PICTURE QUALITY This model had excellent high-definition picture quality. It did a top-notch job displaying the finest 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. 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. 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 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 slight loss of color so flesh tones looked a bit washed out, along with a moderate color shift. 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 good. The picture showed some change in color, contrast, and black level.
MOTION BLUR This Samsung TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. Though it claims to have a higher frame rate than 60Hz, a feature designed to reduce motion blur, it could not be found in the menu, and performance was worse than on models with an effective similar feature. On typical program content, the blurring effect is often fleeting and may not bother most people. However, keen-eyed viewers may detect the loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement, especially in high-quality video such as a Blu-ray movie.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The screen surface on this LCD TV has a near-matte-like finish that does a decent job reducing distracting mirror-like reflections. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound was 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 more typical listening volume levels the TV's audio has good bass and impact, though sound is on bright side. 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 very good, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
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, 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. 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, and Comes with IR Blaster cable. 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.
