Samsung LN-S4095D 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Let the technology just speak for itself
I bought this 1080p flat panel LCD television only yesterday, and probably haven't had enough time to put it through its paces to be writing this review, but I thought some first impressions might be helpful. <br /> <br />I initially bought Samsung's 32\\" 720p (LN-S3241D), and while I was impressed with the picture and the TV as a whole, I decided it was just a little small for what I was looking for.  It was then a slippery slope to the larger and much more expensive LN-S4095D, but owning the previous model for a week makes for a good reference to the upgrade. <br /> <br />Contrast, color, and response time:  At 6000:1, the contrast is impressive, most dramatically in regular lighting conditions.  Though the blacks still don't achieve the inky blacks of plasma, and aren't nearly as dramatic in a darkened room, they're a substantial improvement over my previous model.  Color is vibrant and saturated - I have no complaints here.  Response time is good, I've noticed none of the 'streaking' that I've read about in earlier LCD televisions. I have noticed a subtle blurring of detail between things in motion and those that are still, but this is probably to be expected and maybe even preferred.  Note that the 8ms response time is the same on the  32\\" model. <br /> <br />Detail:  Actors and news anchors, I can see your pores!  The highest detail I've seen, keep in mind that this is interlaced from broadcast 720p to the native resolution 1080p, which means a 1080i picture (where the television 'reads between the lines' to infer the missing data).  I have yet to see a full 1080p resolution as I'm not yet willing to drop $$$ for a blu-ray or HD-DVD player - but I'm already impressed. <br /> <br />Physical design:  This is where I am most disappointed, and for which I would probably consider returning the TV if it didn't require renting a van to do so.  While the shape and proportion is an improvement over the `V' shaped Vulcan style of previous models, I am convinced the pianoblack lacquer finish is the worst possible surface for any LCD television.  Aside from the bling bling styling that is sure to look painfully dated in just a few years, the finish magnifies the televisions contrast issues.  Simple rule - if you want to increase the perceived intensity of something, place something of lower intensity next to it.  There is nothing with higher contrast than polished black lacquer with swirling reflections, and the picture looks washed and grey by comparison to it.  Add to that that the reflections can be distracting and even fatiguing, and you have to really start wondering whether Samsung gave this any thought at all.  On the other hand, if you own a Cadillac Escalade with spinning rims, this TV is definitely for you. <br /> <br />One last note:  if you're planning on wall mounting your television, which I highly recommend, I found a very nice articulating arm, wall mount system at Costco for $99 (compare to systems at Best Buy that start at $250).  It holds up to 80 lbs, has a very nice industrial silver finish, and was very easy to install - the TV was on the wall and on in about thirty minutes. <br />