Samsung launches huge LCD amid price slump

Demand for pricey flat-screen TVs has fallen short of expectations. But that didn't stop Samsung from unveiling an 82-inch whopper.
Photo: Samsung's 82-inch flat screen

The story "Samsung launches huge LCD amid price slump" published March 7, 2005 at 10:38 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[kitcar]

Well no wonder

Not everyone has HD yet so people aren't snapping them up.

The picture quality varies so much from manufacturer to manufacturer, that nobody is sure which one is best. The Pioneers look great when watching sports but look like crap when watching a movie, Sonys are just the opposite. Samsungs look average. I watched a race in HD a couple of weeks ago on four different units using the same signal; Jeez, the difference was so drastic it was sad.

My Mother-in-law bought a great big Toshiba 42 inch recently. From HD to HD broadcast, not only was the image different but the sound quality varied. Once people are convinced that it's worth spending thousands on they'll go for it.

[colcam]

picture quality

There is a huge difference from set type to set type. I have an RCA 38 inch tube type HDTV (built in HD tuner) that has been discontinued, and it works well with all of the signal types, displaying both 720p and 1080i very well, but friends who have gone out to buy HD sets have had problems with external tuners that work properly with one set but not another, units that have maximum display sizes, and that mangle other sizes, and some flukey problems that defy any explanation.

On the other hand, my over two hundred pound monster is crisp, clean, and works properly with all of the signals, so it can be done.

Avoid the bargain basement specials and you're half way there.

.

[Rusdude]

All sets need professional tuning

It's been noted many times that all TV units are shipped with really messed-up settings; usually everything is maxed out (color, brightness, etc).

Even if you go to the store and view the same signal side-by-side on different units, it's still not a fair comparison b/c of different settings. Many stores have also been known to intentionally make pciture appear worse on cheaper units so they can move out the more pricier sets.

At any rate, you need to do a lot of research before you spend your hard earned money. Multiple magazines, enthusiast sites, etc. (never know if one magazine is biast or not). Finally, if you're spending a few grand on that HDTV, do yourself a favor and invite a professional over to correctly set the settings.

There're also DVDs out there that guide you the process but a pro would do a better job and might be able to access hidden menus and such.