Here's the story and sort of a mini-review of my R81. I initially bought a samsung LA32N71 (mosel) last March 11. After a week of ownership, I remembered to test for dead pixels (Samsung has zero-dead pixel warranty). I downloaded a software for testing for dead pixel. Test result showed 7 dead pixels. I reported it to Samsung and after their technician confirmed it, they offered to replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, N71 is already phased out so they couldn't give me a replacement. They asked me if I wanted a different model. Fortunately, around that time, the R81 came out. The dealer allowed me to upgrade at no extra cost. While I really like the PQ and form factor of the N71, I settled for the R81 because I don't want to think that I spent P63k for a not-so-perfect LCD. Plus the R81 is a newer model, has higher contrast ratio, 3 HDMI, and more controls for picture customization. So what have I noticed about the R81 after 2 weeks of ownership? Here goes...
1) higher contrast (black is really darker). Too dark that sometimes I had to tone down on the contrast
2) it appears that it has a better tuner because channels that are not clear on my N71 (the not so popular skycable channels) are much, much clearer on the R81
3) it's nice that it has separate backlight level control, unlike the N71 wherein backlight can only be adjusted via the "energy-saving feature"
4) greater connectivity because of 3 HDMI inputs, although I haven't really maximized it yet because I only have 1 hdmi component (DVD player)
5) more controls for picture customization
Things I don't like:
1)I don't know if this is an accurate observation but it seems that pixels are more noticeable on the R81, but only on fast scenes like NBA games. I don't recall observing this on my N71. But this could also be due to the cable signal. I haven't got the time to watch dvds yet. On non-sports programs, I don't observe the pixelization.
2) the HDMI jacks at the back are somewhat loose. They move when I tried to plug/unplug the hdmi. I went back to the dealer and noticed that their display unit is also like that. I was told by the salesman that they also noticed it on their display unit. Can other R81 owners confirm if they have the same problem.
3) dust magnet. My previous N71 has gloss black finish in front and matt finish at the back. The R81 has gloss black finish at front and back.
4) the dedicated "PC" button on the remote is gone. I have to toggle between the different sources before I can change to PC mode
5) Wiselink is gone. Wala na yung mga memory card/usb slots sa side, but honestly, I haven't found the need to use it during my 3 weeks of ownership of the N71, so I don't miss it
Overall, I'm glad I decided to "upgrade" to the R81. I don't know if this is considered an upgrade because technically the N71 came from a higher series (mosel) compared to the R81 (bordeaux), and that is actually 1 of the reasons why I was hesitant at first to accept the R81 replacement offer.
