Before I begin this review I must give a word of warning. If you decide to purchase this television in a high street store make sure that you purchase the PS42S5H model and not the PS42S5S model. Both models look identical and in some stores both are labelled as "HD Ready." This is not the case however, and only the PS42S5H model has the correct specifications for true HDTV. Speaking of specifications, here they are:
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 1024(H) x 768(V) Brightness (cd/m2): 1,300 Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 Viewing Angle (H/V): 175°/175° Sound Power Output (RMS): 15W X 2 Surround Sound: SRS TruSurround XT Speakers: 2 way 10 speakers Stereo: Nicam/A2 Number Of Colors: 549 Billions Grey Level: 8,192 DNIe (DNIe Demo On/Off): Yes Film Mode: Yes FRC+: No 3D Comb filter: Yes Noise Reduction: Yes Low Noise Reduction: Yes My Color Control (MCC+): Yes(6 Colors) Brightness Sensor: Yes Anti-Burn: Yes PIP: Yes Teletext: 2,100 pages HDMI: 1Socket DVI: 0 Sockets RF: 1Socket Scart: 2 Sockets Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 1Socket Video In: 2 Sockets (1 Side, 1 Rear) S-Video: In 2 Sockets (1 Side, 1 Rear) PC Input: (D-Sub) 1Socket PC Audio In: 1Socket Audio Out: 1Socket Dimension Set Size (W×D×H) with stand: 1058.5 x 340.2 x 777 Set Size (W×D×H) without stand: 1058.5 x 94.4 x 739 Weight Net (Kg, SET): 42.4 Weight Gross (Kg, Packing): 60.5 Power Consumption: 370 Super Saving Mode: 290 Power Consumption (Stand-by): <3W VESA (PSN4250): 600x400 Remote Control: TM76
Those of you with knowledge of the subject can see that the Samsung PS42S5H is indeed a complete High Definition Television package. Those of you without said knowledge should read on and I will explain how the TV will brighten up your life and your living room.
Aesthetics
The Samsung PS42S5H is very aesthetically pleasing. It comes in either "black" or "black and silver" and will therefore look stunning in any room with any decor. The built in stand does its job perfectly and does not attract the eyes away from the screen or look out of place. Wall brackets are also included for those of you who want to have that footballer's pad look. The TV has only one button on the front which emits a ethereal blue glow when on standby and pulses when the remote is used, and looks simply beautiful. To complete the package the TV is only 94.4 mm thick and is absolutely noise free when in operation due to its fan-less coolers.
Picture Quality
The Samsung PS42S5H is a HD Ready TV which means it is at the pinnacle of screen resolution technology. The ability to output in 420p, 720p and 1080i means that it will be able to cope with any future technologies for many years to come. When connected to a HD device (such as in my case a Xbox 360) the picture quality is unbelievable. Regular analogue and SD digital signals will also be improved. The only drawbacks however were when watching some programmes such as animated shows and old shows sometimes the lines between objects are slightly blurred. This is no fault in the TV it is just that the picture is being enlarged so that small details that would not be noticed on a regular screen become noticeable. That said when watching shows such Futurama and The Simpsons the experience is in no way dampened and I found myself enjoying these shows even more.
Sound Quality
As stated above the Samsung PS42S5H has 10 speakers which are effectively joined together at the bottom of the screen to form two big speakers. As they stand the speakers produce an exceptional quality of sound but then you realise you can switch on the SRS TruSurround XT function (In either "mono 3D" or "Stereo." I would recommend to select the "Stereo" option). This allows for Dolby Surround Sound signals to be played in virtual surround sound. This enlightens simple TV shows but really comes into play when watching a DVD. Whilst not as realistic as a conventional surround sound system, the SRS TruSurround XT is an excellent substitute for those of you without a surround sound set-up.
Ease of Installation
Very easy if you know your way around a TV. If you don't most high street stores offer set up with delivery.
Remote Control
Again very easy to use and comes with instructions for tuning it to control other electrical appliances (such as DVD players, VHS players etc).
Conclusion
To conclude, the Samsung PS42S5H is a very complete package and would make a fine choice for those of you making the switch from standard definition to high definition. In my opinion it is the best TV for the price it retails at.
More details
Ease of Installation
Very Easy
Remote Control
Excellent Quality
Instructions
Helpful / Easy to Follow
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