Samsung LN-R408D 40-Inch Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV
Great TV..but not for PC connection
I've had my set for about 6 months now and there are few issues  <br />that make me regret the purchase.  The LCD screen is brilliant and no other set delivers as much for the price. <br /> <br />My disappointment centers around the PC connection.  A feature I like which I seek, is the ability to use your laptop or even a Media Center 2005 equipped PC with your screen.  Certainly, the unit is equipped with an input, but standard video cards with most pc's won't work as the Samsung manual (lacks any real detail on pc connection or troubleshooting problems) states a video resolution of 1360 x 768 is required, on a frequency of 60MHZ. <br /> <br />Most newer pc cards are capable of 1280 x 1024 or even less..1024 x 768.  Laptops are usually up to 1280 x 800 with exceptions. <br /> <br />But 1360?  Why such a non-standard?  Was this feature centered on a non-US pc sales standard or capability? <br /> <br />The unit recognizes the properly connected cable but gives a screen error message that it is not the right mode. Every combination I tried doesn't make a diffrence, even rebooting the pc between setup changes so it will recognize the set, and the limitation sof the manual make it impossible to have the LCD TV recognize the pc or laptop using an \\"auto adjustment\\" feature listed but grayed out in the on-screen menu. <br /> <br />Newer units have more resolution settings, apparenly as a newer model in my office had no difficulty working with a laptop. <br /> <br />All in all, get this model, now somewhat dated (that mean more than 6 months - one year old in flat panel terms) just on price and performance alone if you can find one new or in good shape.  The picture quality in terms of contrast, color, and luminence won't disappoint.  It is one of the new generations that overcame all the limitations of LCD.  Plasma units are getting more reliable but don't be fooled by the gorgeous look:  the brightest they will ever be is the day they are first turned on straight out of the box.  They are three times heavier than LCD units, and you can fry an egg on them all because they generate so much heat.  And, broadcasters like me know, as do TV engineers, thermal heat is the enemy of all electronics over time. <br /> <br />Now.....a plug for Amazon.com. <br /> <br />I bought it and within a week I had expert delivery that was flawless and without damage as the unit was packed well and palated.  The deliverers were courteous and professional.  If this is the \\"white glove\\" service, it was worth it as they brought the unit into the house, and unpacked it and took the shippings materials away. I'm now looking ot repeat the experience with another unit.