Samsung PS42C96 Review

 

The Samsung PS42C96

One of the older HDTVs that remain in the best-selling list, the PS42C96 is a lovely piece with a minimalist look and a slew of noteworthy features that many people still find impressive even if a bit outdated. The C-series (xx54-series in the US)  is a scaled down and cheaper version of the Q-series (xx64-series in the US) that were both released in 2007; both range of plasmas therefore share virtually the same design and features with just slight differences.

Design

Samsung followed the less-is-more dictum for both the C and Q series, and the resulting HDTVs surely are admirable for their minimalist yet stylish looks. The PS42C96 features a relatively wide bezel on the top and sides, while the bottom frame that conceals the speakers is slightly wider. The only visible adornments are the Samsung logo and power button below the screen, and a subtly arced silver line near the bottom that highlights the swivel stand underneath.

The PS42C96 shares the same remote design and user interface as other 2007 Samsung releases. The slender wand is ergonomically designed, with nicely organised buttons and well-placed navigation keys. Also well-organised in a cascading style, the menu offers a lot of adjustment and setting options that may at first look daunting for newbies but is quite easy-to-use once you’ve become familiar with the interface.

Screen/picture clarity

One of the things that set the PS42C96 apart from its 2007 contemporaries was the impressive black levels it manages to deliver. Not quite as black as the top-of-the-line plasmas, but definitely darker than most other HDTVs – plasmas and LCDs – that were in the market at the time. Even today, the blacks of the PS42C96 easily outperform many newer LCDS. The outstanding blacks give vivid images, vibrant colours and rich shadow details – the more important aspects most people want from HDTVs.

This older set sports a 1366 X 768 native resolution and all sources are scaled to fit this resolution. High-def sources are excellently resolved – HD processing is really the strongest suit in the PS42C96’s arsenal - with superb motion handling and noise reduction. Playing standard-def results in barely noticeable noise and blur, which are to be expected from SD materials. If there is a downside worth mentioning, it would have to be the minimally effective anti-glare panel installed in the plasma.

Features

The C-series may be a down-scaled version, but the TVs in the series like the PS42C96 have enough features to satisfy users: picture-in-picture, built-in digital tuner (for Freeview), and generous picture and colour adjustment settings. Connectivity may not be as plentiful as HDTVs these days, but two HDMIs, PC-input, USB port and a host of other composite and component jacks certainly would be enough for not-too-demanding users.

This integrated digital TV from Samsung is really a no-nonsense one that simply delivers the goods. It’s a bit dated, yes, but for that same reason, it’s more likely to snag one of this for a song. It’s indeed the perfect option for those wanting to try the high-def experience, for the least price.

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