PICTURE QUALITY This model had excellent high-definition picture quality. This model did an excellent job displaying the finest detail. Color accuracy was excellent, so colors looked very natural and lifelike. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images showed some depth and dimension. In this respect, the TV was similar to most of the models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands.
VIEWING ANGLE This Samsung has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing LCD sets we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of the TV. If your family is seated in chairs off to the side of the TV, they'll see decent but compromised image quality.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was good; the picture showed a moderate loss of color so flesh tones looked washed out. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE We used several video sources to evaluate Samsung’s Ultra HD performance, including: 4K movie content preloaded on Samsung’s UHD Video Pack hard drive player, Sony’s FDR-AX100 4K camcorder, 4K resolution test patterns and photos via USB, and even 4K streaming courtesy of Netflix. We confirmed that playback of movies in 4K revealed finer detail and texture than HD, but those differences were best appreciated when viewing from up close to the screen. We also streamed “House of Cards” from Netflix in 4K, and compared the image to Netflix’s “SuperHD” 1080p version of the same program playing on an HDTV. The UHD image had an overall smoother picture with better rendition of very fine texture such as skin. When playing 1080p movie content from a Blu ray disc, we found the TV’s upconversion to UHD resolution actually helped better render HD’s fine detail. However, Samsung does apply slight edge enhancement in its upconversion process, so we preferred the upconverted-to-4K output from our reference Oppo player which presented a more neutral image. UHD test patterns as well as photos displayed via USB, confirmed the TV takes full advantage of its UHD resolution, and not marred by unnecessary image processing. Same goes for video’s from Sony’s excellent 4K camcorder, whose content we were able to play back via HDMI connection, or USB drive. A full complement of picture settings are accessible in photo playback mode, unlike some UHD TVs we’ve seen, so picture quality can be tweaked for best fidelity. When it comes to UHD performance this TV delivers, but as our test show, overall performance is not just about image detail.
MOTION BLUR This Samsung TV has excellent motion performance, with no visible blurring on our motion tests, thanks to Samsung's Auto Motion Plus. This feature is designed to reduce motion blur, a shortcoming of most LCD TVs. With the feature turned off, motion performance was only fair, with significant blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The screen surface on this LCD TV has one of the shinier mirror-like surfaces we've seen, which makes it very susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was very good, on par with the better 3D displays. 3D images showed effective depth, with minimal levels of ghosting (left eye/right eye crosstalk) on our 3D test patterns and on a wide variety of 3D program content. We didn't see any increase in ghosting when viewing at off angles. In 3D mode, the display presented full 1080p resolution to each eye, showing all the detail from the best 3D content from Blu-ray disc.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound is good, fine for typical TV programming, but won't reproduce the full range of movie soundtracks and music. It has a wide volume range, allowing the TV to play loud with no noticeable distortion. At more typical listening levels the TV has a generally smooth sound with good bass and impact, though highs were rolled off, and the overall sound quality degraded at higher volume settings. All told, none of these issues were overly distracting and most will find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was straightforward, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features, and to access 3D, and to access Internet features, and to access 3D. All buttons on the remote are backlit so they're easy to see in the dark. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the TV to the included support stand is easy, though the stand requires the assembly of two parts before mounting.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. Features include a full Web browser and access to a library of applications via "Samsung streaming services include: Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, M-GO, Netflix, Vudu. It also has a built-in Web cam for access to video conferencing applications such as Skype.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes four HDMI inputs, one composite input, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, and built-in Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing. Analog connections are made via special breakout cable adapters (included) that attach to the TV as single plugs. That means you plug your component, composite, or stereo cables into a dangling "pigtail" rather than the back of the TV itself. This is actually a more convenient way to make the connections on slim-profile models, but if you lose that adapter you'll have no way to connect your cables directly to the TV. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, two remotes with batteries, breakout cables (One Composite and Stereo Audio, One Component/Composite with Stereo Audio and mini Stereo Audio out), four pairs of 3D glasses, one IR Extender, and separate One Connect for all connections. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
