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- The innovative SlimFit design featured on the 30-inch Samsung TX-T3093WH reduces cabinet depth to just 16.3 inches, which is not much deeper than a stand-mounted LCD TV of the same screen size. The feature set is pretty good, with two HDMI connections, SRS TruSurround XT (which lets the set create the illusion of surround sound from just two speakers), a 20-watt stereo with graphic equalizer, reverse 3:2 pulldown and more. Colors are accurate and black levels are deep and cinematic. The Samsung TX-T3093W can receive and display HDTV signals, and the digital tuner means the set won't become obsolete when analog broadcasting ends in 2009.
- SlimFit TVs, especially widescreen models, have been plagued by image geometry problems. New circuitry in the Samsung TX-T3093WH was expected to improve that issue. Initial user reports say that it appears to have helped, but some reports persist. Despite the slimmed down cabinet, the TV is relatively heavy.
While the 30-inch Samsung SlimFit TX-T3093WH is not trouble-free, it clearly is the best option among direct-view CRT-based HDTVs. Samsung's SlimFit designs have become bestsellers thanks to their relatively shallow cabinet depth. One drawback that's plagued SlimFit TVs in the past, especially widescreen models, is poor image geometry (vertical and horizontal lines that are not perfectly straight). Samsung has added new circuitry to fix that problem in the TX-T3093WH, and initial user feedback indicates it has helped. Most agree that this TV is capable of producing impressive images.
Fewer and fewer CRT-based TVs are getting much in the way of professional reviews, and that includes the Samsung TX-T3093WH (*est. $650), a 30-inch 16:9 HDTV. This standard television has a cabinet design that is shallower than most other CRT TVs. While there are few professional reviews of this TV, we did find user reviews of the Samsung TX-T3093WH at CNet.com and Sears.com, and there's been a bit of discussion about it at AVSForum.com, a popular user-to-user consumer electronics help site.
Our Sources
1. AVSForum.com
This user-to-user site is very active with lots of discussions -- including some heated ones -- about all types of home-entertainment gear, including direct-view TVs such as the Samsung TX-T3093WH. Resources include an official thread dedicated to all of Samsung's SlimFit HDTVs. In general, AVSForum.com is a good place to read opinions, get specific help and to learn about specifications, features, problems, fixes and more.
Review: Direct View (Single Tube) Displays, Contributors to AVSForum.com
2. Sears.com
Sears allows customers to write reviews on its website. The reviews here tend to be brief, but include numerical ratings of performance, image quality, audio quality and features.
Review: Samsung 30 in. CRT Integrated HDTV, Widescreen SlimFit, Contributors to Sears.com
3. CNET
CNet's coverage of the Samsung TX-T3093W is just a report on its introduction, rather than a review, and no ratings or opinions are offered. Two users do post their own reviews here, but their opinions differ greatly.
Review: Samsung TX-T3093WH Review, Contributors to CNet.com
