Samsung 30" built-in HD tuner TX-P3071WH review

kdogg · 08-18-2004, 09:17 AM

Old versus New:
Well, I picked up my Samsung TX-P3071WH from Best Buy. I've been shopping for the TX-P3075WH. Don't make the mistake I did, and buy last year's TXN3075WHF model. Last year’s “N” models don’t have HDTV tuner built-in nor a DVI input. The 2 differences between the "P's" 71 and 75...

71 has "light-control" buttons on front, 75 doesn't - smaller size
75 has BBE sound processing, 71 doesn't - slightly larger, side button controls.

Both are for the exact same MSRP. The only odd thing was I got home, and found my 71 has BBE sound processing.

Features review:
I will only comment on stuff you won’t notice via spec sheet… Also, every HDTV is going to look better vs. old standard TV, so I won’t elaborate on picture quality against another brand.

This set has “Light-touch” controls. The buttons are smooth, heat sensing controls for volume, channel, etc. The “VOL” label lights up in when you touch volume up. It’s supposed to help in a dark room, but I found it more difficult since you can’t feel where the buttons are.

Because of the build-in tuner, digital signals come with schedule and programming info. So the TV remote has all the “guide” buttons (guide, info, exit, nav buttons) you would find on a cable box or satellite receiver. I mention this because when you do go with a cable or satellite box, you can still use your TV remote and not lose your important TV remote buttons (p.size, p.mode, s.mode). I always hated the generic remotes that came with most boxes. Since there are so many inputs, there are 2 separate buttons to cycle through composite and S video vs. component and DVI. I kept cycling the TV/Video button looking for my PS2 via component cables, and I was hitting the wrong button.

Dual coax input makes it easy to swap from cable feed to antenna feed. This has a Optical out for sending Dolby Digital signals to your receiver. I’m still amazed it can grab HD signals with DD 5.1 out of the air (see below).

Over-The Air antenna review:
I had a semi fancy antenna with rabbit ears, ring, and rotary VHF & UHF knob. I just plugged in my "non advertised HDTV" antenna, and I was able to pick up all my local UHF digital signals in my lower family room. I couldn't get my lone local VHF digital signal, but I believe I will as soon as I get a better antenna.

The neat feature of this Samsung, under Antenna mode it will program analog and digital signals together. So when you cycle through channels, my analog channel was immediately followed by its digital channel. You could easily note the difference between the too. It was cool to see the Dolby Digital stereo pop up, too.

Now, my local afffiliates "send" the signal digitally. This is SDTV and not HDTV, so the reception is flawless but the source is still the same. I did receive 1 over the air HD signal, PBS HD. I was shocked at the picture quality. I was stunned you can receive HD signals out of the air with using my old antenna.

In summary:
I took a chance on Samsung. People think it’s a lesser brand than Sony, but it has a better manufacturer’s warranty. I bought the first generation 36” Flat screen Sony Wega 5-6 years ago, and always thought Sony was the best. I didn’t want to get caught in “have to buy a Sony”. Circuit City guy mentioned Samsung and Sony have the same major internal components. Bottom line, this Samsung was a better overall value.

P.S. To access the TV service menu, hit Mute, 1, 8, 2 and power on the remote.

kdogg · 08-20-2004, 08:52 AM

After a few more days of tinkering, I'll note some cons (not problems)

1) I wish this set had Picture in Picture or a split screen tuner. I'm use to my PIP from my Sony WEGA. Not that I watch 2 programs a lot, but I play videogames and like to keep tabs on a game or show. The olympics is a great example. It's hard to know what's on, but I could keep an eye out for a sport I like. It's even more agonizing since I have to hit the video buttons 3-4 times to go back and forth.

2) Why don't all 16:9/widescreen TV's have Panasonic's nudge button? When you watch regular TV in zoom mode, it clips the top and bottom. Panasonic has a button where you can quickly push the picture up or down to view stuff hidden there. I've yet to feel comfortable watching 4:3 broadcasts in any other mode than 4:3.

PSzalapski · 09-12-2004, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdogg

After a few more days of tinkering, I'll note some cons (not problems)

1) I wish this set had Picture in Picture or a split screen tuner. I'm use to my PIP from my Sony WEGA. Not that I watch 2 programs a lot, but I play videogames and like to keep tabs on a game or show. The olympics is a great example. It's hard to know what's on, but I could keep an eye out for a sport I like. It's even more agonizing since I have to hit the video buttons 3-4 times to go back and forth.

2) Why don't all 16:9/widescreen TV's have Panasonic's nudge button? When you watch regular TV in zoom mode, it clips the top and bottom. Panasonic has a button where you can quickly push the picture up or down to view stuff hidden there. I've yet to feel comfortable watching 4:3 broadcasts in any other mode than 4:3.

I might buy this set. Any further comments? Thanks.

maximus · 09-12-2004, 11:22 PM

kdogg, does your Samsung have "barrel roll" at the extreme left and right side of your screen? Kinda fish-eye distortion type effect.

kdogg · 09-13-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maximus

kdogg, does your Samsung have "barrel roll" at the extreme left and right side of your screen? Kinda fish-eye distortion type effect.

Nope, the new TXP models fixed the problems from the TXN models

maximus · 09-13-2004, 09:29 PM

Thanks for the info!

wilfried · 10-26-2004, 09:00 PM

kdogg,

How do DVD's look on yours? I got the same Samsung set and some DVD's look blocky where there is color gradients. Nothing big but I noticed it. A good example is the blue around the new line cinema logo. (lord of the rings for example)

Same disc is fine on a Sony wega....

kdogg · 10-27-2004, 07:41 AM

I have a first gen 36" WEGA connected by an equally old Sony (non-progressive) DVD player via component. I can only watch DVD's on this Samsung via Xbox in non-progressive mode.

IMHO,there's no comparison between the two. Even only in non-progressive mode, the Samsung has a way better picture. The blocky gradients and distinguishable low horizontal line count are pretty obvious on my old Sony. I haven't see enough DVD's on my Samsung to rule your problem out. I mainly use my Samsung for videogames in progressive modes via PS2 and Xbox. No problems at all while playing.

Have you tried swapping DVD players? Hook up the DVD player connected to the Sony and plug it to the Samsung. Do you have any problems with other movies? Honestly, many DVD's are manufactured poorly right off the bat. Another cheap resolution, you can return your movie for a new copy at any store.

...or I could keep making excuses for my new TV

.

wilfried · 10-29-2004, 01:38 AM

turns out my DVD player had a crappy prog. scan engine....
Do you know if there is a way to change the color of the whit/gray bar when watching a 4:3 screen?

krazydl · 12-09-2004, 07:47 AM

Hi, guys! I'm brand new to this HDTV thing and this site.

When I was trying to buy HDTV, I did some research and read kdogg's review on this site and went for Sammy txp3071wh.
Thanks to kdogg, I love this TV.

However, I made really stupid mistake. I went into SERVICE MENU and changed some numbers without writing down default setting.
Now it doesn't look as good as when I got this TV for the first time. Actually it looks pretty bad..... I tried to fix it for a couple of days by myself and no success. Got some info on another Sammy HDTV default setting but still nothing.

Anyway, kdogg, is there anyway you can give me your txp3071wh's default setting?
If you cannot, it's okay, but if you can, it would be appreciated.

Thanks for all the information you guys put on this site.
I am learning a lot about this HDTV thing from you guys.

cid3 · 12-09-2004, 01:54 PM

Hey Kdogg,
How does the left side of the tv look when viewing white/bright images? I've had trouble with a different model samsung (txp2764) where when viewing a white image, the left side has an added orangish line going vertically on the black border area. Anything noticable (you have to look kinda close)?

Also, if your ps2 is the 50xx or 70xx model line you can watch dvd's in progressive scan... I didnt even realize xbox progressive scan was for games only, no progressive scan movies until a few days ago ><

talrudeboy · 12-12-2004, 05:40 PM

Hi ALL New to the site.
Does the TV Get 1080i only from the HD BOX (Subcription)?

I want to know if the Component going to the TV can still push out 1080i from an DVD player or OTA or from a SAT/Cale (Subcrition)

kdogg · 12-14-2004, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazydl

Anyway, kdogg, is there anyway you can give me your txp3071wh's default setting?
If you cannot, it's okay, but if you can, it would be appreciated.

Sorry, I haven't been on in a while. I'll check tonight and post my results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cid3

Hey Kdogg,
How does the left side of the tv look when viewing white/bright images? I've had trouble with a different model samsung (txp2764) where when viewing a white image, the left side has an added orangish line going vertically on the black border area. Anything noticable (you have to look kinda close)?

Also, if your ps2 is the 50xx or 70xx model line you can watch dvd's in progressive scan... I didnt even realize xbox progressive scan was for games only, no progressive scan movies until a few days ago ><

I've haven't noticed anything, but I'll double check. Does your problem appear visible from various inputs (cable, air, dvd, etc.)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by talrudeboy

Hi ALL New to the site.
Does the TV Get 1080i only from the HD BOX (Subcription)?

I want to know if the Component going to the TV can still push out 1080i from an DVD player or OTA or from a SAT/Cale (Subcrition)

You can get HD (720p or 1080i) from over the air. I only have PBSHD broadcast locally, but I'm not sure which HD it is. An HD signal can be sent to this TV via DVI, OTA, or Componant inputs. I'm sure you know there's no such thing as a 1080i DVD movie, yet.

talrudeboy · 12-14-2004, 02:07 PM

I am sorry for the Type-o I must have been sleeping or half asleep when I posted that question.

I want to know this.
If I get this TV, Can I get get 1080i using component conntection for:
1. Upscalling DVD player
2. PlayStation system
3. XBox systems

Is this TV HDCP Compliant

Last Question.
I have a
Kenwood VR-7070 600W 6.1-Ch A/V Home Theater

Do receivers typically downgrade the quality when going threw it to the TV?

Thanks all.

krazydl · 12-20-2004, 09:14 AM

I just found tx-p3071's service menu default setting.
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsth.../page/0#671718

Kdogg, if you don't mind, can you check if this setting is same as yours, please?

I haven't try tis setting yet.

As soon as I try this, I will post what happened.

Seasons Greetings to everybody!

08-18-2004, 09:17 AM	#1
kdogg High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 45	Samsung 30" built-in HD tuner TX-P3071WH review Old versus New: Well, I picked up my Samsung TX-P3071WH from Best Buy. I've been shopping for the TX-P3075WH. Don't make the mistake I did, and buy last year's TXN3075WHF model. Last year’s “N” models don’t have HDTV tuner built-in nor a DVI input. The 2 differences between the "P's" 71 and 75... 71 has "light-control" buttons on front, 75 doesn't - smaller size 75 has BBE sound processing, 71 doesn't - slightly larger, side button controls. Both are for the exact same MSRP. The only odd thing was I got home, and found my 71 has BBE sound processing. Features review: I will only comment on stuff you won’t notice via spec sheet… Also, every HDTV is going to look better vs. old standard TV, so I won’t elaborate on picture quality against another brand. This set has “Light-touch” controls. The buttons are smooth, heat sensing controls for volume, channel, etc. The “VOL” label lights up in when you touch volume up. It’s supposed to help in a dark room, but I found it more difficult since you can’t feel where the buttons are. Because of the build-in tuner, digital signals come with schedule and programming info. So the TV remote has all the “guide” buttons (guide, info, exit, nav buttons) you would find on a cable box or satellite receiver. I mention this because when you do go with a cable or satellite box, you can still use your TV remote and not lose your important TV remote buttons (p.size, p.mode, s.mode). I always hated the generic remotes that came with most boxes. Since there are so many inputs, there are 2 separate buttons to cycle through composite and S video vs. component and DVI. I kept cycling the TV/Video button looking for my PS2 via component cables, and I was hitting the wrong button. Dual coax input makes it easy to swap from cable feed to antenna feed. This has a Optical out for sending Dolby Digital signals to your receiver. I’m still amazed it can grab HD signals with DD 5.1 out of the air (see below). Over-The Air antenna review: I had a semi fancy antenna with rabbit ears, ring, and rotary VHF & UHF knob. I just plugged in my "non advertised HDTV" antenna, and I was able to pick up all my local UHF digital signals in my lower family room. I couldn't get my lone local VHF digital signal, but I believe I will as soon as I get a better antenna. The neat feature of this Samsung, under Antenna mode it will program analog and digital signals together. So when you cycle through channels, my analog channel was immediately followed by its digital channel. You could easily note the difference between the too. It was cool to see the Dolby Digital stereo pop up, too. Now, my local afffiliates "send" the signal digitally. This is SDTV and not HDTV, so the reception is flawless but the source is still the same. I did receive 1 over the air HD signal, PBS HD. I was shocked at the picture quality. I was stunned you can receive HD signals out of the air with using my old antenna. In summary: I took a chance on Samsung. People think it’s a lesser brand than Sony, but it has a better manufacturer’s warranty. I bought the first generation 36” Flat screen Sony Wega 5-6 years ago, and always thought Sony was the best. I didn’t want to get caught in “have to buy a Sony”. Circuit City guy mentioned Samsung and Sony have the same major internal components. Bottom line, this Samsung was a better overall value. P.S. To access the TV service menu, hit Mute, 1, 8, 2 and power on the remote.

12-12-2004, 05:40 PM	#12
talrudeboy How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 28	Review Hi ALL New to the site. Does the TV Get 1080i only from the HD BOX (Subcription)? I want to know if the Component going to the TV can still push out 1080i from an DVD player or OTA or from a SAT/Cale (Subcrition)

12-14-2004, 02:07 PM	#14
talrudeboy How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 28	Question again I am sorry for the Type-o I must have been sleeping or half asleep when I posted that question. I want to know this. If I get this TV, Can I get get 1080i using component conntection for: 1. Upscalling DVD player 2. PlayStation system 3. XBox systems Is this TV HDCP Compliant Last Question. I have a Kenwood VR-7070 600W 6.1-Ch A/V Home Theater Do receivers typically downgrade the quality when going threw it to the TV? Thanks all.

08-20-2004, 08:52 AM	#2
kdogg High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 45	After a few more days of tinkering, I'll note some cons (not problems) 1) I wish this set had Picture in Picture or a split screen tuner. I'm use to my PIP from my Sony WEGA. Not that I watch 2 programs a lot, but I play videogames and like to keep tabs on a game or show. The olympics is a great example. It's hard to know what's on, but I could keep an eye out for a sport I like. It's even more agonizing since I have to hit the video buttons 3-4 times to go back and forth. 2) Why don't all 16:9/widescreen TV's have Panasonic's nudge button? When you watch regular TV in zoom mode, it clips the top and bottom. Panasonic has a button where you can quickly push the picture up or down to view stuff hidden there. I've yet to feel comfortable watching 4:3 broadcasts in any other mode than 4:3.

09-12-2004, 11:22 PM	#4
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	kdogg, does your Samsung have "barrel roll" at the extreme left and right side of your screen? Kinda fish-eye distortion type effect.

09-13-2004, 09:29 PM	#6
maximus user Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 903	Thanks for the info!

10-26-2004, 09:00 PM	#7
wilfried What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2	kdogg, How do DVD's look on yours? I got the same Samsung set and some DVD's look blocky where there is color gradients. Nothing big but I noticed it. A good example is the blue around the new line cinema logo. (lord of the rings for example) Same disc is fine on a Sony wega....

10-27-2004, 07:41 AM	#8
kdogg High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 45	I have a first gen 36" WEGA connected by an equally old Sony (non-progressive) DVD player via component. I can only watch DVD's on this Samsung via Xbox in non-progressive mode. IMHO,there's no comparison between the two. Even only in non-progressive mode, the Samsung has a way better picture. The blocky gradients and distinguishable low horizontal line count are pretty obvious on my old Sony. I haven't see enough DVD's on my Samsung to rule your problem out. I mainly use my Samsung for videogames in progressive modes via PS2 and Xbox. No problems at all while playing. Have you tried swapping DVD players? Hook up the DVD player connected to the Sony and plug it to the Samsung. Do you have any problems with other movies? Honestly, many DVD's are manufactured poorly right off the bat. Another cheap resolution, you can return your movie for a new copy at any store. ...or I could keep making excuses for my new TV .

10-29-2004, 01:38 AM	#9
wilfried What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2	turns out my DVD player had a crappy prog. scan engine.... Do you know if there is a way to change the color of the whit/gray bar when watching a 4:3 screen?

12-09-2004, 07:47 AM	#10
krazydl A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 11	Hi, guys! I'm brand new to this HDTV thing and this site. When I was trying to buy HDTV, I did some research and read kdogg's review on this site and went for Sammy txp3071wh. Thanks to kdogg, I love this TV. However, I made really stupid mistake. I went into SERVICE MENU and changed some numbers without writing down default setting. Now it doesn't look as good as when I got this TV for the first time. Actually it looks pretty bad..... I tried to fix it for a couple of days by myself and no success. Got some info on another Sammy HDTV default setting but still nothing. Anyway, kdogg, is there anyway you can give me your txp3071wh's default setting? If you cannot, it's okay, but if you can, it would be appreciated. Thanks for all the information you guys put on this site. I am learning a lot about this HDTV thing from you guys.

12-09-2004, 01:54 PM	#11
cid3 My HDTV Hates Me Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Southern Cali. Age: 26 Posts: 105	Hey Kdogg, How does the left side of the tv look when viewing white/bright images? I've had trouble with a different model samsung (txp2764) where when viewing a white image, the left side has an added orangish line going vertically on the black border area. Anything noticable (you have to look kinda close)? Also, if your ps2 is the 50xx or 70xx model line you can watch dvd's in progressive scan... I didnt even realize xbox progressive scan was for games only, no progressive scan movies until a few days ago ><

12-20-2004, 09:14 AM	#15
krazydl A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 11	I just found tx-p3071's service menu default setting. http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsth.../page/0#671718 Kdogg, if you don't mind, can you check if this setting is same as yours, please? I haven't try tis setting yet. As soon as I try this, I will post what happened. Seasons Greetings to everybody!