Concerned about my Samsung HP-T4254

MICHGoBlue · 12-02-2009, 06:58 PM

Hi everyone, new member here.

Recently I came up on a few sites that have follow-up reviews regarding this 2+ year old model, the 42 inch Samsung HP-T4254 720p plasma tv.

None of the follow-up reviews are positive, with most of them reporting a costly power supply issue within the circuit board. I regretfully was a HD newbie at the time I purchased the television, so I did not recognize the fault of Samsung plasmas.

Just wondering if anyone on this board has had personal experience with this tv set, postive or negative.

With all the TV deals lately online, I just don't know if I should try to find a replacement for this living room television while there are bargains to be had right now as LED TVs are really driving down on LCD and plasma panels (really only interested in Plasma though).

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much!

- John

P.S. Did a search on this board, not much info has come up with this TV in regards to long-term ownership :-(

PFC5 · 12-02-2009, 07:45 PM

That is sometimes the problem with user reviews and pro reviews. They only address things when the display is new so you do not know how well they are made and how well they hold up in reliability in the long run. Most people are excited when they get a new display and rave about them, and few follow up when something goes bad unfortunately. Many do come to forums like this one to complain and look for help so forums tend to be more accurate for full research I found over new user reviews on retailer websites.

If you have a possible new room you could put the old display in like a bedroom if you can fix it, then I would say to take advantage of the very good sale prices that are popping up (and ending) for the holiday season. It really depends what your budget is as to whether you could buy new AND eventually fix the old TV later when you have the money.

I like using the general rule of thmb that if the repair cost is more than 40% of a new better model you are better off not bothering with repairing a display. In just the last 2+ years plasmas have gotten better with black levels and over all improving PQ so that is another consideration.

I was down to choosing between a Samsung plasm & a Panasonic plasma and one thing that weighed heavy for me was that Panasonic has a history of being rated the most reliable and having better black levels compared to Samsung plasmas. Samsung had slightly better color accuracy, but I think better black levels are easier to see myself. Panasonic also is more resistant to Image Retention than Samsung plasmas are, but that point is narrowing according to a excellent and long time member named Daleb who I trust.

Hope this helps & welcome to the forum!

MICHGoBlue · 12-03-2009, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the welcome.

The thing is as good as some of these discounts are, especially online, they will probably be as cheap if not cheaper on the regular basis a couple years down the road. I already have a Vizio 32 inch VL320M LCD TV in my bedroom, and if I purchase a future replacement for the 42 inch samsung, I wouldn't go with anything smaller than a 46", which would not fit in my guest room (2 bedroom condo), hence the dilema on biting on deals right now.

I'm hoping someone on this board still have their HP-T4253 or did but not anymore due to issues, but then again this is a beginners HD TV it seems, and most of the members on this board are probably hi def gurus

I'll get to the level of experity someday...

oblioman · 12-03-2009, 09:44 AM

Just enjoy what you have. PFC's advice is sound if you have a place and a need for a new tv. Just because the prices have fallen and ya read a couple of bad reviews does not justify replacing what works. If you be looking to upgrade for better pic quality and performance, by all means go for it. Hell, been looking to upgrade me lass for sometime now, for a new spankier model,,,,but until she breaks down might as well keep her working.

bcus28 · 12-03-2009, 11:03 AM

I have had mine since June of 2007 and have no problems whatsoever. I'm probably 85% gaming (same game believe it or not

) and 15% watching TV. I figure about 30hours a week between the two since I bought it.

I have no burn-in at all either, just the normal IR which is never an issue because it goes away rather quickly.

I love my TV

MICHGoBlue · 12-03-2009, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the feedbacks.

Yeah, as tempting as some of these deals are, maybe I should just hold off until an issue come along.

bcus28, I have the launch 60 GB PS3 hooked up to my Samsung too. I turned my Digital NR off, and my IR went away pretty quick.

joshuaz · 12-31-2009, 01:26 PM

I have owned a samsung t4254 for 3 years now. I am not much for gaming nor is it neglected in any way. The picture is beautiful but I would go with something else if I were you I have had nothing but problems. 1.5 years after buying it I had my first problem the tv would just click nothing more took it in I was 1 day past my warranty I contacted Samsung and luckily they paid for it anyways, so I was happy. Brought it home 1 year later same problem and my extended warranty was up one month prior so I had to pay out of pocket keep in mind 3 years ago I paid almost 2g for it so another 400 out of pocket did not make me happy especially since the prices for them went down. I got one more year out of it now today I am tired of it I went out and bought a 50" for half the price I paid for this. I took the t4254 apart to see if I could fix it myself and from what I can see its a power supply issue and after surfing there are millions of people with the same problem (in my opinion) samsung should have recalled these and replaced the board. Personally I like samsung but from owning this tv I will weigh my options before buying a samsung product again. I thought I would add I live up north with cold winters and humid summers this may have had an effect and may be why some people have had no issues and others have had nothing but issues.

12-02-2009, 06:58 PM	#1
MICHGoBlue What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Concerned about my Samsung HP-T4254 Hi everyone, new member here. Recently I came up on a few sites that have follow-up reviews regarding this 2+ year old model, the 42 inch Samsung HP-T4254 720p plasma tv. None of the follow-up reviews are positive, with most of them reporting a costly power supply issue within the circuit board. I regretfully was a HD newbie at the time I purchased the television, so I did not recognize the fault of Samsung plasmas. Just wondering if anyone on this board has had personal experience with this tv set, postive or negative. With all the TV deals lately online, I just don't know if I should try to find a replacement for this living room television while there are bargains to be had right now as LED TVs are really driving down on LCD and plasma panels (really only interested in Plasma though). Any input would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much! - John P.S. Did a search on this board, not much info has come up with this TV in regards to long-term ownership :-(

12-02-2009, 07:45 PM	#2
PFC5 Former Super Moderator - RIP Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mass Posts: 38,295	That is sometimes the problem with user reviews and pro reviews. They only address things when the display is new so you do not know how well they are made and how well they hold up in reliability in the long run. Most people are excited when they get a new display and rave about them, and few follow up when something goes bad unfortunately. Many do come to forums like this one to complain and look for help so forums tend to be more accurate for full research I found over new user reviews on retailer websites. If you have a possible new room you could put the old display in like a bedroom if you can fix it, then I would say to take advantage of the very good sale prices that are popping up (and ending) for the holiday season. It really depends what your budget is as to whether you could buy new AND eventually fix the old TV later when you have the money. I like using the general rule of thmb that if the repair cost is more than 40% of a new better model you are better off not bothering with repairing a display. In just the last 2+ years plasmas have gotten better with black levels and over all improving PQ so that is another consideration. I was down to choosing between a Samsung plasm & a Panasonic plasma and one thing that weighed heavy for me was that Panasonic has a history of being rated the most reliable and having better black levels compared to Samsung plasmas. Samsung had slightly better color accuracy, but I think better black levels are easier to see myself. Panasonic also is more resistant to Image Retention than Samsung plasmas are, but that point is narrowing according to a excellent and long time member named Daleb who I trust. Hope this helps & welcome to the forum! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier PSN: PFC5

12-03-2009, 11:03 AM	#5
bcus28 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: GI,NY Posts: 204	I have had mine since June of 2007 and have no problems whatsoever. I'm probably 85% gaming (same game believe it or not ) and 15% watching TV. I figure about 30hours a week between the two since I bought it. I have no burn-in at all either, just the normal IR which is never an issue because it goes away rather quickly. I love my TV __________________ Samsung HP-T4254 PS3 60gb- RIP June '07 - Oct '10 PS3 slim 160gb Oct '10 - ???

12-31-2009, 01:26 PM	#7
joshuaz What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1	I have owned a samsung t4254 for 3 years now. I am not much for gaming nor is it neglected in any way. The picture is beautiful but I would go with something else if I were you I have had nothing but problems. 1.5 years after buying it I had my first problem the tv would just click nothing more took it in I was 1 day past my warranty I contacted Samsung and luckily they paid for it anyways, so I was happy. Brought it home 1 year later same problem and my extended warranty was up one month prior so I had to pay out of pocket keep in mind 3 years ago I paid almost 2g for it so another 400 out of pocket did not make me happy especially since the prices for them went down. I got one more year out of it now today I am tired of it I went out and bought a 50" for half the price I paid for this. I took the t4254 apart to see if I could fix it myself and from what I can see its a power supply issue and after surfing there are millions of people with the same problem (in my opinion) samsung should have recalled these and replaced the board. Personally I like samsung but from owning this tv I will weigh my options before buying a samsung product again. I thought I would add I live up north with cold winters and humid summers this may have had an effect and may be why some people have had no issues and others have had nothing but issues. Last edited by joshuaz; 12-31-2009 at 01:29 PM.

12-03-2009, 09:25 AM	#3
MICHGoBlue What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks for the welcome. The thing is as good as some of these discounts are, especially online, they will probably be as cheap if not cheaper on the regular basis a couple years down the road. I already have a Vizio 32 inch VL320M LCD TV in my bedroom, and if I purchase a future replacement for the 42 inch samsung, I wouldn't go with anything smaller than a 46", which would not fit in my guest room (2 bedroom condo), hence the dilema on biting on deals right now. I'm hoping someone on this board still have their HP-T4253 or did but not anymore due to issues, but then again this is a beginners HD TV it seems, and most of the members on this board are probably hi def gurus I'll get to the level of experity someday...

12-03-2009, 09:44 AM	#4
oblioman Every day is Friday Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hooooterville Posts: 9,053	Just enjoy what you have. PFC's advice is sound if you have a place and a need for a new tv. Just because the prices have fallen and ya read a couple of bad reviews does not justify replacing what works. If you be looking to upgrade for better pic quality and performance, by all means go for it. Hell, been looking to upgrade me lass for sometime now, for a new spankier model,,,,but until she breaks down might as well keep her working.

12-03-2009, 03:13 PM	#6
MICHGoBlue What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks for the feedbacks. Yeah, as tempting as some of these deals are, maybe I should just hold off until an issue come along. bcus28, I have the launch 60 GB PS3 hooked up to my Samsung too. I turned my Digital NR off, and my IR went away pretty quick.