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Samsung PN42B430 review : plasma HDTV with e-panel technology

Posted to Televisions 2010-06-28

If you want the latest and greatest in plasma television technology, then you should consider buying the Samsung PN42B430 42" 720p Plasma HDTV, which edges out the competition with picture quality in contrast to product price. The sleek, stylish addition to Samsung's television series offers stunning 720p quality that comes quite close to 1080p performance. The plasma HDTV outdoes itself with regards to new features and technology, so if you want something modern but with a mid-range budget, the Samsung PN42B430 might be for you.

If you plan to mount this television on the wall, then prepare a space for a HDTV measuring 41.5" x 26.3" x 2.9" and weighing 53.6 pounds. With the stand, the dimensions differ at 41.5" x 28.7" x 12.4" and 61.7 pounds. Basically, this model is a competitor to Panasonic's similarly-priced 42" plasma HDTV. Needless to say, the Samsung PN42B430 overwhelmingly edges out the Panasonic in regards to features and performance. But as with everything, you will want to shop around and compare what is best for your home before making a decision.

Rating:

4.4 out of 5

Features

This television features state-of-the-art technologies, such as e-panel, FilterBright, and Anynet+ (CEC). The SRS TruSurround HD reproduces audio as rich and accurate as you could ever want, and Samsung's Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio guarantees that every picture is worth seeing. This model comes with HDMI, two component jacks, optical audio and composite ports. There is also a built in "Game Mode," which makes use of the .001ms response time to deliver power-packed performance. Although this isn't the best HDTV in regards to features, it is among the best for the price in regards to new technology.

Performance

A common fallacy with traditional LCD HDTVs is that strong motion blurs or fragmented pictures may occur during video with rapid movement. Plasma televisions easily correct this problem, but some fragmentation may occur unless the frequency rate (Hz) is fast enough to compensate. The 42" Samsung PN42B430 has been designed just for that purpose. It features astounding 600Hz Subfield Motion technology to ensure that every frame comes as crisp and colorful as ever, with no picture fragmentation or annoying unintended motion blurs. Thanks to this and other technologies, this plasma HDTV performs exceedingly well, much better than most LCDs.

Summary

If you want the latest in plasma HDTV technology, then consider the 42" Samsung PN42B430, which offers an unparallel 720p experience as far as picture quality and performance goes. There are similar plasma HDTVs on the market that offer more features or better built-in stereo systems, but very few match the quality and performance of this one for such a reasonable price. Although shopping for TVs can be tricky, perhaps you should give some thought to this model.

Pros

Extreme performance- .001ms response time, 600Hz subfield rate
High-quality- no more fragmented pictures or distorted motion blurs
Good price- priced similar to the competition, but offers much more
Modern-packed with new technologies like e-panel, Anynet+, FilterBright

Cons

Shop around- a bit bulky HDTV that lacks ports and features mediocre audio