Samsung PN50A450 50 inch 720p Plasma HDTV :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
Take your home entertainment experience to the next level with the Samsung PN50A450 plasma HDTV. The Samsung PN50A450 50" Widescreen Plasma HDTV with 720p resolution is big enough to transform any space into the ultimate home theater. Advanced features like a FilterBright to protect against glare and 1,000,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio will simply amaze you and your guests. 1365 horizontal x 768 vertical pixel resolution presents video and text with outstanding clarity and resolution. Select Game mode with the touch of a button for advanced video-game action. The ACE silhouette editor eliminates visual noise from the deepest dark tones. SRS TruSurround XT offers natural, lifelike HD sound. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through the two speaker internal playback system. Samsung Digital Natural Image engine dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance. Entertainment Mode allows customized picture settings, optimized for different content. Universal Anynet Plus HDMI-CEC allows peripheral devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by TV remote control. Side A/V ports provide easy connections so you can connect a camcorder, digital camera, or any other digital device with no hassles. V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content. 13650 x 7680 pixel resolution 175-degrees viewing angle Natural True Color with 18 bit color processing NTSC/ATSC tuners with Clear QAM Sports/Game/Movie modes via hot key 10-watt per channel built-in audio amplifier Direct down-firing speaker system Auto pixel shift (user programmable) Signal pattern processing function Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface (2 rear/1 side), 2 component video inputs, Side and rear A/V inputs, Headphone, and RS232C Dimensions - Width 48.4 x Height 29.8 x Depth 3.8 / 48.4 x 3
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Customer Reviews

Great Plasma Display but the audio...

2008-05-13
The image on this plasma is great. I've upgraded from an HDTV ready Panasonic 32" CRT TV which was great but this is more than a step up. There's only one thing...

The audio coming out of the rca stereo audio output is not in sync with the sound from the plasma's built in speakers. I have a Sony DHC-ZX50MD mini hi-fi component sound system that I generally use as a sub woofer to supplement the sound out of tv's speakers especially when watching movies for that dramatic effect. I've had this setup since 2000 or so and have had no problems with out of sync audio. Now that I've got the Samsung PN50A450 in place, I have this out of sync audio issue. I double checked the settings on both the Samsung plasma and on my Sony sound system but there is no adjustment options for audio time shifting.

This audio delay is occurring on all inputs used on the plasma too. I have digital over the air antenna on the TV input, a Nintendo Wii on the AV1 input (composite), a sony 5-disc progressive dvd player on the component 2 input, an AppleTV on the HDMI1 input, and a DLO home dock deluxe on the AV2 input (composite). The delay is the same no matter what input is used. The delay is like a chorusing audio effect.

I contacted Samsung via phone (800-SAMSUNG) on Sat 5/10/08, explained the issue, and the representative said she hasn't heard of this issue before and that there wasn't any firmware available for the Samsung PN50A450. She set me up for an authorized service center to come and check out the plasma display. She also said that the servicemen would more than likely be able to fix this audio issue on the spot and probably not have to return the tv for repair or for exchange.

I then registered my plasma on Samsung's website and saw that the plasma was manufactured on March 30, 2008. I bought from PC Richard in New York on 5/5/08. Got it setup on 5/8/08. Called Samsung for repair on 5/10/08. The Samsung authorized service center was supposed to call me today, Monday, 5/12/08 but instead I got a call from someone at Samsung this morning suggesting that I make the call to the service center, which I found odd.

Hopefully they will call me to set up a time to check out the tv, and if not I'll call them at some point this week and let you all know how this tv and the Samsung's service people work out.

I really hope this is a small, fixable issue and not a widespread issue in this model.

I should never have bought it.........

2008-05-02
because now, I'm going to be spending WAY too much time watching television. I bought this set sight-unseen. The price was the biggest factor coupled with some favorable reviews on CNET for other Samsung plasmas. I am no "videophile" so I can live with 720p resolution. Compared to my 10 year old, 27" Toshiba it's like seeing a TV for the first time. I have Verizon FiOS digital cable, which has quite a few high definition channels, so I flipped over to their high-def demo channel and I watched programs for hours that "BS" (Before Samsung) would probably have bored me to tears. I have a 420p DVD player that I can now watch in 420p, instead of 420i. I dropped in the movie "300" and it looked just as good as it did on the IMAX screen (IMO). I bought a component video cable for my Wii (don't forget to change the video setting to 420p) and was simply amazed at the clarity. It's not the most expensive, and some "experts" will not consider it to be the best plasma out there but I'm giving myself a big pat on the back. The piano black finish is like icing on the cake. I would, and will, recommend this TV to anyone.

First opinion

2008-04-12
First Review,
Second evening of viewing, Just upgraded from a returned Samsung HP-T5054 which I had for 30 days. (got a great deal, clearance, closeout etc..) Amazing picture and many upgrades from previous model (HP-T5054). Same price as last years model and better overall. Nice finish and slicker features. Thanks to Samsung for offering a Great 720p panel that is sure to be the next big hit for them. Let everyone spend up for 1080, no visible difference to me. Love the swivel stand. Overall, I like it a lot. Really got my moneys worth @ 1,299.
RW in Oklahoma City

Home Entertainment Products and Books

	Home Theater for Dummies Excerpt: "... Typically, direct-view (tube) displays and projector systems that use CRTs have the highest contrast rations, whereas systems using plasma or LCD technologies have the lowest. When it comes to contrast ratio, a higher ratio is better. "
	Panasonic SC-HT920 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System Review: "The performance of the system is amazing and at the price I got it for, you CAN"T go wrong. The DVD player is quick when changing discs and quiet. There are also a lot of setup options."
	Audiovox D1710 7" Slim Line Portable DVD Player Editorial Review: Kick back with your favorite DVDs anywhere! Sleek, portable player features IR wireless remote. Plays DVDs, CDs, MP3s and Kodak Picture CDs. Includes 12V power source adapter and Li-Ion Battery Pack. Model D1710. 90-day limited warranty.

Newnes Guide to Digital TV

The second edition has been updated with all the key developments of the past three years, and includes new and expanded sections on digital video interfaces, DSP, DVD, video servers, automation systems, HDTV, 8-VSB modulation and the ATSC system.

* A uniquely concise and readable guide to the technology of digital television
* New edition includes more information on HDTV (high definition) and ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committe) - the body that drew up the standards for Digital Television in the U.S.
* Written by an engineer for engineers, technicians and technical staff