Samsung TXM3096HF 30" Widescreen DynaFlat HDTV-Ready TV
Big value for the buck
Purchased the Samsung 3096HF 30\\" widescreen HDTV monitor after MUCH shopping around, reading of customer reviews and comparisons with other models. I knew I wanted an HDTV monitor that could handle HDTV of the future and also would look great with my Yamaha progressive scan DVD player.<br />It came down to this model and the Samsung 32\\" that has the exact same features in a 4:3 picture frame. My wife talked me into the widescreen model, and I'm glad she did.<br />I've had the set up and running for about a week now. You've probably read the initial complaints: too much red push. Well, you're going to get that with just about every HDTV tube monitor out there. You can easily adjust the set to your own preferences in color, sharpness, contrast and brightness. It took me 2 or 3 days of tinkering to get it just right, but finally I'm really happy with the TV's picture.<br />No, it doesn't look as good as the comparable Sony model. But you're talking about [more $$] for the Sony. To me, it just wasn't worth it. You get a ton of great features in the Samsung ...--HDTV capabilities, 3:2 pulldown processing, a widescreen model. No, it isn't the BEST television on the market, but I assure you it's the best widescreen HDTV set you'll find for under a thousand bucks.<br />There are one or two little nitpicky complaints I could make about it, but nothing that would keep me from recommending your purchase of this set. Like I said, I've had it for a week and every day I like it more. DVD picture quality is awesome and great in a widescreen mode. Regular TV broadcasts through satellite are also very good; the 4:3 picture is stretched to fit the widescreen but the TV isn't so big that it's noticeable as on larger, rear projection widescreens.<br />I recommend the set wholeheartedly. If you have two grand to blow, then spend it on a Sony, but if you're on a tight budget like me but you still want high-end features on a direct-view, tube set, this is a good one.<br />For what it's worth, at [$$] I was told by a guy at one of the retail stores I visited that there was very little markup on it. Don't know if that's true, but thought I'd pass it along...