Samsung HP-S4273 Plasma HDTV

Pixel counts are an important factor in an HDTV’s overall image quality, however, other display characteristics such as picture contrast and color quality are more telling. The 42-inch Samsung HP-S4273 plasma HDTV may have fewer pixels than some of the latest high-resolution flat-panel displays, but it makes up for that with superb contrast and easy multimedia file support. With newer models poised to replace the HP-S4273, bargain hunters should put this plasma on their radar screens.

The 42-inch Samsung HP-S4273 measures 30.5 by 41.5 by 13.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 89.7 pounds with its stand attached. It has a simple set-up and its factory-attached swivel stand, solid, comfortable hand holds located on the back of the panel along the top edge, makes installing this television that much easier.

The glossy black frame features an unobtrusive Samsung logo and an illuminated circular power button centered on the lower bezel. Two 15-watt integrated stereo speakers are concealed along the lower edge of the display, minimizing the overall width of the panel—a common design among modern flat-panel televisions.

The HP-S4273 sports a lot of connectivity options. Most of these are standard among HDTVs and is located on the rear end of the display. It consists of two HDMI inputs, a VGA port, and two component-video inputs. A CableCARD slot and individual RF inputs for antenna and cable tuning are also provided. On-display controls and a set of standard-definition A/V inputs are front-accessible along the right side of the TV. Also at this location are a USB port and two flash memory card slots that provide easy access to digital images and music using the TV’s integrated player software. The memory card formats supported by the readers include SD, MMC, XD, CF, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro.

Standard-definition (SD) video looks terrible on an HDTV that lacks effective video processing. However, when fed a 480i signal over component video cable, the HP-S4273 was quite good at minimizing the jagged edges that can appear when displaying interlaced video, and it displayed fewer jaggies than the value-priced 42-inch Vizio VP42 plasma television.

The Samsung HP-S4273 turned in a decent performance for an HD plasma television in its size and price category. Compared with less expensive Plasma TV’s, it offers some potentially useful extras such as a CableCARD slot, dual RF inputs, and a swivel stand.

The few video noise artifacts noted when viewing some dark scenes weren’t particularly distracting, but they are something you don’t see very often with current televisions. Other brand’s picture may give out more detail in standard-definition sources, but the Samsung counters with darker black levels that enhance apparent contrast and make colors appear more saturated. If its extra features will be put to good use, the HP-S4273 is a good choice.

Sources:
http://www.plasmaconcepts.com
http://tech.yahoo.com
http://www.epinions.com