Customer reviews from Samsung US
Samsung - 42" Class / 720p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV
Average customer rating
4.6
(180 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 180 reviews
5 Stars
141
4 Stars
24
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
2
1 Star
6
92%of customers recommend this product.
(
155 out of
169)
Customer Reviews for Samsung - 42" Class / 720p / 600Hz / Plasma HDTV
Customer Rating
4
450 Series, 42" Plasma - 720p
on November 1, 2010
Posted by: jumpman
from St Louis, MO
Expertise:Expert
We recently found ourselves in a spot where we needed to find a replacement for a bedroom television. So the hunt was on for a TV to replace a 32" 'old style' direct-view unit that would see about 8-10 hours of use per week. The replacement would be placed in the corner of our 13’ x 18’ master bedroom (as was the old TV), and be connected only to a 'cable ready' connection, and a DVD player. As our old DVD player (a PlayStation 2) had been giving us issues, I factored it’s replacement into my decision also. The only additional features I was looking for were: Netflix access and the ability watch video files through a USB port. This TV (PN42C450) does NOT have those features…but more on that later. Lastly, as we moved from the older direct-view technology to a flat-screen, I factored in the cost of a wall-mount system that would accommodate mounting in the corner of a room.
After looking at televisions from multiple manufacturers, in screen-sizes ranging from 32” to 46” I opted for the Samsung PN42C450. Samsung’s history of reliability was a factor, as was the 600Hz refresh rate. The quality of Samsung’s analog/digital tuner was also a factor, as our local cable provider offers some Hi-Def channels over their ‘cable ready’ feed. The 720p screen resolution was somewhat of a sticking point, but when weighing the cost/benefit to 1080p models, I could not justify the added cost for a TV that was going to be in a bedroom and get limited use. Additionally, while plasma units traditionally have higher power consumption rates than their LCD & LED counterparts – I decided that ‘going green’ was not a huge deal in this circumstance, considering again, the limited amount of use the television gets.
After making my purchase and loading the TV in to the car…It did fit (boxed) into the back seat of my Ford Fusion…I brought it home, attached it to the stand, connected it to the cable feed, plugged it in to power – and started set-up & auto-programming. Sound is good, and playing with the pre-set sound fields and the available EQ will most likely yield acceptable sound for an average sized room. Picture modes are also pre-set, while offering a LOT of user adjustable settings. Finding a picture you are satisfied with right out of the box is very likely – for those of you that want to ‘fine tune’ the set, you will like the picture menus. As far as picture quality, I am very satisfied. Viewing distance in our bedroom ranges from 4 to 18 (or so) feet, and the picture looks good from anywhere in-between. Analog cable channels do not show a picture as good as I would like, but that is not a fault of the TV, it is an unfortunate by-product of older analog technology. By switching the aspect ratio of the TV to 4:3 you can see a definite improvement – but then you will have grey bars on either side of the picture. In my case, I would rather watch a slightly degraded ‘widescreen’ image, rather than a smaller picture that has a bit more definition. I will mention again, this is NOT a fault of the TV, and if you are expecting a Hi-Def picture when you connect to an analog source – you will be disappointed with ANY television you purchase. Now, when tuning in channels that are provided in Hi-Def, I am VERY pleased. Picture quality/clarity is extremely good and makes everything more pleasant to watch.
The few things that I would point out to be mindful of: The learning curve for people who are just now adopting Hi-Def technology will require some time. If you have Hi-Def channels available in your area, and you are opting to NOT use a cable or satellite receiver – you will need to re-learn your channel lineup…As Hi-Def broadcasts (in most cases) are NOT going to be on the same channel as their old analog counterparts. While I was familiar with the difference, my wife is not finding all that pleasant to now have to remember to push ‘5-1’ on the remote, rather than just pushing ‘5’ to get the local NBC broadcast. Now, either will work to get to the channel – the difference is picture quality on analog vs. Hi-Def. Also, the sensor for the remote control is located in the bottom right corner of the television. While this is not uncommon, until I purchase a wall mount, I find it somewhat frustrating that due to the layout of our room – I have to be in a specific location to use the remote control. This is NOT a fault of the TV, just a limitation I am working with due to placement of other furniture in the room. Lastly, and the only criticism of the television I have, is access to the ‘favorite channels’ menu. The TV has a feature that allows you to add ‘favorite’ (read that as frequently watched) channels to a list. By pushing the ‘favorite channel’ button on the remote, you can scan through the channels you have assigned to your ‘favorites list’. While that works well, I would like if there were a way to quickly (one button on the remote) access the entire list of ‘favorites’ and then be able to scroll and select a specific channel. The ability to do that is available, but the process is not user friendly, and is bordering on cumbersome.
After looking at televisions from multiple manufacturers, in screen-sizes ranging from 32” to 46” I opted for the Samsung PN42C450. Samsung’s history of reliability was a factor, as was the 600Hz refresh rate. The quality of Samsung’s analog/digital tuner was also a factor, as our local cable provider offers some Hi-Def channels over their ‘cable ready’ feed. The 720p screen resolution was somewhat of a sticking point, but when weighing the cost/benefit to 1080p models, I could not justify the added cost for a TV that was going to be in a bedroom and get limited use. Additionally, while plasma units traditionally have higher power consumption rates than their LCD & LED counterparts – I decided that ‘going green’ was not a huge deal in this circumstance, considering again, the limited amount of use the television gets.
After making my purchase and loading the TV in to the car…It did fit (boxed) into the back seat of my Ford Fusion…I brought it home, attached it to the stand, connected it to the cable feed, plugged it in to power – and started set-up & auto-programming. Sound is good, and playing with the pre-set sound fields and the available EQ will most likely yield acceptable sound for an average sized room. Picture modes are also pre-set, while offering a LOT of user adjustable settings. Finding a picture you are satisfied with right out of the box is very likely – for those of you that want to ‘fine tune’ the set, you will like the picture menus. As far as picture quality, I am very satisfied. Viewing distance in our bedroom ranges from 4 to 18 (or so) feet, and the picture looks good from anywhere in-between. Analog cable channels do not show a picture as good as I would like, but that is not a fault of the TV, it is an unfortunate by-product of older analog technology. By switching the aspect ratio of the TV to 4:3 you can see a definite improvement – but then you will have grey bars on either side of the picture. In my case, I would rather watch a slightly degraded ‘widescreen’ image, rather than a smaller picture that has a bit more definition. I will mention again, this is NOT a fault of the TV, and if you are expecting a Hi-Def picture when you connect to an analog source – you will be disappointed with ANY television you purchase. Now, when tuning in channels that are provided in Hi-Def, I am VERY pleased. Picture quality/clarity is extremely good and makes everything more pleasant to watch.
The few things that I would point out to be mindful of: The learning curve for people who are just now adopting Hi-Def technology will require some time. If you have Hi-Def channels available in your area, and you are opting to NOT use a cable or satellite receiver – you will need to re-learn your channel lineup…As Hi-Def broadcasts (in most cases) are NOT going to be on the same channel as their old analog counterparts. While I was familiar with the difference, my wife is not finding all that pleasant to now have to remember to push ‘5-1’ on the remote, rather than just pushing ‘5’ to get the local NBC broadcast. Now, either will work to get to the channel – the difference is picture quality on analog vs. Hi-Def. Also, the sensor for the remote control is located in the bottom right corner of the television. While this is not uncommon, until I purchase a wall mount, I find it somewhat frustrating that due to the layout of our room – I have to be in a specific location to use the remote control. This is NOT a fault of the TV, just a limitation I am working with due to placement of other furniture in the room. Lastly, and the only criticism of the television I have, is access to the ‘favorite channels’ menu. The TV has a feature that allows you to add ‘favorite’ (read that as frequently watched) channels to a list. By pushing the ‘favorite channel’ button on the remote, you can scan through the channels you have assigned to your ‘favorites list’. While that works well, I would like if there were a way to quickly (one button on the remote) access the entire list of ‘favorites’ and then be able to scroll and select a specific channel. The ability to do that is available, but the process is not user friendly, and is bordering on cumbersome.
As I stated earlier, I was looking for a few additional features (Netflix & video over USB), and was going to be purchasing a new DVD player also. In my research efforts, I found that many Samsung Blu-Ray players offer the ability to stream Netflix movies (with a paid Netflix subscription), as well as play video files from USB device. So, problem solved.
* Yes, the Samsung Blu-Ray player is pricier than a standard DVD player, AND I won’t get a 1080p picture should I opt for viewing a Blu-Ray in the bedroom… In response to that: the combination of the two is still less expensive than a television that has those features built –in… Also, when looking at USB video compatibility, Samsung is one of the (very) few manufacturers that allow .VOB files to be played via USB. That means, for those who create legal back-up of their DVD collection, you can simply attach a portable hard drive to the Blu-Ray player and have access to any ‘ripped’ movies you may have stored on it.
* Yes, the Samsung Blu-Ray player is pricier than a standard DVD player, AND I won’t get a 1080p picture should I opt for viewing a Blu-Ray in the bedroom… In response to that: the combination of the two is still less expensive than a television that has those features built –in… Also, when looking at USB video compatibility, Samsung is one of the (very) few manufacturers that allow .VOB files to be played via USB. That means, for those who create legal back-up of their DVD collection, you can simply attach a portable hard drive to the Blu-Ray player and have access to any ‘ripped’ movies you may have stored on it.
Buying a TV these days can be complicated. Unless you live in a world where money is no object, and you are trusting a Home Theater retailer/installer to make all of your decisions for you... (if that is the case, you are most likely not in the market for this TV model anyway). As I live in the 'real world', many factors have to be considered when I shop - making sure the right choice is made in regards to technology, features, price and integration into our home environment. This (PN42C450) Samsung was the right choice to meet all of my needs.
Are there better televisions out there? Absolutely. Are there televisions that offer a better combination of picture/sound quality and features versus cost? No. (not that I have found anyway). Now, that said, if I were to be shopping for a television that would be used for primary entertainment (family TV, watching movies, gaming) in a living room, family room or den – I would be looking at something well above the price range of the PN42C450. For a secondary (or other extra) TV, this is as good as I can ask for.
Are there better televisions out there? Absolutely. Are there televisions that offer a better combination of picture/sound quality and features versus cost? No. (not that I have found anyway). Now, that said, if I were to be shopping for a television that would be used for primary entertainment (family TV, watching movies, gaming) in a living room, family room or den – I would be looking at something well above the price range of the PN42C450. For a secondary (or other extra) TV, this is as good as I can ask for.
Pros: Bright display, Inexpensive
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
4
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
THANK GOD FOR SAMSUNG
on March 25, 2010
Posted by: saint
I have been looking for the longest time, for a tv that is both affordable and perfect.I have found it with this tv.Its great picture quality matches that easily of the 1080 lcd models that cost way too much.Im glad i went with samsung, in my opinion samsung makes plasma tvs better than any other brand.If you are looking to hookup your ps3, the picture quality is superb, and if u have other samsung products hooked up to this tv, the remote controls them all.no more needing 5 remotes.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
SUPER TV GREAT VALUE
on September 5, 2010
Posted by: reddd
from Seattle WA
Expertise:Intermediate
Worked great right out of the box. Easy to assemble the stand. This is a very nice plasma tv. Did compare with the others in this size but have always had super products from
Samsung. This is the 2nd tv I've got from Samsung. The first is 2 years old and is still working great. Thanks Samsung!!!
Samsung. This is the 2nd tv I've got from Samsung. The first is 2 years old and is still working great. Thanks Samsung!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Amazing TV for a Good Price
on June 1, 2010
Posted by: Viper91
from CA
At first I was skeptical to get a plasma TV since screen burn in is a big issue with plasma TVs, but this TV has a screen burn in prevention which works great. It has amazing picture quality and was priced reasonably. Also Samsung is a great brand.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
1
42 in Samsung Plasma TV
on August 23, 2011
Posted by: Marlana71
Will not ever buy another Samsung product. We have had our TV for about 8 months and today we go to turn it on and it just clicks. How does a TV that is only 8 months old already have something wrong with it? I have several TV's that I have had for 20+ years that still work. This is ridiculous.
Cons: tv will not turn on after 8 months of owning
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
2
Performance
1
Design
2
Value
2
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
1
Dead Pixel Line Within 20 Hours of Use
on November 1, 2010
Posted by: UnhappyinGA
Expertise:Intermediate
Bought two of these TV's for a vaction home which we visit a few times each year. Had only used this one for arund 20 hours when a full line of display running from the top to the bottom went out. Since we only spend weekends at the home we could not get it looked at, now the next time we are at the home it is still having the same problem, but we are now out of warranty:( So I have now have a 42" paper weight to hold down the the TV Guide. I have also had quality issues with another Samsung product, but the merchant replaced with a better product.
Cons: Poor quality, Did not meet expectations
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
5
Performance
1
Design
5
Value
1
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Product
on November 11, 2010
Posted by: HeresLookingAtU
from New Jersey
I purchased my first Samsung plasma tv in 2008 and was blown away by it after hearing so many negative things about picture quality on plasma tvs. When I purchased my second plasma, I went in to the store and asked the salesman only to show me samsung tvs. Needless to ssay, I am even more satisfied with the second one...i just love it. Excellent!!! Couldn't ask for a better product.
Pros: Built-in speakers, Bright display, Inexpensive, Durable, Realistic color, Lightweight
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Great TV, for LCD
on December 17, 2011
Posted by: LovetheEpicPhone
from Evans, Colorado
Expertise:Expert
We were looking for a good TV for the bedroom, and when we saw this TV we knew it was the one! It has immaculate picture, and we've never had a problem. Plenty of ports, for the full entertainment set-up! I highly recommend this TV.
Pros: Bright display, Durable, Realistic color
Cons: heavyweight
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
4
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US