SAMSUNG LT-P468W 46" Widescreen LCD TV HDTV Monitor with Multimedia Input

HDTV monitor (compatible with HDTV/SDTV formats -- when connected to a separate HDTV tuner -- and displays all signals at 1080p) * 46" flat TFT LCD panel * widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio * 1920 x 1080 pixels *

Absolutely bursting with inputs and cutting-edge features, Samsung's versatile, big-screen LT-P468W is a videophile's dream TV. As of fall 2004, the LT-P468W was the world's largest consumer LCD TV. Crisp and clear from corner to corner, the 46-inch set was also the first consumer flat-panel TV to boast a 1,920 x 1,080p native resolution, the highest of the 18 ATSC formats.

Further, the LT-P468W features Samsung's latest-generation DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) picture-enhancement circuitry, delivering improved contrast, detail, color, and video motion optimization. While 1,080p (1,080 lines, progressively scanned) is the format the broadcast industry is moving toward with more and more programming appearing every day, the set's internal high-quality scaler can handle any video input format and display the signal in the set's native high resolution.

Its impressive 800:1 contrast ratio makes it capable of rendering extremely deep blacks, and its high brightness (500 cd/m2) produces bright, vivid images even in bright rooms. And, with its industry-leading 12-millisecond pixel-response time, the LT-P468W is nothing if not ready to handle the fastest-moving video sequences, from video games to action films. Horizontal and vertical viewing angles each extend up to 170 degrees, making sure everyone has the best seat in the room.

LCD screens offer a number of benefits over CRT monitors and televisions, including general ease of use, freedom from eye strain (no screen flickering or radiation emissions), quiet operation (no high-pitch "flyback" noise, an issue with CRT TVs), accurate image geometry (no curvature distortion or susceptibility to magnetic interference from, say, speakers), long screen life (with no risk of image burn-in), space savings, and light weight/easy positioning. (Perched atop its round swivel base, the set weighs in at less than 100 pounds.) LCDs also tend to be cheaper and, to some eyes, slightly more natural looking than their plasma flat-panel counterparts, which usually "spec" higher (higher brightness, higher contrast ratio).

The LT-P468W accepts standard-definition 480i inputs, enhanced-definition 480p signals, and full high-definition 720p and 1080i/p. The set connects to a personal computer through its RGB (15-pin D-Sub) input, letting you surf the Web, check e-mail, or play QuickTime movies right on your television. Use the split-screen/PC PIP option to view multiple sources simultaneously.

To connect the monitor to devices such as DTV set-top boxes, satellite receivers, DVD players, game consoles, or camcorders, use either of the set's digital-video inputs--DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)--for a direct digital connection, or take advantage of its dual high-definition component-video inputs. Other inputs consist of 2 each composite- and S-video inputs, 1 RF input, and the above-mentioned PC input, each with its attendant audio jacks.

Other outstanding features include a sleek cabinet housing armed with impressive stereo speakers from JBL powered by 15 watts per channel (x 2); the latest SRS TruSurround XT technology (for exciting stereo and bass enhancements and a simulated surround experience); sleep and on timers; V-Chip parental control; closed captioning; and an auto volume leveler to minimize jarring level differences between, say, programs and their commercials.

The DVI-HDTV interface (with HDCP copy protection) enables an all-digital rendering of video without the losses associated with an analog interface. DVI supports up to 24-bit digital RGB data for each pixel.

Like DVI, HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, digital audio/video interface to link the set with any compatible AV source. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multichannel digital audio--all using a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries, swivel base, a user's manual, an AC power cord, and warranty information.

1 Amazing
I found a great deal on this TV through an Amazon partner, and purchased it along with an extended warranty. I bought this TV, sight unseen, to replace a Sony 36" XBR tube television, so most of my comments will be relative to that TV, as well as against other TV's I cross-shopped against.

Pros:

1) It's the largest available (as of 11/04) LCD TV. Honestly, the 1" difference between this TV and the Sharp AQUOS 45" LCD TV is not a deal breaker, but it gave Samsung bragging rights. :-)

2) The display is incredibly bright. Even in a well lit room, this TV doesn't wilt under intense lighting. If you're looking at a flat panel, I have yet to see one that can compete with this unit when it comes to brightness.

3) The resolution (1080p) is amazing. When used as a computer monitor (not my original plan for it!) for my Powerbook G4, the display was stunning. Even non-geeks are amazed at the clarity of the display.

4) Colors are incredibly vibrant. Note that it does take some effort to dial-in a good setting where colors are strong while maintaining decent black-level response. Despite a so-so review on extremetech.com, I found that once I did some basic tweaking, I was pretty happy while watching movies like "Aliens", "Van Helsing" and "Minority Report", which have a lot of dark scenes.

5) Not a single dead pixel on this TV. Samsung's name has not been synonymous with great quality to most audio- or video-philes, but this unit really demonstrates their manufacturing abilities are as good as any other high-end brand.

Cons:

1) DNle is pretty much useless. Yes, it makes lines "edgier", but I find that I prefer disabling it for everything, including TV, games, and DVD. This screen is solid enough that I thing Samsung could have removed DNle and I'd still like the quality of the display.

2) Black levels can't match a tube TV. There are also some minor artifacts in the backlighting that are noticeable if you look closely, such as minor blooming near the corners and some (really minor) vertical bars that may bother a purist during calibration that are not noticeable when viewing content.

3) This unit is only as good as your input source. I can tell now that my DVD player (Onkyo Integra 7.4) is not a world-beater because this display can show every shortcoming of an input source. A bad over-the-air TV signal will drive you batty if you don't invest in a good antenna (preferably roof-mounted).

4) It's heavy (just shy of 100 lbs.), and...

5) ...the inputs are on the rear of the unit, and one set (for a camcorder) on the lower left. This means that if you plan to wall mount it, you'd better think carefully about how you will route wiring before you have it installed.

If you plan to buys this product, evaluate if an LCD can truly match your needs.

For example, if you're worried about black level performance, you may be better served with a direct-view (tube) television.

Compared against any rear projection technology, uniform brightness (vertical or horizontal) is always lacking on the projection TVs. While the sweet spot for viewing a projection TV has improved, it can't match the consistency this LCD provides.

Against a plasma, if I have to choose between the minor artifacts caused by backlighting versus the "screen door" effect of a plasma, this unit wins hands down (and I voted with my wallet on this issue :-) ).

All in all, make sure you know that this is what you want... because even though it is "king of the hill", there are tradeoffs to all of these technologies, and even at this price point, there WILL be trade-offs with any of these technologies.