Does the off-axis viewing on this model (~45 degrees or more) make a big difference in the picture? I can't tell at the store as BB (dark lighting) it doesn't seem to be an issue but Costco/Target (bright lighting) it seems significantly worse than surrounding TV's...hoping this isn't a deal breaker... Does the off-axis viewing on this model (~45 degrees or more) make a big difference in the picture? I can't tell at the store as BB (dark lighting) it doesn't seem to be an issue but... » Read More Does the off-axis viewing on this model (~45 degrees or more) make a big difference in the picture? I can't tell at the store as BB (dark lighting) it doesn't seem to be an issue but Costco/Target (bright lighting) it seems significantly worse than surrounding TV's...hoping this isn't a deal breaker... « Show Less
1701336
The picture is fine viewing at an angle. Only problem is the screen is very reflective of lights. Light coming through a window or light bulbs at proper angle reflect terribly.
1701337
Heck no, that is a TOTAL non issue. You can clearly see the full picture while practically standing next to it....but honestly, who even stands that far to the side watching TV anyway, to me that's a bogus specification. Trust me, this TV has an amazing picture. You would be totally throwing away your money on something more expensive. Something else to keep in mind, you can't always trust the video feeds that big box stores feed their sets. Sometimes that have worse feeds going to certain TV's because they need to meet a sales quota. ALSO, those TVs on the wall at the stores are NOT calibrated for the best viewing. I have my sharp 70" on the Dynamic mode, everything just pops more. Hope that helps. Heck no, that is a TOTAL non issue. You can clearly see the full picture while practically standing next to it....but honestly, who even stands that far to the side watching TV anyway, to me that's a bogus specification. Trust me, this TV has an amazing picture. You would be totally throwing away your money on something more expensive. Something else to keep in mind, you can't always trust the video feeds that big box stores feed their sets. Sometimes that have worse feeds going to certain TV's because they need to meet a sales quota. ALSO, those TVs on the wall at the stores are NOT... » Read More Heck no, that is a TOTAL non issue. You can clearly see the full picture while practically standing next to it....but honestly, who even stands that far to the side watching TV anyway, to me that's a bogus specification. Trust me, this TV has an amazing picture. You would be totally throwing away your money on something more expensive. Something else to keep in mind, you can't always trust the video feeds that big box stores feed their sets. Sometimes that have worse feeds going to certain TV's because they need to meet a sales quota. ALSO, those TVs on the wall at the stores are NOT calibrated for the best viewing. I have my sharp 70" on the Dynamic mode, everything just pops more. Hope that helps. « Show Less
1701338
Great TV. I don't have problems with my new TV. Our whole family (three of us) are sitting in the same sectional sofa and watching all kinds of things together. We are so happy to have it. I never regret buying it. But I regret that I bought it late. The color, the size and the sound at any degrees make me feel that I was sitting in a theater.
826491
I was severely tempted by the price on this set. I went to both BB and CC today and looked at them. This set has about a 30 degree off center angle that is acceptable. The newer (1080p) sets extend this to about 45 degrees off axis for an acceptable viewing angle. This gives you a total of 90 degrees. Forget the 160 nonsence!
469688
I'm not sure if I can post links on Amazon forums, but here is an in-depth review with some suggested settings from the Ultimateavmag.com site. http://www.ultimateavmag.com/rearprojectiontvs/807sam5687/index5.htmlBe sure to also check out the CNET reviews and rating.Hope to see my Samsung arrive by the end of the week. I hope that you enjoy yours.M
1283470
As far as look..the picture looks much more natural that my other lcd tvs that tend to be extra bright making the people look "too" colorful. This is most likely due to the micro dimming feature that makes the blacks more black. It gives everythign a little more depth. Cant give you info on gaming..I dont play games. It does not firefly as much as my old Samsung probably because its 240hz vs 120. Mine is the 65 inch so not sure if small models are even smoother...That would probably make gaming better if you want to play on a big screen. Good luck.
1774402
Hi -- I saw the same thing on my unit from extremely close by. I believe that's just how plasmas work because of the medium they are using. This has not impacted our viewing experience from our regular viewing position.
869413
How big of a difference is the picture with the glitch when watching a BD? I am strongly leaning towards buying this TV. If this is only a minor flaw I am going to buy it, I just don't see paying $700 more dollars for the 860 just for this glitch. Is watching BD without cinema smooth that much of a difference? Thank you.
489599
The default settings on this TV were nearly spot on. However, people get their TVs professionally calibrated for a reason. I for one, would rather use Cnet's or someone's post calibration settings then adjust for my lighting. Get a new HDMI standard cable. You won't regret this TV purchase! Enjoy..
383651
Samsungs tend to be very reflective. I'm getting my new LG 42LD550 within the next two weeks so I'll post here how it turns out. In general though I recommend keeping the lights turned off or very low, if possible. Also, getting wood blinds instead of plastic, or thick, dark curtains. Color of the walls help as well, darker is better than lighter colors (affects reflection of light). Viewing position makes a big difference too, be sure to get as centered as possible. If none of the above works, you can always buy TV filters, same as PC monitor filters.
1917615
Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and PS3 menu. Have you seen the same?Let me know what you have found out since your last post. Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and... » Read More Hey Brian,Have you resolved this yet? After using the TV more what I realize is that it doesn't matter which mode, which source, etc, but I get the side lighting only on gray scenes or backgrounds. Some examples are like loading screens in games, certain gray scenes in movies. It isn't a huge deal because it is only in certain situations, but still feel like it shouldn't do this for a TV this expensive. Also, this isn't a side-lit TV, so it shouldn't show more lighting on the sides anyway.I've also noticed a lot of bleeding in menus in general, like the TV menu and PS3 menu. Have you seen the same?Let me know what you have found out since your last post. « Show Less
1400499
I have mine sitting right next to a black TV and it doesn't look out-of-place. So, yeah, I'd say it's darker than the picture. I imagine that the picture was taken in a place with bright lighting. Maybe that's why it looks lighter.
1440306
I would rate the viewing angle...or the ability to view the numbers clearly from multiple angles as good, but not great. This is not helped by the fact that the screen is bordered by a flange-like edge that leaves it recessed cutting off light. That said I have been happy with the unit.
460073
I had to send that TV back. It was broken. However, I bought the Samsung 40" version, 120 hrtz. The picture is good at 45 degrees.
657700
In all honesty, the default settings on this guy were pretty amazing. I did mess with the brightness a bit, but other then that I left it alone. I recommend you play around with the settings as the previous comment said. Everythings going to be different according to your tastes. You can also google/youtube the monitor settings as well. People usually post their settings there.
1774403
No I have not seen that issue even up close. I have although done some messing around with the picture settings and by no means am I an expert. I would try some different settings or return it for a new one because of the price we have all had to pay for it. It could have even been damaged during shipping or not have set long enough before it was turned on the first time. I have the exact tv and the blacks are deep blacks and the whites are true as well as grey and all other colors. I let mine sit for eight hours after it was mounted on the tv stand before I turned it on for the first time.
1027786
My eyes couldn't handle dynamic, I'd need sun glasses. I did have both TV's set to the same settings, but perhaps each TV needs to be set a little differently? I've played around with it more and it is looking better but still not crystal clear. I'm waiting for my Blu-ray player to be delivered so I can see if it's the cable feed or the TV.
1926805
I have no problem with screen brightness with sun coming into the room... NOT on to the screen ... just in a sunny room. No idea about Panasonic. I do find that the 3D effect works best in a dark room. By the way, I must say that I'm enjoying surfing the web with my laptop connected to the HDTV through the RGB input. I just got a new laptop that has Bluetooth wireless connected to the HDTV through a NetGear device. Haven't installed it yet.
1464878
It does better than comparable lumen models I have owned. The lighting location matters, I.e. if you turn on a lamp on the opposite wall you'll see very little change... but if you turn the overhead lights on near the screen it is considerably washed out. With my mini blinds closed in the middle of the day the picture is still very good. Short throw does matter I believe. Not sure if I'm saying this correctly but I believe the closer the source the less effect light pollution has on it. If your looking for a projector to use with over head halogen lighting you'll need a significantly higher lumen version. It does better than comparable lumen models I have owned. The lighting location matters, I.e. if you turn on a lamp on the opposite wall you'll see very little change... but if you turn the overhead lights on near the screen it is considerably washed out. With my mini blinds closed in the middle of the day the picture is still very good. Short throw does matter I believe. Not sure if I'm saying this correctly but I believe the closer the source the less effect light pollution has on it. If your looking for a projector to use with over head halogen lighting you'll need a significantly higher... » Read More It does better than comparable lumen models I have owned. The lighting location matters, I.e. if you turn on a lamp on the opposite wall you'll see very little change... but if you turn the overhead lights on near the screen it is considerably washed out. With my mini blinds closed in the middle of the day the picture is still very good. Short throw does matter I believe. Not sure if I'm saying this correctly but I believe the closer the source the less effect light pollution has on it. If your looking for a projector to use with over head halogen lighting you'll need a significantly higher lumen version. « Show Less