PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. It did a very good job displaying fine detail. Color accuracy was very good, with images looking quite natural. 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. There was slight banding (unnatural contours) on scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, rather than a smooth transition in the shaded areas. Image texture, especially on skin, was slightly lacking in detail. The deinterlacing and film mode operations were excellent on HD content; there was little or no trace of jaggies on the edges of objects for video and film-based 1080i content.
VIEWING ANGLE The overall viewing angle on this display is unlimited, as with all plasma TVs we've tested. Color accuracy, contrast, and depth of black level did not vary regardless of viewing position, unlike what we've seen with LCD TVs.
MOTION BLUR This Samsung TV has excellent motion performance, like most plasmas, with no visible blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The shiny screen surface on this plasma TV is very reflective, among the more mirror-like we've seen. This display does not use the darker screen technology we've seen on better plasmas to reduce glare, so the image will lose contrast or wash out if any light falls upon the screen. It's not the best choice for bright, sunny rooms.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was excellent. 3D images showed very effective depth, with little or no 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. Image brightness was on the dim side, less than we expect for normal 2D viewing.
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 good volume range. At typical listening volume levels the TV has a generally smooth sound, though it has only decent bass and impact. 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 very easy, 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 satisfactory, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features, and to access 3D. All buttons on the remote are backlit so they're easy to see in the dark.
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. For 2013, Samsung Smart TVs sport a new Smart Hub interface that organizes content into five separate panels--for live TV, movies and TV shows from streaming services, personal content (photos, videos and music), social networks, and apps--while the current live TV show plays in a small window. You can search live TV, movies, and streaming services for content, and even get recommendations about TV shows or movies the TV thinks you'll like. When used with the included IR blaster, the TV remote control can double as a universal remote for other gear connected to the TV via its HDMI inputs. Features include a full Web browser with support for Flash, which allows access to a wider selection of websites. Access to a library of applications is provided via "Samsung Apps." Movie streaming services include: Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Media Hub, Netflix, Vudu. It also supports an optional Web cam for access to video conferencing applications such as Skype.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes three HDMI inputs, 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, two USB ports, an Ethernet port, and built-in Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing, and Bluetooth audio connection. HDMI and analog cable connections made to the rear-facing panel will protrude beyond the panel's slim depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, a remote with batteries, two pairs of 3D glasses, and one IR Extender. 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.
