Samsung TV Owners & Discussion Thread

[GLO]

Good morning!

Any one care to share some powerstrip settings for the SP61L2H?

My HTPC is just about ready to rock and roll!

Thanks

[Tascott Viewer]

Hi All

I have given up on the Samsung DVD-HD937

While in Melbourne last Friday last I picked up a Momistu V880

The best thing I ever did - the 880 works great on the SP50L2 - LCD

No abnormal line across the screen

No scrambled screen when 1080 mode selected

The picture quality of the Momistu on 1080i is amazing

No hook up problems just plugged in via DVI and away you GO

Works great on all resolutions - No HDCP issue

Have not had a chance to play with all the featutes of

this machine as yet - but more than Happy with the PQ

Will advise when I finally hear something from Samsung in regard to the

unwatchable HD937 which now has pride of place in my garage

Cheers

TV

[Michael1503559658]

  Tascott Viewer said:

Will advise when I finally hear something from Samsung in regard to the unwatchable HD937 which now has pride of place in my garage

Cheers

TV

Damn shame that! Was really looking forward to hearing great reviews with the HD937. I just can't understand how a large multi-national corporation like Samsung can offer a bundle like this and have it backfire so badly! Just can't believe it! Happy with the TV though.

[LJ03L]

I was just wondering what prices people are paying now - for any of the models. The best (cash) price i have gotten so far is $6350 for the 61". The problem though is no one has any in stock.

[Aqua]

  LJ03L said:

The best (cash) price i have gotten so far is $6350 for the 61". The problem though is no one has any in stock.

If your location is Sydney, Domayne Auburn said they had plenty of 61" in stock about 2 weeks back.

[hally]

I notice in the US that the 61" Samsung is DLP whereas ours is LCD. Is the DLP newer? Better? Anyone know if it is coming out in Australia? Not sure if I should be committing to the LCD or waiting a little longer...

Thanks

Shane

[yarraw]

LJ03L if you look back through the thread you will see I got the 61" for $5750 about 2 months ago. You should not pay any more than $6000 which was a fairly common offer at the time.

[Owen]

  hally said:

I notice in the US that the 61" Samsung is DLP whereas ours is LCD. Is the DLP newer? Better? Anyone know if it is coming out in Australia? Not sure if I should be committing to the LCD or waiting a little longer...

Thanks

Shane

The DLP models are not newer but they are definately better.

I don’t think the LCD models are sold in the US. Know one seems to talk about them.

The DLP models are probably not sold here due to cost, mores the pity.

Owen

[digitaladvisor]

Great link to AVS on DVI derived timings shall try it.

DA

[gsxr1000]

Well, had the 61 for a month now and not very impressed

While the HD feed from 7-9 etc is great, nothing else is. Any SD feed through the toshiba stb is ordinary at best. I realize this is a HD monitor but I am very unimpressed with most tv broadcast. The footy is out & out bad. Any fast moving action 'bleeds' considerably, this includes motorbike racing & car racing etc. While some shows advertise as HD the info box on the toshiba always shows them as SD. I havent received the HD DVD player yet but am not holding much hope of it fixing the crappy quality of the DVD's I have been playing. Again I realise the source isnt that flash, but some of the DVD's (tv series especially) are shocking in their display of skin tones, dark scenes etc. Most of the newer DVDs are ok though.

I guess as this is the 'family' tv that the kids watch all the time etc, maybe we should have lowered our sights a bit, but wa have a big lounge/kitchen/pool room area, so big was good, and needed a non reflective screen due to large window areas, so this set seemed perfect for us.

And just to really piss me off, the bloody thing wont fire up now.

It keeps switching between standby & off, with the lamp coming on for a second, then turning off again. Of course the repair guys cant come down to Torquay til thursday to pick it up, which means they will take it away for at least a week, then probably another week before it gets delivered agian. NOT HAPPY JAN

So guys, have I bought the wrong thing? Any one else had this sort of failure?

Should I have just bought a SD set? Any advise or 'ha ha, told you so' greatfully accepted.

[digitaladvisor]

Hi qsxr1000

For starters the only thing I use is a home theatre computer with a HD digital tuner card, DVD recorder/player inside the computer box. But mine is a 46" Smasung. I could not be happier.

Everything I feed to the set be it a DVD, SD, ED, HD or Video is upscaled via Computer to 1280 * 720p and connected via DVI.

Understanding the transition we are like Video, Analogue, DVD's, digital TV bla bla, but computer type pre-processing levels the variables in all these quality sources and it does look darn remarkable.

In other words I get the computer leveling all the variety of stuff and scaling natively to the Samsung like pre-processing the sources into better imaging.

Even a Foxtel Digital STB is fed into the computer. The computer CAPTURES the video from the Foxtel Digital Box for pre-processing to 1280 * 720, often called 720p or a kind of High defintion upscaling and clean up of image and by the time it arrives at the Samsung it looks darn remarkable.

Now because it has DVI input, the DVI from the computer to the DVI into Samsung.. its all pristine pre-processed digital input.

Why? Cheap and far more effective then buying all the other gadgets. But the config of such an animal is the "Everest climb", but once on top, enjoy the view and forget the rest.

Regards

DA

[hally]

Hi DA

Do you think the difference here could be the size of the screen? Your 46" looking considerably better than the 61"? I have been checking these screens out eagerly and had sold myself (in theory) to getting a 56" rather than the 61" as I thought it would be the best size for my room. I looked at a 56" next to the 46" at Dick Smith Powerhouse (the only place I could find one on display) and I was less than impressed with the 56" display. It mainly revolved around the picture being dull/colourless and what appeared to be inconsistent color lines vertically, ie I could see distinct differences in the color on the screen in the vertical lines, even from a significant distance. The 46" looked great in comparison, but it is really too small for the room I want it in, otherwise I might opt for plasma (oh the choices/decisions, I'm going mad ). I'm also concerned that it was just another poor setup in the store and not a real indication of the capability of the device.

Did you look at a larger disply? Did you choose the 46" over the larger displays simply due to screen size/cost or for other reasons.

Thanks

Shane (seriously perplexed about what to buy!)

[digitaladvisor]

  hally said:

Hi DA

Do you think the difference here could be the size of the screen? Your 46" looking considerably better than the 61"? I have been checking these screens out eagerly and had sold myself (in theory) to getting a 56" rather than the 61" as I thought it would be the best size for my room. I looked at a 56" next to the 46" at Dick Smith Powerhouse (the only place I could find one on display) and I was less than impressed with the 56" display. It mainly revolved around the picture being dull/colourless and what appeared to be inconsistent color lines vertically, ie I could see distinct differences in the color on the screen in the vertical lines, even from a significant distance. The 46" looked great in comparison, but it is really too small for the room I want it in, otherwise I might opt for plasma (oh the choices/decisions, I'm going mad ). I'm also concerned that it was just another poor setup in the store and not a real indication of the capability of the device.

Did you look at a larger disply? Did you choose the 46" over the larger displays simply due to screen size/cost or for other reasons.

Thanks

Shane (seriously perplexed about what to buy!)

NO! My lounge does not allow for a bigger one.

Proper calibration and source upscaling and defintely DVI should be enough to provide as rich experience as the smaller cousin.

You MUST get progressive DVd player at least and preferrably a DVI that upscales to 720p.

You must also ensure (if not computer derived) you get a HD STB that can defintely upscale/downconvert all digital TV to 720p with VGA putput and input MINIMUM.

Regards

DA

[pbone]

I posted earlier about some of the talk in the AVS forum that it was possible to get perfect HTPC mapping (ie no overscan and using entire screen) via DVI and VGA on their DLP Samsungs. Unfortunately I have tried using it on my 46 inch LCD and it does not work, I think because the DLP TV has a "normal" option (where it will show any input (either 4:3 or 16:9) as is, while my TV only has wide and 4:3 option (where for example a 16:9 input will be forced into a 4:3 picture.

I am in fact using the TV as a monitor (as I type this in) because my monitor died on the same day I got the TV. I have my computer feeding in 1248 x 702 which results in a nice picture but some overscan (about 60 pixels left right and 30 top bottom). Luckily in linux it is fairly simple to make the computer only use the visible part of the screen.

Has anyone been able to do any better? (I did try to use 1024 x 768 but that only uses part of the screen and results in distortion.)

[gsxr1000]

  digitaladvisor said:

Hi qsxr1000

For starters the only thing I use is a home theatre computer with a HD digital tuner card, DVD recorder/player inside the computer box. But mine is a 46" Smasung. I could not be happier.

Everything I feed to the set be it a DVD, SD, ED, HD or Video is upscaled via Computer to 1280 * 720p and connected via DVI.

Understanding the transition we are like Video, Analogue, DVD's, digital TV bla bla, but computer type pre-processing levels the variables in all these quality sources and it does look darn remarkable.

In other words I get the computer leveling all the variety of stuff and scaling natively to the Samsung like pre-processing the sources into better imaging.

Even a Foxtel Digital STB is fed into the computer. The computer CAPTURES the video from the Foxtel Digital Box for pre-processing to 1280 * 720, often called 720p or a kind of High defintion upscaling and clean up of image and by the time it arrives at the Samsung it looks darn remarkable.

Now because it has DVI input, the DVI from the computer to the DVI into Samsung.. its all pristine pre-processed digital input.

Why? Cheap and far more effective then buying all the other gadgets. But the config of such an animal is the "Everest climb", but once on top, enjoy the view and forget the rest.

Regards

DA

Hi digitaladvisor, thanks for the response. What you have sounds interesting & I would appreaciate some more specific details. While not totally computer illiterate, I do hate the things! Would like to either PM you or even phone re the type of set up you have. please let me know if either of these methods would be ok.

yours in anticipation.........

[digitaladvisor]

  pbone said:

I posted earlier about some of the talk in the AVS forum that it was possible to get perfect HTPC mapping (ie no overscan and using entire screen) via DVI and VGA on their DLP Samsungs. Unfortunately I have tried using it on my 46 inch LCD and it does not work, I think because the DLP TV has a "normal" option (where it will show any input (either 4:3 or 16:9) as is, while my TV only has wide and 4:3 option (where for example a 16:9 input will be forced into a 4:3 picture.

I am in fact using the TV as a monitor (as I type this in) because my monitor died on the same day I got the TV. I have my computer feeding in 1248 x 702 which results in a nice picture but some overscan (about 60 pixels left right and 30 top bottom). Luckily in linux it is fairly simple to make the computer only use the visible part of the screen.

Has anyone been able to do any better? (I did try to use 1024 x 768 but that only uses part of the screen and results in distortion.)

Presently I am working on DVI and 'hybrid resolutions, so far not much luck.

I note that fixing scaler to off in Radeon drivers helps. As well not limit to aware monitor as it cripples alternatives beyond 1280 * 720.

I am working on the situation and am hopeful of getting rid of overcan.

The firmware in the Smasung makes life very difficult ot not get a HD STB like overscanned display.

Regards

DA

[digitaladvisor]

Hi gsxr1000

Presentlly I doing major updates to lift the benchmark further on quality. As well I am upgrading finally to a 3gig AMD in the HTPC. A recent major revamp of DVD playback software..upgrading to WinDVD 6 which has some staggering quality enhancements.

Next comes dscaler useage with Foxtel Digital or finding the most easy to use PVR software to capture and save at reasonable quality.

Before I can get to all this, I have built a media data closet whereby most gear will be hidden with data pass through holes (the types used on business desk that will pass through cables). My home is fully networked.

I have also decided to purchase a SECOND digital tuner, revamp the hard drive capacity and install a dual layer DVD enabled drive in the unit. This simply allows one to directly backup dvd's untouched. As well as allowing archiving of HD derived material onto media in an efficent manner.

I hope to post the final outcomes on my web site. The key will be to bring together a multitude of technologies integrated into a single box with a SINGLE DVI quality output.

The total schema with pictures will be posted with a definitive listing how one goes about it. It will be a major undertaking on my part and many articles have already written in preparation. Whilst specfifically it will a target Smasung model DVI basde LCD RPTv it will I'm sure have other applications to many with HD displays trying a MUTLIPLE box inout entry and output in all pure digital DVI.

I am certain this will capture the imagination of many here and the intent is to get perfect PVR based on whatever content you throw at it. Even firewire DV Cam. This may necitate updating the motherboard as many are not fitted with front entry USB and Firewire.

The goal will to use more convential parts that tend to cost effective. You see it is fine to be captivated on the minor detail and not think practical and big enough picture in the exercise here. I also heop to stear clear of buggy cheap inferior gear that is sold on the grey market at prices too low to allow much leeway in warrnaty and reliablilty compliants.

Many of the posts related to DTV recording are all on about complicated conversion software where you end paying and arm and leg for. Whilst many issues related to receiving DTV in all levels SD, ED, and HD have resolved the weak link here is resorting to external tools that are very difficult and time consuming to get your head around. There remains for everyone how much time does one want to fiddle with this or that thing.

Many seem biased to particular HD displays. This just will not do here. As it is disheartening for someone to tell you could have brought better. But at what cost to get it right. For example some are preferring CRT RPTV's. But no thought is considered here that people have very diffrent situation and a 90KG plus monster sitting in your lounge may not your idea of entering the HD viewer previledged.

So all up, a big project awaits me ahead. I am also concerned that splinter groups within the HTPC community are making the way to enter are becoming far too complicated for an entrant who wants simply reasonable quality. So bcome so obssessed with the removal of all artefacts and poor quality from DVD. In other words ten DVd's may play perfectly but that one bad one sets one off in seeking the removal of some segment of defect that may last only 30 seconds over the entire duration of that movie. This is after they have 20 DVD's in their collection playing flwalessly and weeks if not months are spent on watching that defectrive scene over and again and tweak and tweak until the very early of the morning. I pity there sex life and marital status if such a hobby like becomes so much like this.

Further, it does one no harm to accept compromises in anything we own. Even if we brought wonderful resolving higher tech displays .. at what price and what other issues would introduced to go through yet again an obessesive ritual of getting it right that way you'd like it.

That all said..................the htpc REMAINS THE most COST OPTION ONE can DO FOR THEMSELVES EVEN WITH QUIRKS. aND WHAT TECHOLOGY DOES HAVE QUIRKS. none. sOMETIMES i THINK SOME ARE SEEKING A HOLY GRAIL ALWAYS JUST BEYOND THEM.

HECK THE WHOLE purpose IS TO SIT DOWN TO GREAT VIEIWNG IN THE LOUNGE AND enjoy IT, NOT TEARING IT APPART EVERY FEW DAYS TO SEE IF YOU GET IT BETTER.

I have never compromised. But I draw the line between good netrainment in my lounge and becoming obssessed with the lastest gadget that promises everything and delivers very littel.

I for one have not been happy with overall DVD variances in quality from DVD to DVD. Now if some of my testing can 'level' the playing field a bit better for consistency I'll be very happy. Now where the LOR RINGS Trilogy looks simply stunning, I hope by improvements to make a medocre DVD look nearly as good by newer improved releases.

I think I have said enough, but I am going need at least another two months before you'll see anything on my www.digitalxtreme.com.au web site.

I stay away from computer obssessed usage, programmer jargon and just plain geeky speak that helps noone get to their goals. I just want the darn thing to entertain me and do it with best practise for acceptable quality targets and cost EFFECTIVE so I don't empty my wallet on useless techy toys. I don't think that is too hard to ask or am I dreaming of something two to three years yet. I believe we can have it all right now, if one is prepared to climb the Everest and sit on top and enjoy the breath taking views.

Regards

DA

[Cymax]

I get the impression from this thread that there's a disturbing majority of people getting these sets that end up having to either get a tech to look at it, or get a replacement (or two).

Is it really that hard to get a pixel perfect unit that works properly from day one onwards?

[morkli]

  Cymax said:

I get the impression from this thread that there's a disturbing majority of people getting these sets that end up having to either get a tech to look at it, or get a replacement (or two).

Is it really that hard to get a pixel perfect unit that works properly from day one onwards?

A 'majority' on this forum is probably still a minorty when you consider all the sets sold. There might be many happy users out there that just happen to not this forum. Also, people don't usually mention anything if they are happy, just when they have a problem.

I thought I might have to call out the tech for my 56" Samsung due to a faint, but very high pitched noise. However, this has now dissapeared. I suspect it was just the bulb settling in.

My unit was and still is pixel perfect. So is digitaladvisor's 46" unit I believe, as are others. So, it shouldn't be too hard to get such a unit. Anyway, Samsung have been good at replacing any units with defective pixels.

I'm very happy with my unit, although, I'm still waiting on Samsung to get back to me on how to reduce the excessive amount of overscan.

Cheers,

morkli.

[Michael1503559658]

I bought my pixel-perfect 50" Samsung 3 months ago and it remains pixel-perfect today.

Like some people in this forum, I too will build myself a computer-based PVR but like many others, I think I will just sit on the sidelines (I'm in no hurry) and see how things pan out with other people and in the process avoid expensive mistakes. Like for one thing, which video card is best to use? A Nvidia or Radeon based card. I'm sure they are both equally as good but I'm also sure that the drivers for each of these cards are very different and therefore one would be better suited to the Samsung. Another question I'm still a little unsure of is which Tuner card is best? Digital High Definition specs are important but how good is the software that comes with it or what about 3rd party software compatibility? And so on.

[deangelj]

  Cymax said:

I get the impression from this thread that there's a disturbing majority of people getting these sets that end up having to either get a tech to look at it, or get a replacement (or two).

Is it really that hard to get a pixel perfect unit that works properly from day one onwards?

Bought mine about 3 months ago - still good

[Dilligaf]

I have had mine for(61") about 10 months - still perfect pictre

I have an HTPc set up on mine using a Radeon 9600XT - -but cant get an ideal resolution either. I have grey borders unfortunately - with 104 X 768 I guess you expect that.

I have tried home made drivers but suffered poor quality, so for the moment I put up with it with the borders

[digitaladvisor]

  Dilligaf said:

I have had mine for(61") about 10 months - still perfect pictre

I have an HTPc set up on mine using a Radeon 9600XT - -but cant get an ideal resolution either.  I have grey borders unfortunately - with 104 X 768 I guess you expect that.

I have tried home made drivers but suffered poor quality, so for the moment I put up with it with the borders

You do not have put up with the grey borders!

Download Rage3d or PowerStrip and add 1280 * 720.

For VGA input you can deincrement the 1280 * 720 in pixel rating vertical and horizontal for zero (almost) no overscan!

For DVI you'll get overscan but no grey borders.

To acheive FULL PAL Aussie DigitalTV compatiblity get PowerStrip and deincrement the refesh rate (vertical ONLY to 50Hz) for PAL DVD's and Digital Broadcasting via DVB-t card if your've got one.

The trick is to time or aim for specific HD timings like 576p / 720p /1080i all at 50Hz.

You are presently using standard computer resolutions and that is why. The Samsung for some odd reason decided to detect computer resolutions and forces non-overscan and the grey border.

Now it this could be taken out of the firmware programming for all computer resolutions, the grey borders would no longer be there!

So engineers thought this was a good idea. It also could be that THEY did NOT want a all in one computer solution to replace various pluggable Samsung products.

Regards

DA

[toothy]

Just thought I would write to let everyone know where I am up to. If you did or didnt know, I got a 61" samsung about a month or so ago and discovered a few green pixels.

I contacted samsung and they got back to me and are in the process of getting me a new TV while I still use the other one.

So, all seems to be well, and the picture still looks awesome...a lot of people are truly in awe of it

Anyway, I will clue you up when something else happens.

Cheers

toothy

[Mark Haynes]

  Dilligaf said:

I have had mine for(61") about 10 months - still perfect pictre

I have an HTPc set up on mine using a Radeon 9600XT - -but cant get an ideal resolution either.  I have grey borders unfortunately - with 104 X 768 I guess you expect that.

I have tried home made drivers but suffered poor quality, so for the moment I put up with it with the borders

Isnt 1024*768 a 4:3 resolution?

Shouldnt you be choosing one of the many 16:9 resolutions for a Widescreen TV like the big LCD's Sammys.

IF they arent there then maybe some third party app like Powerstrip, Rivatuner, Omega drivers (for ATI cards) etc could be used to add them in.

In fact if you have an ATI v/c you can use Rage3D tweaker which has a plethora of settings to play with. I even saw something for HDTV in the settings.

I dont have a HD DTV v/c yet but am seriously considering getting one.

Cheers Mark