Is this HDTV as good as it looks?

I'm a sucker for good-looking technology. I've had my eye on this Samsung LCD HDTV for awhile, but I want to make sure it's not a gimmick. In addition to using it as a monitor I'd also be using it for game consoles and probably TV. I'm going to go look at it again tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone on here has heard anything about these. For $500 I'd rather not get ripped off.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

It's a last generation model, however still a good quality LCD HDTV. Just to give you an idea of what has been improved in the new generation LCD HDTVs:

-This model has a 700:1 contrast ratio, new models have ~10,000:1. Probably not a big deal with a 19-inch screen.

-Viewing angle on the new LCDs have greatly improved in the new generation panels. The only thing I could tell you is to check a floor model and see if the view angle on this TV is okay for the application you are looking for.

-It lacks HDMI which may be important depending on what you plan to do with it. Both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray may require a HDMI connection to output at HD resolutions sometime around 2008.

Other than those three issues, this TV is on par with everything else out there at this screen size.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

This TV/LCD panel is ok. Not great, especially for the money. To be blunt honest, I think Samsung/Sharp LCD's are generally overrated and overpriced. And generally you can get a better deal online through NewEgg or other outlets than you can in stores.

That being said Best Buy is not a horrible place to buy an LCD. But, this LCD has ok contrast, no HDCP compatiblity (you will eventually wish you had this), is a bit light on the number of inputs, and is a bit small for the price. I have to ask, do you have a price range or specific size you are looking for. Because you can go bigger for around $400 if that was something you are looking for.

EDIT:
After a second look, it ain't too bad. It's a good brand, the price might be a touch high, when compared to other LCD Monitors, but not other LCD TVs. I'd recommend spending a bit more and getting a larger display if you are planning or think of using this for anything other than on a desk situation. Give me a little more of what you are looking to do with your purchase, and I can give you a bit more accurate help.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Dayvon

no HDCP compatiblity (you will eventually wish you had this)

What is this? I'm not familiar with it.

I'm not too concerned with size. I currently use a 19" LCD monitor and I'm comfortable watching movies and playing games on it. The reason I'm looking at a TV like this is that I want something with component inputs for game consoles (I imported Game Cube cables), and I also want it to serve as my computer monitor. While I don't intend to use it as a TV right now, it'll be nice to have when I finally have my own place to live.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

HDCP is some homogay digital rights management bullshit you should be fighting against. Google if you want to know more, but basically HD-DVD and blu ray suck.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Cam

HDCP is some homogay digital rights management bullshit you should be fighting against. Google if you want to know more, but basically HD-DVD and blu ray suck.

QFT

Unfortunately, many other services (such as digital HD cable/satellite) require it as well. This can put a damper on many peoples plan if they buy a non-HDCP compliant device.

@OP
It's a good display for your usage. Right now, it's showing as 399 which is not a bad price. Get it while the price is good, because 499 is not worth it.

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I decided to go ahead and buy it. So far so good, though I'm having some setup issues with my PC. Since I still have my old monitor I've decided to try setting it up as a second screen, though I'm wondering if maybe I should just let the TV be the second screen instead. I couldn't get the TV to display my desktop properly using the DVI input, so I'm using VGA instead and it looks fine.

Does it make any sense to run Nvidia's Display Optimization wizard on this thing? It felt a little too bright, so I figured I might as well try to calibrate everything. Unfortunately, I don't have very good vision as it is, so I'm not quite sure if I did everything right. For instance, at the beginning you're supposed to turn Contrast and Brightness up to 100%, and then it tells you to lower the brightness so that two grey bars appear black. Are you supposed to adjust the contrast too? Anyway, I'll use it for awhile and see how things turn out.

FELIPE NO

Windows Vista will also employ HDCP. So if you ever go to upgrade you may run into some frustrating issues. I'd highly suggest getting something without this issue unless you use Linux religiously, because everyone who uses Windows eventually goes to their next gen OS.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

As I understand it, HDCP only applies to the digital inputs. This thing has VGA in, and the DVI port doesn't support PCs anyway.

Jam it back in, in the dark.