Samsung TX-R3079WH 30" Wide SlimFit HDTV with Built-In HD Tuner
Nice, clear picture but lots of annoying problems
I bought this TV at Best Buy in Tucson, AZ in July 2005. I've been using it with a Samsung amplified indoor antenna (TV 5.2) that's supposed to be an excellent match for the set, and it brings in most stations quite clearly most of the time. When it's at its best, this TV is really a pleasure to watch. The picture is razor-sharp, with rich colors. If I were rating on picture quality alone, I'd give it a 9 or 10 when the set is brand-new.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the set has flaws which cost it several points.<br /><br />After a few months the picture tube began to develop dark areas in all four corners, and had to be replaced, along with the main circuit board and speakers. Fortunately, the set was under warranty, but the total cost of repairs was $743 ... on a set that Amazon now sells for $699.<br /><br />The sound through the built-in speakers is no more than adequate.  And while you can output the sound to an external amplifier, this feature works ONLY when you're watching a signal from the TV itself. When you watch a tape or a DVD, the sound reverts to the built-in speakers.<br /><br />Finally, my set has real problems with the signal(s) from the local ABC affiliate, KGUN-9. Quite often, when I'm watching channel 9, the set will suddenly switch to SD mode, and then back. Or it will turn off completely for a few seconds, and then return. Sometimes when this happens, it makes a VERY loud \\"pop.\\" This happens ONLY on channel 9, so I suspect it has to do with their signal, but it's still annoying. (This problem does not occur when I'm using the cable signal, because there's no switching between HD and SD signals; it's SD only.)<br /><br />The picture quality from DVDs is good -- somewhere between SD and HD quality -- but as I noted, the sound can't be output to an external amplifier, which is a definite drawback. (The solution is to feed the sound output from the DVD player directly to the amp, which means more fiddling when you change sources.)<br /><br />Overall, this model still needs work. There should be separate menus for the SD and HD tuners, and there should be a \\"dash\\" button on the remote to allow direct entry of sub-channels (e.g. 4-1).  The built-in speakers should be upgraded. The problem with the set turning on and off unexpectedly should be remedied. And the picture tube needs improvement.<br /><br />Based on my experience and writeups published since I bought the set, I would not recommend this TV to anyone. Spend the extra money and get a Sony (CRT set) or Panasonic (plasma set).separate menus for the SD and HD tuners, and there should be a \\"dash\\" button on the remote to allow direct entry of sub-channels (e.g. 4-1).  The built-in speakers should be upgraded. The problem with the set turning on and off unexpectedly should be remedied. And the picture tube needs improvement.    Based on my experience and writeups published since I bought the set, I would not recommend this TV to anyone. Spend the extra money and get a Sony (CRT set) or Panasonic (plasma set).