The Samsung Series 7 (PN-A760) range of plasma HDTV models is well represented in bestselling HDTV lists. Customers looking for the excellent contrast ratio that comes with a plasma HDTV will not be disappointed with the 1,000,000:1 of Samsung’s Series 7 plasmas. It’s an important factor in achieving picture quality. Samsung’s new Ultra FilterBright filter helps retain the contrast ratio if you have to position your HDTV in bright ambient light conditions by reducing on-screen glare.

Premium features available on the Series 7 (PN-A760) Samsung plasma HDTVs are all about improved connectivity and content access for making the plasma HDTV an entertainment centre. Primary to achieving this is the inclusion of an Ethernet connection with the Samsung Series 7 plasma HDTVs. If you want to avoid potential problems with running network cables you can even purchase an optional Wireless LinkStick for a wireless connection to wireless router with an Internet connection. With HDTV performance and functionality relying more on software it would be convenient if firmware updates could be downloaded and installed via the Ethernet connection to the Internet. Unfortunately this will have to wait till later models.

Having a conveniently side-mounted USB 2.0 port (WiseLink Pro), Series 7 plasmas make it easy to connect an MP3 player or digital camera and listen to music or view photos in a large, widescreen slideshow. Multimedia file recognition includes MP3, JPEG as well as XviD and MPEG4 video files. The included Digital Content Management feature allows images to be sorted, much like on a PC, based on common parameters like time and even on uncommon ones like color and composition.

To ensure your digital content can be easily shared using other consumer electronics (ie. a PC) Samsung have included DLNA certification.

In a move which is becoming common with premium HDTVs, Samsung have bundled content with Series 7 plasmas with their new InfoLink RSS service. InfoLink provides customized RSS feeds of information like stock quotes, sport, weather and brief news articles.

Samsung’s DNle Pro Video Processing Technology

These Samsung plasma models come with Samsung’s next generation DNIe Pro 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.

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.

Day/Night Calibration Modes

Another feature which helps maintain picture quality in varying light conditions is Samsung’s Day/Night Calibration Modes. These modes provide professional calibrators access to customize, enhance and save picture settings to match day/night ambient light conditions.

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.

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.
• All Series 7 plasmas comply with the EPA’s Energy Star rating system.
• 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.
• 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 down firing 15W speakers.

Connections

Samsung have included no less than four HDMI v1.3 inputs (three rear, one on side) for connecting to other high definition devices.

• 4 HDMI v1.3 (3 rear/1 side)
• 1 composite (AV) (side)
• 2 component video inputs (Y/Pb/Pr) (rear)
• 1 S-Video (side)
• 1 USB 2.0 (side)
• 1 Headphone (side)
• 1 RS232C (rear)
• 1 Ethernet (rear)

Other Samsung Plasma HDTV Series

Samsung Series 6 Plasma HDTV (PN-A650) Deleted 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

Samsung Series 5 Plasma HDTV (PN-A550) Further Deleted/Modified Features

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

Samsung Series 4 (PN-A450) Plasma HDTV

• 720p HD (1365 x 768 pixels) instead of 1080p

Additional Features Unique to Series 4

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

Resources

Samsung’s introductory video to Anynet+

Series 7 Plasma Specification pdf

Samsung’s Wirewize website allows you to enter your brand (multiple brands covered) and model and obtain a list of cables you need for the best picture and sound as well as customized hookup instructions.

Choosing a flat panel or rear projection HDTV