Samsung’s sleek 40″ LCD leads the industry in realistic home entertainment. With its 6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, over two million pixel resolution, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp, S-PVA Panel, and 10-bit processor with 12.8 billion colors, the LN-S4095D delivers a picture of startling clarity that rivals real life. The new, optimized game mode and fast 8ms response time will thrill Xbox fans with its movie-like visuals. The audio system is equally impressive, with hidden bottom speakers that offer SRS TruSurround XT sound.

HD-grade 1920(H) x 1080(V) pixel resolution:

High resolution pixel density with built-in image scaler to handle inputs from a variety of digital and analog audio/video sources.

6000:1 dynamic contrast ratio:

Samsung’s S-PVA screen enables brighter whites, deeper blacks and every shade in between. It’s higher contrast ratio provides an abundant palette of perfect colors.

S-PVA panel:

178º(H) / 178º(V) viewing angle improves viewing angle, contrast, and brightness to provide an even better picture.

DNIe The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine:

This exclusive technology dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, white balance and reduces noise.

CCFL–Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (92% NTSC color gamut) provides colors in your picture that were not available before.

Game mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.

Built-in digital tuner (ATSC) receives over-the-air (terrestrial) HD signal1. Progressive scan eliminates the flicker that you see on traditional, interlaced scanning TVs.

Stereo broadcast reception:

(MTS) SRS TruSurround XT is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through the two-speaker internal playback system.

Response time: 8 ms response time minimizes blurring of moving video.
Swivel stand provides +/-15° of control to allow everyone in the room to watch TV without moving it.
Picture-in-picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources.
Clock on/off timer: Perfect solution to wake up to your favorite morning show, or set a time to turn off the TV so it doesn’t stay on all night. Can also be used when you’re out.

V-Chip System allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.

Specifications:

Audio

Connections

Product Description

There are two key things that make the Samsung LN-S4095D way ahead of most widescreen LCD TV models: 1920×1080 Resolution and 6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio. Look at the specs of other models. You’ll see 1366×768 screen resolutions and contrast ratios of about 2,000:1. First, 1366×768 screens can only display 720p and 1080i HDTV modes. Only 1920×1080 can display optimal 1080p HDTV. At a 6,000:1 contrast ratio, this LCD flat-panel screen can bring out better black and white tones thany virtually any other LCD on the market. If you decide to use this screen with your computer, the resolution and imaging is superior to virtually all TV models and most computer monitors.
This has both NTSC analog and ATSC digital TV tuners. The ATSC can already receive free over-the-air HDTV broadcasts (when used with an optional HDTV antenna).

So if you’re considering an upgrade to widescreen and HDTV, why go for the middle when you can go all the way to the HD ideal? 1080p is where it’ll be. This 40″ LCD from Samsung can do it - with the best picture possible. It’s a home-theater star! Swivel Stand Included VESA Wall Mount Compatible (200 x 200) - mounting bracket is optional Remote Control Included 6000 - 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) 10-Bit Processor delivers up to 12.8 Billion Colors Built-In ATSC Digital Tuner and NTSC Analog Tuner 8ms Screen Response Time allows rapid video and game display Picture-in-Picture ( PIP ) capability Clock with On/Off Timer / Variable Sleep Timer V-Chip System (Parental Control) Auto Channel Search Multi-Lingual On-Screen Display Menus (English, Spanish, French) Auto Volume Leveler Optimized Game Mode Stereo Headphone Jack Antenna - CATV/VHF/UHF 75-ohm, F-Type Unit Dimensions - 39.1 W x 27.4 H x 12.8 D (With Stand), 39.1 W x 25.5 H x 3.6 D (No Stand) / Weight - 54.0 lbs. (With Stand)

>> Available from Amazon.com

Reviews

Looks Great!
Reviewer: Timothy Wintemberg “AeroHead” (NJ)

I’ve had this HDTV for about two weeks and I love it. I toured various retailers looking at many models before I decided on this unit. To me it looked better than any other model than perhaps one higher-priced (by +$600) top of the line Sony which looked marginally better.

HD programming looks absolutely fantastic especially since I also got a Comcast HD DVR hooked up as well. Broadcast TV looks very good although occasionally certain ads, programs or channels may have more noise (relative to either bandwidth set by digital cable company or original video source settings). Interestingly, the one or two noisy channels (I believe the fault lies with the cable company, not this TV) look better if I switch my input from HDMI to the pass-through coaxial input–this gives a slight fuzz to the image, but largely gets rid of the noise.

Having worked with/ dealt with/ numerous plasma screens over the last 4 years at work, I am wary of claims that they have overcome burn-in issues. The models we bought last year showed significant burn-in from 5 minute video loops (after about 50 hours of pre-conditioning play of non-repeating video) in just a couple of weeks. While video loops are way worse than any normal viewing, I do play games that will have a speedometer, etc. on the screen for hours, so . . . LCD was the way for me.

Coudn’t be happier with the TV, my wife is wowed and my 6 year old said it was like we were sitting next to the helicopter pilot during a Discovery HD program.

The price has fallen about $300 since I purchased the unit–so it’s a real deal now. I used Amazon for shipping and, other than it taking a few weeks to wind its way here (saved $$), it arrived on schedule, undamadged and was quickly unpacked and set in place by their delivery crew. I had already run my cables and removed the old TV so in literally 5 minutes after they arrived (and I did a quick pixel check, etc.) they were on their way, along with the packing materials.

I’m totally happy with this marvelous device so far, but two tiny things and these may be common to other units but they aren’t things that show up on the showroom floor: switching video sources is fairly quick, but it takes a second or two to tune in the HDMI source (maybe it has to wind up signal processing?) and it takes about 5 seconds from when you turn the TV on until it actually comes on (I turned off the little chime that lets you know its doing something)–but I think the in-laws got confused and kept turning it on and off before it finished.

Great TV - Great Service
Reviewer: Jimmy D (Union, NJ)

Ordered this TV from Amazon on Sunday night October 22. It was delivered on Thursday, October 26. It came direct from Amazon and had free shipping. It’s strange, sometimes Amazon has it, and sometimes it’s available from a 3rd party. In any event, I paid $1,999 with free shipping. The delivery was prompt and arrived in excellent condition.

My son works with ESPN as a Technical Director and he helped me select the TV. He’s a technical whiz at this stuff. We visited several stores and looked at various makes. He was trying to steer me to a DLP but I didn’t like the narrow viewing angle and it would not have suited my room. I originally wanted a 42″ plasma but discovered I had to stick to a 40″ since my TV room is somewhat small. We finally narrowed it down to Toshiba, Sony, & Panasonic. Because I needed a 40″, I had to go to an LCD or the Panny 37″ plasma, which to me was too small.

Not sorry I went LCD. I has no screen glare or burn-in problems, although I understand the plasmas now have the burn-in under control. And, it seems I sacrificed nothing as far as the picture quality goes. We finally chose the Samsung. The Samsungs have it over the other TV’s in the same price range both for features and picture quality. We were almost going to get the LN-S4092D, but then we saw this model which has 1080p capability. While not being used now, it is a feature for the future. Also, look for a unit with dual HDMI inputs. You may not need both now, but you will like it later.

When you go into a store, first thing is to tone down the TV’s you’re looking at. They have them cranked up to max contrast & brightness. Usually the sets will have a “movie” viewing mode. Change it to that. If they don’t have that, cut the contrast and brightness to at least 60-75%, the sharpness to 10% or less, and the color temp to a “warm” setting. That will tone it down to a good level tha will allow you to see the TV’s real capabilities. Then, have the salesman put a real SD signal through it. Not a pre-recorded looped signal that splits the screen HD/SD. On some of those they exagerate the SD bluriness to make the HD look better.

This Samsung has a great SD picture. Yes, it’s not HD, but it’s very acceptable and not much worse than my old CRT TV. The HD picture is fabulous. I am in NJ and we have Comcast Digital cable with a DVR. I was watching the World Series last night and when they had a close up of the pitcher, you could count his wiskers. The side-to-side viewing fades a little when you get too far, but it’s not real noticable and who watches from that extreme angle anyway? The swivel stand helps.

The sound is good TV sound. It’s not home-theater quality, but it’s good. It has a built-in graphic equalizer so you can customize the sound you like. The other thing that I liked about this TV is the limited surround. It made the overall size a little smaller than the other 40″ units which helped me out considerably as I mentioned earlier. And the gloss “piano black” gives it a classy look. Nicer than the silver. I didn’t give it a 5 rating, because I just got it, and to me nothing is perfect. There is always room for improvement. But, I love it. A great choice.

Add comment December 27th, 2006

Using a powerful microprocessor, GPS, and satellite-based accuracy enhancement technology, the SkyCaddie automatically calculates, as you move, distances to up to forty targets per hole simultaneously in less than a second. You will already have your number when you get to your ball.You don’t need a clear line of sight or reflective target with the SkyCaddie. Because the targets are pre-programmed, the SkyCaddie eliminates the need to aim through a lens, accidentally hitting the wrong target on a hole, or trying to hit a pin with a laser beam at 200 yards.Get accurate measurements over hills, trees, and obstructions to any target. Play confidently and knock strokes off your game. Learn how far you hit your drive, 5-iron, 9-iron, or wedge with a touch of a button.Just let the SkyCaddie see the sky, and it’ll do all the yard work for you! Plus, at a mere 4.8 ounces, it goes anywhere you go. Now your game can measure up, just like the SkyCaddie!

>> Available on Amazon.com

Reviews

Revolutionary golf product - A MUST HAVE!!!!!

I have owned this product for over a year and find it to be the best thing I take with me to the course. If you will spend 15 minutes reading the well written user’s guide and follow what it says, I promise it will be the most enjoyable and useful product you will use. Accurate to within one yard with instantaneous readings, it will improve your play by providing you with accurate distances and allow you to select your shots by knowing distances to various key locations on each hole. Not only does it allow you to pinpoint flag locations to within one yard on each hole, but of equal importance it provides you with yardage information on distances to sand traps, water and any other point you so choose. It also allows you to track the distances of each shot to build a profile of your yardages for each club hit. I can’t imagine playing without it. And for only $349, I would definitely purchase this powerful tool before I would spend my money on a more expensive driver or set of clubs. I am a strong supporter of this product. What an advantage you have over others in your foursome.

Does the Job for a Price

Just got an SG2 and used it today for the first time on one of the professional SkyCourses that you can download from their web site. Yardages to front, center and back of greens as well as key markers along a hole were all available. The Intelligreen feature allowed me to move the cursor to the exact postion on a green by pressing the four-way toggle switch on the unit.
On the whole the product worked without flaw - distance readouts were clear and easy to read and even the detailed, more esoteric descriptions for fairway bunkers, distance to water etc… were intuitive. I was using the SG2 for the first time on a course I had not played before, so having detailed yardage information was definately a plus. The unit did take a while to acquire the necessary satellte signals when I first turned it on but this was something that was mentioned in the manual. Once acquired, I had extremely good coverage for the entire round.

2 comments December 26th, 2006

Now that you can buy movies from the iTunes Store and sync them to your iPod, the whole world is your theater. With the Apple 80 GB iPod with Video Playback in hand, those movies fit comfortably next to TV shows, new iPod games, podcasts, audiobooks, photo albums, and, of course, an entire library of music–up to 20,000 songs. How much can your pocket hold? That’s up to you and your iPod, but no matter how you organize it, the iPod holds loads of songs and plenty of hours of video.

Your iPod library can now contain new iPod games and feature films.

The same great iPod interface and ease of use that goes great in any hand.

With all your music at your fingertips, you may never want to stop listening. Lucky thing your iPod plays audio for hours and hours, or if you’d rather watch, you can feast your eyes on movies and TV shows for several hours without draining your battery. And you can count on the iPod to help you pack light. It is almost hard to explain exactly how 80 GB of storage can fit into an iPod that’s the same size as the 60 GB model before it. However it happened, it means you can carry more music and video absolutely anywhere you go. And with a 60-percent brighter screen, the vibrant display gives your album art, photos, and video extra oomph. As always, iPod makes finding what you want to hear a breeze. Plus, a new interface lets you search your iPod using the patented Click Wheel. And if you’re a fan of live albums, classical works, or anything that sounds best when it is played continuously, iPod supports gapless playback that seamlessly transitions from one song to another.

Music, Movies and TV Shows

Finding and playing music on your iPod is simple. Use the Click Wheel to adjust volume, navigate songs, or browse the Music menu by artists, composer, album, song, genre, or playlist. Want to mix things up? Simply click Shuffle Songs. iPod makes your music look as good as it sounds, thanks to its big, bright color display. Album art appears alongside your songs in the Now Playing screen, so you can see your music as you play it. After all, iPod loves music as much as you do.

Now you can watch a movie while waiting in line for tickets to one. Download movies from the iTunes Store, then sync them to your iPod to watch anywhere, anytime. The iPod’s gorgeous display–now 60-percent brighter–makes your movies pop. And thanks to improved video playback time, iPod keeps you entertained for several hours–even longer if you reduce brightness using the new brightness control.

As for television programs, there’s always something good on iPod. Browse thousands of episodes of your favorite TV shows on the iTunes Store, buy them for just a couple dollars each, then sync them to your iPod. Watch last night’s episodes this morning, or buy a whole TV series and settle in for a pocket-size marathon. All your TV episodes display in order, so you can navigate them easily, and every episode you buy from iTunes is optimized to look great on the iPod’s crystal-clear, 320 x 240-pixel display.

Podcasts, Audiobooks, Games, and Photos

The iTunes Store features thousands of free podcasts–radio-type shows you subscribe to–including indie favorites and offerings from big names such as, ABC News, Comedy Central, ESPN, PBS, NPR, and many more. Browse and subscribe to podcasts, then sync them to your iPod and listen anytime. Even video podcasts sync to go, and all your podcasts appear in their own menu on your iPod, so they’re easy to navigate.

The iTunes Store is the bridge between your iPod and all the content your heart desires.

The digital shelves of the iTunes Store are stocked with thousands of audiobooks, including such exclusives as the entire Harry Potter series. Download what you want, sync to your iPod and catch up on your reading the audio way. Just like podcasts, you can browse audiobooks in their own menu on your iPod. And your iPod automatically recognizes where you left off reading and bookmarks your place, so it is easy to dive back into the story. You can even change the reading speed to suit you–this is a perfect feature for learning a new language.

Now that the iTunes Store features iPod games, you can keep hours of fun at your fingertips. Download brand-new and classic games, including Bejeweled, Texas Hold ‘Em, Vortex, Mahjong, Mini Golf, Pac-Man, Tetris, and Zuma, for just a few dollars each, then sync them to your iPod and play along with your favorite tunes. All iPod games from the iTunes Store are designed specifically for the fifth-generation iPod, and all of them look great on the 2.5-inch color display.

If you can fill your iPod with photos, then you’ve got a ton of images at your disposal. iPod holds tens of thousands of photos that you can sync from your Mac or Windows PC via iTunes. Use the Click Wheel to scroll through photo thumbnails the same way you scroll through song titles. To see a photo full-screen, just click the center button. You can even view photo slideshows–complete with music–on your iPod or on a TV via the optional iPod Video/Photo AV Cable. Select Slideshow Settings, choose the transition effect and the music, and then start the show.

Search, Settings, and Extras

With thousands of songs, audiobooks, and more on your iPod, you need an easy way to search and enjoy your collection. A brand-new, built-in search function lets you use the Click Wheel to type out the name of the song, artist, album, audiobook, or podcast you’re looking for, and your iPod returns results instantly as you select letters–finding what you want couldn’t be easier.

The fifth-generation iPod lets you customize menus, check capacity, change your language, change how your iPod sounds, and more, all from the easy-to-use Setting menu. Click About to see how many songs are on your iPod and how much room you have left. Click Main Menu to select what items appear in your Main Menu, tweak the built-in equalizer, or set a maximum volume limit–everything you need to personalize your iPod, from backlight timer to clicker sound effects, appears in Settings.

And, lastly, your iPod is loaded with extras. Everything from calendars, contacts, and the World Clock appear in the Extras menu, along with a few more handy items. Take the Screen Lock, for example. Spin the Click Wheel to choose a four-digit combination and protect your iPod from prying eyes. If you forget your combo, you can reset it at your next sync. Or use the built-in stopwatch to log your best times at the gym. And when it’s finally time to play, the Extras menu lists all your games, including the ones you purchase from the iTunes Store.

What’s in the Box

Apple 80 GB iPod with Video Playback, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter, case, and quick start guide.

Apple iPod - Continuing its tradition of hardware and software innovation and design, Apple has released a new iPod that surpasses the last. This update to the 5th generation iPod with video playback features a huge 80GB hard drive - the largest yet! With iTunes 7 ushering in movie and game downloads, there’s more than enough content to satisfy this beast of a media player. You also get a 2.5″ display that is now 60% brighter, a higher capacity battery for up to 20 hrs. of music and 6.5 hrs. of video, and a set of newly designed iPod earbuds. Ports - dock connector, Stereo minijack, composite video and audio through minijack Connectivity - USB through dock connector, composite video (with A/V cable - sold separately), and audio through headphone jack or line out on the iPod Universal Dock (sold separately) Charge Time - about 4 hrs. (2 hrs. fast charge to 80% capacity) Audio Support - AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, & AIFF Photo Support - syncs iPod-viewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formats Video Support - H.264 video - up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 fps, Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov file formats / MPEG-4 video - up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov file formats Backlight Timer Sleep Timer 20 Equalizer Settings Shuffle Songs or Albums Date and Time Unit Dimensions - 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.55 Unit Weight - 5.5 oz. Color - Black

>> Available from Amazon.com

Reviews

Minor improvements makes this a great player
Reviewer: Adam L. Safianow “Kiddo” (Dallas, TX)

First of all, this is, to my knowledge, the cheapest 80GB Hard Drive MP3 player on the market, and with a name like Apple backing it up, this rendition of the iPod is well worth your time to look at.

*Technically this is still not the iPod Video, this is still an iPod with video playback; rumors are still buzzing about a Widescreen iPod, but still no official word*

NEW:

GOOD:

BAD:

BOTTOM LINE: If you are too hardcore for the 30GB version, than this is definately your cup of tea. This is the perfect MP3 player for any causual music and video enjoyer’s needs!

Gave up my 60gb iPod video for this one!
Reviewer: B. Wickens (San Rafael, CA)

I have been using the 80gb iPod Video for several days now, and I am extremely pleased. First, a note of caution. The surface of this unit is identical to the earlier iPod video, so it is extremely prone to scratching. My 60gb iPod video was always transpored in the $99 Apple leather case, and it still attracted scratches! This one comes with a chamois-like form-fitted pouch which does a nice job of protecting the finish, but provides no protection from hits or drops. The screen is bright! Much brighter than the earlier models. The integration with iTunes 7 takes the hardware/software experience to a new level. I purchased some games and TV shows, which downloaded flawlessly, and playback time appears very impressive (read: better battery life). I’ll know better on my next 12 hour flight to Asia, of course! 80gb is a staggering amount of storage space. I have nearly 10,000 songs, several music videos, several FULL seasons of TV shows, my contacts and my date book data, and a few purchased games, and I am barely halfway to filling the drive. The new iTunes interface screen for the iPod is much more friendly, allowing different settings to be made for, say, music, TV shows, PodCasts, etc. from within a tabbed browser environment. Apple still demonstrate that less IS more, and the total user experience blows away anything else in the market. It would be hard to imagine another solution (player/online store) emerging that could get the experience any better than Apple does. Though I realize several are trying… Zune anyone?

2 comments December 23rd, 2006

The MF-575 digital picture frame is a photo, MP3, and video player. The MF-575 sports a bright, high-resolution 5.6-inch TFT screen that displays digital photos and video clips in vivid color. Set up as a slide show and play directly from a memory card. The number of images is only limited by the capacity of the memory card being used. The MF-575 accepts MD/SD/MMC cards for maximum compatibility with major digital cameras. The MF-575 comes with a wood picture frame. You can change the look of the MF-575 to fit your décor with any off-the-shelf wood 5×7 picture frame. The unit is light, portable and easy to use. A great companion to your digital camera and an excellent way of showing off your pictures and video clips to family and friends. Another cool feature is the ability to add MP3 music tracks to your memory card and listen to the tunes over the built-in stereo speakers. The unit also supports MPEG1, 2, 4 movie formats for play back of digital camera movies or movies created on the PC.

The MF-575 digital picture frame is a photo, MP3, and video player. The MF-575 sports a bright, high-resolution 5.6-inch TFT screen that displays digital photos and video clips in vivid color. Set up as a slide show and play directly from a memory card. The number of images is only limited by the capacity of the memory card being used. The MF-575 accepts MD/SD/MMC cards for maximum compatibility with major digital cameras. The MF-575 comes with a wood picture frame. You can change the look of the MF-575 to fit your d cor with any off-the-shelf wood 5×7 picture frame. The unit is light, portable and easy to use. A great companion to your digital camera and an excellent way of showing off your pictures and video clips to family and friends. Another cool feature is the ability to add MP3 music tracks to your memory card and listen to the tunes over the built-in stereo speakers. A remote control is used to access the easy to use on board menu, giving you full control of the slide show and player functions. The unit also supports MPEG1, 2, 4 movie formats for play back of digital camera movies or movies created on the PC.

>> Available from Amazon.com

Reviews

Just What I was looking for!
Reviewer: T. Campa “GadgetGirl” (SoCal)

I love cool gadgets and this one is inexpensive, easy to use and the picture quality is great. I put cell phone pictures, digital camara pics and a music CD on a SanDisk to check out its capabilities and I am truly impressed. I can play music… but volume controll is by menu and that’s not easily controlled as an external control would be but I was more interested in running a series of pics like vacation, family events, etc. Music and pics don’t work and I haven’t tried Music videos yet. I plan on buying a few more for family and may even use them for a corporate gift to customers.

Good for pictures, not much else
Reviewer: K. Mayarovich (Philadelphia, PA USA)

This frame is great for what I wanted it to do - play a picture slideshow. Ignore whatever else it says it does. It plays mp3s and you’d think that you can play music in the background while the slideshow is going, but you’d be wrong. Technically, you could do it, but the song starts skipping around - I guess there isn’t much processing power in the frame. In its defense, I didn’t expect it to have much.

I was also a little bummed that the only video supported is MPEG (and I haven’t even tried that yet). It’s a shame one of the most popular formats (AVI) isn’t supported.

Those are all the negatives. As for what I do like about it:

It’s a great digital picture frame, but keep your expectations low as far as the background music capability goes.

Add comment December 21st, 2006