Samsung SIR-T351 ATSC (HD) Tuner

[Archived in HDTV, HDTV Accessories, Products, Receivers, Samsung]

Manufacturer: SAMSUNG
Price at amazon.com: List price $449.99



Product Features:

• Tunes and decodes all 18 approved ATSC DTV broadcast formats
• Selectable outputs, including 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i so you can match the resolution to that of your TV or PC
• Range of outputs includes DVI, component-video, composite-video, S-video, and both analog and digital audio
• Receives and passes Dolby Digital DTV broadcasts for stereo or discrete 5.1-channel surround sound with compatible hardware
• Includes universal remote control

Product Description:

Terrestrial HD receiver

Description from Manufacturer: Whether you're upgrading your PC or your HD-ready TV to full high-definition status or paving the way to buy an HD-ready set sometime soon, Samsung's SIR-T351 digital TV receiver is a cost-effective and versatile component for your entertainment system. After all, over-air HDTV broadcasts are free for the watching--no special service is required. Just plug in your receiver (and possibly an external antenna, not included) and start channel surfing.

The SIR-T351 tunes and decodes all 18 ATSC broadcast formats. You can view HDTV and even SDTV, standard-definition television (NTSC 480i format via S-video or composite-video output), so you don't even have to wait for an HD-ready TV. Select DTV programs offer Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, which the SIR-T351 passes to any compatible surround-processing audio/video receiver and a multichannel speaker system.

You get a wide selection of output options, including 1080i, 720p, or 480p/i DTV formats, and connection options including one each component-video, composite-video, and S-video. Audio jacks consist of a stereo (left/right) RCA output and a pair of digital-audio connections (one each optical and coaxial).

What's in the Box
DTV receiver, component cables, audio cables, remote control, two AA batteries, and user's manual.Average Customer Rating:

---

Comment: Cheapest for a Reason Rating:
I've had good experience with Samsung in the past, but don't go for this unit unless you already have a near-perfect analog signal. I'm 2 miles from the broadcast stations in Chicago, but in an apartment. I would get 8 out of 10 bars in signal strength, but the unit would have to keep honing in on the signal so the signal strength bars would 'flicker' and as a result audio and pixilated picture would constantly come in and out despite all amplification attempts. I now get shadows with my analog set up, so my guess is that the reflecting in my indoor signal is causing both the analog shadowing as well as the transient at best HD picture and sound through this unit. I believe it's an issue with the processor not being able to re-adjust quickly enough and filter down the signal it needs just right. I also must reiterate the issue that you can not view the menu in 1080i through the DVI and this unit does NOT come with a DVI cable so expect to shell out another $100 for one. If you have a roof antenna, then then this may be the unit for you, but I'll try out the 4th generation Samsung TS360 and hopefully it will be able to lock onto my bouncing but strong signal - plus it comes with a DVI cable. I still applaud Samsung for leading the way in driving down the price of these suckers & releasing the better technology with better consumer end-user specs before everybody else.

---

Comment: Too many factors to blame the unit. Rating:
I can agree AND disagree with everyone else's opinion of this unit. I have the unit connected to my 57" Hitachi Ultrvision via DVI-D interface, and to my Panasonic receiver via TOSLINK optical. When I first got the unit I connected it THRU the receiver via Component (RGB) cable. I experienced video dropout during sudden bright scenes, and occasional audio drop out in Dolby 5.1 as others have. I should note I am 55mile north of Tampa Bay and get about 7 or 8 channels (plus sub-channels) with a roof top antenna (Channelmaster from about 1990). The video droppout was clipping due to the Receiver's shortcomings, once I by passed it the video was excellent all the time. I also have not had an audio issue in some time now. Granted, being a TiVo family we rarely get to watch alot of "live" TV, but it has been great. Bottom line is this: reception is key. The signal is digital and thus will be slow to decode, uncompress and prone to packet loss (equating to picture pixelization and loss of Dolby soundtrack) Remember the UHF days? Ghosts, snow, etc.? Same thing, only digital. I previously bought a Zenith unit and it only got 1 channel. The sensitivity of the Samsung is by far superior to anything else in my experience. If you want terrestrial TV in HD for FREE, you'll need to invest in a well tuned aerial. Also I have a standard vhf/uhf 35db booster inline, 30ft from the aerial and 60ft from the tuner and it does not interfere with the signal in a negative way. I give it 4 stars because a this point in time we are too close to next-gen receivers to expect this unit to live up to the expectations of each individual user.

---

Comment: Samsung quality control is BAD Rating:
Purchased 1 unit, went though 9 of them before returning it for good. All of them would power up, menu worked, but could not recieve any signal with a $50 antenna. Samsung asked to send the unit in for repair...but why would I do that since it doesnt work new out of the box. I did not have any luck with this unit. My LG electronics one works great with full signal strength.

Posted at November 11, 2003 02:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)