Samsung's new generation Plasma Flat Panel Displays reach the highest level of performance. Drawing upon years of development and numerous picture enhancement technologies like Samsung's exclusive DNIe, these sets reproduce digital images with stunning clarity and realism. New convenience features like built-in analog tuners, integrated pedestal stand and a loaded jack-pack make set up a snap. With technology and convenience - wrapped up in a gorgeous new cosmetic design - it's sure to be the envy of the neighborhood.
Now you can use your PC and enjoy home-theater entertainment all from a single, broad flat-panel screen with brilliant colors and extraordinary contrast. Samsung's 42-inch SPN4235 plasma TV offers high-definition compatibility with HD sources and a native resolution of 852 x 480 pixels. Its direct-digital DVI input works with compatible DTV set-top boxes and PCs, and the EDTV set accepts full HDTV inputs (720p, 1080i) and scales them for progressive 480p viewing.
A built-in analog tuner, a pedestal stand, and a generous array of inputs and outputs make set up a snap, and the SPN4235's widescreen (16:9) display is specially configured to match or approximate the native aspect ratios of your favorite movies, either from DVD or from HDTV broadcasts when the set is hooked up to a DTV receiver (not included).
With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile. The SPN4235 is an astoundingly slim 3.1 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting (the set includes a convenient pedestal stand, pictured). Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.
Additional inputs include one HD component-video input (480p/720p/1080i) and one SD component-video input (480i) as well as one each S-video, composite-video, and RF. Samsung's proprietary video-enhancement technology, Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe), performs 3D noise reduction and detail and contrast enhancement for all interlaced (non-HD) sources.
The set also houses a 10-watts-per-channel audio amplifier for use with optional speakers, such as those in your existing stereo or home theater, or Samsung's matching PSM4230 speakers. A dedicated subwoofer output is just what you need to hook the set up with a powered sub for rafter-rattling low frequencies from your favorite movies and music. And, if you're listening in stereo or 2.1 (stereo plus subwoofer), onboard Dolby Virtual surround sound will simulate an enveloping surround experience with no need for rear-channel speakers.
The set's NTSC two-tuner picture-in-picture (side-by-side, split-screen) grants convenient, simultaneous viewing of two TV programs, and a fanless cooling system ensures quiet operation. Other optional accessories include a wall-mount kit (WMN4230) and a pneumatic floor stand (FS420).
What's in the Box
TV, pedestal stand, remote control, remote batteries, 3 ferrite cores, 2 speaker cables, 1 RF audio/video cable, 1 S-video cable, 1 PC cable, 1 component-video cable, 1 composite-video cable, stereo analog audio (left/right RCA) interconnect, detachable AC power cord, user's manual, and registration information.
1 Poor service
This, like other Samsung products, worked great for a few months. All of a sudden it won't recognize my Mac from the DVI port. The Mac works fine with other monitors, and even a Dell LCD TV. But the Samsung no longer recognizes it. Support from both the Tweeter store where I purchased it and from Samsung direct were absolutely NO help. I would stay away from Samsung and Tweeters for this reason.
2 Amazing set for the money
I can't complain about this set at all. I originally had a used Daewoo plasma from sams club and it sucked big time, heated up the room like crazy, and constantly had ghosting. I returned it at sams club and bought a samsung spn4235 at circuit city because they had a promotion (2,700 dollars) plus a 300 dollar gift certificate. They were getting rid of the model to get in new ones. The only thing I was let down about was it was EDTV but I found out HDTV models were a heck of a lot more expensive. When I first got the model it had this weird clayface effect and the picture wasn't what I expected however I adjusted the settings with Avia home theatre setup and I was very impressed with dvd picture. I thought this was as good as it was going to get but recently I ordered HDTV through dish network. I thought the standard channels looked like crap but I was able to set my settings at 1080i and 16:9 and hdtv channels were amazing. The picture was very lifelike and colorful and it fit my whole screen without stretching. I watched the discovery channel and the DNIE option is great for hdtv viewing. The unit does decent with blacks but not the best. The set definitely can provide a great picture but every tv can only provide as good a picture as the source it gets from. My suggestion is if you go hdtv use either component or dvi and avoid svideo and rca cables. The price is great and if your looking to save money and have a good picture I recommend the unit. There is a slight buzzing noise but I haven't noticed it. Don't bother with the side speakers go with surround sound it will enhance your experience much more. Overall a very good unit and I am definitely not disapointed.
3 Excellent Picture, great value
The Samsung SPN4235 has an excellent Picture, great value. Since these displays are the 2002 model you can probably find them for at or below $2k. Now, this is an EDTV which is about half the resolution of HDTV. But the picure is great. Especially if using a progressive scan DVD player. The picture gets even better when using a DVD player with a DVI output and setting the output to match the native resolution, which is 852x480P.
This set does have a slight problem with black levels in which dark scenes produce banding and slight contour artifacting. But this effect is minimal and mostly seen in analog content or DVDs of movies that tend to be older. But this is not (or should not) be a deterant from purchasing this set.
Xbox (and other game consoles) look excellent with this set. There is no better way to "game".
I strongly suggest purchasing the Avia Guide to Home Theater DVD to calibrate the display. Calibrating the set will yield stunning results in picture quality.
The PIP and POP feature is awesome. Especially for football.
4 great price and 2 year warranty
Great picture and great sound. Especially when you hook up a subwoofer to the set. I also purchased the optional speakers which have good overall quality. I have read some other reviews regarding some buzzing with the set but I have found that when I have hooked up the speakers there are 3 screws on the side of the set. If these are overtightened this could cause some buzzing noise. By loosening the screws you can make the buzzing go completely away. It worked on my set. hope this wil help if you get some buzzing on you sets enjoy
5 Bright and Bold
I purchased this Plasma for a friend and have had it in my home for 2 weeks. I too have looked at many plasmas in the stores and compared. I have to say this one has a beautiful picture. Compared to true HDTV plasmas in the store, this EDTV has a great picture. It is hard to spend the extra money for subtle differences that are hard to see even side-by-side. Most of our viewing is cable or DVD movies so I can't rationalize the extra money. Even with a cable input, the picture is great. It is clear and has little "noise" or "graininess" considering it is a cable signal. Friends come over and remark what a great picture.
Internal amp for speakers is fine. The Virtual Dolby does give good impact to the 2 speaker sound. For DVD's I use my separate surround sound system. One thing Samsung forgot on this model are audio output jacks to connect internal tuner sound to your surround sound system. So many other inputs, I don't know why they forgot those outputs.
This is one of the few Plasmas that comes with a 2 year warrenty in home! The appearance of the TV is perfect in our home and looks great on or off. We are likeing it soo much, I will probably buy one for myself now that I have seen and used it my home.
6 Excellent As good as I expected
I was considering (having narrowed it to) a couple of different well known brands in the six thousand dollar price range. Having started out leaning towards the bigger name brands the service tech did a fine job trying to keep me in the higher priced models. I'm not sure who wore who out. As I read more about the different models I found them to be very similar in their offerings, however, I kept leaning towards not what the descriptions said, but where I felt it mattered most, in the visual presentation of the picture I saw. I also found that visual presentation to be equally as personal. I asked others (in the showroom) their opinion and no surprise, I got as many differences as there were people. For example, I viewed some that looked to be naturally lighter and some darker and some with the hues more sedate than others that were more brilliant. We all saw them differently, yet the specs were all the same. My decision to buy this Samsung plasma screen wasn't scientific, I bought it because I've had great success with Samsung products in the past and I found the picture to be as pleasing as the more expensive models. With the money I saved, I upgraded to the Bose audio system and still had plenty of money left to buy DVDs and the popcorn to go with them. I would strongly recommend this plasma screen and feel confident that you made the right decision. PS, don't let those clerks up-sell you, let your eye decide, after all it's you that will be watching it!