40" Samsung UN40KU6290 4K $290 at Best Buy (or $265 with $25/$200 Amex offer)

So still no update from samsung on my order from the 13th, i called and they even found it strange that it was sitting in processing and was not in backorder. I am really not sure what they are doing i see the pending charge on my card.

Still nothing here too. I'm hoping they don't cancel my order...was really looking forward to getting this for $300. Most of the other 40" displays either cost more than I want to spend for work or aren't that great (the Philips etc.).
 
Well I finally hooked mine up and I'm running 1080p@60 with 4:4:4 and honestly, I think it looks awesome like this at the standard 100% scaling (which I guess is no scaling). Everything seems very crisp to me and the text is so big I love it (hey, I'm 44 years old and recently had to get bifocals ... my eyes aren't the best I guess).

I did try 4K native resolution but I don't have my new video card yet so I'm not getting 4:4:4 when at 4K native resolution so maybe that's the problem but it just didn't look good and everything was tiny as hell. I had to set scaling at 150% for it to be usable and even that seemed a bit small to me. Tried 200% and that seems more like it. Anyway, after testing 1080p first then full native resolution I'm back down to 1080p but I'm getting a Nvidia 1060 next week so I'll try native resolution again since I shouldn't have a problem then with getting 4K@60 4:4:4

Question:

At 1080p (and I assume this will also happen at the native 4K resolution once I get my new card) the Nvidia setting goes to RGB and LIMITED but I can change LIMITED to 0-255 instead of 16-235 (that is the LIMITED setting). Which setting should I use? Does it make a difference if I'm watching a video like a MKV from a BluRay or a DVD or ???

There's also the option to change RGB to YCbCr444 and when using this setting the "Output dynamic range" option (which I mentioned above for RGB) is greyed out. However using YCbCr444 allows you to pick either 8 bpc or 12 bpc for "Output color depth" (this seems locked to 8 bpc when using the RGB setting).

So many settings, not sure which is best.

Note that I labeled the HDMI input PC and so I think I have all the settings on the TV correct. The TV "pop up" info says: "1920x1080 / 60p HDMI UHD Color" and using a "test pattern" image it seems I am indeed getting 4:4:4 (confirmed when set to RGB and/or YCbCr444).

*** EDIT ***
In RGB mode I can change to either 8 bpc or 12 bpc (I just double checked it after posting).

*** EDIT ***
The TV has a setting called "HDMI Black Level" and there are 3 options. "Normal" - "Low" - "Auto"
I had it set to "Auto" but I noticed that "Normal" really changes the brightness of the TV. Is one better than another?

*** EDIT ***
Based on some stuff I read elsewhere, the correct settings should be as follows:

RGB "Full" (not Limited) with "HDMI Black Level" set to "Normal"
I have the "Output color depth" at 12 bpc but maybe it should be 8 bpc? That's one option I'm still not sure of.
Anyway, after doing this, I can confirm that video (I watched some MKV's from BluRay discs) looked a hell of a lot better than my earlier settings (I had set HDMI Black Level to AUTO and that apparently was wrong).

OK I think I'm done editing this post now lol
 
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Still nothing here too. I'm hoping they don't cancel my order...was really looking forward to getting this for $300. Most of the other 40" displays either cost more than I want to spend for work or aren't that great (the Philips etc.).
well on wednesday a full week after my order they emailed saying its on backorder now.... not the greatest support from samsung, since on monday when i called they claimed it was not backordered.
 
Just wanted to say that now that I've had a week or so of living with this TV as a computer monitor ... I love it!
I hope everyone else is enjoying theirs as well.

Cheers!
 
Ordered 2 from Samsung - said it was in stock. But nope both backordered.

Canceled them and then placed one order with Best Buy, showed in stock and estimated delivery of the 5th. But today got an email it was backordered. "Bullshit"!

I am actually pretty happy love the HP Omen 32 inch and I don't think i would have preferred anything bigger for a monitor. This is perfect, text is crisp as hell.

Got my brother a 50 inch Vizio for $89 more since he is using it as a tv, he is loving it.

Good riddance. Tired of waiting and then pretending it's in stock and then showing up as backordered.
 
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Same crap here, NKD, getting really annoyed its almost been a month since i ordered and they dont even give any information if you call. Pretty poor support.
 
The sad thing is, if I had ordered one day earlier, they were still in stock at a couple of sites. Oh well. I guess I'll just keep waiting...it's more of a "want" than a need since I already have a large Samsung at home but I was really wanting this for work because 4K > the dual 1080p monitors that I'm using now and nothing else can touch this for the price. :(
 
Recieved an email from Samsung the other day stating a Feb 06 for estimated fullfillment.... this was ordered on decemeber 13th
 
I have 2 1200P at work and then come home to the 6290 and kick myself for not buying 2 of them @ $289 when I had the chance.

For work stuff, assuming you don't need it color-correct, the Seiki 42" from HHGregg for $230 would be a good bet.
 
Buying things direct from Samsung is a terrible experience. They are really bad. I recently bought a KS8000 from them, first one broken, said they would price match the second and never did. Never got a refund for the first TV I returned either. Sat on a couple thousand dollars. I had to get Discover involved.
 
Gave this TV a try and I am pretty happy with what it is. Wish I would of snagged it for this price though, but ah well.
 
For those who want to test 4:4:4 chroma at 4K@60Hz, download and display these 2 attached file. Be sure to turn on UHD Color on HDMI1 and keep the Sharpness at 50 (which means no sharpening at Samsung apparently).

You should see "4:4:4" in the first image. And you should be able to read the text clearly (keep it 1:1 no scaling/zooming) in the second image.
 

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Is this still available anywhere for $350 or under?

costco still has it for 289.99, I finally bought my brother one from there. I was surprised like samsung and besbuy they didn't bullshit me about stock, where they both took my order and then emailed me about back order. Costco actually was out of stock a day after I ordered but it seems like its back in stock now and they are letting you place the order.
 
Is this still available anywhere for $350 or under?

I found an open box (full warranty) for $310 at a local Best Buy, and I think they'll let you order them for in store pickup from the website if there are any in your area, so that may be an option if you don't have a Costco membership or Costcos around you.


A quick PSA:

Odd thing I've noticed: if the set is connected to the internet and there's a firmware update pending, it will artifact a lot -- mostly flashing blue vertical lines. Accepting the update makes this stop. I first thought there was something wrong with mine and suspect this may be why it was returned in the first place.
 
costco still has it for 289.99, I finally bought my brother one from there. I was surprised like samsung and besbuy they didn't bullshit me about stock, where they both took my order and then emailed me about back order. Costco actually was out of stock a day after I ordered but it seems like its back in stock now and they are letting you place the order.
I'm assuming this requires a Costco membership, correct? If so, I unfortunately don't have one of those. :cry:
I found an open box (full warranty) for $310 at a local Best Buy, and I think they'll let you order them for in store pickup from the website if there are any in your area, so that may be an option if you don't have a Costco membership or Costcos around you.
I'll be completely honest here: I have no idea what and open box is. I can guess, but I haven't ever heard of it for sure. However, I recently checked, and I believe these are no longer sold on the Best Buy website. If you could double check for me, I'd appreciate it. Maybe it's just something on my end.
 
There are two types of 'open boxes' within the US Marketplace. This could be called something different in other countries but I doubt it.

The first 'open box' I will describe simple means a customer has returned a product to where he/she bought the item, contents checked, refund issued and the item put back into stock at usually a discounted price.

The second 'open box' is also sometimes called a 'demo unit' or 'b-stock'. This is when a retailer is under strict guidelines not to sell a product at below a manufactures suggested retail price. You see this a lot in high-end studio equipment and home audio and possibly camera equipment as well such as bodies and lenses. To get around this, companies will list the item as 'open box', 'b-stock' or as a 'demo unit'. I've been told by some that these units actually have to be opened to give them this distinction legally although the contents are not disturbed or removed from the packaging. This is done so a business can better compete on price in a small / limited market place, or to help move old stock. You see some of this on sweetwater and zZounds at times. These terms are used loosely as sometimes this terminology actually does mean b-stock or a demo unit pooled from a showroom floor.

If someone knows more about this practice that can maybe give a better example than what I have, do so.

In the past, I've bought studio grade speakers that were brand new but listed as open box. After asking the salesman "what?" it was explained to me what I just attempted to explain to you.
 
Man, this set has disappeared from most US websites. Looks like it's primarily sold in Canada now. If it is indeed still being sold by Costco, would anyone be up for helping a long time [H] member acquire one? Would it be as simple as someone with a Costco membership signing in to the website and having the TV shipped to me?

I just really don't want to pay ~$200 more for the KU6300 which would provide no advantages for my use case.
 
A quick PSA:

Odd thing I've noticed: if the set is connected to the internet and there's a firmware update pending, it will artifact a lot -- mostly flashing blue vertical lines. Accepting the update makes this stop. I first thought there was something wrong with mine and suspect this may be why it was returned in the first place.
Mine is connected to the Internet with no pending updates and I still get the blue lines. Used 3 different cables now that work perfect on the KS8000 in the main room. Connected to the internet or not or an update hasn't changed this for me.
 
Man, this set has disappeared from most US websites. Looks like it's primarily sold in Canada now. If it is indeed still being sold by Costco, would anyone be up for helping a long time [H] member acquire one? Would it be as simple as someone with a Costco membership signing in to the website and having the TV shipped to me?

I just really don't want to pay ~$200 more for the KU6300 which would provide no advantages for my use case.

It would probably work. I just added one to cart and it asked me where to ship it. PM me your details and I'll help you out. My only fear is that if something is wrong with it, then what? As long as you trust me, you'll be fine.
 
Man, this set has disappeared from most US websites. Looks like it's primarily sold in Canada now. If it is indeed still being sold by Costco, would anyone be up for helping a long time [H] member acquire one? Would it be as simple as someone with a Costco membership signing in to the website and having the TV shipped to me?

I just really don't want to pay ~$200 more for the KU6300 which would provide no advantages for my use case.

I am not sure if its the same, but the costco canada website DOES NOT require membership, only in store does.
 
I am not sure if its the same, but the costco canada website DOES NOT require membership, only in store does.

A membership isn't required to sign up (I think you can still purchase some items with a surcharge), but this particular set is a "member only" item.

It would probably work. I just added one to cart and it asked me where to ship it. PM me your details and I'll help you out. My only fear is that if something is wrong with it, then what? As long as you trust me, you'll be fine.

I don't know, man. I mean you're a newbie with a pretty sketchy history so far... :D
 
Man, this set has disappeared from most US websites. Looks like it's primarily sold in Canada now. If it is indeed still being sold by Costco, would anyone be up for helping a long time [H] member acquire one? Would it be as simple as someone with a Costco membership signing in to the website and having the TV shipped to me?

I just really don't want to pay ~$200 more for the KU6300 which would provide no advantages for my use case.
Got my brothers shipped. It's member only item. But it's definitely available for shipping.
 
Mine is connected to the Internet with no pending updates and I still get the blue lines. Used 3 different cables now that work perfect on the KS8000 in the main room. Connected to the internet or not or an update hasn't changed this for me.

Go in the menu and force an update check?
 
Yeah....I've probably done that once a week since I bought it.

I've had maybe 2 or 3 updates since I purchased it. The blue lines still persist once in awhile but it's always after turning it on. I've noticed that it appears to be when the panel is cold. It goes away after several minutes/warm up. In fact, I've even had the blue lines, shut it off, turn it back on, and they are gone. I know the cable isn't the issue as I'm using an Audioquest pearl cable which I know works fine.
 
I've had maybe 2 or 3 updates since I purchased it. The blue lines still persist once in awhile but it's always after turning it on. I've noticed that it appears to be when the panel is cold. It goes away after several minutes/warm up. In fact, I've even had the blue lines, shut it off, turn it back on, and they are gone. I know the cable isn't the issue as I'm using an Audioquest pearl cable which I know works fine.
That's basically what I've been doing as well...as far as turning it off and back on. I'm starting to come to the same consensus. Just annoying really.

Edit: just turned on my rig, been about 4 days, and guess what has an update available...lol
We shall see if it helps the issue at all.
 
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