Customer Reviews

Samsung LN32C530 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own a 56 inch Samsung DLP (have for some time now) and love the thing. So when it was time to get a flat screen for my bedroom (the old CRT just had to go), I went right to Samsung. My needs were 32 inches, 2 or more HDMI inputs, at least one analog composite input, at least one analog component input and a QAM tuner. I looked at a few models from other vendors (the usual suspects, Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi, etc., excluding Visio, not a chance that junk enters my home) and for the most part they were very similar in the features they offered. This model was a little better than some of the others in the same price/size range and it had some extra cool features (ability to display images from camera) and given my past experience with Samsung, I purchased this model.

I mounted the TV to the wall (using a Cheetah) and cannot be more pleased. The QAM tuner found all of the cable channels that were available (although it would have been nice to just have it hunt for digital channels, I had to go back after the hunt and manually remove the analog junk). The other inputs worked as expected. The remote control is not bad but it lacks a button to turn Closed Captions on/off (you need to navigate the menus to turn on/off, what a hassle). Picture quality is great, and the sound is what you expect for built in speakers (not great, but sufficient)

All of that said, I give this baby two thumbs up...

One month of viewing has reinforced my initial experience that this Samsung LN32C530 32-Inch 1080p is an outstanding LCD HDTV. After researching Consumer Reports and several online ratings sites, the choice came down to the LG 32LH30 32-Inch 1080p and a comparable Vizio (also 32" 1080p). Both the other two were less expensive, but the research suggested that the Samsung quality and features would be worth it. It was correct. The picture quality is outstanding, viewing the TV off-angle only results in a minimal brightness reduction (less than I've typically noticed in other LCDs). Sound is fine (I use the TV speakers - not a home theater system for this TV). Satisfaction is 100%.

I got this TV a little over a month ago, and have not once regretted the purchase. Before this TV I had a 32 inch Sony KDL-V32XBR1 for over 5 years, and finally decided now was going to be the time to get my own as I am moving out of my house. I did some research and found that Samsung was definitely in the lead in terms of quality and price, and finally settled on this model. I got it for 499 on sale at Best Buy, and the difference was incredible! This monitor is BEAUTIFUL, especially for 500 bucks! You might want to do a little tweaking with the color settings, but it usually does a very good job looking great without any help from you. I have HD Cable, a Xbox 360 hooked up via Component, and a PS3 hooked up with HDMI. The TV automatically senses which ports are active and only switches between the ones that have an incoming signal going to them, which is really convenient. It also has a power setting which defaults to on which will detect the ambient light and lower the back-lighting on the monitor to save power. I personally found that it lowered the light too much, as I like my movies bright and colorful, so I ended up turning it off, which I would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind spending a little extra power on their picture.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I originally had a hard time with ghosting showing up on bluray like another reviewer, but it just didn't make sense and unlike the other reviewer, after a little research I found that Digital Noise Reduction filters cause all the ghosting with HDTV's these days, so once I turned that off in the TV's menu, everything was back to being incredibly sharp and quick! Just make sure to turn that off when gaming or watching High Def movies, and you will NEVER look back on getting this TV. It has an incredible amount of BANG for the buck.

I was very excited about this purchase, the price point is great and it is a Samsung. The first shipment got here quickly and I was happy to set it up. As soon as I turned on my PS3 I noticed the left speaker (they are hidden by the way, which looks great!) would go in and out. I tried many different input devices and the sound problem continued so I knew it was the TV.

I sent it back (Amazon was great by the way) and got a replacement... no sound issues. I thought it was a simple mistake and I was unfortunate and happily set up the new one. Later that night I was watching a BD and noticed the screen would darken and lighten about every ten seconds, over and over again. It continued to do this even as I turned the movie off and switched over to the X360. Called Samsung customer support and they basically told me I needed service, the nice lady then recommended (since it was only a day old and all) I simply return it to the place of purchase for a new one. Well after two tries and both being lemons right out of the box, I can't justify trying again. It's a shame because the picture quality is great, exactly what you would expect from a Samsung and it was really hard for me to have to move on for another brand. I still plan on purchasing a Samsung, but I won't lie and say this experience has made me very hesitant.

Keep in mind, this is a very new model. I cannot recommend purchase of this set right now, but I'm sure in the future it will get a lot stronger. Furthermore, I could simply be extremely unlucky to get two lemons in a row.

I recently purchased the Samsung LN32C530 TV and I love it. We installed it in the bedroom, and it has a feature that is a big advantage for us: the "timer on" to wake us in the morning. We use it as our alarm clock to awaken us. Almost all TVs have a "timer off" feature or a "sleep timer", but Samsung is one of the few TV manufacturers who offer the "timer on" advantage.

Also, I become amused by a review that complains that he had to put 4 screws into 4 screw holes to install the base. Is he joking? We installed the base and had it operational in about 10 minutes with no problems, and I am a senior citizen.

This is my 2nd Samsung TV purchase this year, and they offer a superior picture at minimal price.Samsung LN32C530 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

Third time's the charm. And am I glad I found this Samsung! I must admit purchasing at a local store but would have happily bought it from Amazon and saved money.

Here's the deal; I wanted a 32" HDTV for a spare bedroom in the 500 dollar range. First went with the Sony 32EX400. Now this may sound like a crazy reason for going with the Sony but I chose it because I discovered with my Dish Network remote control if you find the correct TV code, then the (*) asterisk button on lower left of the Dish's remote will activate the Sony's Sleep Timer. Hooked up the Sony to the HDMI from the Dish Receiver and there was a glitch where it says it cannot locate any HDMI device. Screen is black unless I unplug the HDMI then put back in. More issues with that Sony but long story short I took it back. The local store had received a new shipment of that Sony (and with different serial number series) so I risked trying the same model. Hooked the second one up and still had the HDMI issue. I wanted to make sure it wasn't on my end so I hooked up an HDTV from another bedroom: no problem, so I knew the Sony was going back and I'd go with a different brand. Did my online homework and this Samsung 530 seemed to fit the bill. Wow! What a difference between the Sony and this Samsung! I haven't even touched the Samsung to adjust contrast or color. The Sony was dim right out of the box on both sets I tried.

Love the remote control on this Samsung. Nice big buttons and color coding is a plus for a bedroom TV. And it has a dedicated "SLEEP" timer button on the remote. No hunting through a menu. I've included a pic in the photo area.

Tip for Dish Network users: If you program the Dish's remote control "TV" mode button to code 858, it will work like the Sony, allowing the (*) asterisk button to activate the "Sleep Timer". No more switching remotes to set the timer.

I would recommend this set to anyone looking in this price range.

It took a butt load of time and finagling to get the screws for the stand in. Then, when I started the tv, I heard the sound flutter in the start-up jingle it plays. I thought "great, a problem from the get-go. Maybe it will go away..." Well, it didn't. The sound kept fluttering right until my last day with it, which would be the second. I had to ship it back to Samsung to get it repaired (instead of having someone come out...) Now I'm waiting for it to come back, which could be a month. I already had to wait a week to get it, and then quite a while during the setup because of the screw problem, and now I have to wait for it to come back. I paid quite a bit, albeit it with an amazon store card, to have it close to immediately. Instead I had to go through the trouble of shipping the stupid thing away and now am waiting for who knows how long... I realize that these things happen with electronics, but I have to give this current review based on what I got and will be updating it based on whatever I get back.

*Update*
I sent the tv in, waited a loooong time for them to repair it (they said they were waiting for a part to come in), and now that I have it back, I'm angrier than before. The problem was kind-of-repaired. The sound only flutters some of the time instead of always. I wasn't entirely convinced that I was truly hearing it until a few minutes ago when the problem reared its ugly head briefly. Now I'm not so sure I'm going to keep this piece of garbage.

*Update...again*
I sent the tv in a second time and got it back with the same problem. I was told that there wasn't an issue with the tv either time I sent it for repairs (even though I was told the first time that the technicians were waiting for a part). Now they want it back a third time so they can find what's wrong with it... While I'm completely and utterly sure they will find what's wrong with it the third time, I'll be sending it back. I'll probably be investing in a Sony or Panasonic in the future.

*Final Update (I promise.)*
I had to return it yesterday but before that, I took it to a friends house to see if it was just getting interference from the outlets in my apartment. Unfortunately, the sound still acted up, albeit rarely. It's a shame because I really did like this tv and didn't want to return it, but I just couldn't trust that the Samsung techs would fix it... I want to get another Samsung, but I know that if it acts up, I'll have to put up with a lot of crap from customer service. On a final note, I'm calling them tonight to cancel the repair request I made and they are going to feel my wrath... or at least hear it.

Love this tv. This tv is so new that there is not much info out there on it. I did find that it is 60,000:1 contrast with the new 4.0 energy savings setup. Turned it on and the picture was as you would find on most Samsung LCD's. Very clear, bright and detailed. I also have a 46", 550 series and the sound from this 32" 530 series is some what better.
The one issue maybe that this is so new to the market that techs from Samsung really don't have any helpful info. to help you with questions. But when I called they said that this should change around the first of April 2010. All in all I'am very pleased with this tv so far.

Pros:

1. Price - Great value considering its a Samsung brand
2. 1080p - Full HD Capability
3. 32 inch - Reasonable size for a bedroom
4. USB outlet - A nice perk to hook up your external HD to watch movies/pictures.
5. Thickness - Not as thick as other brands such as LG & Visio.

Cons:

1. Start Up time - There is a 5-10 second delay from pressing the power button to the TV to actually power on. (This is annoying)
2. Read time of HDD - There is a 10-20 second delay for the USB slot to detect the external hard drive. (This is also annoying)
3. Darkening of screen - There are random flashes when the screen darkens for no reason whatsoever; I'm not sure if there is the TV's fault or the poor signal from the cable company.
4. 60HZ refresh rate - I was hoping that this TV would have a 120 HZ refresh rate but there is a big jump of 100/200 dollars extra to get it included.

Conclusion:

The Pros outweigh the Cons so I would recommend this purchase if you have a strict budget of 500 dollars and want a 1080 p HDTV display.

Purchased the LN32C530 for the living room a couple days ago and am loving it.

Have not had any problems / noticed anything I don't like.

Hooked up an Mac Mini to the HDMI port. For the audio from the computer to the tv, you just connect a 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Male to 1/8" (3.5mm) Stereo Male cable between the computer and TV. (The tv doesn't have an digital/toslink audio out port).

Loving it so far.

6-14-10 Update:
One thing I don't like is once a month or so, using the remote I accidentally put the tv into shop/store mode.

Wish there was a way to figure out what I was pressing that was doing it. I think it has to do with my holding down the volume button for long periods for one thing.