only thing I dont like about the b450 is that samsung took out the cms. You can only chose auto and native, no custom mode anymore. They also took out the blue screen which made it easier to calibrate tv yourself. As far as blacks and pq I beleive the b450 is better. The A450 was nice also but the b450 is even nicer:D


Kanpol,

Thank you for your time. Can I ask you if you use a Calib. Disk (Spears and Munsil) I believe...or do you calib it yourself? Do you happen to still have the settings you used for HDMI or cable/direct tv for the a450? I am going to keep this tv and move it to the bedroom...thinking of getting the b450 or b550(? 50") for the front room...

...I'm pretty new at this stuff and very confused, so every help I can get would be great.

...To show you how new I was, I had no idea you could adjust the levels per input...had TV through componet on levels I got from here on it's big brother (50A450) but my PS3 was on CRAZY high mode which now has some IR from Tiger2010 :(

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15671715#post15671715
Abe here's the link to the settings I used on the 42a450, these were done on the 50" model but they looked great on mine

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15671715#post15671715
Abe here's the link to the settings I used on the 42a450, these were done on the 50" model but they looked great on mine

Thank you sir...I noticed for HDMI PS3 on these settings it is dark...was it like that for you as well?

Abe I happen to like my screen more towards the darkside but what I would advise is use that as your starting point and make it to your liking. On that thread I linked to you, use smeg36's settings his were the best. Now using the ps3 if you set your rgb to "full" then set your hdmi black level on your tv to normal. that will make it brighter

Thank you so much Kanpol...I don't mind my set dark either, was just curious...I'll keep these settings :)


You suggest the new B450? :rolleyes: :p

I'm happy with mine Abe, hell I was happy with the A series also, just didn't like my whites looking pink. I wish I could combine them:D A series menu with B series E panel

Abe I happen to like my screen more towards the darkside but what I would advise is use that as your starting point and make it to your liking. On that thread I linked to you, use smeg36's settings his were the best. Now using the ps3 if you set your rgb to "full" then set your hdmi black level on your tv to normal. that will make it brighter

If the hdmi black level and rgb settings don't match you'll just get a washed out picture. That's not good.

I'm happy with mine Abe, hell I was happy with the A series also, just didn't like my whites looking pink. I wish I could combine them:D A series menu with B series E panel

You have the 42 again? Any reason why you didn't go to 50? :confused:

I checked out the Samsung 42" B450 today, but damn it was in Wallmart on some crappy feed...They were playing one of the Harry potter movies which looked to be on regular DVD...but i never bothered messing with the controls. the lighting conditions were out of whack, so i couldn't judge the Blacks...while they're not great, they are good....But for all i know, Wall mart was probably using composite cables and their HDTVs were all on the same feed and they didn't even mess with the PQ Settings....All of the displays looked flat, but again...You need to have proper lighting conditionts, and set up to a Bluray Player using HDMI and adjust the PQ Settings plain and simple....i shall at futureshop muhaha Also the Red Strip on the HDTV was barely noticable at all, thank god. This Display if I chose to get it will be mainly for the Wii and Bluray/DVD's....And maybe PS3 once in a while.

So anyways, would Wii games set on 480p/16:9 using component cables offers a sharper/more clearer picture than what i'm currently using?...Which is a Sony 32" Wega flatscreen SDTV using component cables, set on 480i/4:3: I mean I think the PQ on my set looks fantastic, but to have Progressive scan and 16:9 would be even better obviously...And to have a beautiful Black Flat Panel display...Yep, my CRT is silver and I'm not a huge fan. :o Anyways, I'd also be sitting Around 9 Feet away from the 42" 720p Plasma. That aside, I always hear people saying the Wii does look sharper/clearer on a solid 720p set with a great scaler, but everything looks jageddy depending on the title(Zelda TP comes to mind) But there are always mixed answers...Somebody set this straight!

personally I'd rather have razor sharp graphics than Blurry, but that's a no brainer:o

I checked out the Samsung 42" B450 today, but damn it was in Wallmart on some crappy feed...They were playing one of the Harry potter movies which looked to be on regular DVD...but i never bothered messing with the controls. the lighting conditions were out of whack, so i couldn't judge the Blacks...while they're not great, they are good....But for all i know, Wall mart was probably using composite cables and their HDTVs were all on the same feed and they didn't even mess with the PQ Settings....All of the displays looked flat, but again...You need to have proper lighting conditionts, and set up to a Bluray Player using HDMI and adjust the PQ Settings plain and simple....i shall at futureshop muhaha Also the Red Strip on the HDTV was barely noticable at all, thank god. This Display if I chose to get it will be mainly for the Wii and Bluray/DVD's....And maybe PS3 once in a while.

So anyways, would Wii games set on 480p/16:9 using component cables offers a sharper/more clearer picture than what i'm currently using?...Which is a Sony 32" Wega flatscreen SDTV using component cables, set on 480i/4:3: I mean I think the PQ on my set looks fantastic, but to have Progressive scan and 16:9 would be even better obviously...And to have a beautiful Black Flat Panel display...Yep, my CRT is silver and I'm not a huge fan. :o Anyways, I'd also be sitting Around 9 Feet away from the 42" 720p Plasma. That aside, I always hear people saying the Wii does look sharper/clearer on a solid 720p set with a great scaler, but everything looks jageddy depending on the title(Zelda TP comes to mind) But there are always mixed answers...Somebody set this straight!

personally I'd rather have razor sharp graphics than Blurry, but that's a no brainer:o

I dunno about wii clarity (I have one that I never use, lol) but just to note from personal preference; 9ft for 42inches is way, way to far away. I'm at about 7ft right now and I'd even like to go a little closer. It was foolish of me not to go bigger for a little more.

The b450's have a lot of bang for the buck though. The picture once calibrated (even out of box) is great.

I dunno about wii clarity (I have one that I never use, lol) but just to note from personal preference; 9ft for 42inches is way, way to far away. I'm at about 7ft right now and I'd even like to go a little closer. It was foolish of me not to go bigger for a little more.

The b450's have a lot of bang for the buck though. The picture once calibrated (even out of box) is great.


The thing is though, is that the set is '1024'x768...So it's like a lower Res version of 720p, but with Rectangular pixels correct?...9 Feet would probably be perfect for 480p Wii games, and you want to be at a good distance with the Wii remote. Yet if this were a 1080p set, i'd definitly sit alittle closer, but that's not the case....BUT the question is, would there be a difference resolution wise when sitting 9 feet away from a '1366'x768 Display? I'm guessing not, again when at 9 feet. But again, this set is basically for Wii, Bluray and DVD....and maybe some PS3(which i barely play) What can i say, when motion controls done right they're amazing, nintendo's Exclusives and VC ect ect, i love Nintendo and the Wii....If the PS3 had motion controls for some of its games, Dead Space is a perfect example i'd be all over it. But for me, dual analog is now boring, archiac, dull, clunky and not fun anymore.

Anyways, I'm always comparing this to the Panasonic PZ85u Plasma from 08...
It seems the B450 has the upper hand in motion since it's 600hz, not to mention 'Samsung' color which apperantly is more accurate and overall more vibrant/colorful if i'm right....Black Levels are really the only concern and of course the green trailing. The Black levels to me at Wall Mart seemed good but not great, but again like i mentioned....it was in a horrible setting with bright lights, crappy feed, crappy PQ settings probably, definitly no HDMI and maybe no component ect ect. FutureShops setting is darker, so i'll definitly check it out there today or tomorrrow. Hopeffully Wii games looks more clear/sharper on it than my CRT which looks fantastic anywyas, but again i'd love to have progressivescan and Widescreen.

The thing is though, is that the set is '1024'x768...So it's like a lower Res version of 720p, but with Rectangular pixels correct?...9 Feet would probably be perfect for 480p Wii games, and you want to be at a good distance with the Wii remote. Yet if this were a 1080p set, i'd definitly sit alittle closer, but that's not the case....BUT the question is, would there be a difference resolution wise when sitting 9 feet away from a '1366'x768 Display? I'm guessing not, again when at 9 feet. But again, this set is basically for Wii, Bluray and DVD....and maybe some PS3(which i barely play) What can i say, when motion controls done right they're amazing, nintendo's Exclusives and VC ect ect, i love Nintendo and the Wii....If the PS3 had motion controls for some of its games, Dead Space is a perfect example i'd be all over it. But for me, dual analog is now boring, archiac, dull, clunky and not fun anymore.

Anyways, I'm always comparing this to the Panasonic PZ85u Plasma from 08...
It seems the B450 has the upper hand in motion since it's 600hz, not to mention 'Samsung' color which apperantly is more accurate and overall more vibrant/colorful if i'm right....Black Levels are really the only concern and of course the green trailing. The Black levels to me at Wall Mart seemed good but not great, but again like i mentioned....it was in a horrible setting with bright lights, crappy feed, crappy PQ settings probably, definitly no HDMI and maybe no component ect ect. FutureShops setting is darker, so i'll definitly check it out there today or tomorrrow. Hopeffully Wii games looks more clear/sharper on it than my CRT which looks fantastic anywyas, but again i'd love to have progressivescan and Widescreen.

Yes you'd want a little space to actually play the wii (push the couch back?) but all I'm saying is in my opinion viewing at 42 inch tv at 9 feet is just too far. The tv seems small and you don't get the full benefit when you actually watch a blu-ray movie. I couldn't focus on the display because I was seeing **** on the sides of it.

All I'm saying. To each his own.

Quick question. My WD HD TV MEDIA PLAYER has Optical as well as HDMI. I dont think Optical is useful unless there is surround sound, But do you think I'd notice a difference if I ran optical for the audio straight to the tv?

The tv in the bedroom doesn't have surround.

Quick question. My WD HD TV MEDIA PLAYER has Optical as well as HDMI. I dont think Optical is useful unless there is surround sound, But do you think I'd notice a difference if I ran optical for the audio straight to the tv?

The tv in the bedroom doesn't have surround.

I'm no audio guru but I'd say you wouldn't notice a difference. Other than running another wire and having to futz with the settings.

Yes you'd want a little space to actually play the wii (push the couch back?) but all I'm saying is in my opinion viewing at 42 inch tv at 9 feet is just too far. The tv seems small and you don't get the full benefit when you actually watch a blu-ray movie. I couldn't focus on the display because I was seeing **** on the sides of it.

All I'm saying. To each his own.

Again for the Wii it's perfect, for HD content closer is better depending, but ya to each their own...but since it's 1024x768, there's going to be scaling involved and the closer you get at a certain point it wont look too hot. If it were 1080p, i'd be sitting 7 feet away...actually, i wouldn't even go 1080p at 42"....If i get the B450 i'm only keeping it for 2 years and upgrading to a 50" 1080p 3D Capable set for when the Wii2 and PS4 hit.:cool:
So the B450 is just a temporary set hehe.

And i was wondering are the black levels better than last years Panasonic 85u plasma? Or better yet, have the black levels changed from last years Samsung 'A'450 42" Plasma.

Has anyone tried changing the service menu to a model that allows playback of video files from the usb drive?

Has anyone tried changing the service menu to a model that allows playback of video files from the usb drive?

Nevermind, the 50B450 doesn't even have a USB input. LoL

nice, the 42B450 is on sale for $799 CAD.
The Wii better look good on it, or it's a no go, to FutureShop I go:p

Monktrump we do have a usb input, on the back, it say service, it for firmware upgrades but it will also work as regular usb. I went through the different model options in the service menu and 590 was the highest it let me go. so no usb video option just jpeg and mp3.

You have the 42 again? Any reason why you didn't go to 50? :confused:

I got mine day after black friday last year at frys, they had it for $650 which was exceptionly low at the time, the 50 was $1000 so I couldnt really afford it. I had a 37in lcd i was giving to the kid so we were going up 5in anyways. Honestly I really wish I could've got the 50". From where we sit 42 is good but 50 would be great;)I see from other thread you are undecided on what model to get. if I had a spending limit of say 1300 to 1400 I would get the 50b650 when it goes on sale, I think that is best one out there for price but thats just my opinion

If I could go back and do it again I would've definitely gone at least 50. 42 is just too small for me. It's a great step up from my old crt, but in retrospect it's hitting me with a lot of buyer's remorse.

If I could go back and do it again I would've definitely gone at least 50. 42 is just too small for me. It's a great step up from my old crt, but in retrospect it's hitting me with a lot of buyer's remorse.

50" would definitly and obviously be better for Bluray. For me on the otherhand, 40"-42" 16:9 is the perfect size for Wii games....If the Wii were HD, I'd definitly go with a 50"

I got mine day after black friday last year at frys, they had it for $650 which was exceptionly low at the time, the 50 was $1000 so I couldnt really afford it. I had a 37in lcd i was giving to the kid so we were going up 5in anyways. Honestly I really wish I could've got the 50". From where we sit 42 is good but 50 would be great;)I see from other thread you are undecided on what model to get. if I had a spending limit of say 1300 to 1400 I would get the 50b650 when it goes on sale, I think that is best one out there for price but thats just my opinion

The day after black Friday and it was still on sale? WHOWZER! :eek:

I have asked numerous times what the difference is between certain Samsung models, and never seem to get an answer :(

I'm always looking for the 50" and 1080 sets, but see that BB carries like three types ????? :confused:

50" would definitly and obviously be better for Bluray. For me on the otherhand, 40"-42" 16:9 is the perfect size for Wii games....If the Wii were HD, I'd definitly go with a 50"

Well we were trying to spend as little as possible for a good starting set. But sometimes you just need to spend the extra.

Hi everybody, total newbie here. I just bought a 42B450 (my first hdtv) 2 days ago and am still playing with the settings. I really wanted the 50" but they were out of stock (and it wouldn't fit in my car anyway). I am sitting about 8'-9' away and it seems plenty large enough at the time. I have all of the settings at 50% or below initially, as that is what I understand is needed for the first 100 hours or so. I have not bought a calibration disk and don't plan to at the moment.

I had read as much as I could about burn-in and IR on plasma displays and thought that I could live with it, but I was shocked to read in the manual that Samsung recommends limiting viewing of material that doesn't completely fill the screen to under 5% of the total viewing time. 5%! I watch primarily older film noir movies (with many very dark scenes) so I wanted the better black levels that only a plasma can provide, but I am NOT going to stretch them to fit the screen. I am finding that even a very large amount of programming from the local (and cable) hd stations is still in 4:3 format, so how is it possible to meet the 5% rule as stated by Samsung? Needless to say I am getting a little worried that I may have made a poor decision.

Hi everybody, total newbie here. I just bought a 42B450 (my first hdtv) 2 days ago and am still playing with the settings. I really wanted the 50" but they were out of stock (and it wouldn't fit in my car anyway). I am sitting about 8'-9' away and it seems plenty large enough at the time. I have all of the settings at 50% or below initially, as that is what I understand is needed for the first 100 hours or so. I have not bought a calibration disk and don't plan to at the moment.

I had read as much as I could about burn-in and IR on plasma displays and thought that I could live with it, but I was shocked to read in the manual that Samsung recommends limiting viewing of material that doesn't completely fill the screen to under 5% of the total viewing time. 5%! I watch primarily older film noir movies (with many very dark scenes) so I wanted the better black levels that only a plasma can provide, but I am NOT going to stretch them to fit the screen. I am finding that even a very large amount of programming from the local (and cable) hd stations is still in 4:3 format, so how is it possible to meet the 5% rule as stated by Samsung? Needless to say I am getting a little worried that I may have made a poor decision.

No worries mate. I watch a lot of HD cable channels that still have the black bars on the sides. It also recommends not to do that much gaming in the beginning and I threw that right out the window as well. I have never had any problems with burn-in or anything else for that matter.

No worries mate. I watch a lot of HD cable channels that still have the black bars on the sides. It also recommends not to do that much gaming in the beginning and I threw that right out the window as well. I have never had any problems with burn-in or anything else for that matter.

Do you see any Green Trailing when gaming? it seemed to plague last years Panasonic Plasmas. And I could care less about doing that 100 Hour Break in thing by keeping everything at 50 or below. If i get this set, i'm setting it up how i want and using it how i want.:p

Do you see any Green Trailing when gaming? it seemed to plague last years Panasonic Plasmas. And I could care less about doing that 100 Hour Break in thing by keeping everything at 50 or below. If i get this set, i'm setting it up how i want and using it how i want.:p

I can honestly say, I use my tv how I want. If something happens to it, I have a warranty to cover it. This is why I love Best Buy. Any and everything is covered.

I have had both Panasonic and Samsung 42" plasma models and have never had a problem. I will say the Samsung looks much nicer when personally calibrated. Thanks to the INGENIOUS help from the guys/gals on AVSFORUM.

I can honestly say, I use my tv how I want. If something happens to it, I have a warranty to cover it. This is why I love Best Buy. Any and everything is covered.

I have had both Panasonic and Samsung 42" plasma models and have never had a problem. I will say the Samsung looks much nicer when personally calibrated. Thanks to the INGENIOUS help from the guys/gals on AVSFORUM.

I keep thinking I'll be missing out on Resolution since the B450 is '1024'x768 as its just a weaker version of 720p...So you're basically losing how Much? 256 Pixels?...But i guess you wont beable to tell if you're sitting around 9 1/2 feet away from the screen right? And I wonder how the Colors compare to the Samsung B550....everybody keeps praising that set for its amazing color

waveboy its actually 768p but is down scaled to 720p. For some reason they decided that 720p sounds better then 768p. Abe I know im not suposed to talk price but if you have a frys by you, go online and check there price out for the 50b450 7bills.

Alos I was at sumsungs website and there is a new firmware that came out sept. 3rd, but those idiots there forgot to put down what it is for and what it fixes.

waveboy its actually 768p but is down scaled to 720p. For some reason they decided that 720p sounds better then 768p. Abe I know im not suposed to talk price but if you have a frys by you, go online and check there price out for the 50b450 7bills.

Alos I was at sumsungs website and there is a new firmware that came out sept. 3rd, but those idiots there forgot to put down what it is for and what it fixes.


I know that, but i was talking about 1280 being dowscaled to '1024'...Resulting in resolution loss, since it doesn't match up to 1280 or the larger sized plasmas that are 1366...But again, this probably wouldn't even be noticable at all to the eye sitting at 9 1/2 Feet away from a 42"

No worries mate. I watch a lot of HD cable channels that still have the black bars on the sides. It also recommends not to do that much gaming in the beginning and I threw that right out the window as well. I have never had any problems with burn-in or anything else for that matter.
Thanks, that makes me feel much better. Unfortunately if anything does happen Samsung won't cover it so I might consider getting the Best Buy warranty (I still have about 28 days to decide).

Abe I know im not suposed to talk price but if you have a frys by you, go online and check there price out for the 50b450 7bills.



SAMSUNG PN50B450 - I had no idea this was 720 as well :confused:Thought it was 1080?!

However, the B550 at fry's is another $1 more than what you mentioned for the 720...I think I am going to pick that up this weekend... :D;)

Samy 42 "A 466 / Pana BD 35 (DVD / BD):

* Mode "Cinéma" Warm 1

* Cell: 8
* Contrast: 70
* Brightness : 49
* Sharpness : 7
* Colour : 44
* Tinte V/R : V50/R50

* Gamma: 0 (2.19)

* W/B :

* Red : 20
* Green : 24
* Blue : 25

* Red: 28
* Green : 25
* Blue : 25

* Space Color : Auto

* Carnation: -4
* Dynam. Cont. : Off
* EE: off

Screens DVD Pal HDMi Y Cr Cb :

http://www.noelshack.com/up/aab/p1100802043525-d8bc47ea11.jpg
http://www.noelshack.com/up/aab/p1100803093566-1bb19cf589.jpg
http://www.noelshack.com/up/aab/p1100804099705-96e1c52385.jpg
http://www.noelshack.com/up/aab/p1100805095706-f6e3ea8679.jpg

I picked up the pn42b450 for the bedroom. It's just the right size for my bedroom, any bigger and it wouldn't look good, and it wouldn't fit. I have 4ft ft of wall to play with(between the closet and doorway, so the 42 fits perfect. I have it on its stand right now, but next week I am going to wall mount this baby:D

I know these are just pictures, but damn do they look good resolution wise...And it's not even Bluray.
Personally though, I'd pump up the color to make it look more colorful and saturated, up the contrast and especially sharpness. What can i say, i love beautiful vibrant saturated colors and a crystal clear image.

I have the 42" version. Do stereomandan's picture settings apply to both the 42" & 50" models?

Thank you.

Thanks, that makes me feel much better. Unfortunately if anything does happen Samsung won't cover it so I might consider getting the Best Buy warranty (I still have about 28 days to decide).

You definitely want to get the best buy warranty. I have had nothing but good service from them. They came to the house and replaced an older 32" I had with no questions. And every so often my 42" in the living room just happens to "short" out, and it gets replaced. Right around the 4 year mark. Just before the warranty runs out. Weird how that happens.

I believe stereomandan has a 42" model. I have a 42 and his settings look great on it. You might want to also check out dallows standard setttings they look great also. I like to use dallows during the day when sunlight is shinning in, his is brighter. I use steromandans for everything else.

Thanks kanpol!

Anybody have the Wii Set up to this display or the PS3?
Would be great to see some screen shots to see how they both look, especially the Wii.;)

I believe stereomandan has a 42" model. I have a 42 and his settings look great on it. You might want to also check out dallows standard setttings they look great also. I like to use dallows during the day when sunlight is shinning in, his is brighter. I use steromandans for everything else.

Just keep in mind dan's set and my set do not match. Even though we have the same model they differ and my standard mode looks like his movie mode. My movie mode is no where near it. So if your movie mode looks a little orange or red overcast, give standard a try. If you look back on like page 7 or so you'll see my standard shots (pictures numbered 1) and dan's movie mode settings. They're pretty close considering it's a picture, etc.

Hey dallows the funny thing is on mine when I use your standard settings they look just like yours does and when I use dans movie settings they look just like his. Guess I get the best of both worlds:D

Hey dallows the funny thing is on mine when I use your standard settings they look just like yours does and when I use dans movie settings they look just like his. Guess I get the best of both worlds:D

You got the tranny set. Can't decide what it wants to be. lol.

Anybody have the Wii Set up to this display or the PS3?
Would be great to see some screen shots to see how they both look, especially the Wii.;)

I have the ps3,xbox360 and the Wii and they all look great on this tv. Now waveboy in my opinion the wii look good on this tv, you can also buy component cables for the wii to make it 480p, which will look even better

I have the ps3,xbox360 and the Wii and they all look great on this tv. Now waveboy in my opinion the wii look good on this tv, you can also buy component cables for the wii to make it 480p, which will look even better

Component cables are a must obviously.
Progressive Scan and Widescreen are the only benifits of using the Wii on the B450, but i keep thinking resolution wise it will look a bit fuzzier, maybe blown up or more jageddy since its being upscaled to 1024x768... But if it has a great scaler than who knows....Component cables on my 480i flatscreen CRT look fantastic though

Component cables are a must obviously.
Progressive Scan and Widescreen are the only benifits of using the Wii on the B450, but i keep thinking resolution wise it will look a bit fuzzier, maybe blown up or more jageddy since its being upscaled to 1024x768... But if it has a great scaler than who knows....Component cables on my 480i flatscreen CRT look fantastic though

I played the wii once or twice on this set. I only used composite though. I don't remember it looking terrible. But I only played wii sports... so...

Component cables are a must obviously.
Progressive Scan and Widescreen are the only benifits of using the Wii on the B450, but i keep thinking resolution wise it will look a bit fuzzier, maybe blown up or more jageddy since its being upscaled to 1024x768... But if it has a great scaler than who knows....Component cables on my 480i flatscreen CRT look fantastic though

I played the wii once or twice on this set. I only used composite though. I don't remember it looking terrible. But I only played wii sports... so...

This may sound like a stupid question but can anyone tell me what the reason is for the outer panel of glass on plasmas? Is it strictly for anti-glare and protecting the panel itself?
I had a friend who cracked his outer glass so he removed it entirely and said the sceen looks much clearer and sharper now.

This may sound like a stupid question but can anyone tell me what the reason is for the outer panel of glass on plasmas? Is it strictly for anti-glare and protecting the panel itself?
I had a friend who cracked his outer glass so he removed it entirely and said the sceen looks much clearer and sharper now.

The transparent display electrodes, which are surrounded by an insulating dielectric material and covered by a magnesium oxide protective layer, are mounted in front of the cell, along the front glass plate. Control circuitry charges the electrodes that cross paths at a cell, creating a voltage difference between front and back and causing the gas to ionize and form a plasma. As the gas ions rush to the electrodes and collide, photons are emitted.

An Excerpt from this site:
http://www.answers.com/topic/plasma-display

The transparent display electrodes, which are surrounded by an insulating dielectric material and covered by a magnesium oxide protective layer, are mounted in front of the cell, along the front glass plate. Control circuitry charges the electrodes that cross paths at a cell, creating a voltage difference between front and back and causing the gas to ionize and form a plasma. As the gas ions rush to the electrodes and collide, photons are emitted.

An Excerpt from this site:
http://www.answers.com/topic/plasma-display

That article is refering to the plasma panel itself which is made up of 2 sheets of glass.
What I am reffering to is the outside glass panel that you can touch. I've looked and really can't find a difinitive answer.

This TV is so tempting to buy, and then i hear 3D capable HDTVs are coming out Next year in March, with HDMI 1.4, 3D Glasses and the new 3D Bluray Players and Blurays coming out...Now 'that' is making me want to hold off:o
Even though again I'd still opt for a cheaper smaller display like the B450, because again it would be a display that i'd only keep for a couple of years, if even that. Samsung will most likely have 3D 42" 720p sets in March...And i'm huge on 3D, so i might as well wait it off.

This TV is so tempting to buy, and then i hear 3D capable HDTVs are coming out Next year in March, with HDMI 1.4, 3D Glasses and the new 3D Bluray Players and Blurays coming out...Now 'that' is making me want to hold off:o
Even though again I'd still opt for a cheaper smaller display like the B450, because again it would be a display that i'd only keep for a couple of years, if even that. Samsung will most likely have 3D 42" 720p sets in March...And i'm huge on 3D, so i might as well wait it off.

According to the manual, this TV already is 3D capable, unless the new ones coming out next year use some sort of other technology?
Also it looks like a 3D firmware update is in the works for PS3.

According to the manual, this TV already is 3D capable, unless the new ones coming out next year use some sort of other technology?

I think the new TV's for next year do use a different 3D Technology, not too sure though, but it sounds like it.

Just so you know, there already is a software update that I installed off the Samsung website.

That article is refering to the plasma panel itself which is made up of 2 sheets of glass.
What I am reffering to is the outside glass panel that you can touch. I've looked and really can't find a difinitive answer.


this is the only thing I have found. I don't see any answer either. If it comes with the tv, it has a purpose. maybe to reflect heat the plasma gives off? I dunno.

Anyone else experiment with the cinema smooth option? It might be my imagination, but it seems smoother with it off.

There are some other things I've been noticing about this tv. I was wondering if this is a normal occurrence on plasmas, or all tvs including lcds also.

There is a noticeable amount of flicker through HDMI when dynamic contrast is enabled. The screen will flicker (like a quick subtle flash of brightness on then off) every few seconds/minutes at random.

I've noticed a lot of color/gradient banding, such as in skies and other scenery, it's about as bad as my old LCD monitor.

When the screen is white there are a lot of subtle horizontal gray/darkish gradient type lines in the background, I don't think this is the same thing as color banding since the whole screen is just white? I've never seen this before, it's like the screen isn't smooth. It becomes more apparent when something white on screen is moving, like the camera is panning across white clouds, I can see dark lines in the background through the clouds. It's almost like a "clouding" effect except it is with horizontal lines all over the screen.

Anyone else experiment with the cinema smooth option? It might be my imagination, but it seems smoother with it off.

There are some other things I've been noticing about this tv. I was wondering if this is a normal occurrence on plasmas, or all tvs including lcds also.

There is a noticeable amount of flicker through HDMI when dynamic contrast is enabled. The screen will flicker (like a quick subtle flash of brightness on then off) every few seconds/minutes at random.

I've noticed a lot of color/gradient banding, such as in skies and other scenery, it's about as bad as my old LCD monitor.

When the screen is white there are a lot of subtle horizontal gray/darkish gradient type lines in the background, I don't think this is the same thing as color banding since the whole screen is just white? I've never seen this before, it's like the screen isn't smooth. It becomes more apparent when something white on screen is moving, like the camera is panning across white clouds, I can see dark lines in the background through the clouds. It's almost like a "clouding" effect except it is with horizontal lines all over the screen.
I noticed that even on my old rear projection crt hitachi from about 1998. It was very disturbing so I just turned off dynamic contrast.

Anyone else experiment with the cinema smooth option? It might be my imagination, but it seems smoother with it off.

There are some other things I've been noticing about this tv. I was wondering if this is a normal occurrence on plasmas, or all tvs including lcds also.

There is a noticeable amount of flicker through HDMI when dynamic contrast is enabled. The screen will flicker (like a quick subtle flash of brightness on then off) every few seconds/minutes at random.

I've noticed a lot of color/gradient banding, such as in skies and other scenery, it's about as bad as my old LCD monitor.

When the screen is white there are a lot of subtle horizontal gray/darkish gradient type lines in the background, I don't think this is the same thing as color banding since the whole screen is just white? I've never seen this before, it's like the screen isn't smooth. It becomes more apparent when something white on screen is moving, like the camera is panning across white clouds, I can see dark lines in the background through the clouds. It's almost like a "clouding" effect except it is with horizontal lines all over the screen.

Dynamic Contrast is just a gimmick that boosts contrast numbers on the spec sheet but has little value in the real world... creating gamma issues and artifacts such as you describe. The first thing a knowledgeable calibrator would do to any TV that had it would be to turn it off.

The banding/lines issue is not normal... I did not notice anything like that at all on my dad's 42B450.

Dynamic Contrast is just a gimmick that boosts contrast numbers on the spec sheet but has little value in the real world... creating gamma issues and artifacts such as you describe. The first thing a knowledgeable calibrator would do to any TV that had it would be to turn it off.

The banding/lines issue is not normal... I did not notice anything like that at all on my dad's 42B450.

I don't notice any of the issues the poster you quoted mentions and I use dynamic contrast on low. Now the reason I do this is to make the picture look correct, yes correct. Most of you have the luxury of a properly functioning movie mode whereas my set seems to operate a little different. I've gone through calibrations countless times and the only way to get it looking as close as possible is to have it on.

I used to have it on Medium but that might've been a little much. Low seems to be about right. I've tested and it doesn't impact the grayscale at all really when the brightness of the screen changes. The AVSHD (think that's the name) calibration disc from this forum has a nice test pattern for that.

If I'm bored tonight maybe I'll try to redo the calibration with it off to show you what it looks like.

Just completed the firmware upgrade. I am also using a variation of stereomandan's settings tweaked for my set. I have dynamic contrast set to off and contrast a little lower for the break in period(61) as I am watching full screen content and not using this set for gaming. I am also using standard mode instead of movie as I have only SD content on this set in the bedroom. This seems to give a better picture right now. Once the break in period is over I will increase contrast and change a few settings. As it stands now the PQ is perfect.:)

I've been observing the horizontal gray line problem some more, it seems that the faint gray lines are coming from images on the screen, sort of like shadows. If the screen is white, and there are a few words or images, the gray lines in the background appear to be extending from the images. I'm sure there is a term for this. When the object is moving on a white background, the horizontal shadows will move with it.
I've taken a pic, you can see that a shadow extends to the left of the contrast bar, and if you looks at the words below it, they do the same. http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8650/71684965.jpg

Now I'm not really sure if what I thought was color banding is actually color banding. I took a pic but I'm not sure if anyone will notice anything off about the sky. http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1053/44506910.jpg

Even on a completely white background I can notice it doesn't look totally white and smooth. You can't really see it in this pic, it's more apparent when a white/light background is moving http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3307/white2e.jpg

Maybe I'm just focusing too much on the picture and most people wouldn't even notice this stuff?

Does anybody know what the firmware update does?

I've been observing the horizontal gray line problem some more, it seems that the faint gray lines are coming from images on the screen, sort of like shadows. If the screen is white, and there are a few words or images, the gray lines in the background appear to be extending from the images. I'm sure there is a term for this. When the object is moving on a white background, the horizontal shadows will move with it.
I've taken a pic, you can see that a shadow extends to the left of the contrast bar, and if you looks at the words below it, they do the same. http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8650/71684965.jpg

Now I'm not really sure if what I thought was color banding is actually color banding. I took a pic but I'm not sure if anyone will notice anything off about the sky. http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1053/44506910.jpg

Even on a completely white background I can notice it doesn't look totally white and smooth. You can't really see it in this pic, it's more apparent when a white/light background is moving http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3307/white2e.jpg

Maybe I'm just focusing too much on the picture and most people wouldn't even notice this stuff?

I see what you're talking about with the 2nd pic of the buildings and the blue sky, with the white **** on the left. But on the last pic of the all white I can't see jack. Try it again totally dark, prob best at night. Could be the camera but that shot also looks a little blue to me. Could be my work monitor as well.

I have no idea what's going on in the second pic of the buildings.

I've been observing the horizontal gray line problem some more, it seems that the faint gray lines are coming from images on the screen, sort of like shadows. If the screen is white, and there are a few words or images, the gray lines in the background appear to be extending from the images. I'm sure there is a term for this. When the object is moving on a white background, the horizontal shadows will move with it.
I've taken a pic, you can see that a shadow extends to the left of the contrast bar, and if you looks at the words below it, they do the same. http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8650/71684965.jpg

Now I'm not really sure if what I thought was color banding is actually color banding. I took a pic but I'm not sure if anyone will notice anything off about the sky. http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1053/44506910.jpg

Even on a completely white background I can notice it doesn't look totally white and smooth. You can't really see it in this pic, it's more apparent when a white/light background is moving http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3307/white2e.jpg

Maybe I'm just focusing too much on the picture and most people wouldn't even notice this stuff?

I can tell you this, I have had 5 different plasma panels this year (Still have 2 of them) . Each and every one has some flaws like you are describing.
Even my Panasonic 58" PZ800U had some pink hue issues.
None are perfect so dont kill yourself looking for things cause you will find them.
Generally, I am extremely happy with the 50B450 that I own.

Monk did you ever try the usb on your tv

Does anybody know what the firmware update does?

If you go on the samsung website, they explain the issues the issues fixed/dealt with, with the latest firware. I dont remember offhand, but there were a few minor things. JoeB

Monk did you ever try the usb on your tv

Yes..the pics and music work...no video though :)
Oh well, we cant have it all ! but I'll take what we got.

Ok, so I noticed that my black and white pictures were showing hints of blue and red. I think my colorometer doesn't measure my Plasma very well, so I calibrated by eye and here are my new settings. I am very happy with these. The adjustment focused on the greyscale (white balance), and now whites are a nice white, and dark areas are dark grey with little hint of any color skew.

Movie Mode, Warm 2 setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 51
Sharpness: 20
Color: 38
Tint: G47/R53

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: 0 (or -1 if you like)
Color Space: Native

White Balance:
Red Offset: 5
Green Offset: 24
Blue Offset: 7
Red Gain: 23
Green Gain: 3
Blue Gain: 22

Dallows, can you tell me how this looks on your set?
EDIT: Tweaked a little more and now it's even better. New numbers have been updated above on 8-31-09 (white balance and Color)

Dan


I went back last night and used the AVSHD calibration disc with my bias lighting on. I also turned off the dynamic contrast.

Going from memory:

Standard Mode, Normal setting
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 70
Brightness: 49 (might be at 48. the difference is very slight)
Sharpness: 50 (I've tried using test patterns but I don't see a difference when adjusting the slider)
Color: 50
Tint: G50/R50

Advanced: Everything off or zero except:
Gamma: -1
Color Space: Auto (I don't really know what this is intended for, but it will definitely affect your primary colors and would need to calibrate after this is set)

White Balance: Default

I'm curious to try Dan's white balance settings, but I don't know if my eyes would be able to see the difference. My camera situation is iffy right now so I don't know if I can take any comparison shots.

All I tested with last night was Dark Knight, which looked amazing as usual. More Netflix on the way tomorrow but I need to check the queue.

I tried using Standard mode, but I noticed that the picture was VERY blue/green biased. Maybe this is what folks are used to by looking at today's TV's. The warm color modes are locked out in standard mode as well. I had to crank the blue and green gain and offsets way down to get an accurate looking picture.

I don't think most folks realize how blue the standard mode is because they are so used to seeing displays setup this way these days.

...at least this is the case with my b450.

Sharpness at 50 also showed considerable artifacts of oversharpening. (excess noise, halos, white edges) I backed it down to 25, and even that was probably too high.

I loved how bright the picture was in standard mode though. (cell at 10, and contrast at 80) It really cut through the daylight.

Dan

I tried using Standard mode, but I noticed that the picture was VERY blue/green biased. Maybe this is what folks are used to by looking at today's TV's. The warm color modes are locked out in standard mode as well. I had to crank the blue and green gain and offsets way down to get an accurate looking picture.

I don't think most folks realize how blue the standard mode is because they are so used to seeing displays setup this way these days.

...at least this is the case with my b450.

Sharpness at 50 also showed considerable artifacts of oversharpening. (excess noise, halos, white edges) I backed it down to 25, and even that was probably too high.

I loved how bright the picture was in standard mode though. (cell at 10, and contrast at 80) It really cut through the daylight.

Dan

Your display must be way different then. Aside from the dynamic contrast I think the standard mode on my set was pretty accurate out of the box. I set the Color and Tint back to the defaults of 50 and 50/50. According to the AVSHD with the DVE color filter I was pretty dead on with my blue setting.

I'm not sure how much your white balance might affect it.

Unless my eyes aren't viewing the sharpness test correctly I see no change whatsoever when adjusting the slider.

What's strange is the dynamic contrast will adjust the color brightness setting and you'll need to recalibrate. But I'm pretty sure the default out of box is color=50, tint=50/50

I'll see if I can take some pics tonight.

Guys, do any of you have issues with burn in? I just ordered the tv but concerned that burn in is an issue. I'm thinking more about tv logos that remain on the screen

Not sure what I'm gonna do about normal tv viewing. These current settings look like they'll be great for blu-ray and gaming. But cable is too varied a source.

I'll give it a few days and see what's what.

Guys, do any of you have issues with burn in? I just ordered the tv but concerned that burn in is an issue. I'm thinking more about tv logos that remain on the screen
I was concerned about the same thing (burn-in) because I primarily watch 4:3 movies, and much of what is on cable is still in 4:3 also. Several here have said that it is not an issue, so I guess I will see. I really like the blacks which is why I bought it (film noir movies have very many dark scenes but are almost all in 4:3 b&w format). Even most early widescreen movies and many modern movies do not fit the 16:9 ratio, so you will still get black bars either on the sides (4:3) or on the top and bottom (widescreen).

EDIT: I am however keeping all settings at or below 50% for the first 100 hours as others have suggested, and also trying to watch primarily widescreen during the same time period.

Dan,
We need to compare something with skin tones. What movies do you have?

Some crappy cell phone camera pics



http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5571/0909092235.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/0909092235.jpg/)


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1370/0909092239.jpg (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/0909092239.jpg/)

So how much better is the 600hz on these 09' sets compared to last years Plasmas? Is it close to CRT?...The 08' Displays while still better than LCD werent up to snuff for me, more noticable when gaming rather than movies. Actually for movies it was great, for gaming, still no CRT.

So is 600hz close to CRT? I wonder if they'll bump up the hz for 09' models.

Some crappy cell phone camera pics



http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5571/0909092235.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/0909092235.jpg/)


http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1370/0909092239.jpg (http://img268.imageshack.us/i/0909092239.jpg/)

Not bad quality for a cell phone pic. Say Dallows, what is that you are watching, and is that the 42 or 50 inch?

Fable II?

Isn't that a sneak peak for the upcomming film Avatar? Looks amazing

Just finished wall mounting my 42b450 in the bedroom. Had to do some minor adjustments, as the stud location on the wall wasn't optimal. It's all good now. I have to say it looks fantastic! Much better viewing angle.

Something I noticed about the actual wall mount was that the lag bolts provided were to few for the job and a little light gauge in my opinion. I purchased some heavier gauge lag bolts, eight vs six(from kit), and ditched the kit ones. Needless to say that thing isn't going anywhere. Anyone else out there feel that the set up kit for their mounts isn't adequate for their sets?

Not bad quality for a cell phone pic. Say Dallows, what is that you are watching, and is that the 42 or 50 inch?

That's the 42" (should've at least got the 50"!) showing the Avatar trailer. There was quality loss going from .mov to .avi though. I tried a bunch but couldn't get what I wanted really.

I used the cloudy setting on the phone. i think it's the closed but it seemed to brighten the image a little. I had to keep it scaled down as well because it was blurry at normal size. The camera's like 3.2mp but it's hard to keep it steady.

I can't find the stupid cable for my actual camera so I think I'll just buy a card reader so I can take some better shots.

I'm still torn about dynamic contrast at low though.

Dallows, I know its not a popular view but I'm in agreement with the dynamic contrast. In movie mode, dynamic contrast set to low gives me blacker blacks and removes some of the "Hazy" look.
Lately,I've even been using Dynamic mode for viewing and I'm finding I'm actually a little bit happier with the results.
Here's my settings for dynamic mode:

Color temp-normal
Contrast - 66
Brightness-43
Sharp - 20
Color - 47
Tint - 50
Cell -10
Black level normal
Nothing else is adjustable in this mode I think.

I've been watching like this for a few days and have been tweaking.
I know the color probably should drop down a bit but its still looking fairly accurate , if not a little over-saturated , to my eyes.

Dallows, I know its not a popular view but I'm in agreement with the dynamic contrast. In movie mode, dynamic contrast set to low gives me blacker blacks and removes some of the "Hazy" look.
Lately,I've even been using Dynamic mode for viewing and I'm finding I'm actually a little bit happier with the results.
Here's my settings for dynamic mode:

Color temp-normal
Contrast - 66
Brightness-43
Sharp - 20
Color - 47
Tint - 50
Cell -10
Black level normal
Nothing else is adjustable in this mode I think.

I've been watching like this for a few days and have been tweaking.
I know the color probably should drop down a bit but its still looking fairly accurate , if not a little over-saturated , to my eyes.

Seems like a little dark of settings to me. You say you're in Dynamic mode? That locks out the advanced settings where you can change black tone, dynamic contrast, gamma, white balance, and a few small others I think.

Basically you shouldn't use that mode... imo. I believe it sets Black tone to high and dynamic contrast to high as well (or whatever the highest levels for each setting are).

This will definitely crush blacks regardless of your other settings.

Dynamic Contrast at low, to me seems to give a little more pop, but depending on your other settings and whether you've tried to calibrate; might cause the colors to get a little more out of whack.

Now after recalibrating with Dynamic Contrast off I've noticed the biggest difference is in watching hd cable. Depending on the source and channel the image can have a little "haze" or what seems like added brightness and others look really great. So it's a crap-shoot. But watching blu-ray seems to look amazing and doesn't experience the same thing.

Just the other night I used this image, which the guy said was a direct capture to compare. My current calibration matched pretty much especially the skin tone, which is lighter. When I switched on dynamic contrast to low, it made the skin tone a little redder. Now I had a full settings list for Standard with Dynamic Con. at low but I didn't use them. I just switched on dynamic contrast. So maybe with the actually calibrated settings it would look closer. I'll give that a shot later. I was just too lazy to switch every.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7336/leluoriginal.jpg

So basically in short it depends on what your modes look like. My movie mode sucks so I have to use standard. But after calibrating it looks great anyway.

Sorry for the long post, I tend to ramble.

Just reading through the Samsung B series "buzz" poll thread, and I am wondering if anyone here has heard any buzzing on their 450s? I own the 42b450 model, and it's very quiet, no buzzing at all.