This is still unconfirmed. And to be clear, HDMI 1.3 does NOT provide improved picture quaility. It provides other enhancements though such as compressed audio pass through which is not a useful scenario in this TV.

Sorry for so many new posts...I said that the PS3 is most likely, not definitely, the first one to support 1.3. I think additionally it is a safe bet that the PS3 is the forerunner for this technology in a player. This is said everywhere over the net and even on HDMI.org. Also, why is compressed audio pass through useless in this TV?


Thanks,
Jared

Amir, The 4095 states in its spec sheet that it does indeed support 1080p via Component. I too am not sure of any sources, but I would assume the PS3 will. Also possible for future HD-DVD and BD players.

Politically, this will be a difficult thing to do for CE companies.

You are right in that assumption, neocrolop. Sony boss Phil Harrison has stated numerous times that the PS3 will support full 1080p on all of its systems, and that includes the lower end model which does not have HDMI. He has said that component cables are capable of the bandwidth for it. The problem though is not 1080p, but getting passed the blu-ray and HD-DVD copy right protection without HDMI if they decide to implement it.

I could find a source if you'd like :)

just to let you guys know that CC has them in stock!!..... ill go to get mine on wednesday!!........

Just noticed CC website listed the 4095 with another price drop once you put it in the online shopping cart.

Also, why is compressed audio pass through useless in this TV?
First, thanks for the reasonable response :).

As to your question, for that to be useful, your TV would need to decode DTS, DD, DD+, DolbyTrueHD, etc. I doubt that TV makers will put in these decoders anytime soon because they cost money both in terms of processing power required and royalties.

Current HD products such as Toshiba HD DVD player decode the above streams internally and then put them on HDMI (1.2) uncompressed. That way, your TV can play that audio, without having to have these decoders. Indeed, I have my 4095 Samsung hooked up this way and it is nicely playing the audio over HDMI. Unfortunately, the Samsung BD player can not decode advanced audio codecs in HD DVD/BD so while it works over HDMI, it is relegated to older DD/DTS codecs.

As to higher depth and other advancements, none will matter right now either. Both HD DVD and BD use 8-bit samples per component which are not even full resolution in terms of color ("4:2:0" sampling). This is the same as broadcast HD. Consumer delivered video is unlikely to scale beyond this.

For computer use, etc., having higher bit-depth may be a slight advantage, once we get devices that can truely resolve them. As I have noted, this Samsung can not even display 8-bit samples per component without banding. So having more than 8-bit per component would just be marketing feature, not a practical one.

Just noticed CC website listed the 4095 with another price drop once you put it in the online shopping cart.


hahaha I beat you to it!! ;)

Man so far I am pretty bummed. Hope you guys can resolve the banding.

Yeah me too Necrolop. Ah well better to read the pluses and minuses now rather than later.

Sorry guys, what is "banding"? And would you mind summarizing your overall cons on these models? Thanks.

Sorry guys, what is "banding"?
Imagine a graduated blue sky that goes from light shade to dark shade of blue. On a good display like the old CRT, it would look absolutely smooth. On a display like this samsung (and many others), it suddenly changes from one shade to another and you eye sees a line there. At the extreme, it looks very distracting because instead of the smooth graduations, you see many pixels that are alike in one "band", and then it jumps to another color and stays that way for while, then jumps to the next one.

An analogy would be if the colors go from 0 to 12 like 0, 4, 8, 12 instead of 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12.

You can simulate this on your computer. Go to your desktop and right click on it (assuming you are running Windows). Then in choose Settings. In the Color Quality drop down, then select the lowest setting (8 or 16-bits). Then look at any photo with graduated color (or your desktop) and you should see plent of banding.

American Electronics is quoting an arrival date of July 17th for the LN-S4696d. Have other vendors been shipping simiar arrival dates?

I'm considering returning the s4095d to get the Sharp 37d90u (37" 1080p). It has DVI input.

Thanks for the great feedback on the 4095. Watch out for that DVI on the Sharp though. Some owners have been complaining that the DVI input doesn't work and they have to use a DVI-HDMI cable and the HDMI in as a workaround. Search the "New 2006 Sharp Aquous Line Thread" to learn more.

Not true. HD DVD does superbly with HDMI. My testing with 4095 shows superb resolution and overall fidelity with HDMI.

As for BD and Samsung player, yes Bill Hunt started this in digitalbits. But my testing and that of others has shown that component is no better than HDMI and if anything, is a bit softer.

Thanks for clarifying this first hand via testing. We have all been puzzling over what is going on with HDMI on this thing due to the digitalbits piece as well as anecdotal reports.

Thanks for the great feedback on the 4095. Watch out for that DVI on the Sharp though. Some owners have been complaining that the DVI input doesn't work and they have to use a DVI-HDMI cable and the HDMI in as a workaround. Search the "New 2006 Sharp Aquous Line Thread" to learn more.

Well, actually, that's not quite accurate. The DVI-I input gives a full 1920x1080 resolution through a DVI cable (but you only get 1080p via DVI digital signal) and it looks pretty good on the 37D90U. Some video cards (including my ATI x1600 pro) have some minor problem (1/2 inch vertical black bars at the left and right edge of the screen) with dot-to-dot mode, but it seems to be a matter of fiddling with your video card. In stretch mode, the entire screen is filled, and essentially all of the desktop is visible, except for a 1/2 inch margin all around the desktop. Very satisfied using it as a computer monitor. Only real complaint I have is the small but noticeable washing out when viewing off-center axis.

http://images17.fotki.com/v8/photos/4/45607/3709663/P1010129-vi.jpg

http://images17.fotki.com/v326/photos/4/45607/3709663/P1010169-vi.jpg

http://images1.fotki.com/v320/photos/4/45607/3709663/P1010122-vi.jpg

Impetigo -
I stand corrected, and great pics, by the way! I have been going back and forth between your 37" 1080p Sharp and the 40" 1080p Samsungs, as I believe you were at one point as well. Are you going to keep the Sharp? How bad is the off-axis thing compared to the new Samsungs (like 4095 or even 4092)?

igowerf, thanks for the report. If you plan to use a HTPC I'd return it if you can. Eventually a manufacturer will get this right.

Samsung, you just got the axe.

Thanks for the pics impertigo. I'm also going back and forth between the Samsung 4095/96 and the Sharp 37D90U for my home office TV/secondary PC monitor. How readable is the smaller text in your pictures? I cannot tell on my 17 inch computer monitor.

@lionelhuts and others, thanks for clearing things up.
Was following this tread for awhile, preordered my 4696 through local ABT (BTW preordering in the physical store is cheaper than online), but now I am not brave enough.
I am canceling my preorder. Will wait to see how it realy works.
Something is fishy with this Samsung 4x95/96 first release.

Imagine a graduated blue sky that goes from light shade to dark shade of blue. On a good display like the old CRT, it would look absolutely smooth. On a display like this samsung (and many others), it suddenly changes from one shade to another and you eye sees a line there. At the extreme, it looks very distracting because instead of the smooth graduations, you see many pixels that are alike in one "band", and then it jumps to another color and stays that way for while, then jumps to the next one.

An analogy would be if the colors go from 0 to 12 like 0, 4, 8, 12 instead of 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12.

You can simulate this on your computer. Go to your desktop and right click on it (assuming you are running Windows). Then in choose Settings. In the Color Quality drop down, then select the lowest setting (8 or 16-bits). Then look at any photo with graduated color (or your desktop) and you should see plent of banding.

I want to clarify terms: "Banding" as you are describing I believe is called "False Contouring". Banding may be defined as something neither of us are describing, but on the Westinghouse LCD thread it is used to refer to uneven backlighting (areas where a 2-3" wide band of backlights appears slightly lighter or darker). Please correct me if I'm wrong here.

Can you tell me if the Samsung suffers from the uneven backlighting issue?

Impetigo -
I stand corrected, and great pics, by the way! I have been going back and forth between your 37" 1080p Sharp and the 40" 1080p Samsungs, as I believe you were at one point as well. Are you going to keep the Sharp? How bad is the off-axis thing compared to the new Samsungs (like 4095 or even 4092)?

Basically for me it came down to price, availability, and to some extent, the DVI input. The Sharp was/is cheaper, available couple weeks ago, and has a useful DVI port (although, you are right, a lot of people are having trouble getting it to work perfectly for 1920x1080 resolution). The off-axis washout is definitely noticeable when you shift over a couple feet but not terrible. I haven't seen the 4095/4096 yet, but I didn't notice washout on past Samsung LCDs like the 4092 (from seeing them in store).

The 37D90U has a nice picture though (although I haven't tried any HD content yet), with very little noise. I also like the titanium finish (don't like piano black) and the removeable speakers on the Sharp. I'm planning to keep it, but am very curious how the 4095/4096 look in real life.

Thanks for the pics impertigo. I'm also going back and forth between the Samsung 4095/96 and the Sharp 37D90U for my home office TV/secondary PC monitor. How readable is the smaller text in your pictures? I cannot tell on my 17 inch computer monitor.

The text is readable from several feet away, which is the best viewing distance IMO (closer would burn out your retinas and farther away it would be hard to read anything).

I spent a couple of hours at the local Best Buy and another store checking out the 4095. At BB, I had the Magnolia sales guy hook up the HD-A1 to see how it would look at the set. Apollo 13 looked fantastic. Incredible detail. I then had him put in a SD Gladiator disk. Definitely more grainy and visible pixelation but still very good. Beginning scenes of Gladiator before the battle are very dark and the black level was impressive. At the other store, I saw the Sammy with an HD OTA broadcast and I wasn't too impressed, especially in rapidly changing golf scenes where they seemed to be some blur but I need to double check this. I will probably buy this set tomorrow and put it through its paces more fully.

As a side note, Samsung is paying Best Buy to display the 4095 and the Sammy Blue-Ray DVD player together on the end of an aisle (end cap). A manager came by and saw the Toshiba hooked up and about had a heart attack. Fortuntely I was done by then.

I do have a question about the 1.3 hdmi. will it have the same cable and just plug into our tv but the output source sends a different signal or is there a different cable and we wont have compatible tvs when it comes out.

Dave :)

I was told by bettercables that 1.3 is a chipset change, and not a cable change, though expect to see more expensive 1.3 cables for marketing reasons.

I'm not 100% sure that info is correct though.

A manager came by and saw the Toshiba hooked up and about had a heart attack. Fortuntely I was done by then.

LOL.

Good reporting.

Anyone know what % of films will be Blu-Ray exclusives, and not HD-DVD?

That is correct about the cable, Cocteau. You will not need a different cable for 1.3. And you are also probably right that they will try and sell you it for a higher price assuming that you do not know this :). I guess it is just like the whole digital vs. analog cable thing. Analog cables do make a difference in quality, but digital cables do not. The only difference in higher priced digital cables vs. lower priced digital cables is durability. But if you're not going to be stepping on your digital cable or moving it a lot, go with the cheaper one :).

Jared
Happy Fourth Everyone!

I recently got a cable box from Comcast to test out some hd cable stations on the 4095d. At first I had the box hooked up only with a coax cable from the box to the TV. When doing this, all of the stations came in well, but I was unable to view the HD stations. I could hear the sound, but the screen was completely blank... is this a problem with the box, tv, or does coax just not transmit HD signals?

I then hooked the box up via component cables and was able to view HD stations and wow, they look quite amazing even with the generic component cables that Comcast gave me. However, with the componenet connection, the SD stations are all in 4:3 mode and I can not adjust this on the TV... the other viewing modes are grayed out. With the coax, the SD stations were automatically fitted with a 16:9 format. Again, I am not sure if this is a box problem or something else, but any input would be much appreciated!! I should reiterate that the picture on HD content is stunning. I watched some on the Discovery Theater and the black levels and contrast were extremely impressive. Like most LCD's it excels in brighter scenes, but unlike some others, it handles dark scenes suprisingly well. I am very impressed and hope to get these minor cable issues worked out soon. Thanks!

Basically for me it came down to price, availability, and to some extent, the DVI input. The Sharp was/is cheaper, available couple weeks ago, and has a useful DVI port (although, you are right, a lot of people are having trouble getting it to work perfectly for 1920x1080 resolution). The off-axis washout is definitely noticeable when you shift over a couple feet but not terrible. I haven't seen the 4095/4096 yet, but I didn't notice washout on past Samsung LCDs like the 4092 (from seeing them in store).

The 37D90U has a nice picture though (although I haven't tried any HD content yet), with very little noise. I also like the titanium finish (don't like piano black) and the removeable speakers on the Sharp. I'm planning to keep it, but am very curious how the 4095/4096 look in real life.

Uh oh, imp! Looks like you're experiencing the early stages of upgradeitis! :p

Uh oh, imp! Looks like you're experiencing the early stages of upgradeitis! :p

Good point, I probably shouldn't go to any AV stores for at least a few months. ;)

Not planning on getting anything else until the PS3 hits... Grand Turismo in 1080p...

Good point, I probably shouldn't go to any AV stores for at least a few months. ;)

Not planning on getting anything else until the PS3 hits... Grand Turismo in 1080p...

That's my plan as well, but the new 47" Westinghouse 1080p LCD is looking very tempting.

igowerf, thanks for the report. If you plan to use a HTPC I'd return it if you can. Eventually a manufacturer will get this right.

Samsung, you just got the axe.

Yeah. I'm probably going to return it next weekend. HTPC input quality is pretty important to me so I was very disappointed with the 4095. I guess I have to read through the New Aquos thread again.

Does anyone know if the difference in size between a 37" and 40" widescreen is really noticeable (subjectively)? It's hard to tell in Best Buy, but I'm wondering if I'll be sad about the loss of those 3 inches. :)

Could anyone tell me if 96 series any different from 97? i'm seriously considering buying LN-S5797D mainly to be used as a computer monitor (gaming etc.), but starting to hesitate after seeing many comments stating that it doesn't take native 1080p signal (although presence of HDMI and native 1080 resolution obviously suggest the opposite.. go figure), but but instead somehow simulates 1080P, which involves rescaling/deinterlacing... To make matters worse, some folks advertise this model as purely1080p, so i'm getting quite confused here :confused:

I called Samsung, but their answer was short, "This tv is not intended for computer use", that was all they they could tell me.

Does anyone have any experience gaming with this model or any other 97 series?

Any relevant comment would be highly appreciated! ;)

I guess I have to read through the New Aquos thread again.

Does anyone know if the difference in size between a 37" and 40" widescreen is really noticeable (subjectively)? It's hard to tell in Best Buy, but I'm wondering if I'll be sad about the loss of those 3 inches. :)

37" is pretty small for a 1080p display. Also consider the Westinghouse 47" model - it uses an "old fashioned" backlight, but is priced below what the 4095 goes for and is designed for computer use. It's mainly an issue of whether they've worked out their quality control issues.

Yeah. I'm probably going to return it next weekend. HTPC input quality is pretty important to me so I was very disappointed with the 4095. I guess I have to read through the New Aquos thread again.

Does anyone know if the difference in size between a 37" and 40" widescreen is really noticeable (subjectively)? It's hard to tell in Best Buy, but I'm wondering if I'll be sad about the loss of those 3 inches. :)

This link allows you to compare TV dimensions.

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

In native 16:9 mode, the 40" is 17.4% larger (viewing area) than the 37".

I gave up on hemmin and hawin and went and ordered the 4095 from PC Richards.. will be supposedly avaiable to deliver week of the 17th so they said (which will tie in nicely with our move to new digs that same week).. Now the waiting begins!!

I have a quick question. I am new to the site but i read a lot in the forum I was considering getting 4095 this week or should I just wait until the 96 comes out? I know it's not a lot of differences to each tv but I was wondering if the 96 would be better then the 95 since it not coming till aug?

I know it's not a lot of differences to each tv but I was wondering if the 96 would be better then the 95 since it not coming till aug?Yeah I just noticed that the 4096 web page has changed from "Available in June" to "Available in August" http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/LCDTV/LNS4096DXXAA.asp
Right now I'm hesitant about getting either the 95 or the 96. I need to hear more opinions from people who have them in their home. Also since we're waiting until August anyway I think I'll wait to see the 1080P LCDs from Syntax, JVC, and Sony that are scheduled to arrive in the next 2 months..

Yeah I just noticed that the 4096 web page has changed from "Available in June" to "Available in August"..

I would hope that Samsung is paying attention to the forums and criticisms and using their extra time wisely

I have had the 4095 for about a week now. I feel it is the best TV I have ever had or seen. I have not experienced any 1080p but the color and contrast on this TV are absolutely stunning. That in my opinion is what makes this TV. discovery channels can broadcast in 1080i and it is simply perfect. The westinghouse contrast ratio is around 1000:1 so be careful. I will say the SD channels can appear grainy sometimes but this seems to be improved with changing the source from cable box to TV via cable vs component cables For High def change source back to component (done with pushing button on remote) Maybe its just me but I still think the component was the same or BETTER than HDMI to my eyes. I actually returned my HDMI cable. This will probably be my last post as i bought the TV and I am keeping it.

Later and goodluck to everybody :)

I have had the 4095 for about a week now. I feel it is the best TV I have ever had or seen. I have not experienced any 1080p but the color and contrast on this TV are absolutely stunning. That in my opinion is what makes this TV. discovery channels can broadcast in 1080i and it is simply perfect. The westinghouse contrast ratio is around 1000:1 so be careful. I will say the SD channels can appear grainy sometimes but this seems to be improved with changing the source from cable box to TV via cable vs component cables For High def change source back to component (done with pushing button on remote) Maybe its just me but I still think the component was the same or BETTER than HDMI to my eyes. I actually returned my HDMI cable. This will probably be my last post as i bought the TV and I am keeping it.

Later and goodluck to everybody :)

davermd --

Have you connected an antenna? I am curious how the ATSC tuner is -- I am debating about pulling the trigger on this 4095 or waiting to see what comes from Sony and the others in the coming months --

Also - I've seen a lot of debate on the PC connector on this TV -- Is it possible that the people that haven't had good results haven't had good results because of video card setup/drivers/etc?

I have another question since the 96 is put back till aug do anybody think that they are doing some major tweaks besides the problem with the cable card slot?

I just saw the demo of the 4095 connected to a Blu-ray player. Parts of the demo are excellent, particularly the split screen showing DVD-quality on 1 side, and 1080p on the other. The movie clips were just okay (makes me wonder whether the movie people actually want 1080p).

My point is, that I have now seen true 1080p material on two TVs - the Sony 60" SXRD and the 4095. It is a tremendous experience, but I have a strong feeling that I will never see true 1080p movies or television shows. Blu-ray and HD-DVD could kill each other, the studios may lower the quality to protect themselves against pirating, broadcasters may NEVER go to 1080p, even for a premium.

Am I being depressive, or do you guys feel this way too?

but I have a strong feeling that I will never see true 1080p movies or television shows.

1080i film content that is deinterlaced is 1080p. Some movies look amazing like this, such as CG movies like Shrek, but others look like they're not cleaned up enough. Wait until some of the recently remastered films like Star Wars OT get their HD releases.

Am I being depressive, or do you guys feel this way too?

Yes! You are being a defeatist and doubting Thomas ;) - I view it on my Sharp and it's beautiful and don't understand how someone could take a step back and think negative instead of stepping forward in enjoying the future now and let it progress further from here. How can a step up in PQ and Sound be a Negative? You'll look back in 5 years when they are selling for $49 and quad 1080P comes out. :D

I own the HD DVD and while it's not a perfect pkg but what it displays on my Sharp 45" 1080 Native is Crystal Clear and great sound and it easily outperforms my Oppo and Samsung 950 DVD upconverts and it's no big deal as the cost factor of the HD DVD is no big deal whereas if issues occur on a $1K + Blu-Ray I'd be ticked.

I've had my HD DVD for over a week and very happy with it even though it's Remote as most remotes are - ready for the trash and I got a Harmony to fill that void and it could load faster but the load wait is rewarding and I Love to save money.

I'm not trashing the Blu-Ray but if the PQ is equivalent or better and it presents ZERO issues in PQ on my panel it's a winner in my HT and my wallet. I'm not happy at all reading the feedback so far on Samsungs BD and will hold out for Sony/Pio versions. Now all we need is more of a library to grow but I use Netflix to keep those costs down as I'm not one to build my own library of DVD's. IMO the HD DVD can be gotten for pretty good prices now - I got mine on a PB on the forum and simply waited for backorder to get in and in the meantime the Netflix catalogue got bigger.:)

[QUOTE=lionelhuts]
Oh yeah, this is from HDMIorg:
Higher speed: HDMI 1.3 increases its single-link bandwidth from 165MHz (4.95 gigabits per second) to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps).

Although lionelhuts went on to further describe the difference between the current version of HDMI and HDMI 1.3 I believe that the HDMI issue in this forum is much to-do about nothing. After all, blu-ray transfer rates are somewhere between 36 - 54 Mbps with the hopes of someday achieving 288 mbps (source blu-raycom/faq). That's a lot slower than the 4.95 Gbps transfer rate on the current version of HDMI. If the PQ is poor I do not think that it's an HDMI issue.

as nice as the 4095 maybe to some....from what i am reading, if it sux at HTPC, it's pretty useless to me. in no way shape or form do i want to deal with this. so..westy here i come. dang I really love the sexy ass black bezel on the sammy :(

I'm not happy at all reading the feedback so far on Samsungs BD and will hold out for Sony/Pio versions....IMO the HD DVD can be gotten for pretty good prices nowI don't think that the Samsung BR player is the issue, it appears to be the MPEG-2 encoding of the discs at data rates that are just too low. Assuming that they switch to VC-1 encoding or increase the MPEG-2 data rate on 50GB discs (which have the capacity to support the higher data rate) we should see a big improvement. In the meantime I think that you made a good choice in getting the HD-DVD player which has plenty of discs encoded in VC-1.

[QUOTE=lionelhuts]
Oh yeah, this is from HDMIorg:
Higher speed: HDMI 1.3 increases its single-link bandwidth from 165MHz (4.95 gigabits per second) to 340 MHz (10.2 Gbps).

Although lionelhuts went on to further describe the difference between the current version of HDMI and HDMI 1.3 I believe that the HDMI issue in this forum is much to-do about nothing. After all, blu-ray transfer rates are somewhere between 36 - 54 Mbps with the hopes of someday achieving 288 mbps (source blu-raycom/faq). That's a lot slower than the 4.95 Gbps transfer rate on the current version of HDMI. If the PQ is poor I do not think that it's an HDMI issue.

Wrong.
Bluray is between 36-54, but that is compressed data. HDMI is for uncompressed data. Although I am not sure about the nessesity of 1.3 for this application and so on, just had to clear that up.

as nice as the 4095 maybe to some....from what i am reading, if it sux at HTPC, it's pretty useless to me. in no way shape or form do i want to deal with this. so..westy here i come. dang I really love the sexy ass black bezel on the sammy :(I need that HTPC application to work for me too. There are only two 40" or 42" 1080p LCDs that accept 1080P from an HTPC. They are the Samsung 4095 and the 42" Westy. There is only 1 person who has commented in this thread on his experience with 4095 used as an HTPC component. Perhaps we need to hear from a few others before reaching a decision on how the 4095 performs in an HTPC application over its RGB port.

What I want to know is which of the 1080P LCDs coming out over the next 2 months support 1080p from a PC over HDMI or DVI ports? Will the JVC LT-40FH97 provide this support? How about the 42" Syntax Olevia 742i or the Sony KDL-40XBR3? I'm waiting for the answer to those questions before I pull out the plastic.

Yes! You are being a defeatist and doubting Thomas ;) - I view it on my Sharp and it's beautiful and don't understand how someone could take a step back and think negative instead of stepping forward in enjoying the future now and let it progress further from here. How can a step up in PQ and Sound be a Negative? You'll look back in 5 years when they are selling for $49 and quad 1080P comes out. :D

I own the HD DVD and while it's not a perfect pkg but what it displays on my Sharp 45" 1080 Native is Crystal Clear and great sound and it easily outperforms my Oppo and Samsung 950 DVD upconverts and it's no big deal as the cost factor of the HD DVD is no big deal whereas if issues occur on a $1K + Blu-Ray I'd be ticked.

I've had my HD DVD for over a week and very happy with it even though it's Remote as most remotes are - ready for the trash and I got a Harmony to fill that void and it could load faster but the load wait is rewarding and I Love to save money.

I'm not trashing the Blu-Ray but if the PQ is equivalent or better and it presents ZERO issues in PQ on my panel it's a winner in my HT and my wallet. I'm not happy at all reading the feedback so far on Samsungs BD and will hold out for Sony/Pio versions. Now all we need is more of a library to grow but I use Netflix to keep those costs down as I'm not one to build my own library of DVD's. IMO the HD DVD can be gotten for pretty good prices now - I got mine on a PB on the forum and simply waited for backorder to get in and in the meantime the Netflix catalogue got bigger.:)


Westa: So far the search for 1080p has been like the holy grail - and I'm not talking about 1080i de-interlaced; depending on the setup, it may not have been 1080p in the first place.

In order for 1080p to hit its stride, a lot of things have to go right. I WANT THEM to go right, but so far it has been a difficult slog. That Sharp 45 has been out for what seems like a very long time, and it seems like progress is painful.

Is anyone working on coding standards (MPEG-4?) that would permit 1080p to be broadcast? Are the HD-DVD & Blu-ray people going to give us pure unadulterated 1080p or are they going to give us MPEG-2 crap, because its cheaper, and they don't think anyone will notice? Do the movie people actually want us to see the top quality (thereby eliminating another reason for us to go to the movie theatre)?

I may be paranoid, but it doesn't mean that lots of people are not out to give us the least HD quality possible!

Westa: So far the search for 1080p has been like the holy grail - and I'm not talking about 1080i de-interlaced; depending on the setup, it may not have been 1080p in the first place.

In order for 1080p to hit its stride, a lot of things have to go right. I WANT THEM to go right, but so far it has been a difficult slog. That Sharp 45 has been out for what seems like a very long time, and it seems like progress is painful.

Is anyone working on coding standards (MPEG-4?) that would permit 1080p to be broadcast? Are the HD-DVD & Blu-ray people going to give us pure unadulterated 1080p or are they going to give us MPEG-2 crap, because its cheaper, and they don't think anyone will notice? Do the movie people actually want us to see the top quality (thereby eliminating another reason for us to go to the movie theatre)?

I may be paranoid, but it doesn't mean that lots of people are not out to give us the least HD quality possible!

PhillySaxMan,

Both HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs are encoded in 1080p. The HD DVDs are encoded using VC-1(MPEG-4), but the current Blu-Ray discs are encoded using MPEG-2.

While the current Toshiba Player outputs 1080i that will probably change to 1080p in their 2nd generation player.

Again, both discs are encoded in 1080p.

I agree that 1080p would probably be possbile for broadcast tv if MPEG-4 was used, but I don't think the ATSC has any plans to do so because it would render the tuners in current digital tvs useless.

LCD1080 we are in same boat. I am def keeping my eyes on the syntax signature series. due to quality assurance i read about as well as internal components. from what i saw. the samsung is not for me. 40 or 46, keep it

till this day i am still puzzled why most companies cant beat westinghouse, features wise.

[QUOTE=NebraskaRay]

Wrong.
Bluray is between 36-54, but that is compressed data. HDMI is for uncompressed data. Although I am not sure about the nessesity of 1.3 for this application and so on, just had to clear that up.

Thanks for the clarification. However, I still beleive that my basic premise is correct - that the 1.2 HDMI transfer rate of 4.95 Gbps far exceeds the output from a blu-ray player. If 36 - 54 mbps represents compressed data on a blu-ray then what is the transfer rate of this data when it is uncompressed?

I gave up on hemmin and hawin and went and ordered the 4095 from PC Richards.. will be supposedly avaiable to deliver week of the 17th so they said (which will tie in nicely with our move to new digs that same week).. Now the waiting begins!!

Yeah Baby!!!

Give us a report. :)

Yeah I just noticed that the 4096 web page has changed from "Available in June" to "Available in August" http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/LCDTV/LNS4096DXXAA.asp
Right now I'm hesitant about getting either the 95 or the 96. I need to hear more opinions from people who have them in their home.

Dirty rats!

I'm with you 100%

I'm cancelling the 4096 with Abt for now.

So hold on so what is the better TV as in full 1080p? the samsung or the west? I really need to know cause i want the full 1080p experience and is the black level on each tv really good? What would anybody rate each tv on performance and value from 1-10? This is making me insane thinking about this whole issue with samsung.

in terms of performance / price ratio... westinghouse is seriously hard to beat. 47" full 1080p on 6 inputs. with top notch performance...for less than $3k. is pretty hard to beat.

PhillySaxMan,

Both HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs are encoded in 1080p. The HD DVDs are encoded using VC-1(MPEG-4), but the current Blu-Ray discs are encoded using MPEG-2.

While the current Toshiba Player outputs 1080i that will probably change to 1080p in their 2nd generation player.

Again, both discs are encoded in 1080p.

I agree that 1080p would probably be possbile for broadcast tv if MPEG-4 was used, but I don't think the ATSC has any plans to do so because it would render the tuners in current digital tvs useless.

Thanks! We have all been wondering about this (where I work)....How did you learn about the coding of the HD-DVDs?

Someone gonna try to get a PC hooked with HDMI? Im getting impatient, dont want to wait till august so I can pay more for cable card, ****in samsung. Why cant they tell us what else the 96 has.

Someone gonna try to get a PC hooked with HDMI? Im getting impatient, dont want to wait till august so I can pay more for cable card, ****in samsung. Why cant they tell us what else the 96 has.
I tried it on the 4095. Used a DVI adapter to HDMI. The results are mixed.

The TV overscans and I could not get it to sync pixel-per-pixel. So there was some amount of noise and artifacts from the scaling.

Good news was that I noticed almost zero banding/false contouring! The 1080 resolution was incredible as I used the Media Center to view my larger images. So I take back my previous comments that the display could not handle graduated shades well (although that problem may be there when driving the set differently).

I suspect the overscan problem can be easily fixed with changing the display timing on the graphics card. But I didn't have time to do that. Other graphics cards may not have this problem (I was using a year old ATI card).

Overall, the only problem left with this display for me is the tendency for gray areas to push toward red. In bright rooms or with backlight turned way down, it is not really bad. But it is still there and gives the display a red/orange look. As no LCD is good in this respect, this is not a huge failing. But I wish the gray scale was better calibrated to stay netural.

I also got to really like the black bezel. I thought the mirror finish would bother me but it did not and is rather elegant, nicely framing the image.

Anyway, I would say the Samsung is a very good display. Not perfect. But the best 1080p display I have seen so far.

[QUOTE=necrolop]

Thanks for the clarification. However, I still beleive that my basic premise is correct - that the 1.2 HDMI transfer rate of 4.95 Gbps far exceeds the output from a blu-ray player. If 36 - 54 mbps represents compressed data on a blu-ray then what is the transfer rate of this data when it is uncompressed?
Well, if my math is correct:

1080 x 1920 = 2,073,600 pixels

2,073,600 * 24 bits/pixel = 49,766,400 bits per frame

49,766,400 bits/frame * 60 frames/second = 2,985,984,000 bits/second

Plus, there will be some small amount of overhead for DRM and control bits.

Thus, we are looking at a little more than 3 GB/sec for 1080p.

[QUOTE=NebraskaRay]
Well, if my math is correct:

1080 x 1920 = 2,073,600 pixels

2,073,600 * 24 bits/pixel = 49,766,400 bits per frame

49,766,400 bits/frame * 60 frames/second = 2,985,984,000 bits/second

Plus, there will be some small amount of overhead for DRM and control bits.

Thus, we are looking at a little more than 3 GB/sec for 1080p.
Your math is correct but not the assumptions :). In video world, we don't store in RGB. Instead, we use YUV color space. And then "subsample" the chroma (color) because your eye does not distinguish high frequency information/resolution in color as well as it does in black and white.

Today's film transfers are captured in 10-bit samples, using "4:2:2" sampling. This means we have two 10-bit samples per pixel. Now using the rest of the math as yours, we get 2.4 gigabit/sec.

Now for consumer delivery in ATSC, HD DVD and Blu-ray, we do not use the above. Instead, the video resolution is lowered to 8-bits, and color is further down sampled to 4:2:0. This means we now have a total of 12 bits/sample. Or 1.4 Gigabit/sec.

As a fun fact, with todays of HD optical formats, we are compressing the video more than 95%! This means that the 5% remaining looks this good! Amazing what good video compression does for you....

Anyway, I would say the Samsung is a very good display. Not perfect. But the best 1080p display I have seen so far.

Well I'm happy to here some positive reviews. Although alot of the negative comments tend to come from the computer hook up side, which is an avenue i haven't considered, but will start paying attention to when I make a purchase now.

I tried it on the 4095. Used a DVI adapter to HDMI. The results are mixed.

The TV overscans and I could not get it to sync pixel-per-pixel. So there was some amount of noise and artifacts from the scaling.

Good news was that I noticed almost zero banding/false contouring! The 1080 resolution was incredible as I used the Media Center to view my larger images. So I take back my previous comments that the display could not handle graduated shades well (although that problem may be there when driving the set differently).

I suspect the overscan problem can be easily fixed with changing the display timing on the graphics card. But I didn't have time to do that. Other graphics cards may not have this problem (I was using a year old ATI card).

Overall, the only problem left with this display for me is the tendency for gray areas to push toward red. In bright rooms or with backlight turned way down, it is not really bad. But it is still there and gives the display a red/orange look. As no LCD is good in this respect, this is not a huge failing. But I wish the gray scale was better calibrated to stay netural.

I also got to really like the black bezel. I thought the mirror finish would bother me but it did not and is rather elegant, nicely framing the image.

Anyway, I would say the Samsung is a very good display. Not perfect. But the best 1080p display I have seen so far.

i thought samsung lcds do not support pc dvi/hdmi connections?

i thought samsung lcds do not support pc dvi/hdmi connections?
There really is no way to stop it from working. DVI connections on PCs can look just like any other device. The only problem is the one I ran into. Namely, not being able to bypass the scalar in the unit. But I suspect this can be fixed also....

Note that to avoid support hassles, many TV companies claim that their displays don't work with PCs but this is usually not accurate.

There really is no way to stop it from working. DVI connections on PCs can look just like any other device. The only problem is the one I ran into. Namely, not being able to bypass the scalar in the unit. But I suspect this can be fixed also....

Note that to avoid support hassles, many TV companies claim that their displays don't work with PCs but this is usually not accurate.

well will you see a quality difference using dvi/hdmi over dvi/vga on the samsung lcd?

Amir,
Think you could mess with the settings to try to get 1:1 pixel mapping from the PC? I was thinking maybe in game mode?

This must also mean it wont pixel map bluray/hd-dvd. seems very odd.

well will you see a quality difference using dvi/hdmi over dvi/vga on the samsung lcd?
It depends on the quality of the analog to digital conversion on this set. HDMI will be digital so it would not go through this path. For computer use, one-to-one mapped digital input over DVI/HDMI would be preferable.

I understand that the data is stored on the disc as 4:2:0; however, we are discussing the uncompressed signal being sent over the HDMI cable to the display.

It was my understanding (maybe I'm wrong) that the decompressed signal being transmitted across the HDMI cable is normally 8-bit RGB which has been reconstructed from the 4:2:0 data stored on the disc.

Amir,
Think you could mess with the settings to try to get 1:1 pixel mapping from the PC? I was thinking maybe in game mode?
It is hard to say for sure. First thing would be trying out Powerstrip (http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm) to see if I can get the video to fill the screen. Once there, hopefully the set will sync 1:1. Unfortunately, I won't be able to try this out for a few days....

So on the samsung the black level is excellent?

So on the samsung the black level is excellent?
By LCD standards, it is very good. In contrast to a CRT display though, it has far to go.

LCDs are closing the gap with best Plasma displays but the gap is still there. Very dark movies look reddish on the Samsung with some of the details lost. The Samsung is very good in this regard compared to other LCDs I have used (including the $10K Sony Qualia 005 with LED backlight). But one should not expect miracles here, especially when viewing in dark surrounding.

For me, the trade offs remain the same. If you want 1080p in this size, or need to routinely use the dispaly for computer use, or need something that works well in front of a window, then LCD is the best choice. For me, all of these were requirements as I drive the display with HD DVD and Media Center PCs, both of which need and want 1080p resolution. The TV is facing a huge Window so reflections would be bad on Plasmas.

I am waiting to evaluate the Pioneer 1080p Plasma. Until then, I think the Samsung is a very good choice here..

I prefer LCD blacks actually. Blueshift on blacks bothers me alot less than a greyshifted Plasma Black. Cleaner whites in my opinion aswell.

Thanks Amir for you posts, Cant wait for you to test out power srtip. My finger is deing to pull the trigger.

Also, how do I get your job? Haha

Have you had any chance to test out SD signals? Im hoping it can handle it to Bravia levels.

Thanx that help me out a lot because i have the old samsung lcd LN-S3238D. So far I luv the tv but it just the black level gets annoying when watching tv and playing on my 360. But that's like the only issue I have with the tv and since i seen the 95 at bb the black levels on the tv was really good for a lcd tv. The only thing i'm just wondering if the 96 version goin to have any tweaks to it as inputs.

we are all still waiting with baited breath for the release of these

Although it appears 394 times on avsforum, "baited breath" is something you'd catch rodents with, yuck :o

Y'all have "bated breath".
1 : to reduce the force or intensity of : RESTRAIN <with bated breath>


Firefox 2 Beta1 has an in-line spell checker to catch spelling mistakes like "alot"; it's shipping about the same time as the LN-4696 :)

Just to let everybody know, the 4696 specs have been updated on the Samsung website. They now include 1080p for component in and they have dimensions and weight. Still says Coming in June, however.

Nice to see 1080p via component. But they still refuse to put what proccessing software it uses. It really angers me. I want a TV, but if the 96 has the same scaler, there is no reason to wait for it, but there is no Dnie logo on the spec sheet, and why else would they release a whole other version, I doubt just for a peice of glass and a cable card. Throw us a bone.

They also lowered the contrast ratio to 6000:1 (same as the 4695D)

Nice to see 1080p via component. But they still refuse to put what proccessing software it uses. It really angers me. I want a TV, but if the 96 has the same scaler, there is no reason to wait for it, but there is no Dnie logo on the spec sheet, and why else would they release a whole other version, I doubt just for a peice of glass and a cable card. Throw us a bone.

The spec sheets mention 10 bit processing on both the 95 and 96 so there is no point in hoping that it will be better in the 96. As has been stated before, main differences are cable card, QAM, support for MP3 players, & style, which probably explains the 300 delta in MSRP. I'm starting to think seriously about pulling the trigger on the 4095 if I can find one.

Although it appears 394 times on avsforum, "baited breath" is something you'd catch rodents with, yuck :o

Y'all have "bated breath".
1 : to reduce the force or intensity of : RESTRAIN <with bated breath>


Firefox 2 Beta1 has an in-line spell checker to catch spelling mistakes like "alot"; it's shipping about the same time as the LN-4696 :)

Oh no we have a grammar Nazi! :rolleyes:

ABT said that Samsung is now quoting a Mid August time for the 4696.

I beleive you could still have 10bit with it being newwer. More enhancements to 720p is what i was thinking, like what the XBR2/3 will have

i picked up the 4095 at best buy in NYC. great TV. havent had any problems and the price was quite reasonable. best of luck guys.

Could you elaborate.

Give us a review, woudl be quite helpfull.
SD quality, HD quality, PC quality, ect ect.
Thanks

Ordered 4095 at BB in-store today; it will be in July 11. Got an extra discount for signing up with digital cable. Stay posted for full impressions - 360, HD cable/dvr, OTA HD. I'm not an HTPC guy so don't expect anything there - sorry Necrolop.

If anyone could post their display settings, that would be helpful to all. Amir from MS, I know you have a long "to do" list from this thread and have a real job, but we'd all appreciate any guidance you could give.

Ordered 4095 at BB in-store today; it will be in July 11. Got an extra discount for signing up with digital cable. Stay posted for full impressions - 360, HD cable/dvr, OTA HD. I'm not an HTPC guy so don't expect anything there - sorry Necrolop.
Congratulations! I think you will enjoy this display.

If anyone could post their display settings, that would be helpful to all. Amir from MS, I know you have a long "to do" list from this thread and have a real job, but we'd all appreciate any guidance you could give.
I did not do a full calibration but a quickie using Media Center calibration wizard. I set the backlight to medium (“Energy saving” setting). I found that the set nicely manages highlights so even going 100% on brightness, did not crush whites. So that is where I set it to get maximum contrast. The default of 75% made me see the red blacks too much.

For color, I need to do more work. I used “normal” setting. Warm1 was too reddish. I think this is due to blacks being red so may need to revisit. But for now, “normal” was the best bet. I think I moved the tint a bit but that was subjective and the default value was more or less fine.

On Sharpness, I was surprised that it made no difference on the DVI/HDMI input. Going from zero to max made no difference. It is possible it doesn’t work on HDMI but that would be rather strange this day and age.

Of course, I turned off all the processing in the Setup menu regarding DNLe, etc.

When I was done, the display was fine other than the color balance which I suspect requires service level adjustment to calibrate gray scale.

Amir,
Thanks so much - great information as usual with your posts.

Quick and easy question for any 4095 owners.. I assume there's a mute button on the remote, or some other way to turn off the TV's speakers?

If so, pushing mute, I would also assume you get an OSD of the word "MUTE".. does this stay or disappear after a while?

I picked up my 4095 on 6/27. After waiting an excruciating 10 days for Comcast to hook up Digital/HD cable, I finally got to see HD in action (other than my Xbox 360). It's very hard for me to compare this set to others as this is my first HD set experience but I must say I'm impressed. I'm currently watching "Hostage" on Starz HD. The Motorola HD/PVR is connected via component as I don't have a DVI-D cable. Will that connection make a significant improvement in picture quality over component?

The picture on the Xbox 360 is stunning! It's very sharp, the colors are outstanding and there's none of the blurring people complain about on LCDs. I have it connected via VGA and on "Game Mode". I tried playing DVD movies with this connection but the picture was a bit washed out both in color and sharpness so I decided to use my stand alone upconverting DVD player to watch movies. I'm not sure why the games look fantastic on the 360 while the DVD movies look poor - Microsoft claims the 360 upconverts with the VGA connection. DVDs certainly look better on my upconverting DVD player.

Ordered 4095 at BB in-store today; it will be in July 11. Got an extra discount for signing up with digital cable. Stay posted for full impressions - 360, HD cable/dvr, OTA HD. I'm not an HTPC guy so don't expect anything there - sorry Necrolop.

If anyone could post their display settings, that would be helpful to all. Amir from MS, I know you have a long "to do" list from this thread and have a real job, but we'd all appreciate any guidance you could give.

Sweet cant wait to read your impression on it. All told, I think the tv is going to satisfy the average Hdtv user. I've been reading alot of people base the performance of the tv on HTPC and not enough OTA HD or cable HD and movies and games, which is what I will primarily use it for. GL!!!

Sweet cant wait to read your impression on it. All told, I think the tv is going to satisfy the average Hdtv user. I've been reading alot of people base the performance of the tv on HTPC and not enough OTA HD or cable HD and movies and games, which is what I will primarily use it for. GL!!!


I agree very much so and don't quite understand why they can't take it to where it belongs- on the damn HTPC Section, that's why they have that section - this is not the damn HTPC section so why it continually gets muddied with OT HTPC when a forum exists for it separate - go ask the hobbyists that specialize in this feature as the common HT enthusiast is not doing HTPC nor do they give a hoot about whether the TV does HTPC - This is not the HTPC thread - place the questions where they belong as a common consumer isn't about to use their panel as a Guinea Pig for you, whereas a Hobbyist gladly will as they love the challenge.

Can I do HTPC? - Yes easily but if I ran into any challenges I wouldn't place my questions to the area where the hobbyists aren't exchanging info or a CSR that is reading from manuals/scripts and doesn't know jack about the subject- go to the source and let owners and viewers share as to what the TV looks like with cable/satellite/DVD most are seeking to use it as a TV not a PC Monitor. ;)

I agree very much so and don't quite understand why they can't take it to where it belongs- on the damn HTPC Section, that's why they have that section - this is not the damn HTPC section so why it continually gets muddied with OT HTPC when a forum exists for it separate - go ask the hobbyists that specialize in this feature as the common HT enthusiast is not doing HTPC nor do they give a hoot about whether the TV does HTPC - This is not the HTPC thread - place the questions where they belong as a common consumer isn't about to use their panel as a Guinea Pig for you, whereas a Hobbyist gladly will as they love the challenge.
This is a 1080p set. The best way to feed it test signals today is with a PC. Watching random video from a 1080i STB or upsampling DVD player is not going to provide definitive answers on its performance. With a PC, I can feed it full frame 1080p material, from test signals to high-fidelity photos and HD video clips to test for banding and other errors.

So while my main application was watching/testing of HD DVD and BD discs, I still use a PC to check out the display.

Of course, one day we will have test discs in HD DVD/BD and we can use that to test also. But for now, this is what we have. If the data is not useful to you though, my feelings won't be hurt if you ignore them :).

Amir, your feedback has been invaluable and I don't think that is what Westa is complaining about. I think what is going on is the HTPC people are looking for the hot new 1080p LCD and this is one of the contenders. Naturally people are going to have questions about PC via HDMI at 1080p, etc. Samsung has not been forthcoming with info on this. Although I'm not an HTPC person I'm glad to hear about whether this feature is a possibility as I may go down that road in the future.

I do think Westa is right in that this set has been sort of a target for the HTPC Westy fanboys and I agree that many of us just want a good set for Xbox 360, HDTV via cable/sat/OTA, HD DVD (or Blu-Ray if they ever get their act together), and PS3 down the road. The 95 and 96 series should do just fine for those applications. HTPC is always going to depend on video card and patience to get things set up right. These things may end up being great for that too.

This is a 1080p set. The best way to feed it test signals today is with a PC. Watching random video from a 1080i STB or upsampling DVD player is not going to provide definitive answers on its performance. With a PC, I can feed it full frame 1080p material, from test signals to high-fidelity photos and HD video clips to test for banding and other errors.

How is the difference between PC and video levels being accounted for?
(0-255 vs. 16-235)

Inferior PQ results unless the source and destination are designed and/or calibrated to the same levels.

Note: I saw the Samsung 95 at BB and agree that it offers a lot! I also saw a remarkable and welcome $$ drop on the inferior 1366*768 displays. We have been freed:)

Thanks for the explanation Ryu :). Now I undersatnd....

How is the difference between PC and video levels being accounted for?
(0-255 vs. 16-235)
Good question. I didn't have the right test signal to check that. Will test it some time soon and report back....

There is a lot of anxiety/anticipation as to if this tv can do 1080p 1 to 1 pixel mapping from an HTPC. Tomorrow, I am purchasing this 4096 so I am very concerned with this too. However, is this issue still significant if the HTPC has a video card that has HDMI out?

For instance, check out this Radeon x1600:
hardware[dot]gotfrag[dot]com/portal/story/33268/
(sorry, long time lurker, not enough posts to add urls yet!)

My assumption is that this video card will not have any problems outputing perfect 1080p. Does anyone else have insight on the possibilities of this combo?

From previous post, noone has confirmed if they could get PC over the HDMI port via hdmi / dvi adapters. I am sure there is a VGA port which should work fine. granted not as clear but for now thats the only guarantee. unless someone confirms it over HDMI.

From previous post, noone has confirmed if they could get PC over the HDMI port via hdmi / dvi adapters. I am sure there is a VGA port which should work fine. granted not as clear but for now thats the only guarantee. unless someone confirms it over HDMI.Actually Amirm did indicate that he connected a PC over HDMI to the 4095 via a DVI/HDMI adapter. See his post below:
I tried it on the 4095. Used a DVI adapter to HDMI. The results are mixed. The TV overscans and I could not get it to sync pixel-per-pixel. So there was some amount of noise and artifacts from the scaling. Good news was that I noticed almost zero banding/false contouring! The 1080 resolution was incredible as I used the Media Center to view my larger images. So I take back my previous comments that the display could not handle graduated shades well (although that problem may be there when driving the set differently). I suspect the overscan problem can be easily fixed with changing the display timing on the graphics card. But I didn't have time to do that. Other graphics cards may not have this problem (I was using a year old ATI card)....

so, all this talk of the 4095...am I the only one out there trying to find the 46" badboy from this line (4696D)? I have looked in stores and in many online outlets, but no one seems to know when this one is going to be out and ready. Does anyone know why the 40 inch is out, but the 46 is absent?

I agree very much so and don't quite understand why they can't take it to where it belongs- on the damn HTPC Section, that's why they have that section - this is not the damn HTPC section so why it continually gets muddied with OT HTPC when a forum exists for it separate - go ask the hobbyists that specialize in this feature as the common HT enthusiast is not doing HTPC nor do they give a hoot about whether the TV does HTPC - This is not the HTPC thread - place the questions where they belong as a common consumer isn't about to use their panel as a Guinea Pig for you, whereas a Hobbyist gladly will as they love the challenge.

Can I do HTPC? - Yes easily but if I ran into any challenges I wouldn't place my questions to the area where the hobbyists aren't exchanging info or a CSR that is reading from manuals/scripts and doesn't know jack about the subject- go to the source and let owners and viewers share as to what the TV looks like with cable/satellite/DVD most are seeking to use it as a TV not a PC Monitor. ;)

HTPC's are a source component, not a display. The HTPC section is for software and hardware related related topics and not for display related topics - this is the correct forum for the topic. So far any HTPC discussion in this thread has been to establish whether the Samsung's support PC inputs, and it appears they don't. I guarantee once this has been 100% established, the people who use HTPC sources will abandon this thread.

HTPC's are a source component, not a display. The HTPC section is for software and hardware related related topics and not for display related topics - this is the correct forum for the topic. So far any HTPC discussion in this thread has been to establish whether the Samsung's support PC inputs, and it appears they don't. I guarantee once this has been 100% established, the people who use HTPC sources will abandon this thread.
Agreed. Westa6969 needs to control his misplaced anger. There are many benefits to the convergence between PCs and traditional video sources. For example the new Toshiba HD-DVD is actually a computer running a Linux OS. Do we need permission to discuss how HD-DVD discs look on this display (being generated from one of those "bad" computers)?

Here are a couple of starter chapters for those deficient in convergence concepts:
1) the internet supplying video on demand (computers)
2) media servers (computers)

The optimal input configuration for high-end displays is two HDMI ports and one DVI. All must allow include HDCP (for the Vista requirement to allow HD disc playback and ICT) . The HDMI ports are set for video 861-B (16-235) range, and the DVI is set for PC range (0-255). The 47" Westinghouse meets this configuration. The Samsung does not. Instead Samsung offers an inferior analog VGA input (where they no-doubt cut corners as quality 1080p rated D/A converters are expensive).

All of this subject matter both important and relevant to justify the $$$ display expenditure. Its either this or go back to VHS:)

All this talk of DVI vs HDMI for a computer interface is about to convince me that the 4095/96 is NOT the right choice for my home office TV. Should I assume that DVI will always be the preferred interface for computers/HTPCs, or are the HDMI compatibility problems temporary glitches that will eventually be resolved and render DVI obsolete. I really like what I have seen of the 4095 but do not want something that will have compatibility problems with future digital sources.

I swing by my local BB...I saw the 4096 with blur ray player on display. Got curious and start asking the 4696, so they check the system--and it shows up in the system but said the item is deleted. He told me that that's not possible...so he told me to wait, and came back and said it will be there around 7/22 and I can place my order as soon as next week. MSRP on BB's computer is four thousand two hundreds and ninty nine.

All this talk of DVI vs HDMI for a computer interface is about to convince me that the 4095/96 is NOT the right choice for my home office TV... I really like what I have seen of the 4095 but do not want something that will have compatibility problems with future digital sources.Amirm said that he might have time to try out Powerstrip and thereby achieve 1:1 pixel mapping from the PC to the 4095. If he can do that then I'd feel confident that a computer interface of sufficient quality is possible with the 4095. See below: Amir, Think you could mess with the settings to try to get 1:1 pixel mapping from the PC?...It is hard to say for sure. First thing would be trying out Powerstrip (http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm) to see if I can get the video to fill the screen. Once there, hopefully the set will sync 1:1. Unfortunately, I won't be able to try this out for a few days....I think you are correct about the issue of compatibility issues with future digital sources. What if Blu-Ray and HD-DVD are replaced by the Internet as the preferred means of providing movies for sale and storage? In that case we will need a display that can receive high quality 1080p from a PC over HDMI/DVI.

Ok guys -- I picked one up today. this is my first HD TV so I'm not hyper critical like some of you are. I must say I got a great deal -- I ran into a guy I went to high school with and he pulled out his manager--- they worked me a great deal (relative to MSRP) so if you're looking to get one be sure to make BB an offer --

Anyway I'll go through some of the modes and get back to you when I get though the TV. I have some friends here watching Office Space right now. :)

Ok guys -- I picked one up today. this is my first HD TV so I'm not hyper critical like some of you are. I must say I got a great deal -- I ran into a guy I went to high school with and he pulled out his manager--- they worked me a great deal (relative to MSRP) so if you're looking to get one be sure to make BB an offer --

Anyway I'll go through some of the modes and get back to you when I get though the TV. I have some friends here watching Office Space right now. :)

lol... office space... a classic. Post some pics if you can, I don't think any one who one has shown them off yet!

Amirm,

Some other LCDs (like Sceptre 1080p) have only one digital input - HDMI or DVI.
The input for this port has couple of different settings to compensate for the need to accept different video sources.
For example there is HDCP, HDMI and DVI selections for the same input. The HDCP and HDMI have overscan to cut signal edge garbage as only video sources are expected on these settings. The DVI selection does not overscan and provides 1:1 pixel mapping for HTPC connection. Is there anything similar on the two 4095 HDMI inputs?

I tried it on the 4095. Used a DVI adapter to HDMI. The results are mixed.

The TV overscans and I could not get it to sync pixel-per-pixel. So there was some amount of noise and artifacts from the scaling.

Good news was that I noticed almost zero banding/false contouring! The 1080 resolution was incredible as I used the Media Center to view my larger images. So I take back my previous comments that the display could not handle graduated shades well (although that problem may be there when driving the set differently).

I suspect the overscan problem can be easily fixed with changing the display timing on the graphics card. But I didn't have time to do that. Other graphics cards may not have this problem (I was using a year old ATI card).

Overall, the only problem left with this display for me is the tendency for gray areas to push toward red. In bright rooms or with backlight turned way down, it is not really bad. But it is still there and gives the display a red/orange look. As no LCD is good in this respect, this is not a huge failing. But I wish the gray scale was better calibrated to stay netural.

I also got to really like the black bezel. I thought the mirror finish would bother me but it did not and is rather elegant, nicely framing the image.

Anyway, I would say the Samsung is a very good display. Not perfect. But the best 1080p display I have seen so far.

I have to go and test the HDMI input when driven by Toshiba HD DVD player to see if it has same amount of overscan but I somehow doubt it. Right now, a lot of the screen is cut off. For example, I can't see Windows task bar.

As for DVI, I love to see HDMI work better. As that allows easy switching of the sources through my Denon receiver. Using DVI directly from the PC means that you have to switch the TV and reciever together to change sources which can be a pain without a smart remote.

I just cant fathom it not having 1:1, I mean its not just PCs, wouldnt that be ideal for bluray and HD dvd aswell. Very odd.

Right now, a lot of the screen is cut off. For example, I can't see Windows task bar.

Have you tried tweaking with powerstrip?

I hate to sound like the 500th person to ask this but.. does hd-dvd suck on the s4095d as bad as blu-ray? I saw for the first time this display at bb today but the blu-ray demo completely turned me off. This isn't due to this particular model lcd is it?

I thought 1080p would make this the best Samsung model yet. So if I buy this, can I expect better performance out of another media such as hd-dvd, 360, and upconverted dvd? For reference.. I was watching an hd feed on the older 40" sammy lcd (non-1080p) and pirates of the carribean was flawless! How does the s4095d stand up to the models before it?

thanks

I just cant fathom it not having 1:1, I mean its not just PCs, wouldnt that be ideal for bluray and HD dvd aswell. Very odd.
This is a very beautiful display but the lack of "pass-thru" or 1:1 pixel mapping is a fatal flaw. It is still scaling every input signal, even those at the panels native resolution (1920*1080p) to create unnecessary, unwarranted and undesirable over-scan. This HDMI ports are not for PC inputs guys either as the digital levels are wrong. Such stupid designers!

Proof that 1:1 Mapping Is The Best
--------------------------------
Note: My PC uses dual Samsung 20" 1600*1200 computer monitors located side-by-side. The video card displays 3200*1200 1:1 mapping digital photography pictures using my desktops slideshow. Awesome clarity!
Also display street mapping software, Google Maps Pro and this weather map to impress your friends:
http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/Conus/full.php

This is a very beautiful display but the lack of "pass-thru" or 1:1 pixel mapping is a fatal flaw.
Proof that 1:1 Mapping Is The Best
--------------------------------

Perhaps it's fatal for HTPC enthusiasts but not so fatal for HT TV enthusiasts after all how can a "beautiful display" be "Fatal". Putting HTPC aside for a moment does anyone know whether this panel has a setting similar to Sharp 45" of Dot-to-Dot? This is easily the best HD PQ on my panel but sometimes can present overscan depending on the format of the source feed but easily the best match up especially when viewing shows like CSI Miami which I can swear is 1080P as I cannot imagine a better Eye Candy PQ short of walking into the TV 3D.

According to my Sharp Manual dot-to-dot has a 3:1 pixel count = 6 million with a maximum 1080P being displayed but presently it cannot take 1080P but easily is the best display for PQ in HD on my panel. Sharp responded to me that Dot-to-Dot is 1:1 pixels but perhaps not in the same context as HTPC enthusiasts define it. I've been attacked by some HTPC folks for misrepresenting 1:1 when in fact I am only representing what I've been told by Sharp USA as it relates to HD on the TV through a TV source not a PC.

My point in question HTPC aside does the Samsung 1080P have a like "Dot-to-Dot setting" so that if I upgrade to an LNS5797 that I can get the best potential display viewing mode on the panel - not as it relates to HTPC.

Does anyone know of the viewing formats offered on these Samsung 1080P's? :)

Perhaps it's fatal for HTPC enthusiasts but not so fatal for HT TV enthusiasts after all how can a "beautiful display" be "Fatal". Does anyone know of the viewing formats offered on these Samsung 1080P's? :)
As Amir has stated **digital data is digital data**. The source is irrelevant as the display does not have a clue whether it is text or video.

I just proved to you that 1:1 mapping is superior for digital images with my 3200*1200 configuration.
People notice that the 1080p Samsung looks better because of its higher resolution (and contrast). The next step-up (1:1 mapping) is actually a simplification of the displays data/signal processing, as the data does not need to be needlessly rescaled. Scaling generates gross distortion to adjacent pixels and thus degrades the finest resolution. And *THIS IS* what high definition is all about:)
Try switching your LCD monitor resolution to something other than its native resolution and see for yourself the difference.

This is a very beautiful display but the lack of "pass-thru" or 1:1 pixel mapping is a fatal flaw. It is still scaling every input signal, even those at the panels native resolution (1920*1080p) to create unnecessary, unwarranted and undesirable over-scan. This HDMI ports are not for PC inputs guys either as the digital levels are wrong. Such stupid designers!
Does the Sharp 37D90U provide for a 1:1 pixel mapping option? The Sharp screen size is too small for me to consider but if it permits 1:1 mapping then perhaps the upcoming 40" and 42" JVC, Syntax, and Sony 1080Ps will follow up with this feature as well.

UPDATE

ABT has just updated their ETA for the 4696D to August from July :(

Does the Sharp 37D90U provide for a 1:1 pixel mapping option? The Sharp screen size is too small for me to consider but if it permits 1:1 mapping then perhaps the upcoming 40" and 42" JVC, Syntax, and Sony 1080Ps will follow up with this feature as well.
I don't know. I may go with a 65" Mits 732 rear projector which has two (video level) HDMI inputs and one 1:1 mapping DVI (pc level) input.

Here is just how dysfunctional the display marketplace is:
Hardly any "TV" based monitor has 1:1 mapping and hardly any computer monitor has HDCP.

The irony is Samsung makes both types of displays right now and could easily correct the looming problem. But they (and others) don't. The goal must be to keep everyone upgrading frequently. Great profitability and high stock prices. The new Vista operating system and HD discs are going to make a lot of recent display/computer buyers very upset.

...The Vista operating system and HD discs are going to make a lot of recent display/computer buyers very upset.You know I didn't think of that. The future Vista buyers are probably thinking that they can avoid buying an HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player by using their PC together with their flat panel HDTV. Little to do they know the roadblocks that lie ahead.

Westa, I dont know what your beef with HTPC people is, and I dont know what you think 1:1 pixel mapping is only a PC issue. HDDVD and Bluray would both benefit from it. I think you should unbundle your panties for just one moment.

Just got my 4096 from BB last night. I must say, the picture is unbelievable. I didnt pick up a dvi to hdmi converter, but i hooked up the vga cable to my dell laptop and had it displaying at 1920 x 1080 1 to 1 with no overscan. Of course, since the signal is analog, the picture wasn't as sharp as it could be, but text was a bit blurry but definitely readable. Not sure if this information is already known, so I'm saying it just to be sure.

Oh, and I scanned very closely and there isn't a single dead pixel. As for backlight uniformity, I am very critical and did notice some uneven areas in the top right and bottom right corners. However, you *really* have to look for it. I'm playing some more but looks like this is definitely a keeper.

If you guys want me to run any kind of tests, let me know.

Ok, I think I'm going to run out to get an HDMI to dvi adapter, and try hooking it up to the wife's macbook pro, which outputs dual-link dvi (i guess the dual link part is irrelevant).

Does it matter if i just run to wal mart to get the adapter, or is this a purchase that i should know something about? I apologize if i seem like a neophyte, but....well, i am :)

Just got my 4096 from BB last night. I must say, the picture is unbelievable. I didnt pick up a dvi to hdmi converter, but i hooked up the vga cable to my dell laptop and had it displaying at 1920 x 1080 1 to 1 with no overscan. Of course, since the signal is analog, the picture wasn't as sharp as it could be, but text was a bit blurry but definitely readable. Not sure if this information is already known, so I'm saying it just to be sure.Actually I think you're the first or second person to report on making an analog connection between the 4095 and your PC. Was your previous flat panel TV ever hooked to your PC on the analog port? I was wondering how much better the text from your PC looked on the 4095 compared to how it looked on your older 1366x768 flat panel TV. If this is your first flat panel TV then how does the text compare with the way it looks over the analog port of your current PC monitor?

Actually I think you're the first or second person to report on making an analog connection between the 4095 and your PC. Was your previous flat panel TV ever hooked to your PC on the analog port? I was wondering how much better the text from your PC looked on the 4095 compared to how it looked on your older 1366x768 flat panel TV. If this is your first flat panel TV then how does the text compare with the way it looks over the analog port of your current PC monitor?

I didnt own a previous flat panel tv, but i have the 2405fpw lcd monitor for my computer. This is a 24" 1900x1200, hooked up via dvi to my main desktop pc. I could try hooking up the dell laptop via vga and report back.

However, i do have a 21.3 inch samsung lcd at work that is hooked up via anaolog vga, and the slight blur is exactly on par with what I see at work. Therefore, my intitial impression is that the slight degredation is consistent with other analog connections.

well for HTPC usage, it would be good if it uses VGA. first good news regarding this set. let us know on the DVI/hdmi cable link. when you can please compare the connect to the dell 24" via dvi

One more thing to mention is that when the laptop was hooked up via vga cables, I watched a couple of 1080p trailers, like pirates of the caribbean and ghost rider (both in quicktime). They were unbelievable, and very much on par with the chicken little bit on the br display at BB.


A lot of people seem to be unimpressed by the blue ray display at BB. To me, the chicken little excerpt, as well as that clocks segment were *very* impressive. The other trailers weren't anything special, and the segment with the guy watching the samsung in constantly changing environments was terrible. I'm telling you this so that you can gauge my level of subjectivity in evaluating hd output.

How does SD programming look? I had an LG 42inch LCD TV and it was terrible when compared to my Panasonic 42PX60U. Any pictures in SD and HD would also be very much appreciated!

I hate to sound like the 500th person to ask this but.. does hd-dvd suck on the s4095d as bad as blu-ray? I saw for the first time this display at bb today but the blu-ray demo completely turned me off. This isn't due to this particular model lcd is it?
I got this display exactly for this purpose (evaluating the encoding quality of HD DVD and BD discs). On HD DVD, the image is breathtaking. As you know, HD DVD have incredible resolution (current Blu-ray titles are pretty soft in comparison). Combine this with better contrast and color of HD DVD titles and you have one of the best experiences possible.

1080p LCDs are able to resolve detail better than just about any other display product we have today. I find that they are even more accurate than my Sony 1080p Ruby projector simply because it is brighter and I can sit closer to the screen. And there is no chance for focus error or chromatic abberation which my Ruby lens suffers from.

The only down side is very dark movies where the 4095 turns a bit red. Other LCDs turn to mush just the same. I am hoping service menu calibration can make this better.

But overall, I can not recommend 1080 class devices highly enough for HD DVD playback. Yes, the image still looks magnificent on lower resolution device. But we have content here encoded at 1080 and if you can pass it through to the display without processing, you have a different experience altogether.

I thought 1080p would make this the best Samsung model yet. So if I buy this, can I expect better performance out of another media such as hd-dvd, 360, and upconverted dvd?
We are digressing a bit :). But the Toshiba HD DVD player outperforms just about any DVD player with internal upscaling. The only thing that outperforms is an outboard processor ($2K to $3K expense). Connected to this LCD, it does a great job.

For reference.. I was watching an hd feed on the older 40" sammy lcd (non-1080p) and pirates of the carribean was flawless! How does the s4095d stand up to the models before it?
I have only compared 1080p LCDs to 760p Plasma such as Panasonic HD. Here, the resolution really comes through on the LCD. Images are sharper and more stable than HD plasma. However, HD Plasma does outperform it in contrast in darker rooms. In your case, the lower res LCD would not have this advantage. So I would say that for HD DVD at least, you are going to see a better image. One that is sharper, and free of scaling artifacts.

How does SD programming look? I had an LG 42inch LCD TV and it was terrible when compared to my Panasonic 42PX60U. Any pictures in SD and HD would also be very much appreciated!
No pictures. I watched even noisy video on it from my media center PC and it looked pretty decent. Not annoying at all as some of these sets can be. Of course, the scaling was done in the PC so I can not say definitively how it does with poor SD signals. But from normal viewing distance, it didn't look bad at all.

Note that with higher resolution, you are going to see more compression artifacts on digital channels. And if your source has a bad scalar, like some of the cable boxes do, then you may see a worse picture.

One of the key things that helps here is not having to stretch the video as one does with Plasma to avoid burn-in. I just let the image have black bars on both sides. This way, you are not going through a lousy scalar that stretches an already low quality signal. And aspect ratio stays the same to boot. Indeed, if you watch a lot of 4:3 SD material, LCDs come out ahead in my opinion over Plasma...

I just got the 4095D today and i did not have chance to calibrate it becaues of the World Cup final but so far the only HD i've been able to play is the xbox 360 and it was a very nice picture, very crisp and sharp, and the black level was very good. There is not much of a noticable difference in regular non-HD channels but regular channels do look slightly better on this then my big ordinary CRT .I have not tried out my PC through the PC input yet but I'll try to give my opinion on that maybe tomorrow when I have some time.BTW can anyone share their calibration for this TV?

Sorry folks, but what is HTPC? Perhaps there is a link someone could post summarizing what this is and what the issue is? Sorry, newbie here, and I find this entire discussion baffling.

Home Theatre PC

Basically the issue is trying to get each pixel of the output on the PC, to match a pixel on the TV itself, this is called pixel mapping. The advantage is there is no scaling or processing occuring, so no introduced distortion. The issue really isnt a PC only issue, as pixel mapping would be good for all 1080p sources. For some reason Samsung was ignorant? enough not to have their set do this, or they just made it difficult to set up, i hope the its just hard to set up, not impossible.

I got this display exactly for this purpose (evaluating the encoding quality of HD DVD and BD discs). On HD DVD, the image is breathtaking. As you know, HD DVD have incredible resolution (current Blu-ray titles are pretty soft in comparison). Combine this with better contrast and color of HD DVD titles and you have one of the best experiences possible.OMG Amir you are so making me want to go to BB and buy the 4095 if only it weren't for the issues surrounding PC support over HDMI. For anyone who doesn't care about HTPC the 4095 is looking better by the day.

Really good news for everyone: Other competing displays are just about here. For example BB already lists the 42" 1080p Toshiba 42HL196 for ~10% less than the 95 Samsung. I want the coming 47":)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=672269&highlight=toshiba+42HL196

Update:
pcmall says these Toshiba's have a 1:1 pixel mapping mode!!!
"Native Mode provides pixel-for-pixel reproduction of HD content, eliminating the overscan, or loss in picture, associated with traditional scan methods. Eliminating the overscan displays entire picture.

PixelPure Hi-Bit Digital Video Processing means a smooth transition from dark parts of the picture to light, with over 4,000 steps,
for significantly more natural images."

Amirm,

Thanks for all your help. The only other thing I can think of at this time is would it be wise to wait for the Sony xbr3 1080p panel or do you think it will only be slightly better (if any)?

I can *just* afford the s4095d so if the Sony is going to be any higher then IMO it would really need to outperform it. I want to at least have some cash left over for the hd-dvd, ps3, etc and not be left with only a panel for awhile.

Thanks again for your help Amrim.

Amirm,

Thanks for all your help. The only other thing I can think of at this time is would it be wise to wait for the Sony xbr3 1080p panel or do you think it will only be slightly better (if any)?

I can *just* afford the s4095d so if the Sony is going to be any higher then IMO it would really need to outperform it. I want to at least have some cash left over for the hd-dvd, ps3, etc and not be left with only a panel for awhile.

Thanks again for your help Amrim.

If you can *just* afford the s4095d, then I wouldn't hang around for the xbr3. If you have money to blow, then you'd benefit from the xbr3's bravia-engine + drc2.5 processing.

Only thing is that there might be some competition (lowering of prices) on LCDs that could drop the 4095 a bit....don't expect sony to budge much on the xbr2/3's though.

Bottom line, when you need a new screen, buy one. When you buy one, spend the money you feel comfortable spending.

Colin

Really good news for everyone: Other competing displays are just about here. For example BB already lists the 42" 1080p Toshiba 42HL196 for ~10% less than the 95 Samsung. I want the coming 47":)
."

I don't think those Toshibas have 1080p input. I have looked everywhere and I cant find anything to support if they do.

Amirm,

Thanks for all your help. The only other thing I can think of at this time is would it be wise to wait for the Sony xbr3 1080p panel or do you think it will only be slightly better (if any)?
As you may know, Samsung and Sony share the same LCD panel factory. This is what gave Sony the technology they needed to get back into the market.

So the main difference will be in electronics, connectivity and the look. It is hard to say these days whether Sony makes better choices here than Samsung. Sony of course will want a premium for their brand. I tend to think with displays getting constantly cheaper, paying premium makes little sense. So if the Samsung has everything you need, I think it is rather safe decision.

If you can wait to see both, of course that is the safest choice. But then you miss out on enjoying this set :).

I don't think those Toshibas have 1080p input. I have looked everywhere and I cant find anything to support if they do.
I am 99% it supports 1080p input from my conversations with Toshiba execs...

I am 99% it supports 1080p input from my conversations with Toshiba execs...


Sweet if they do, the 42" is priced pretty competively, wouldnt mind the xtra 1" on the 47" though

I got this display exactly for this purpose (evaluating the encoding quality of HD DVD and BD discs). On HD DVD, the image is breathtaking. As you know, HD DVD have incredible resolution (current Blu-ray titles are pretty soft in comparison). Combine this with better contrast and color of HD DVD titles and you have one of the best experiences possible.

Thank you amirm. I am going to buy this tv this fri at my bb just for giving me the info. That was answer that I was looking for all this time. That is the number 1 reason why I want this tv because of high def movies from my hd-dvd player, xbox 360 and soon the ps3. Once i get the tv i wonder if u can tell me how u calibrate your tv for the best possible picture.

I saw the 4095 today at BB. It was by far the best display on the floor,but it was hooked up to a Blu-ray player. Also, there was a Samsung rep. there and said the 46 would be out in Aug.
I didnt know there was a 4096 until reading this thread. What is the difference in the 2????

Just to let everyone know. I had put my name in at American TV for there "family sale" about the 4696 and the salesman called me today about it. I pre-ordered it, due to be at the warehouse on 7/17/06 and for delivery 2 days afterward. Price was 600 under there published price. He states it is on way and will be in warehouse by the 17th.

These pictures aren't the greatest, but you'll get an idea. SD looks good -- I have a picture of Grey's Anatomy in 720p; I think the stuff on CBS in 1080i looks *much* better.

Sorry about the flash on the "lighted" picture -- I'm going to mount the TV on the wall; but for now it's sitting on a 6" pony wall in my basement --

I stopped by Datavision today in NYC, hold and behold the samsung 57" lcd 5797D. yum !!

clear, awesome blacks, just the price def out of my range. look close upper right for sticker price.

I took some pix, enjoy

http://elysiumcore.com/tv/sammy57
:)

I called Samsung today to ask about the 4096. I asked about DNie not being mentioned in the specs. He said that he was certain that it still uses DNie, and that the difference is only the connections and the peice of glass. I asked him if he is getting this from internal documents, or if he is just speculating, to that he only said he was sure it uses the exact same processing as the 95.

Makes me feel a bit better but Im still not 100%. Although without pixel mapping, it looks like ill be forced to wait for the Sony in September, make or break deal for me, hopefully it can be worked out.

These pictures aren't the greatest, but you'll get an idea. SD looks good -- I have a picture of Grey's Anatomy in 720p; I think the stuff on CBS in 1080i looks *much* better.

Sorry about the flash on the "lighted" picture -- I'm going to mount the TV on the wall; but for now it's sitting on a 6" pony wall in my basement --

Have you tried it with games? i really want to purchase this TV but im worried about gaming lag as ill be playing alot of ps2 on it, and in the future, ps3.

I recently purchased this TV and have been very pleased thus far with it's performance. I am wondering though for those that have purchased or seen the TV in BB.... Did you see the sticker on the side of the TV? It says that it supports 25.7 billion colors, while all other documentation states 12.8... Is this a typo on the sticker or am I missing something? Thanks!

Have you tried it with games? i really want to purchase this TV but im worried about gaming lag as ill be playing alot of ps2 on it, and in the future, ps3.


I haven't (I don't have a console) but everything I've read to this point says that the xbox 360 is *sick* (good) on this monitor..

Hey noobs, just a reminder: There is a search function on this thread. I constantly see people ask the same noob questions again and again (e.g. what is the difference between the 95 and 96). It is especially pathetic to see people ask questions that were just raised two pages ago. If someone just explained how to calibrate the set and you are too lazy to go back a few pages and read, and/or search, why should anyone bother to answer your question again, as this is how this thread got way too long already.

(By the way, these comments are in no way directed at the HTPC crew - you guys have been very helpful and raise good questions.)

Also there is a Samsung site that lists all the different features, not to mention that we have discussed the differences in the models many times. You may have heard of something called Google. You can type in Samsung and it will take you to Samsung's site. Search - it's like magic.

Since you are probably too lazy to do that, here is the link:
http://www.samsung.com/products/tv/lcdtv/index.asp

Your welcome.

My 4095 comes tomorrow, so stay tuned for full impressions and hopefully some pics.

Looking forward to you review, and if possible some comparisons to other models you have experience with.

I recently purchased this TV and have been very pleased thus far with it's performance. I am wondering though for those that have purchased or seen the TV in BB.... Did you see the sticker on the side of the TV? It says that it supports 25.7 billion colors, while all other documentation states 12.8... Is this a typo on the sticker or am I missing something? Thanks!

I think everything after the first billion is just gravy, anyway! :)

Samsung is selling a refurbs of the 4696D directly for considerable savings. Is this a good idea or bad idea? I've never bought refurb before.

Anyway, I would say the Samsung is a very good display. Not perfect. But the best 1080p display I have seen so far.

Hi Amir,

I preordered the Samsung 4096D and now I gather it's definately not coming until August. I don't mind waiting, however......

This Fall promises to be the rollout of several 1080p enterants, some promising SD uptick, and then there's HDMI 1.3 in the offing.

So I ask, do you think I should stick with the delayed 4096D preorder, or get on the sidelines and look at what the Fall time brings?

Yeah this tv is really nice but can anyone share their calibration for this TV or a good way to calibrate it?

Congratulations! I think you will enjoy this display.


I did not do a full calibration but a quickie using Media Center calibration wizard. I set the backlight to medium (“Energy saving” setting). I found that the set nicely manages highlights so even going 100% on brightness, did not crush whites. So that is where I set it to get maximum contrast. The default of 75% made me see the red blacks too much.

For color, I need to do more work. I used “normal” setting. Warm1 was too reddish. I think this is due to blacks being red so may need to revisit. But for now, “normal” was the best bet. I think I moved the tint a bit but that was subjective and the default value was more or less fine.

On Sharpness, I was surprised that it made no difference on the DVI/HDMI input. Going from zero to max made no difference. It is possible it doesn’t work on HDMI but that would be rather strange this day and age.

Of course, I turned off all the processing in the Setup menu regarding DNLe, etc.

When I was done, the display was fine other than the color balance which I suspect requires service level adjustment to calibrate gray scale.

For calibration advice, see above.

Hi Amir,

I preordered the Samsung 4096D and now I gather it's definately not coming until August. I don't mind waiting, however......

This Fall promises to be the rollout of several 1080p enterants, some promising SD uptick, and then there's HDMI 1.3 in the offing.

So I ask, do you think I should stick with the delayed 4096D preorder, or get on the sidelines and look at what the Fall time brings?

I don't think there are any announced HDMI 1.3 sets for fall.

The Sony XBRs seem like the same panels with different (probably better) electronics. Not sure that they support cablecard. (By the way, is that why you want the 96 over the 95? I realized I want to go HD DVR so cable card/QAM is irrelevant to me.) Other than that, do you really want to settle for the Toshiba? Maybe the JVC will be a legit competitor. I started to look at the competition and decided it wasn't worth the wait. The XBRs will be sweet but you will pay for it. I believe it will be a very long wait for the 45" 1080p Sharps. 37" are nice but that is too small for me.

Good luck in your search.

The Sony XBRs seem like the same panels with different (probably better) electronics...The XBRs will be sweet but you will pay for it.I just saw a post from the Sony thread saying that the 46XBR2 is set for release on August 6....The KDL46XBR2 is in the
system.Set for release on 8-6-06.Current price is 4299.99 (see post #322 at:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7974555#post7974555)

Whether the improved electronics and panel aesthetics are worth the price of admission now becomes the question to answer.

I swing by my local BB...I saw the 4096 with blur ray player on display. Got curious and start asking the 4696, so they check the system--and it shows up in the system but said the item is deleted. He told me that that's not possible...so he told me to wait, and came back and said it will be there around 7/22 and I can place my order as soon as next week. MSRP on BB's computer is four thousand two hundreds and ninty nine.

The 4096 isn't out until august. You saw the 4095.

Not sure that they support cablecard. (By the way, is that why you want the 96 over the 95? I realized I want to go HD DVR so cable card/QAM is irrelevant to me.) Other than that, do you really want to settle for the Toshiba?

I'm waiting to hear your impressions on the 4095. :)

Here's my story: I must install the TV by the end of August, but the sooner the better, If the 4096D comes out mid-August, I'm going to be sweating bullets.

My family wants to keep the DVR, so I won't use the cablecard.

Frankly, I was holding out some hope the 4096D had some better scaler, or something, but that hope looks dead.

Toshiba? What do you mean? BD vs. HD-DVD?

I'm not making a move on buying any HD disc player until I see what PS-3 brings to the table in November.

For the interim, the Samsung R145 DVDR ships this week, and I'm going with that puppy for now.

Do I sound like I should just go with the 4095? or what! :D

I'm waiting to hear your impressions on the 4095. :)

Here's my story: I must install the TV by the end of August, but the sooner the better, If the 4096D comes out mid-August, I'm going to be sweating bullets.

My family wants to keep the DVR, so I won't use the cablecard.

Frankly, I was holding out some hope the 4096D had some better scaler, or something, but that hope looks dead.

Toshiba? What do you mean? BD vs. HD-DVD?

I'm not making a move on buying any HD disc player until I see what PS-3 brings to the table in November.

For the interim, the Samsung R145 DVDR ships this week, and I'm going with that puppy for now.

Do I sound like I should just go with the 4095? or what! :D

Yeah, well I basically followed your same reasoning and ended up ordering one, so you may end up in the same spot.

When I said Toshiba, I meant the Toshiba 1080p LCDs that are coming soon. But I don't think the Toshiba panels will be nice as the Sammy/Sony ones (remember, Sammy is sharing their panel tech with Sony for the XBRs). Here's the thread for those who are interested in the Toshiba:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=679698&highlight=toshiba

I agree on holding off on Blu-ray until we know whether PS3 is a good Blu-ray player. Not sure how long I can hold off on HD-DVD though.

...Frankly, I was holding out some hope the 4096D had some better scaler, or something, but that hope looks dead....Do I sound like I should just go with the 4095? or what! :DIn a word...yes! There are a couple of 1080P goodies due to come out between now and mid-August but if you like what you see and don't want to wait then yeah the 4095 looks like a good choice to me.

I can *just* afford the s4095d so if the Sony is going to be any higher then IMO it would really need to outperform it. I want to at least have some cash left over for the hd-dvd, ps3, etc and not be left with only a panel for awhile.

Thanks again for your help Amrim.

I'm in the same bag as you.

The Sonys will be more money, a good bit more.

In a word...yes! There are a couple of 1080P goodies due to come out between now and mid-August but if you like what you see and don't want to wait then yeah the 4095 looks like a good choice to me.

Yeah, I just read Amir's review with the Toshiba HD DVD hooked up.

It sounds pretty darn sweet.

Have you tried it with games? i really want to purchase this TV but im worried about gaming lag as ill be playing alot of ps2 on it, and in the future, ps3.

Don't forget that Samsung if the official brand and choice of lcd for Xbox 360 in the stores for display. Everybody loves the response time for gaming on the previous lcds so I don't see why this one would be any different.

In fact, somehow I can see Sony choosing this display if it came out tomorrow to show off the PS3.

In a word...yes! There are a couple of 1080P goodies due to come out between now and mid-August but if you like what you see and don't want to wait then yeah the 4095 looks like a good choice to me.
LCD1080, thanks for the stamp of approval!

Don't forget that Samsung if the official brand and choice of lcd for Xbox 360 in the stores for display. Everybody loves the response time for gaming on the previous lcds so I don't see why this one would be any different.

In fact, somehow I can see Sony choosing this display if it came out tomorrow to show off the PS3.
You are right. There is not an issue with HD gaming at all. The quick response time eliminates motion blur, lag, judder whatever. Even the guys with the new 720p Samsungs have been seeing the benefits. The Sharps are fast too.

LCD1080, thanks for the stamp of approval!Anytime, Ryu! The postive opinions seem to be outweighing the negative ones by a fairly wide margin. I just tally their points ;)

I agree on holding off on Blu-ray until we know whether PS3 is a good Blu-ray player. Not sure how long I can hold off on HD-DVD though.

I hear that, especially after Amir's glowing review of the Toshiba hooked up to the Sammy. :cool:

Yeah, well I basically followed your same reasoning and ended up ordering one, so you may end up in the same spot.



I just bought the 4095D off a 7000+ rated dealer on eBay.

I will hopefully recieve it next week.

No shot of getting it at BB or any dealers here. CC said some arrived 7/19.

*fingers crossed*

In a word...yes! There are a couple of 1080P goodies due to come out between now and mid-August but if you like what you see and don't want to wait then yeah the 4095 looks like a good choice to me.

Bought the 4095D a moment ago.

Now on to buying the HD DVD. :)

I agree on holding off on Blu-ray until we know whether PS3 is a good Blu-ray player. Not sure how long I can hold off on HD-DVD though.

Okay, which one?

Toshiba HD-A1

or

Toshiba HD-XA1 for $300 more.

Okay, which one? Toshiba HD-A1 or Toshiba HD-XA1 for $300 more.I think that the main differences are a better remote (backlit on the XA1), a motorized front panel door, and an RS-232C port. Whether they're worth $300 is subjective. I believe that I would go for the HD-A1 since it'd be nice to upgrade in a year or so, why spring for the extra $300 in that short a time? On the other hand the backlit remote on the HD-XA1 is a significant plus.

Bought the 4095D a moment ago.

Now on to buying the HD DVD. :)
Sweet. Looks like I'll be reading your impressions before mine. That's one reason you gotta love NYC. If you want it, it must be for sale somewhere.

Edit: Oops. Didn't see your earlier post, so that's why it makes no sense.

I think that the main differences are a better remote (backlit on the XA1), a motorized front panel door, and an RS-232C port. Whether they're worth $300 is subjective. I believe that I would go for the HD-A1 since it'd be nice to upgrade in a year or so, why spring for the extra $300 in that short a time? On the other hand the backlit remote on the HD-XA1 is a significant plus.

I'll go for the cheaper one I think.

On the Toshiba site the XA1 says "11-bit/216MHz Video Dac" while the A1 doesn't.

What's up there?

I'll go for the cheaper one I think. On the Toshiba site the XA1 says "11-bit/216MHz Video Dac" while the A1 doesn't. What's up there?
You have to click on the "Detailed Specs" button on the A1 page to see the 11-bit/216Mhz Video Dac:
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/dvd/product.asp?model=hd-a1

Sorry guys if I missed this information posted earlier...

I need a display that I can use with my PC for both HTPC and general PC use. I also need the monitor to be fairly compatible with SD broadcast and have a good digital tuner. I'm a rabbit ear kind of guy (actually roof-top and I like to play DX). I'd use the display mostly to watch SD DVD, OTA digital and analog broadcast, general PC, home video work on PC, and PC games. At some point, I might buy an HD DVD player, but content would still be limited.

So the LN-4095D does not have a QAM demodulator (I might spring for basic cable) and does it still have a standard analog tuner (I guess the "old" CATV standard)?

Does the display have a streach fit for SD and good SD picture quality?

Why would PC over HDMI be of any interest? Is there better PQ than with the D-SUB connector?

My local retailer has it on sale until tomorrow, and I know there are a few that just got it in and will post reviews, but I'm feeling antsy.

BTW, I can get it for just under 24, if that makes the deal?

BTW, I can get it for just under 24, if that makes the deal?I would jump all over that. you sure its not the 4092?

It seems Samsung is slowly going to all black - I was hoping they'd throw us silver lovers a bone. I LOVE the black bazel with silver framing look.

So the LN-4095D does not have a QAM demodulator (I might spring for basic cable) and does it still have a standard analog tuner (I guess the "old" CATV standard)? Does the display have a streach fit for SD and good SD picture quality? Why would PC over HDMI be of any interest? Is there better PQ than with the D-SUB connector?...I believe the 4095 has an ATSC tuner, don't know about the stretch fit for SD. People here seem generally satisfied with the SD PQ although I haven't seen SD myself. PC over HDMI would be nice because it would enable a digital connection with an HDMI/DVI converter connection. On-screen text would be sharper and PC PQ would be enhanced. The 4095 isn't supported for PC over HDMI however and it appears that no one has made that connection satisfactorily, so you'd probably have to use the D-SUB connector.

I just happen to be really lucky and can get an additional $600 off. I think it's a wholesale or resale price?

I was going to hold out for the 4096D for the extras...but I guess aside from what has been said here, they are basically the same display.

No: cable card, QAM, FW, RS232C...

Now, I'm not sure about the PC connect. I'm not that up to speed with the technology. I went back and read some of the pages I skipped and feel mixed on this issue.

I just bought the 4095D off a 7000+ rated dealer on eBay.

I will hopefully recieve it next week.

No shot of getting it at BB or any dealers here. CC said some arrived 7/19.

*fingers crossed*

Believe it or not I almost clicked the "buy it now" for that tv. I've been watching the 4095d that you bought all week.. but for some reason I just didn't have what it took to actually commit to it.

I hope you enjoy the set and please let us know all about it with hd-dvd!

I haven't (I don't have a console) but everything I've read to this point says that the xbox 360 is *sick* (good) on this monitor..

sounds great! im pretty confident about hi-def gaming on this set, but im still worried about 480i or 480p gaming with the ps2 as that is what i would mainly want to use it for until i can get my hands on a ps3.

all this (non-hd) gaming lag is disheartening for someone like me who wants to make the hd jump ASAP :(

sounds great! im pretty confident about hi-def gaming on this set, but im still worried about 480i or 480p gaming with the ps2 as that is what i would mainly want to use it for until i can get my hands on a ps3.

all this (non-hd) gaming lag is disheartening for someone like me who wants to make the hd jump ASAP :(

That's another topic altogether. PS3 will not present any gaming "lag" and neither will any other system for that matter. I think your referring to the actual resolution of the games in which case PS2 has limited 420p games. I don't think they'll look too hot on this particular lcd.. then again I was dissapointed with PS2 on my Sony XBR too. But it isn't the tv's fault.

If your bent on playing PS2 games then I would recommend saving $ and going with an edtv. But the reality is that after November I doubt you'll be too concerned with them old games because once PS3 comes on the market, the minimum res for any game from that point will be 480p (wii) and mostly 720p/1080p. I would say that now isn't the time to drop alot of dough on a tv that is equally capable of PS2 and PS3 games.

The 4095d that you plan to buy will thank you shortly down the road. In the meantime you can always bring in your PS2 to a dealer and hook it up and see what you think (its probably the best you can do for now).

ps- god of war looks amazing on my sony xbr.. almost at good as any 360 title so far so I wouldn't get too worked up over this dilema.

sounds great! im pretty confident about hi-def gaming on this set, but im still worried about 480i or 480p gaming with the ps2 as that is what i would mainly want to use it for until i can get my hands on a ps3.

all this (non-hd) gaming lag is disheartening for someone like me who wants to make the hd jump ASAP :(

My dilema is quite the opposite. I'm concerned that buying a 1080p set now may end up being 'unecessary'. It's true that PS3 is supporting 1080p (as well as blu-ray) but from what I've seen on behalf of blu-ray so far it isn't the slightest bit pleasing.

IMO blu-ray has taken a step backwards (at this point in time). Which only leads me to believe that PS3 may not provide any PQ over 360. If this is the case, a 720p/1080i panel may be the wisest and most cost efficient way to go for a few years. I believe that 1080p games have more potential if they get all the bugs worked out but some things in life are destined for floppage. No denying that.

In either case.. I think the real question you have to ask yourself is "do you think your naked eye can resolve all of 1080p on a sub-50" screen?" This is something that Sony would claim with an astonishing, "Yes!"


360 + HD-DVD = 2 proven formats thusfar
PS3 + Blu-ray = 1 unproven and 1 nonexistent format thusfar

*my opinion is 100% unbiased.. just stating why i too am holding off

I was wondering when i get the 95D this week should I get the hd-dvd player or just wait until they come out with better players and get a standard upconversion dvd player?

I was wondering when i get the 95D this week should I get the hd-dvd player or just wait until they come out with better players and get a standard upconversion dvd player?

hmm.. this seems to be the million dollar question at this point.

If your really set on buying one or the other asap and have the funds to do so then I would get the hd-dvd player. The simple fact that it outperforms any upscaling dvd player within its price range as well as playing hd-dvds makes the price all the better. Should hd-dvd flop then you still have one extremely impressive dvd upscaler.

If anything you'll just loose the extra $300 you spent on the hd-dvd player instead of going with an Oppo 970 and I don't think you'll have a problem trying to sell that hd-dvd player should you decide to move to blu-ray in not-so-distant future. Because I for one will ALWAYS want a quality upscaling dvd player (and may not want blu-ray never).

Did this help?

ya that really help me. I was just deciding because i know in the later future samsung and LG are going to make a hybrid hd-dvd/blu-ray player. But I don't know when they are coming out with the player. And i really need a dvd player that really upscals my dvds because I use my xbox360 for my dvd player and it's OK but as good as in any other dvd player.

You have to click on the "Detailed Specs" button on the A1 page to see the 11-bit/216Mhz Video Dac:
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/dvd/product.asp?model=hd-a1

Thanks man.

My 4095 arrives 2 day FedEx on Thursday, so I'll be posting some early thoughts.

I feel like I have enough good information now. :)

Believe it or not I almost clicked the "buy it now" for that tv. I've been watching the 4095d that you bought all week.. but for some reason I just didn't have what it took to actually commit to it.

I hope you enjoy the set and please let us know all about it with hd-dvd!

LOL!!!

He has a few sets, and a 7000+ rating.

I spoke to the guy tonight, and I told him it better not be a refirb or I'll slam him.

(I have a 300, 100% rating)

He's legit, ..... I hope.

I saved $600, enough to pad the blow over the Toshiba HD DVD buy. :)

Thanks man.

My 4095 arrives 2 day FedEx on Thursday, so I'll be posting some early thoughts.

I feel like I have enough good information now. :)

Can't wait for your thoughts. Try to test it the best you can because I'm sure a simple review from any individual at this point would be most beneficial for the community.

*hurry up fedex! LOL

That's another topic altogether. PS3 will not present any gaming "lag" and neither will any other system for that matter. I think your referring to the actual resolution of the games in which case PS2 has limited 420p games. I don't think they'll look too hot on this particular lcd.. then again I was dissapointed with PS2 on my Sony XBR too. But it isn't the tv's fault.

If your bent on playing PS2 games then I would recommend saving $ and going with an edtv. But the reality is that after November I doubt you'll be too concerned with them old games because once PS3 comes on the market, the minimum res for any game from that point will be 480p (wii) and mostly 720p/1080p. I would say that now isn't the time to drop alot of dough on a tv that is equally capable of PS2 and PS3 games.

The 4095d that you plan to buy will thank you shortly down the road. In the meantime you can always bring in your PS2 to a dealer and hook it up and see what you think (its probably the best you can do for now).

ps- god of war looks amazing on my sony xbr.. almost at good as any 360 title so far so I wouldn't get too worked up over this dilema.

I dont mean motion lag or blurring or ghosting. I'm actually talking about controller input lag, supposedly from the 480i signal being scaled up to 1080p. Plus the additional input lag of more processes like DNI. I'm not exactly positive about all this because I havent experienced it myself, but there is a growing fear of gaming input lag on hd sets.

At least I've read... :confused:

I dont mean motion lag or blurring or ghosting. I'm actually talking about controller input lag, supposedly from the 480i signal being scaled up to 1080p. Plus the additional input lag of more processes like DNI. I'm not exactly positive about all this because I havent experienced it myself, but there is a growing fear of gaming input lag on hd sets.

At least I've read... :confused:

hmm.. I don't recall these issues being discussed. Well for all that it's worth I can tell you that gaming on my Sony XBR and having gamed on a previous Samsung 32" lcd that I have ZERO problems with ps2, xbox, 360, and gc. I have no idea if these problems are present with 1080p sets and I'm hoping your wrong but...

it's something I will look into.

I dont mean motion lag or blurring or ghosting. I'm actually talking about controller input lag, supposedly from the 480i signal being scaled up to 1080p. Plus the additional input lag of more processes like DNI. I'm not exactly positive about all this because I havent experienced it myself, but there is a growing fear of gaming input lag on hd sets.

At least I've read... :confused:
To be blunt - welcome to the forum but what you suggest is B.S. I have a native 1080 Sharp at 45" and game with Xbox and Zero lag and the only reported such issues are new owners excited and fail to read the owners manual and set the "GAME" Mode and set the console properly - once these newbies actually bother to read the manual and set things straight they are blown away especially with 360.

I own two Sharp's and a Sony and I have never had any such issue and plenty of happy gamers. Sure if a person doesn't bother to read the instructions and blindly set the console or Game Mode of the Panels you get Crap. Believe me a Native display doesn't have to play catch up if the settings are set properly I view one everyday and also on an SXRD 60 with no problems and the newer LCD's coming out are faster.

My point is what you propose has not been replicated and you haven't even seen it so how can you in good faith share B.S. as factual. You "heard" is not a replicated event to misreport - we get enough of that and even if you saw it in a store that is also crap for the most part since have you ever counted the sharing going on - artifacts are common in store that you'll never see in your home via a dedicated feed. If what you suggest were factual we'd have alot of upset owners returning the TV's or the consoles - My Sharp has what's called a Quickshoot Chip and a Game mode and Never has it had any difficulty displaying properly and without judder or artifacts. The panels that had a history of motion issues were the HLR DLP's from a year ago and the HL"S" series was fixed via a partnership with Microsoft to refine the Gaming and Sync issues from the previous "R" series on Samsungs and that is what you see in the stores doing the demo's. :)

IMO blu-ray has taken a step backwards (at this point in time). Which only leads me to believe that PS3 may not provide any PQ over 360.

Backup a sec there Neo, blu-ray is a media standard, period. For videogames, it's simply a storage medium. PQ of PS3/360 is based on rendering speeds, resolutions, and what is infinitely more important....intelligent developers.

Blu-ray & HD-DVD are the same thing as far as 99% of the population cares. We'd be happy with either one......and 360 could use Blu-Ray and PS3 could use DVD-ROM and we would never know or care (except a PS3 game might have 2 discs instead of 1 :rolleyes: )

Toshiba obviously stepped up and and made good first impression.....Samsung didn't. I'm sure there'll be respectable players for both mediums soon.

Backup a sec there Neo, blu-ray is a media standard, period. For videogames, it's simply a storage medium. PQ of PS3/360 is based on rendering speeds, resolutions, and what is infinitely more important....intelligent developers.

Blu-ray & HD-DVD are the same thing as far as 99% of the population cares. We'd be happy with either one......and 360 could use Blu-Ray and PS3 could use DVD-ROM and we would never know or care (except a PS3 game might have 2 discs instead of 1 :rolleyes: )

Toshiba obviously stepped up and and made good first impression.....Samsung didn't. I'm sure there'll be respectable players for both mediums soon.

Point well taken.

To be blunt - welcome to the forum but what you suggest is B.S.

I suspect you are slamming spark1135 based at least in part on a misunderstanding. The concern is not about visual artifacts, but delay. By way of example, a few days ago I connected both a CRT display (via VGA) and my new Westinghouse 47" LCD (via DVI) to my PC, which was configured to drive both displays mirrored from a single video card. I took movies at 60fps of game play with both displays in the field of view, and then looked at the movies frame-by-frame in a video editor. It was clear that the LCD was displaying images 1-to-2 frames later than the CRT. That's the kind of "lag" I believe spark1135 is talking about. It's the same reason people with separate audio systems often need audio delay settings; to sync the audio to the image that's being delayed by the video processing. I have no idea what if any delay the Samsung video processing injects, BTW. But I assume part of the reason its Game Mode is designed and advertised to speed up image processing is precisely to reduce this delay (perhaps at the expense of image perfection), for gamers who are bothered by such lag.

Thoth's correct in what I believe spark1135 is concerned about. Many in the hardcore PC gaming arena have noticed that a great deal of modern displays exhibit a very slight input lag (~30ms or more) that can affect PC gaming, especially first person shooters. What this means is that there is a noticible delay, for example, between when one moves a mouse and when one see the mouse actually move on the screen. Of course, some are more suceptible to noticing it and I'm not sure how badly it affects TVs and console games, but it is a valid and potential problem for some. I can't post links yet, but google "LCD input lag" and you'll find a few detailed tests and reports.

I am watching CSI: Miami -- sourced in 1080i -- I have to say -- IT IS FREAKING AMAZING. I am not an HD expert but I do know what looks good.

I set up a few settings according to some previous posts; energy saving to "medium", and the default color gradient was "cool1" (if I remember right). I switched it to "normal".

I have hooked up my ATSC tuner to my antenna in my attic, so I am getting OTA signals of CSI: Miami. *insanely* good picture.

I especially like the new MAC commericals in HD -- they are hilarious (Justin "what'shisname" from "Ed" is pretty funny).

Anyone else noticing those HD commercials sneaking in here and there?

I DO have a comment about the "auto-volume" -- it doesn't work nearly as well as I thought it would. I ordered an optical audio cable from newegg.com yesterday so that should be here on wednesday; so right now I am listening to audio from the default speakers (instead of my Sony STRDA 2000 ES receiver and Energy 5.1 speaker system). But I will let you guys know once I get the audio piped through my Sony ES audio system.

spark1135,

I'll be receiving my 4095 in a few days and will attempt to run some tests to see if I notice any input lag. Of course, I'm not a twitch gamer, so I may not even notice it.

This whole "LCD Input Lag" is b.s. now with the newer panels and most importantly the lcd panel in discussion here from this topic.

I've played alongside Fatal1ty at quakecon and I only used crt trinitron monitors and strictly was limited to Quake3 as my interest in competition for over 5 years so I'm not a new kid on the block dealing with input lag for lcds. I gamed with 125fps (as in most would) and could instantly tell when I gamed on an lcd. It simply wasn't an option back then.

I have no such issues with current samsung lcds.. and I don't think you will either if you invest in a quality lcd such as this. If your that discriminating and suffer input lag here then I suggest you stay far away from lcds and come back in 10+ years and maybe even then you'll *think* you see lag.

*note --> I realise some are more prone to others in seeing input lag on current lcds. But trying to stay true to this topic and lcd of discussion... which is the s4096d.. I notice no such lag in this model or last year's and the response/lag time for this lcd in particular is better than pretty much anything before it (within it's class).

Why else would Microsoft and Sony choose the Sammy to display their latest technologies MOST IMPORTANTLY THEIR GAMING CONSOLE!?!

spark1135,

I'll be receiving my 4095 in a few days and will attempt to run some tests to see if I notice any input lag. Of course, I'm not a twitch gamer, so I may not even notice it.

Thanks wyvern, that would be amazing!


Anyway, I really do want this set (4095d) and the only reason I brought up all the input lag talk was because of this article on ign:

(it wont let me post a url, but if you go to ign and look in the gear section its on the front page)

Supposedly it's most noticable in fast twitch games like Halo2 and such.

Anyway, I just thought I might pose a question for those like me who want to use the '95 for gaming, no need to get all worked up and whatnot. :rolleyes:

so ps3 will now have hdmi 1.3...hope 4696 does =/

Believe it or not I almost clicked the "buy it now" for that tv. I've been watching the 4095d that you bought all week.. but for some reason I just didn't have what it took to actually commit to it.



Update:

the FedEx site says 70 lb. box arrives Wednesday. I'll let you know if it's the 4095 in working order, or a 70 lb. wheel of limburger cheese. ;)

This 7000+ dealer said he can get more 4095s, but so far he's disappointed with the lack of hits he's getting for it. He agreed with me it's due to the fact that the set is bleeding edge and hasn't been reviewed yet by any of the Home Theater magazines etc...

At 26-handle, he said he makes a few bucks but not huge. Hints to me that BB and others make a 40% mark up. For me, in NYC, I'd have to tack on another 8.375% taxes, so I'm pretty serious about sourcing through eBay.

For something like the Toshiba HDA1, which I want immediatley, eBay makes no sense so I'll hit the CC.

I hope I'm not violating the TOS here. I'm just presenting myself as a guinea pig for a possible good source for the TV.

so ps3 will now have hdmi 1.3...hope 4696 does =/
It won't.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a real significant markup on the 4095. I just bought mine last night and the employee at BB seemed a little too eager to knock some cash off the retail/MSRP price to entice me to buy. I've never been able to haggle at BB, so to me it was quite a pleasant surprise to be able to negotiate a few hundred off the price... especially since it's a rather new model that they don't carry a lot of stock for. It definitely made the decision a lot easier since I really dont watch a lot of TV (I know, sacrilege) and I was contemplating the value of spending $1000 more than I probably needed to because of 1080p and slightly better picture. So after flipping a coin, negotaiting a significantly better price (though taxes killed me), I bought a new 4095 and can stop obsessing about TVs for a while... hopefully. Of course now I'l be obsessing over callibration and input sources. :D

It won't.

The dealer I bought the 4095D from told me he had just heard PS3 "will not play HD movies without a $200+ bolt-on box."

If he's right, that's a major downer, IMO.

Update: the FedEx site says 70 lb. box arrives Wednesday. I'll let you know if it's the 4095 in working order, or a 70 lb. wheel of limburger cheese...That's great Cocteau, the source sounds good too. I hope you have some time to play with it tomorrow!

Of course now I'l be obsessing over callibration and input sources. :D

Come, come over to the dark side. :) I may be adding one of these to my lab here shortly, and if so, I'm happy to post a review, including measurements taken with my software. I am especially curious about how transparent the dynamic backlighting is and how it impacts on/off contrast.

For those who are interested in input lag, if the panel is doing 2 fields of processing, which is typical for a mediocre image processor, then that works out to about 33ms of lag time (2/60). The key is to eliminate this processing when using a gaming device. Also, higher-end video processors use more fields, so the lag gets worse with higher quality processing. That is why being able to turn off DNIe (don't need it, ever) is a great feature on this panel.

Later,
Bill

That's great Cocteau, the source sounds good too. I hope you have some time to play with it tomorrow!

I will.

I'll make my first ever HDMI connections. :)

Here's what I'll do. I'll hook it up tomorrow at 6pm EST to my HDMI cable box, AND I'll bite the bullet at buy the Toshiba HD-A1 at CC or BB.

But where can I get a HD-DVD?

I ordered 3 on Netflix today, but I won't see them for a week.

*ponders which HD-DVD title to buy*

The dealer I bought the 4095D from told me he had just heard PS3 "will not play HD movies without a $200+ bolt-on box."

If he's right, that's a major downer, IMO.


He must have confused the PS3 with the Xbox 360.

The dealer I bought the 4095D from told me he had just heard PS3 "will not play HD movies without a $200+ bolt-on box."

If he's right, that's a major downer, IMO.He's wrong. Blu-ray will be standard on all PS3s. He's probably thinking of the Xbox360 HD-DVD add on, however MS hasn't announced a price yet.

He must have confused the PS3 with the Xbox 360.

I hope you're right!

Hello Nashvegas. I love your town!

He's wrong. Blu-ray will be standard on all PS3s. He's probably thinking of the Xbox360 HD-DVD add on, however MS hasn't announced a price yet.

It did sound funky to me.

BTW, why is everyone so sure PS3 will be HDMI 1.3 out?

if BB is selling the 4095D for the MSRP, then that is 52% markup.

Can someone confirm if the 4095D is NOT DCR? I know it does not have a cable card slot, but the 4096D spec says the same thing regarding CATV.

If so, then the CATV in port on the 4095D is for analog cable?

I have yet to determine if I care. Do I care?

On Edit--I also wonder if I would notice the difference between using DVI-to-VGA in vs. DVI-to-HDMI in? I know someone was going to test this further, but I wonder on a more general level how much it matters?

So these are the only two cons, no DVI and no DCR, I can think of with this set (4x95D series).

It did sound funky to me.

BTW, why is everyone so sure PS3 will be HDMI 1.3 out?


I read it on ign.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/715/715311p1.html

On Edit--I also wonder if I would notice the difference between using DVI-to-VGA in vs. DVI-to-HDMI in? I know someone was going to test this further, but I wonder on a more general level how much it matters?
(4x95D series).

Theres posts in this thread about 1:1 pixel mapping, by passing the internal scalers, and keeping the signal digital from source to display. VGA is Analog, thus it requires 2 extra unneeded conversions which you would not have over HDMI or DVI.

I hope you have some time to play with it tomorrow!

Next step made: I just bought an Apollo 13 HD-DVD, and now I need to pick up a Toshiba HD-A1 tonight.

The TV is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

I also just ordered the wood from Home Depot for the cabinet. It arrives tomorrow too.

How funny would it be if I'm standing there with panels of wood, a Toshiba HD-A1, my Apollo 13 disc...... and I open the TV box and I've been taken! :eek:

LOL!

A13 is a great disc. Also, Serenity and Chronicles of Riddick show-off HD-DVD very well.

Here's a question that seemingly goes unanswered each time it's posted.

Why isn't anyone talking about the 4695? Everyone here seems interested in the 40" model but doesn't anyone want the 4695? And when is that available?

Here's a question that seemingly goes unanswered each time it's posted.

Why isn't anyone talking about the 4695? Everyone here seems interested in the 40" model but doesn't anyone want the 4695? And when is that available?
I don't think it's available yet, and given pricing on the 40", you are almost looking at a trade-off between the 46" Sammy LCD and a high-end 50" Pioneer plasma when it does hit the market.

Cocteau:

I can't wait to hear what your think of it's black levels and details.

I am expecting you to see a slight red tint for the blacks which is acceptable to me.. as long as it's not crushed with greys and smudges and whatnot.

I'm guessing with the hd-dvd player hooked up to this 1080p lcd you shouldn't notice a single hint of artifacts or noise. Let us know on a scale of 1-10 how pristine the image is.

Finally, there seems to be reports that movies on hd-dvd can break-up (like dust on the disc) so it'd be cool to know if any of your movies blackout from start to finish.

Thanks Cocteau!!!!

thats just it Bear5k, the price on these units MSRP that is, is pretty .....stiff.

It's anyone's guess at this point when the 46 96 or 4695 series will be out.

oddly enough the 5797 is out for a whopppin 10k MSRP * nuts !

my cut off price is 3.5k , I hope I can find a sweet Lcd for that price, and like you, I would love a nice 46".

I picked up the 4095 today and I am quite pleased thus far with the little time I have put into it. I am getting HD-DVR and cable installed Thursday, and I'll test some OTA HD tonight. So far I have just been using Xbox 360 at 720p via component and viewing 360 videos (game videos and movie trailers). The Cars trailer is amazing. Halo 3, Rainbox 6 and Gears of War game videos all look incredible.

I am watching during daylight with window blinds open and there are obviously no problems with reflections. This set seems very capable of displaying deep blacks and varying contrasts even during daylight hours. Obviously what backlight setting you have on as well as picture mode and how you set brightness and contrast all have an impact. I'm going to have to spend more time getting it dialed in to my exact liking.

These are just very preliminary observations after spending a short time with it. I'll continue to update with more observations and hopefully some pics. I am familiar with most of the questions people have about different modes, etc. I'll try to answer those in future posts as I explore.

Also, just for background info, I have been using a 36" Hitachi CRT HDTV that is 4:3 shape and then squeezes down to 32" when in 16:9. It's OK but showing its age as its over 4 years old. I have been looking at panels in person religiously over the last 9 months, including SXRD and plasmas. In the last month or two I have narrowed it down to LCD so I have been checking out lots of 720p LCDS but I don't have any basis of comparison for 1080p LCDs as I haven't seen the 1080p Sharp or Westinghouse in person. Must have criteria for me were: 1080p, slim form factor, no reflections, no viewing angle issues (like SXRD and all rear projection), so that shows my biases against plasma and rear projection.

Cocteau:

I can't wait to hear what your think of it's black levels and details.

I am expecting you to see a slight red tint for the blacks which is acceptable to me.. as long as it's not crushed with greys and smudges and whatnot.

I'm guessing with the hd-dvd player hooked up to this 1080p lcd you shouldn't notice a single hint of artifacts or noise. Let us know on a scale of 1-10 how pristine the image is.

Finally, there seems to be reports that movies on hd-dvd can break-up (like dust on the disc) so it'd be cool to know if any of your movies blackout from start to finish.

Thanks Cocteau!!!!

I'll do my best to give a consumate review.

I just ordered the MX-900 RF remote. It got great reviews here, and I'm hiding all my stuff in a new vented cabinet.

Getting psyched!

my cut off price is 3.5k , I hope I can find a sweet Lcd for that price, and like you, I would love a nice 46".

I'll be all in 3.5K, 4095D plus the Toshiba HD1A. :)

I'm relieved actually.

I picked up the 4095 today and I am quite pleased thus far with the little time I have put into it. I am getting HD-DVR and cable installed Thursday, and I'll test some OTA HD tonight. So far I have just been using Xbox 360 at 720p via component and viewing 360 videos (game videos and movie trailers). The Cars trailer is amazing. Halo 3, Rainbox 6 and Gears of War game videos all look incredible.

I am watching during daylight with window blinds open and there are obviously no problems with reflections. This set seems very capable of displaying deep blacks and varying contrasts even during daylight hours. Obviously what backlight setting you have on as well as picture mode and how you set brightness and contrast all have an impact. I'm going to have to spend more time getting it dialed in to my exact liking.

These are just very preliminary observations after spending a short time with it. I'll continue to update with more observations and hopefully some pics. I am familiar with most of the questions people have about different modes, etc. I'll try to answer those in future posts as I explore.

Also, just for background info, I have been using a 36" Hitachi CRT HDTV that is 4:3 shape and then squeezes down to 32" when in 16:9. It's OK but showing its age as its over 4 years old. I have been looking at panels in person religiously over the last 9 months, including SXRD and plasmas. In the last month or two I have narrowed it down to LCD so I have been checking out lots of 720p LCDS but I don't have any basis of comparison for 1080p LCDs as I haven't seen the 1080p Sharp or Westinghouse in person. Must have criteria for me were: 1080p, slim form factor, no reflections, no viewing angle issues (like SXRD and all rear projection), so that shows my biases against plasma and rear projection.

Keep it coming.

Let me know the TV's settings you settled on.

No relfections huh?

Remember, don't put any cleaners on the screen. :)

thats just it Bear5k, the price on these units MSRP that is, is pretty .....stiff.

It's anyone's guess at this point when the 46 96 or 4695 series will be out.

oddly enough the 5797 is out for a whopppin 10k MSRP * nuts !

my cut off price is 3.5k , I hope I can find a sweet Lcd for that price, and like you, I would love a nice 46".

The 4692 is easily within your range with a Toshiba HD-A1 and a nice extended warranty, too. However, my isntinct says the 46" 1080p is going to pricey when it hits, for obvious reasons. Really you are making the choice about resolution vs. size.

For me, color reproduction absolutely is key, so the Westinghouse 1080p is out (no flames please, I'd be happy to haul some gear over to measure one that's local to prove my eyes wrong). That leaves me with the Samsung, and I already have the service manual on the way. Since my main "theater" display is a projector shooting onto a 90" diagonal screen, the LCD is mostly for the odd hour here and there or during daylight. Now if I could just get my dealer to give me a call back. :)

Later,
Bill

Yesterday I went out and got an dvi/hdmi adapter and hooked up my macbook pro to my 4095... so far the results are disappointing. The highest available resolution was 1920x1080 interlaced(!). When i switched to this resolution, i got both horizontal underscan and vertical overscan (there were black edges on the sides, and the top and bottom were cut off).

After switching back and forth between all the default resolutions, it seemed like there was no ryhme or reason to the changes. This bummed me out, but i quickly regathered myself and started searching for the mac equivalent to powerstrip. I quickly found DisplayConfigX (http://www.3dexpress.de/), after numerous attempts at creating different resolution settings, I still hadn't gotten anywhere. I gave up on DisplayConfigX, and tried switchResX (http://www.madrau.com/html/SRX/About.html). Again, no progress. There are so many settings that I have no idea what i should tweak, and the biggest problem of all is that every time you add a new configuration, a restart is required before you can test them!

I'm not sure if powerstrip is easier to use, but my frustrations may lead me to drag the desktop from downstairs up just to try it.

If anyone as *any* suggestions as to what settings i should use, or a url to a tutorial, please let me know!


Edit: I forgot to mention that I found an option on the macbook pro to "Turn overscan off". When i did this, the 4095 at 1920x1080 had black borders around everything. It looked as if it was displaying approximately 1344x720 in the center of the screen.

sjmueller,

I'm planning to eventually use the 4095 with an HTPC and am very interested in the ability to connect a PC through the HDMI connection as well as seeing what the quality of the signal is over the VGA connection (still not sure why they didn't just go DVI, but I digress).

Did you try adjusting some of the picture settings on the TV, more specifically, does "Game Mode" have any effect on how the image is displayed? I'm wondering if some of the issues may be due image processing, etc.

Game mode should defeat most image processing while using an "S" shaped gamma curve (extra light on the low-end to make shadows more visible, crushed whites at the top).

Dealer said 2 - 3 weeks. Grr.

4095 initial impressions part two:

The HD tuner for OTA seems to be decent. I hooked up the silver sensor and it's pulling in more than the OTA HD tuner in my old Zenith DirecTV HD receiver (which was decent quality).

I haven't seen any true HD, just that upconverted SD crap that you see during the weekdays. It looks ok - it's really just SD so what did you expect? I think we need to work on ideal settings for the TV for dealing with the lower quality stuff. (Generally my policy is going to be "SD, what's that?" ) Anyway, I tried out the wide fit mode for this upconverted to HD OTA crap (for the noobs - this is when locals broadcast their SD stuff OTA, upconverted to HD, usually with black bars on the left and right sides). Good news is the wide fit mode does not dramatically distort the dimensions of the human face. It seems like there may be slight distortion of dimensions but mostly it just seemed more zoomed in. Of course this means you are cropping top and bottom of screen, but you can move the picture up and down in this wide fit mode to either hide a ticker or make it visible. When it zooms though, it gets softer, and that is the bad news. If you keep things in original aspect ratio, it looks sharper. And that is the beauty of an LCD: Just keep in OAR, since you don't have to worry about burn-in.

Right now we are watching Monsters Inc DVD with the kiddies and it's brilliant. I cannot wait for HD-DVD.

For all the black level obsessive freaks, don't worry. You will be able to dial this thing in to your satisfaction. Right now I'm basically using Amir's recommendations (backlight setting on medium, color temp normal, crank up brightness, then play with contrast to your taste). It shows different gradations very well.

I haven't seen any banding. And there's no discernable "controller input lag due to signal processing" as per the recent discussion on this board - even without engaging game mode.

For gaming, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advance Warfighter, Perfect Dark Zero and Dead or Alive 4 are just amazing. It handles the night levels in PDZ very well. This 4095 just destroys my old CRT.

One other thing - viewing angles are great. You just don't get the level of washout when moving to the side like you do with other panels. 178 degrees is sweet.

Hopefully I'll catch the All-Star game tonight for some real HD OTA impressions.

I should have my 4095 by Thursday and plan to have this TV for a few years so HTPC video quality could be the deal breaker that makes me return the set and get a Sharp 37d90u, but I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that... my only hope is that I can get the HDMI ports to work with my computer or the VGA connection provides a comparable picture to the HDMI ports.

BTW, anybody have an opportunity to view both the 4095 and Sharp 37d90u? I'm curious about how they stack up since the Sharp definitely has the superior connectivity and nobody in my area is planning to have the 37d90u for at least another month or so.

I'm also looking at both the S4095 and the Sharp 37D90U and wondering if the HTPC/HDMI interface limitations are forever, or just temporary problems that can be solved with future software drivers or video cards. Does anyone understand the problem well enough to venture an educated guess?

4095 -- I haven't seen any true HD, just that upconverted SD crap that you see during the weekdays. It looks ok - it's really just SD so what did you expect? Hopefully I'll catch the All-Star game tonight for some real HD OTA impressions.How about PBS Digital? I think that NOVA is on at 11PM. That series is usually a good showcase for 1080i material.

I went out and got a 4095D!

I cannot get PC through VGA to work right. I have it set at 1920x1080 @ 60 HZ. The display is way too wide. Most every other setting and the LCD just goes black with Unsupported Mode displayed.

I have a Radeon AIW9800Pro with a DVI to VGA adaptor. I'm working on getting the DVI to HDMI cable soon.

I have the ability to force 720P or 1080i modes, but shouldn't this current setting be correct? That is what the manual says to use anyway.

Then if I try to scale the size in the advanced properties, I get Unsupported Mode again!

I'm a bit miffed that this is not working very well with the VGA connector. Can this also be caused by a low quality VGA cable?

Also, OTA looks so so to me. I hate pixelated images and would rather watch my old tube. 480i is just a bit clearer than the analog air broadcast (which I guess is processed internally). I think 720p looks better than the 1080i stuff I've seen so far, but keep in mind, I have no clue what, why, or how the signal is processed, so some of my first impressions might just be my own ignorance. I have seen some really good PQ here and there though.

I have to get the PC to work right though or I'm taking it back.

It's anyone's guess at this point when the 46 96 or 4695 series will be out.

oddly enough the 5797 is out for a whopppin 10k MSRP * nuts !


I spent about 2 hours at BB tonight looking at the 4095DX and the 5797. They had plenty of both in stock. He looked up the 4695 and he said MSRP is $4299 and will be available in about 2 weeks. He tried really hard to sell me the 5797 and was offering a good discount. But when the thing starts at $9999 even a nice discount is still pricey! I watch some of the All-Star game from Directv HD and it looked pretty good. Some of the SD D* channels were really bad.

As for the 4095 it was hooked to the blu-ray showing the demo disk. Most scenes looked great. I was actually at 2 different BBs since the first one could not or would not switch from blu-ray to the standard feed. The blu-ray at store 1 was soft while at store 2 looked like what I would expect. Great black levels and a viewing angle that was impresssive with very little color shift. Most people won't watch a panel outside of the prime 90 degrees anyway. Viewing from wider than that is just gravy.

I had them switch to the local feed that all of the other panels were displaying. For some reason it displayed a little jutter (I think that is the right term) that was not visible on the XBR1. Was it related to the 1920 resolution? Not sure. The Sony just looked a little better with the highly compressed and split HD signal.

I can't wait to see the XBR2 & XBR3 when they come out. I'm actually buying 2. I'm thinking of the 4095 for the gameroom and the 46" XBR3 for the family room. I will just need to see the Sony first.

If it had any type of frame rate looking artifacts, I would recommend checking to see whether DNIe was enabled or not. If you are feeding the TV a cable signal, DNIe is better on. If you are feeding it from a PC or video processor, you want DNIe off.

This is not a complete solution, mind you, but it is where I would start.

Later,
Bill

kldat i spent a few minutes at best buy today...briefly to drool over the 4095 :P

I too am waiting to see what the xbr2 / 3 will offer, esp on SD since their onboard scalers will be so good. esp for SD.

both samsung and the new sonys look to be seriously sexy. looks wise.

First time poster, been a lurker for quite a bit.

Just received delivery on the 4095. Hooked it up to my Xbox 360 with the components. Picked up an upconverting Sony DVD and an HDTV DVR from my cable company, but those will have to wait as I have 2 HDMI cables coming in tomorrow.

First impressions... really quickly, lemme talk about the casing. This is a brilliant looking piece of hardware. My girlfriend and a few friends have seen it, just out of the box and not hooked up, and everyone is stunned by how gorgeous it looks. Of course, there was a small scratch on the bezel, but only I would notice something like that. Still, can't argue, got it from BB at under their sale price (I just said I was going to leave and check out the prices on the Internet, but they dropped it a bit more if I took it that day -- best price I could get).

Visually, this is a stunning machine, even only looking at it from a gamer's perspective. I bought my parents a Samsung 42" plasma HDTV last year, great stuff, and of course I had to hook up the 360 to check it out. I wasn't prepared for how terrible the experience would be... blacks becoming blues and all static. (I'm sure if I were on this forum before I would have known this).

So far on this 4095 in Game Mode, I've never seen such a bright, beautiful screen. I popped in 2006 FIFA World Cup, set it for 720p, and let it go. Compared to my 32" Samsung CRT HDTV, there is this HUGE difference in picture quality. I didn't think it possible, but it looked really perfect. After I scored a couple (Ecuador FTW) I decided to download some of the 720p trailers they have on marketplace.

WOW. Even The Simpsons Movie trailer looked incredible! And A Scanner Darkly (my friend worked on it, go see it this month, plug plug) looked AMAZING. You can't see the pixels on this thing, and the colors are just so vibrant.

I wish I had more technical things to tell you, but if you're a gamer, this is a GREAT display. I work in the industry (GameDaily based in SF) and I've been to tons of press events, E3, etc. Companies use the best displays to show their wares, and I can honestly say this is at the top of the heap, even compared to the PS3 games being shown at 1080p using their displays (which I knew what it was).

I was going to wait for the new Sony's in September, but the price and the availability caught me. I usually regret purchases, but not this one. Can't wait to see how the DVD and OTA HD looks!

Just a couple of concerns -- the bezel is looking VERY delicate. If you're anal about cleaning, just use the shammy they have, and they're adament you don't use chemicals, just water. For scratches, I don't know... I'm tempted to use some Novus plastic polish.

Also, the salesman said there were rumors that some cable boxes weren't compatible through the HDMI of this Samsung. I've checked (tho lightly) and I think he may be thinking of a different television, but that freaked me out a bit. I hope the cable box I have will work well, will find out tomorrow with the HDMI cable.

The last thing is power consumption... there's the power saving mode, and I'm tempted to use it... but... argh, don't know what to do about that just yet. Sorry for the long post, hopefully it was somewhat informative.

Hmm...the TV reports 1280x1024 @60 Hz, but the PC settings say 1920x1080.

I'm kind of frustrated with it and have tried just about everything.

Then I see in the advanced display properties it also says 1280x1024 @60 Hz.

Maybe that video card can't do 1080p HD? Makes no sense, it must be able to!

Then, I saw it! A stuck pixel, bright turqoise green on black, almost in the middle!

I still want to understand why the PC wont drive this right.

Hmm...the TV reports 1280x1024 @60 Hz, but the PC settings say 1920x1080.

I'm kind of frustrated with it and have tried just about everything.

Then I see in the advanced display properties it also says 1280x1024 @60 Hz.

Maybe that video card can't do 1080p HD? Makes no sense, it must be able to!

Then, I saw it! A stuck pixel, bright turqoise green on black, almost in the middle!

I still want to understand why the PC wont drive this right.
Try switching to another input and then switching back. Sometimes the internal processing gets mixed up on the signals. Of course, this typically shows up as a larger display size with a lower refresh rate, but this would not be the first display that acted contrary to expectations.

An ATi 9800Pro will do 1080p60 just fine, unless you have a second monitor attached.

Later,
Bill

Use Powerstrip, its a program that will let you customize your videocards output.

Just a couple of things I forgot to mention... I turned it on for a second time today and there were these occasional clicks. Maybe like ten clicks, not in any rhythm (I want rhythm!), and I thought it may have been my 360 acting up. It stopped after about a minute, I'm not too worried about it.

Also, compared to the sound output of that Samsung 42" plasma HDTV, the 4095 (from first listen) is lacking. I enabled the TruSound (or whatever it's called) and that helped, but the TV still sounded like it was coming out of an FM station. It's not TERRIBLE, but this will finally push me to get a 5.1 speaker setup. Will tweak the settings some more though, especially when the DVD and DVR are set up tomorrow.

First time poster, been a lurker for quite a bit.

Just received delivery on the 4095. Hooked it up to my Xbox 360 with the components. Picked up an upconverting Sony DVD and an HDTV DVR from my cable company, but those will have to wait as I have 2 HDMI cables coming in tomorrow.

First impressions...

Hey, great post hammersuit. I'm also in the industry here in San Mateo.

Anyway, have you tried SD gaming on it yet? mainly ps2 games? If a gamer says ps2 games look and play great then I might be sold. :D

[QUOTE=kldat]I had them switch to the local feed that all of the other panels were displaying. For some reason it displayed a little jutter (I think that is the right term) that was not visible on the XBR1. Was it related to the 1920 resolution? Not sure. The Sony just looked a little better with the highly compressed and split HD signal. /quote]
Faster panel response time make judder worse. Also, 1080p resolution means that HD signals are not filtered in the process of being reduced in resolution. Which means that you see more compression artifacts in HD/Digital transmissions. Indeed, this is why I used 1080p LCDs for codec/HD optical format testing.

Once you have one of these displays, you will be aching to get HD DVD to be free of compression artifacts :).

Use Powerstrip, its a program that will let you customize your videocards output.

Someone suggested that the TV might not support 1080p60 through the VGA port.

I've heard of power strip, but what would I customize the settings to?

When I went into the advanced display properties and set 1920x1080 @60Hz there, the TV blacked out and said unsupported mode.

Now my options seem to be DVI/HDMI, which is not supported and others have the same type of problems, or component, which I guess there is some sort of DVI/Component conversion? and it appears that my secondary "TV" component output is limited to 720p (or 1024x768), but I am not sure there. I know it is supposed to be HD.

Dang stuck pixel :(

Oh yea, I tried messing around with all the setting and rebooting, powering down, switching modes, inputs, and all that.

If anyone can try their VGA port or experiment more with the DVI/HDMI interface, that would be much appreciated. I appreciate the help anyway!

And I gotta admit now that I've seen more HD content, the display does look fantastic!

And I second the weak sound.

DVI to HDMI works. Just no pixel mapping so it seems.