 | Samsung HPT4254 42-Inch Plasma HDTV
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by DealStop 5 new or used available from $630.00  Average customer review:  |
Product Description
Samsung's HP-T4254 is the choice of value conscious plasma HDTV enthusiasts. Whether you're in a dark room or in broad daylight, the picture remains amazingly crisp and vibrant, thanks to Samsung's FilterBright anti reflection technology. Even in moonlit scenes, the HP-T4254's 15,000:1 contrast ratio and 18-bit technology let you see every shadowy detail and natural, rich color. Advanced Samsung plasma picture technology delivers sharper screen text, while eliminating "noise." Samsung also introduces an innovative auto-pixel-shift technology that makes picture "burn-in" a thing of the past. Experience robust, 3-dimensional TruSurround XT sound. Connect all your digital devices and peripherals courtesy of 3 HDMI ports and a full complement of audio and video inputs. Control all your CEC-compliant digital devices through the one HP-T4254 remote. And it's Energy Star Compliant, so you'll use less energy.Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #31328 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Black
- Brand: Samsung
- Model: HPT4254
- Dimensions: 27.50" h x 41.50" w x 3.70" l, 73.20 pounds
- Display size: 42
Features
- 1024 x 768 resolution
- 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 16 bit color
- Filter Bright 2 Anti Glare Technology
- 3 HDMI, 2 component, 1 PC input
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price,
Samsung HPT4254 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company's latest DNIe
enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and
image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's
perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it
also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air
digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still
require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts
from channels like HBO or Discovery). Other noteworthy features include
a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting
technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film
mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an
Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in
3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
While the HP-T4254 Samsung's entry level 720p plasma for 2007, it
differs from the step-up HP-T4264 on in the cosmetic design, and the
lack of a USB2.0 connection. Both models offer the same high level of
digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI
connectivity. If you want a USB connction for playing photo files or
MP3s, check out the HPT4264.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image
engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video
inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves
contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise
reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new
13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549
billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit
processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture
This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single
tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For
example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another
channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and
view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be
the functional limitation of PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
- HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
- PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
- Composite video input: 1 (side)
- Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
- RF input: 2 (rear)
Customer Reviews
A great purchase and a good buying experience-First Impression
I ordered the Samsung 4254 on July 31st and it arrived on August
10th which matched the estimated delivery-time exactly. The TV was
shipped from Harrisburg PA and sent to my home in central NH. The EGL
'white-glove' delivery was as advertised. The TV was brought into my
house, the box was opened so I could check the condition of the TV. The
set arrived in original packing and in perfect condition. The delivery
men even offered to take the set down to my TV-room. EGL was great!
I had been wary of having such a large and fragile item shipped. I
saved $200 below the lowest retail price buying this through Amazon. In
fact, the item price dropped while the TV was in transit and Amazon
refunded the difference within a day. In the end buying through Amazon
saved me a chunk of change and eliminated the donkey-work involved in
transporting such a large item from the box store. In exchange, I had
to wait 10 days for the TV to arrive.
Plasma vs LCD:
I did a lot of research in the process of settling on the Samsung
4254. Going in, I was convinced that I wanted an LCD because of my
concern that the plasma might suffer 'burn-in'. I read in many places
that this is not a real concern with current plasma sets. In the end,
the decision to go with the plasma came down to the picture quality. I
watch sports and movies and the plasma sets just produce a better
image. There is far less motion-blur,the colors are more vivid and the
viewing angle is wider.
The second disadvantage of plasma technology is that the screen is
shiny (just like a standard CRT TV). The matte LCD screen is certainly
less prone to problems with glare although the viewing angle can't
match what you get with a plasma set. My 'Man-Cave' is in the basement
with very little ambient light so this was not a concern for me. Also,
the Samsung 4254 comes with some form of anti-glare coating.
720P vs 180i and 1080p
More dots on the screen mean better clarity and finer detail. The
newest plasma and LCD sets come with support for the highest 1080p
resolution. The Samsung 4254 is a 720p set. Should you be concerned
that you are buying old technology and that it might be better to
pony-up the difference in price (about $400) for a 1080p set? A good
question. There are two facts that I considered before going with the
720p set.
1. Broadcasts do not support 1080p as it takes up too much
bandwidth so even if you buy a 1080p set, your TV viewing will not be
improved. To use the potential of 1080p requires an HD DVD player
($500) and HD DVD's. (about $30 apiece). Also, it is unclear which HD
format for DVD's will rule the market (HD or Blu-Ray).
2. Viewing a 42 inch screen, the difference between the 720p image
and the 1080p image is not discernible. See for yourself. If you have
the extra money and the space, consider spending the difference for a
larger screen. As the screen size increases, the difference in image
quality between a 720p set and a 1080p becomes more visible. Numbers
aside, let your eyes be the judge.
A few facts about HDTV:
If you are buying an High Definition (HD) TV set (Plasma or LCD,
you need to have an HD signal to see the full benefit of the HD set. In
fact, if you don't have or plan to get access to an HD signal and you
plan to use the set for TV viewing, my advice would be to stick with a
traditional CRT TV. Most broadcasting is done in standard definition
(SD) and most programming is in SD although more and more content is
being created and broadcast in HD. SD programing is formatted to fit
the old 4:3 TV screen format. It is possible to stretch this content to
fill your new HD screen but it comes with some distortion.
Alternatively, you can view the SD image using less than the entire
screen. You will not see those stunning images when the program you are
watching is SD. SD content looks best on your old TV set but it shows
well enough on an HD screen. The Samsung 4254 offers three options for
viewing SD content.
Digital Cable is not HD:
Cable systems offer 'Digital Cable' while this is an improved
signal, it is not High Definition. My cable company offers a tier of HD
stations with their Tivo-like DVR. For $13 per month I get about 10 HD
channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS etc)and I get the DVR (which is very
cool). To receive the benefit of HDTV, my cable bill will be about $70.
Even if you have subscribed to HD stations, you will find that some
programming will be shown in SD. In a couple of years, all broadcasters
will be required to support HD. New programming generally is done in
HD. Just understand that you only get the full benefit of HD when the
signal coming to the set is HD.
The Samsung 4254:
The picture using an HD source, is stunning, if anything better
than what you see in the box store displays. The set was easy to set
up, it has a swivel stand. I am not nuts about the shiny black bezel
but it seems to be the rage these days and it is hard to avoid. If you
have bright lights in the room, the bezel and the screen itself will
both reflect. The solution is easy; turn off or move the light source.
I like the plain low-key styling and the size is perfect for my viewing
area.
The set virtually programs itself. It recognized and stored all of
my cable channels. The color settings were easy to adjust using the
remote. The speakers were a source of complaint. I didn't notice any
real problem but I connected the set to my surround-sound speakers
which is what most people would do.
The manual is clear and complete.
I bought this set over others like the Panasonic 42 75U because of
the picture, the available connections and the price. I have always had
good experiences with Samsung products. Once you have decided between
and LCD or a plasma set all you really need to do is look at the image
quality. I did stay away from off-brand sets because I would be
concerned with long-term reliability. Any TV is only as good as the
parts it is made of. Generally, you get what you pay for. Manufacturers
like Panasonic, Samsung and Sony have a lot invested in their
brand-name.
Accessories to Consider:
If you watch DVD's and don't want to spend $250-500 on an HD DVD
player, get an upconverting DVD player (around $100). It will play
standard DVD'd and process the signal so that the picture quality is
nearly HD. I have too many DVD's to consider re-buying in HD format. I
would bet that the price of HD players wwill drop as the technology
becomes more common.
Also purchase an HDMI cable to connect the player to the 4254. You
DO NOT need to buy the $100 cable. Cable prices at retail are absurdly
expensive. Cables are not made of caviar. I bought a $10 cable from an
Amazon link and the picture is fine. The HDMI cable is the high end HD
connection. It carries both audio and video signals. Use HDMI cables
between your components that support this standard. My surround sound
receiver does not have an HDMI input so I used an optical cable to
carry the audio from the TV to the receiver. Always buy the best
connection type that your equipment supports.
I will revise this review if needed. I hope this is of some help for those entering the world of High Definition.
Long story short, I am absolutely happy with the Samsung 4254 and with the purchase experience from Amazon.
Added 8/22 Burn-In:
Salesmen and manufacturers will tell you that plasma screens don't
have a problem with burn-in. This happens when a still image is left of
the screen over a period of time. Well, burn in is not a thing of the
past. I know this because I left my Samsurng on with the DVD source
screen (that blue screen you see as the DVD player is started-up) The
image was on the screen for about 12 hours. I now have a "No Disk"
message burned in the upper right part of the screen. The stupid is
always possible.
The manual has a section on burn-in and there are three levels of
burn-healing technology built into the set so obviously this is not a
problem that has been completely eliminated.
I ran the 'wipe' mode for about an hour and the image has faded.
Whether in time it will be completely gone, I know not. I did have the
anti-burn pixel shift enabled.
On the other hand, when I am watching programming/DVD, I can't see
ANY trace of the burn. It can only be seen when the screen is entirely
black. Since I can't see it when I am watching, I am not that
concerned. I would buy the Samsung again but I thought that this
information should be added.
If Plasma burn is a deal-breaker, take a look at the Toshiba Regaza
42 inch LCD. I liked that set but the picture on the Samsung was
visibly better. Plasma and LCD technologies have their pros and cons.
It comes down to what fits your situation.
After 2 weeks, my original impression is unchanged. If I could
actually see the results of the burn-in while watching, I would feel
differently but I can't, so I don't.
8/31 The burn in mentioned in the last segment is gone. Or at least
I can no longer see it. I ran the 'wipe' mode for a couple of hours and
then as I continued to watch my usual assortment of Red Sox baseball
and DVD's, the burn-in just faded away. I have had this TV for three
weeks and could not be happier.
Great picture and great value---what you expect from Samsung
This is brand new from Samsung. Two features enticed me to choose this over LCD:
* 15,000:1 contrast ratio---this is as high as you'll currently get in a set that goes for around $1500
* Anti-glare technology
I've seen friends' plasmas for years. They all had serious glare
issues, greater than what were present in a tube tv. The family room in
my new house has 20' high ceilings and south-facing 20' high windows.
But I see no glare even with the blinds open!
I'm thrilled with the picture. HD looks stellar. DVDs look incredible on my up-converting player.
The sound isn't exceptional, though it's better than on my 4
year-old tube tv. I have surround sound, so that issue is overcome. The
sound is good, though. My advice would be to not let that sway you from
buying this. Many brick and mortar retailers have deals for getting a
surround-sound system with a new flat-panel tv.
Television choices are hard these days. Rear projection DLT offers
great price, but you've got to replace the bulbs and the viewing angle
is limited. LCDs just might win out in the future, but I still notice
slow response (latency) when watching action films or sports. I think
plasma still produces the best picture.
Samsung's HPT4254 looks to me to be the best value in plasma televisions.
This TV is AWESOME. Think twice before you buy an LCD.
We had two LCDs out of the box and hooked up at home. It's a long
story, but we ended up taking both of them back for different issues,
one of which turned out to be a bad cable. CC was so great to take them
back and we hadn't considered a plasma because of the glare issue.
Well, I started reading about this Samsung plasma and how that had
implemented some sort of anti glare system. We went back and I realized
how much more vivid the colors are on this TV than an LCD. Plus, I
thought the picture on this new model was quite a bit better than any
other plasma models on the floor. We got it home and running and after
having the other two LCDs to compare with, this thing ROCKS!!!!! Even
in our bright room, the glare is not a problem for us. There is
definitely more glare than an LCD, but it is so much better. There is
this blurry thing that happens with motion on an LCD. And, I had read
about it, but people were saying it's not so much of an issue anymore
with recent models. I don't buy that after experiencing both kinds of
TVs, the plasma is so much more clear with fast motion, and there is so
much more depth to the colors. I'm extremely happy.
The only issue I have is with the sound. It's terrible. The sound
was much better on the LCDs I had here at home. I have external
speakers, so the sound quality is not important to me, but if you care
even a little bit about the sound quality, I would consider buying even
some low-end bookshelf speakers. Anything will sound better than the
speakers built in to this thing. The speakers on my 5 year old 27" tube
TV were better. I still gave it 5 stars, even with this sound issue
because if you're in the market for this type of TV, you'll likely have
some sort of surround setup and the speakers won't matter. Buy this TV
for the picture and the price.
Go see for yourself.... the depth of color and clarity are unmatched in my opinion.
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