The Samsung Series 4 (PN-A450) plasma HDTV models are well represented in retailers best seller lists on a continuous basis. From their popularity the 42 inch PN42A450 and 50 inch PN50A450 are obviously considered a value for money 720p plasma HDTV option by consumers. A notable feature of these A450 models is that that they are 3D ready, the first such flat panel HDTVs on the market in fact.

Contrast ratio is an inportant factor in achieving good picture quality and Samsung has achieved an excellent 20,000:1 contrast ratio (static) with these plasma panels. Samsung’s new Ultra FilterBright filter which should be of particular interest to those who have to position their HDTV in bright ambient light conditions as it reduces on-screen glare such a situation can cause, preserving the contrast ratio. The PN-A450 models come with a detachable swivel stand and can be wall mounted with an optional wall bracket.

Plasma Panel Life

You want your purchase to last and Samsung delivers with a 100,000 hour rated panel life (half life) ahead of the previous 60,000 hour benchmark.. The 100,000 hours which works out at 45 years if you are watching for 6 hours every day. It pays to remember however, that the 100,000 hours is determined by a mathematical calculation of phosphor depletion and doesn’t take into account any other components.

Samsung’s DNle Video Processing Technology

These Samsung plasma models come with Samsung’s DNIe video processing technology which consists of a Motion Optimizer, a Contrast Enhancer, a Color Optimizer, and a Detail Enhancer. Video processing power is becoming a more significant factor to achieving picture quality with each generation of HDTVs.

Samsung’s Silhouette Edition Technology (False Contour Reduction)

False contouring (also called solarization or posterization) is an artefact type which produces a splotchy, distinct section in what should be gradual gradation of color or shadows. Samsung’s exclusive silhouette-editing technology reduces the “false contour” effect to deliver clear, sharp images - even on a curvy surface, like a face. Samsung also use innovative motion-estimating technology to multi-tone the bright and dark parts on each angle of a line for sharper images.

The higher 18-bit bit depth used by these plasma HDTVs also naturally reduces the likelihood of false contouring through increasing the number of available colors for rendering images.

Future-ready 3D technology

Samsung have 3D technology in their DLP HDTV range but have now included it in their plasma range. You do however need an optional 3D pack which includes an IR emitter and special shutter glasses. 3D content availability is very limited at the moment. You also need to consider that you need to run the game or play the DVD on a connected PC. Samsung have a good overview of just how their 3D capability works which is well worth a read.

Picture Modes

Picture quality adjustments allow you to achieve the best picture from your HDTV. Both models have a number of modes for picture quality adjustment. Color Temperature Control for example can be used to adjust the color temperature for a warm, mellow picture, ideal for watching movies. There’s also a quick set picture adjustment for Custom/Standard/Music/Movie/Speech.

Calibration

This year’s new Samsung HDTVs have an extended expert calibration menu. It’s possible to set up and save a image parameter settings.

Other Notable Features

• Built-in digital (ATSC) and almost legacy analog (NTSC) tuners for capturing over-the-air broadcasts and a QAM cable TV tuner for receiving unscrambled broadcasts without a set-top box.
• Each model has the V-Chip system which allows parents to block TV programs and movies rated as containing objectionable content.
• Samsung’s auto pixel-shifting technology is included with both models to prevent the burn-in that plasma panels have been prone to in the past.
• Both models are Energy Star compliant to the latest EPA specifications guaranteeing a significant 25% energy consumption reduction.
• Samsung have included Anynet+ which an implementation of CEC (Consumer Electronics Control or HDMI-CEC) making it possible to activate other AV equipment such as a DVD player or game console from the one remote control.
• Included USB 2.0 port makes it simple to view contents directly from digital devices such as cameras, MP3 players, and USB thumb drives.
• Twelve month parts and labor warranty

Audio

SRS Lab’s TruSurround XT technology simulates the surround sound field of a home theatre using only the two hidden bottom 10W speakers.

Sound controls include balance, equalizer (5 band) and auto volume adjustment.

The is an optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital.

Connections

Side Mounted

• 1 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A )
• 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 )
• 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN )
• 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )

Rear Mounted

• 2 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A )
• 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 )
• 2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 )
• 1 x VGA (PC) input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) )
• 1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
• 3 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 3 )
• 1 x Digital audio output (optical) ( TOSLINK )
• 1 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A )

Other Samsung Plasma HDTV Series

Samsung Series 5 Plasma HDTV Deleted/Modified Features

• 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) instead of 720p

Deleted Features

• 3D ready capable of displaying 3D games, movies and other programming via 3D compatible glasses and hardware. 3D viewing - requires PC
• PC Input

Samsung Series 6 (PN-A650) Plasma HDTV Additional/Modified Features

• Touch of Color styling
• Infolink RSS feeds of customizable stock quotes, weather and brief news articles
• 4 rather than 3 HDMI connections
• 15 watt rather than 10 watt speakers

Samsung Series 7 (PN-A760) Plasma HDTV Further Additional Features

• Ethernet port
• DLNA Certification (for networking with other consumer electronics products)
• Pre-loaded Content Library including exercise, children’s edutainment, cooking, image gallery and games
• Recognition and playback of MPEG4 and XviD video files

Resources

Samsung’s introductory video to Anynet+

PN42A450 User Manual (PDF)

PN50A450 Data Sheet (PDF)

PN50A450 User Manual (PDF)

HDTV Hook-Up Kit (2m Cables) Great For Samung Models LNT4061F, HLT6176S, HLT6176SX, LNT4671F, LN-T4642H, LNT4642, LN46A750, LNS4695D, LN40A330, PN42A450, LNT4669F, LN46A550, LN46A550P, HPT5064, LN46A650P, LNT4661F, LN40A650, LN40A450, LNT4665, LN40A550, LNT5265F,PN50A550, PN50A450, LN52A550P, PN58A550, LN52A650A, LNT5271F, LN32A650, LN52A750, LN40A750

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Samsung PN50A450 50-inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Samsung PN42A450 42-inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Samsung’s Extended Service Plan

Extended Service Plan

SAMSUNG 50″ 720p Plasma HDTV PN50A450

SAMSUNG 42″ 720p Plasma TV PN42A450

Samsung PN50A450 - 50 Widescreen 720p Plasma HDTV - 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio - Piano Black

Samsung PN42A450 - 42 Widescreen 720p Plasma HDTV - 100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio - Piano Black

Specification for Samsung 720p PN50A450 and PN42A450 Plasma HDTVs