Samsung PS-42S5H

...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. ...
...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 ... more

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. 

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