Relatively inexpensive for a plasma TV of this size
Color performance matches what the movie producers intended
Great contrast ratio
Native resolution does not match any broadcast signal
Introduction
The Samsung PN43D490 is an odd one, to be sure. It’s 3D-enabled, but has the very odd native resolution of 1024 × 768, which makes it more of an overgrown computer monitor than a TV. Practically speaking, this means that no broadcast standards are natively supported – everything has to be shrunk to fit the screen. Let us be the first to tell you, it doesn’t do the best job of it.
| This review is organized into 18 pages | ||
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Page 1
Tour & Design
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Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Samsung continues its history of strong contrast ratios in their plasma TVs. It’s not perfect, though, particularly the white falloff performance. Read More... |
Page 3
Color Accuracy
The color performance was weak, overall, with a lot of color banding when objects were in motion. Read More... |
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Page 4
Motion
A terrible motion performance, with significant problems in artifacting, color banding, and resolution scaling. Read More... |
Page 5
3D
Decent 3D performance, but if your glasses are even a few degrees off from the perfect angle you’ll see a lot of crosstalk. Read More... |
Page 6
Viewing Effects
Like all plasmas, the TV has a very wide viewing angle, though they do tend to be more reflective of ambient light. Read More... |
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Page 7
Calibration
Learn about the calibration settings for the Samsung PN43D490. Read More... |
Page 8
Connectivity
The Samsung PN43D490 has enough ports for the average TV owner, but it lacks some of the options of higher-end TVs. Read More... |
Page 9
Audio & Menus
The Samsung PN43D490 has limited audio performance. The menu, however, is simple and easy to use. Read More... |
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Page 10
Multimedia & Internet
The Samsung PN43D490 has no internet connectivity. You do get a USB port that supports video, audio, and photo playback. Read More... |
Page 11
Power Consumption
The Samsung PN43D490 is a plasma TV, which typically requires more power than an LCD. Read More... |
Page 12
vs Panasonic TC-P50ST30
 We compare the PN43D490 to the TC-P50ST30. Read More... |
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Page 13
vs Samsung LN46D550
 We compare the PN43D490 to the LN46D550. Read More... |
Page 14
vs Vizio E3D420VX
 We compare the PN43D490 to the E3D420VX. Read More... |
Page 15
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Samsung PN43D490. Read More... |
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Page 16
Series Comparison
Read about the difference between the models in the PNxxD490 series Read More... |
Page 17
Photo Gallery
See photos of the Samsung PN43D490 Read More... |
Part 18
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Samsung PN43D490. Add your comments... |
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Samsung PN43D490 Manual
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