Birghtness, Light weight, Color, Zoom feature.

None

I finally have had this television fixed and it works excellently. The colors when using Component inputs is so on point. The black levels are excellent as well. When I Zoom in on the component video DVD player I expected some sort of distortion, so far it actually inhances the picture so much. Great picture and perfect size to width ratio.

Picture Quality, Light Weight, Adjustments

none

First, I must note that this review is of the PLK-405W; the model which replaced the PLH-403W.

All I can say is, "WOW!!". I have had this TV for about 7 months now, and it just keeps getting better and better. Compared to the Toshiba model listed above (which is CRT-based, the same screen size, and in the same price range), it offers similar brightness, WAY better picture sharpness (especially near the screen edges), weighs about 100lbs less, and is not susceptible to burn-in. In fact, I have yet to find a TV that I like better, and this includes several larger CRT-based HDTV's and Plasma displays.

I have loved this set from when I first set it up, but since discovering the service menu, it has gotten even better. Every tiny flaw I have discovered after over 700 hours of viewing has been corrected with the over 80 adjustable options in the service menu. I am obsessive about things I own, and find 'flaws' which others would never even notice, let alone care about. As far as I am concerned at present, this TV has no flaws. The only real feature this display is lacking is wideband component inputs, but this is not an issue for me. The same set is available with wideband inputs for about $1000 more (SLK-407W). This is the BEST, most film-like display you can obtain for $5000 or less.

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Tosiba 40H80 40" Digital Television

Excellent picture, very lightweight, good form factor, good remote.

Factory settings are super-high contrast and too saturated.

This TV is fantastic. It's true that the reds are too high as calibrated from the factory. Even greys seem pinkish until this is adjusted. I love this TV and have no complaints.

BTW, the previous poster that gave this TV a one star and complained about Samsung customer service is a troll. She posted this for all Samsung products, so she probably doesn't even have a 403W. I've never used Samsung support, so maybe she's right. Here's a newsflash for her: buy from a reputable store and get an extended warranty. Don't rely on the manufacturer of anything for anything, ever (except maybe your car).

After a few months of searching for a local dealer, I finally took the chance on this unit with mail-order. I knew I wanted widescreen, but the massive and pricey RPTV's were out of the question. (Even Toshiba 40" TheaterWide which I looked at in great depth, was too large) The PLH403 was exactly what I needed, a low profile (only 14" deep) , lightweight TV (65lbs!) but still having a decent sized picture. The picture is sharp and clean with no virtually no pixelization (not that typical RPTV look of graininess) The brightness is astounding, almost to the level of a direct-view! Although actually after a calibration with my Video Essentials DVD the unit proved superior to my ProScan 27" because it allowed a much higher contrast and brightness levels before "bluming" took place.
The PLH403W does indeed have Component Video inputs, which puzzles me as to why Samsung fails to mention this on their web page. My only guess is that it was added at last minute since the array of jacks, is laid out for what looks like 3 A/V in/outputs of composite video.
Overall I think this is an exceptional TV. Aside from the uniqueness of it, the picture out performs even some direct-view's. Shop around, I got mine for $2000 including delivery, and feel it's worth every penny!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Matthew

Have had this 40" LCD RPV for two weeks now and it has really grown on me. Being used to a direct view, was initially dissapointed with the lower contrast projected image. Now I prefer the true movie screen look for anything and everything. During daylight hours the contrast is a little washed, but at night it's fantastic. It's great to watch regular 4:3 TV zoomed to 16:9. Still waiting for my DVD to try the component video-ins.
Was going to wait for the Sony Wega 36" XBR 250 - but the letterbox movies look so tiny on it compared to this unit.

I bought this unit as a skeptic and with the plan to return it a few weeks later when the new Sonys came out. Now I'm gonna keep it. Can't beet the size or price for a wide screen tv.

Great Picture, lotsa connections, doesnt weigh a ton (only 60lbs), thin(14 inches), viewable at any angle, and , oh yeah, cheapest widescreen around!

Not DTV or HDTV. You know that next year they will have something tons better for the same price. The factory settings are a little off.

I love this TV and I was still able to feed my family after purchasing this thing (note, it is

I just saw a toshiba 40'' widescreen that was HDTV ready for the same price! Although it did weigh a LOT more.

Somehow my previous review got clipped. I wanted to note that the PLH403W has 700K pixels and last week I was in Circut City looking at their DTVs and saw that they boasted 300K pixels for a 60'' 4:3. I looked at the picture and noticed that the DTV picture was the same quality as my DVDs via my SVideo input...in fact, I think the PLH403W looked better. Also we watch all 4:3 broadcasts in panorama mode so everyone looks a little...heavier. It is a good feeling to watch TV and see that Alley McBeal finally gained some weight. :)

After numerous inquiries about the service menu codes, I am posting the following.

NOTE: !!!USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!PLAYING WITH THESE CODES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DAMMAGE TO YOUR TV!!!

!!!WRITE DOWN ALL THE SETTINGS BEFORE YOU ADJUST THEM!!!

I did not include information as to which code to adjust as they vary depending on which motherboard you have.

Here is how to access the service codes:
1. Start with the power off.
2. On the remote control, press:
a. Mute
b. 1
c. 8
d. 2
e. Power
This will bring you into the service menu, there are parameters 0-60 that can be altered, but you must write down all of them before you make any changes to ensure that you can get back to the factory settings if needed.

To switch different parameters, use the "Vol +" and "Vol -" keys.
To increase a parameter value, use the "menu" key
To decrease a parameter value, use the "mute" key
To save changes and exit service menu, use the "add" key

!!!WRITE DOWN ALL THE SETTINGS BEFORE YOU ADJUST THEM!!!

Superb color,anamorphic DVD's look incredible,terrific even for regular VHS and cable

Needs some color tweaking, black level hard to set

I have to say that, though I've only had this television for a few weeks, I love it. It has terrific color, especially using the component feature for DVD, incredibly precise definition and is absolutely clear. I sit 7 feet from the set and I can't see the scan lines or any imperfection on the set. Using Video Essentials, it is essential to tweak the color and tint as reds are very high. My only complaint so far is trying to set the black levels correctly. LCD technology registers blacks as slightly grey and I'm having a hard time getting the black level exactly as I like it.No one else even notices this but of course I want perfection(or as close as possible). If anyone else has this set I would be very thankful if you could email me the settings you have it at. Thanks!

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RCA 32" TV

PLK-405W : 40" wide, colores vivos, excelente definicion.

El nivel del negro, mas bien parece gris oscuro.

Excelente televisor en casi todos los aspectos, buen colorido, muy buena definicion, liviano y delgado.
Lo unico negativo encuentro que es el nivel del negro que mas bien parece gris, no es notorio en la mayoria de las peliculas pero si en las extremadamente oscuras como the crow o the nightmare before christmas.

Mi calificacion del televisor PLK-405w segun peliculas:

The Nightmare before Christmas: 4
The Crow: 4
Austin Powers: 10
The Exorcist: 6
Conan (anamorphic): 9.5
The Sound of Music: 8
Predator: 7
Robocop: 7

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ninguno