Hi everyone,
Well went through the entire discussion over here and found it to be pretty interesting. However just wanted to let you guys know that sometimes 2006 when I was starting to become a HD(720p/1080i/1080p) fanatic I needed a large screen display for playing my HD stuff from my pc. Also by that time Tata Sky was a craze and after having seen the quality at and read the reviews I wanted that over digital cable. But as you guys know Tata Sky even though bring the best possible transmission to our homes is still SDTV signal right ? Its in the standard 4:3 aspect ration where as the tons of HD stuff which I had on my pc were mostly in the Wide aspect ratio 16:9 or higher format. So I was in a dilemma where to go for a wide screen TV or a regular 4:3 29 incher...
I saw Tata Sky being displayed on a WS at one of the showroom as it has the option of 16:9 ,but believe me if the transmission is being broadcasted in 4:3 format its meant to be seen in 4:3. So untill HDTV pilots in India better settle for for 4:3 when it comes to watching Television channels. I dont watch much of a TV but my mom does and I wanted to get the Tata Sky for her so that she can enjooy viewing it. So I desperately started hunting for a 29 inch CRT based 4:3 TV which also would be HDTV ready and would support the HD stuffs when beamed across from my PC. I went through several reviews and articles and showroom until I came across the Samsung CS29Z40 HE model . It was a damn good looking slimfit TV with a full 100Hz digital scan, PIP functionality and very much HDTV (720p/1080i) compatible. Also it had the advanced 3d digital comb filter which was the best comb filter available at that time. The MRP on the Samsung site was around Rs.29,500 and was pretty much higher than the other comparative Sony, Samsung, Philips and LG 29 inch models. Believe me the specs, and the looks made me fall for it.
Guys and here I am talking about the Samsung CS29Z40 (HE) model and not the normal CS29Z40 which was also available which did not support HDTV.
After having Tata Sky installed and hooked up to the TV , it was all about viewing Television channels in India as I had never experienced before. The contrast , brightness , saturation and sharpness of the picture on the Tata Sky enabled channels were simply outstanding. Even the TataSky engineers who had come to have the dish and everything installed admitted that it was an awesome TV as they had seen the quality at other places on other models of Samsung, Sony, Philips , LG and stuff but this was definitely better.
I cant say much about the sound quality, as its got just two stereo 10w(RMS) x2 speakers without any added stuff for the LFE . It was clearer I would say specially with the SRS Tru Surround enabled but it was not LOUD. So its not as THUMPING or shaking as many of the other models wit additional speakers and woofers and all. I normally consider picture quality of a TV much higher above the sound quality.For sound I can rely on my HTS but for me TV should deliver a sharp , clear, bright , beautiful picture.
The 100Hz digital scanning of this TV which is almost twice as high as other comparative models really ensures complete flicker view viewing even when you are watching it from a very close distance. I mean you can clearly make out the difference when sitting close to a TV with 50-60HZ and one with 100Hz. Believe me people the picture of Tata Sky optimised channels like Star Channels, Discovers, NGC, AXN, V, Animal Planet were just too good.
There was a lil bit of pixelation on some channels which were not TataSky optimised channels earlier when I took the connection but I believe now that has been fixed by Tata Sky as I am experiencing a much better picture now on them.
Now I am not comparing it to SONY, PHILIPS , Panasonic or other models of Samsung as well. Whatever I have expressed over here is purely my own viewpoint and is what I felt after I did lots of showroom hopping and surfing the web and experiencing first hand. I dont know how much this model (CS29Z40 HE) would be costing now if its still available but if its there then even though it would cost more I would highly recommend it to anyone over other competing models and makes in that range.
Ummm... going to talk about the way its able to display HD stuff over through component connected to my pc would be a lil off topic her but in one words its just HEAVENLY and very bright with an amazing contrast. The black levels have to be seen to be believed people. However would not go into that stuff over here but guys believe me I spent around 28 K ( Planet Samsung so 1 k lesser than the MRP) on the set 1 and half years back and I am like totally satisfied and got my money's worth. It looks stunning and performs even better.
..need to check out the prices of these ones first ..thanks for help guys .
hyeah: 
