Samsung PN42A400 42" 720p Plasma - Page 2

Thanks for the quick reply Apollyon. It is pretty much anything. The only thing that looks ok is games from the PS3 but I think that is because of the quicker motion or something. BluRays the digital cable even the files that PencilGeek uploaded look bad to me... And mine has NOT been thru a break in period. I was not really aware that I had to do that... I am hoping it is just defective and I can exchange it while I am under the 14 day grace period.

Anyone else have any tips or ideas about the settings for this TV? I would greatly appreciate any input =)

I have this TV and have had it for about a month now...noticed one issue that started the other night. Hopefully it is just the HDMI cord but am beginning to think otherwise. HDMI plugged into HDMI 1 and during scene changes in movies (fading to black) I notice a hand shaking problem. Switched from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 and the problem is not there. My guess is most likely HDMI 1 is already failing.

Quick update: Swapped HDMI's and tried it again, hand shake issue still there. Will put in a service request with Samsung and let them handle this. Don't wanna deal with the Best Buy BS. Plus, it is a large TV, had problems the first time transporting it.

Re: Chuck4321 - From what I know, you should never pass a DVD signal through a VCR. It usually cause the copy protection in the DVD to kick in causing the screen to darken and lighten ever few seconds. I'd you use the composite in it should be the green with the yellow ring. Doesn't your DVD player have component out?
I would use that in input 2 and use the composite for the VCR alone.

I ended up canceling my service appointment because after messing with the setting that were mentioned in the thread, I applied them and all is right with the world now. It was obviously not an HDMI problem, just a picture settings problem (at least for me.)

I have just purchased the A400. Where do I download the Burn In disc I have read about? Also, what is the process to use this and break in the set? Any other info or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

I bought this through Amazon, it arrived Christmas eve. We couldn't set it up because the set was to cold (35 degrees), waited about 3 hours.
Well the picture is beautiful with DVD's. I have an up-scaling Samsung DVD player (paid $40 for a refurb), use HDMI out. The set connected to my Time-Warner HD-DVR cable box using component out. The picture quality varies greatly on cable. Today it seemed poor even on HD channels. So I switched to the HDMI input (input 2 as recommended), The difference was major. Had to change the cable box setting to HDMI audio output. I'll post a more complete review later. So far I love it, love the swivel base.

My Samsung PN42A400 review
Received the set on Dec. 24th 2008
Purchased from Amazon for $699 plus free shipping.
Arrived in good condition, advised by delivery guy to inspect for any damaged. Stand was already mounted. Could not turn on due to cold weather it was around 35 degrees. Condensation immediately formed. Waited 3 hours.
Had previously downloaded owner’s manual, also read all adjustment comments here on AV Science Forum.
First the case is beautiful, love the gloss finish and the swivel stand. Easley lifted by 2. The remote has a low end feel compared to my Panasonic HD LCD remote. To be fair all the buttons and controls are well laid out, it just doesn’t have the solid feel and weight of the Panasonic.
Connected to Component input from HD DVR Cable Box, turned the set on and immediately made the suggested picture settings. One note on the picture controls, the most extensive I’ve seen. If you’re a tweaker freak you’ll be beside yourself.
My HD Time/Warner signal up here in upstate NY varies greatly, on occasion it looks like standard TV. When good it’s great. Have the optical audio out from the cable box to my Receiver. Cable remote setup was a bit of a problem, found the correct Samsung code, but then lost some cable box settings, like the guide and DVR list. The solution was first program the Samsung then the cable box itself, never noticed the box setup code was listed. All works well except the TV volume seems stuck on the cable remote. Anyone have a solution?
I have a Samsung DVD player (upscaller) connected with HDMI (input 1). DVD’s look great, did notice noise on the “Dark Knight” DVD in a particular dark scene with almost no accent lighting near the end, could be the player, the DVD, the transfer or the set. So far “Hell Boy 2” was the most spectacular looking.
After a few days I switched the component cable to HDMI (input 2), the picture greatly improved. I had to switch the cable box to HDMI sound.
I made one other picture adjustment, switched from “Film Setting” to “Standard” from there I lowered contrast, brightness and cell. I felt the film setting added to much yellow to flesh tones and white graphics also had a cast.
Pro:
Picture
Extensive adjustment controls
Case finish
Swivel stand
Price

Con:
Low end remote
Mute display stays on screen (although it moves)

I am looking into this HDTV for my dad. I can get it on sale this weekend for $598 which seems to be a great deal on a plasma this size. Can someone explain the difference between regular contrast ratio and "dynamic" contrast ratio? The PN42A400 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000:1 which seems very low for a plasma.

Re comment about low end remote.
I bought on Ebay the SAMSUNG PLASMA LCD TV Remote Control BN59-00511A for $19.00 works great with this set, now I can operate my DVD player as well.
I've past my 100 hour breakin period, working fine.

Re: PSWii60
That contrast ratio does seem low compared to other brands, but there is a lot of hype. I've had this set about a month I'm very happy with it. One note my Panasonic LCD seems more forgiving with standard broadcast channels, but I almost never watch any.
That's a good price quote you got. I paid $699.

I need a calibration for my samsumg A450 Plasma for use with xbox 360 (HDMI), someone please help me.;...

Well, I couldn't stand having this set and not having a Blu-Ray player.
On Sunday I bought a used player on E-Bay, the Panasonic DMP-BD30, paid $142. Have already downloaded the firmware update.
FYI: Netflix at my request converted my wait list of (400) Films to Blu-Ray availability.
I'll post how it works out.

I have this player. One thing to be aware of is that the drive, if it hasn't already been replaced, will most likely need to be replaced eventually. I am sure it has been discussed here on the forums. Since mine was replaced, no issues.

Found some information just in case for you here.

http://www.highdefforum.com/blu-ray-...d-anymore.html

re: Bill Geiger
What were the first signs of trouble with the drive?
thanks for the heads up.

First signs of trouble, discs would not be able to be read. If yours is not one of the first ones, which mine was most likely, I believe the issue was corrected. just something to be aware of.

While watching TV this morning, the issue has arisen again. Will do some tweaking tonight if I see it again.

Got my used Panasonic DMP-BD30 today and.................DOA. Cannot read any Disc.
Called Panasonic tech support $130 to fix, well now I have an extra remote
Does read SD cards.......
Update E-Bay Seller will take it back for a refund.
I think for now, I'll stay away from Blu-Ray Players till they get the bugs out.
I think they gone feature crazy.
At least the Samsung PN42A400 is working great, it's on almost 10 hours a day for 4 weeks now.

Not surprised. Thankfully mine was under warranty when it happened and was fixed for free. Don't blow off Blu-ray so quickly. Plenty of deals to be had, really. Keep an eye out at Amazon for deals.

Caught the deal on Amazon today, just bought the Pioneer BDP-51FD for $275 with free shipping. Keeping my fingers crossed.

FYI, I registered my set purchase with Samsung and received a nice suprise, they extended the warranty 3 months.
I almost forgot to register the set.

Got my Pioneer BDP-51FD, its built like a tank, the size of a receiver. I have to admit I thought suppose it doesn’t knock me out. The setup was a bit complex, had to read the manual for sound options. Love the black gloss finish (matches the Samsung) and the display panel.
As to the picture the set sings now, the picture details are amazing. More settings then I’ve ever seen, but then I never owned a player in this price range. I upgraded the firmware as well, a bit intimidating, but went well. Again the set display is truly fantastic.

Well my set is past 600 Hours, with no burn in problems. I was cautious with the settings, but not overly so. Combined with the Pioneer BDP 51D the picture is awesome.
I bought the BD of Alexander Revisited (it was cheap) based on the HD reviews of Video and Audio, it's a good show piece. I was lukewarm to the film, but the new Directors cut and transfer you've got see. There are scenes of both subtle and saturated color together. The film starts with no menus and now has an intermission.
I'm still impressed with this set, not to mention the price.

I'm shopping for a used plasma TV and just came across this TV on craigslist. They're asking for $550, but I may be able to haggle a bit. For those who own this TV, how is it holding up? How is the PQ compared to this year's models? Can anyone compare it with the PNA450?

I've had this set since December 08, it has held up extremely well. I work at home and the set is on more then 10 hours a day, seven days a week. When I watch CNN for more then a few hours, which has a crawl I zoom in to avoid possible burn in. The set has extensive color controls, which exceed most low priced sets. The PQ still amazes me, even bought a BD player, I have Time Warner HD as well. I paid around 700 back then.
The PN42A450 added a vga port. The one negative review must be either a lemon or bad connection.
You can currently get the SAMSUNG 42" 720p Plasma HDTV PN42A450 new for 599 at newegg.com

So I own a PN42A400 samsung plasma as well. I've had it for 10 months. The samsung website states this TV has anti-burn in technology, yet I am seeing something on my screen. To explain, when a 4X3 broadcast is displayed on my 16X9 format it puts the black bars on the sides. Now I can "faintly" see sidebar sections on the sides of my TV even while watching a 16X9 HD broadcast. Is there anything I can do? Is this a known issue?