How to select the right Samsung HDTV
Along the way, the electronics giant has been busy introducing a number of innovations on the home television front. Its Crystal Design debuted last year, offers a unique blow glass finish that sets the trend for subtle dual-tone TV aesthetics. Samsung was also one of the first TV vendors in Asia to deliver Integrated Digital TV (IDTV) for receiving HD broadcasts, DLNA multimedia streaming via the home network, and Yahoo widgets to download free content from the Internet.
Click on the images to find out more about the series.
Series 350 LCD TVs
The Series 350 comprises baseline HD-ready models for Samsung's 2009 LCD TVs. These come with lower 1,366 x 768-resolution panels and a somewhat ambiguous high dynamic contrast ratio. The latter is the result of a new ranking format based on high, ultra and mega (for best performance). We aren't terribly impressed with the Series 3's underpowered 6W to 10W speakers. Still, the 26- and 32-inch models do offer twin HDMI inputs which are quite reasonable for their class. Also onboard are the new SRS TruSurround HD audio processing and film-based 24p support optimized for Blu-ray playback.
Key specifications
| Model | LA22B350F2 | LA26B350F1 | LA32B350F1 |
| Screen size | 22-inch | 26-inch | 32-inch |
| Resolution | 1,366 x 768 | ||
| Contrast (dynamic) | High | ||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 1 | 2 | |
| Multimedia playback | N.A. | ||
Quick summary
The no-frills Series 350 LCD TV is best suited for regular broadcasts, taking into consideration its basic features and limited expansion capability.Series 450 LCD TVs
For up to S$500 (US$401.74) extra, the stepped-up Series 450 LCD models pack the same pixel density but raise audio amplification power to 20W for the 32-inch model compared with Series 350. Aside from the LA26B450C4M, you'll have better connectivity options up to three HDMI inputs (one side), two component-video sockets and an optical audio output for Dolby Digital surround sound. This range also stands out for having the most affordable Samsung LCD TVs shipped with IDTV, courtesy of their onboard DVB-T digital tuner and MPEG-4 video decoder. There's even a digital clock below the Samsung logo.
Take note that the smaller 22- and 26-inchers have stands without swivel options, plus the entire series is equipped with only a single TV aerial socket to share between the analog and digital antennas.
Key specifications
| Model | LA22B450C4M | LA26B450C4M | LA32B450C4M |
| Screen size | 22-inch | 26-inch | 32-inch |
| Resolution | 1,366 x 768 | ||
| Contrast (dynamic) | High | ||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 1 | 3 | |
| Multimedia playback | N.A. | ||
Quick summary
Think of the Series 450 HDTVs as enhanced Series 350 models with built-in IDTV for free-to-air HD content and better HDMI connectivity.Series 530 LCD TVs
For optimal pixel-to-pixel compatibility with Blu-ray movies, its Series 530 LCD TVs up the ante by offering a full-HD panel under their glossy black piano skin. Another minor tweak is HDMI-CEC-compatibility in the form of Anynet+ support. This allows selected Samsung home A/V equipment connected via HDMI to be operated using the bundled TV remote. Some of the tasks include basic video playback and recording without a need to juggle between different controllers. Other standard features are IDTV, SRS TruSurround HD and Dolby Digital Plus audio processing.
Key specifications
| Model | LA32B530P7 | LA37B530P7 | LA40B530P7 | LA46B530P7 |
| Screen size | 32-inch | 37-inch | 40-inch | 46-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |||
| Contrast (dynamic) | High | |||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |||
| Multimedia playback | N.A. | |||
Quick summary
The most affordable full-HD LCD TVs within the Samsung lineup, the Series 530 panels balance value with a future-proofed screen resolution.Series 550 LCD TVs
The Series 550 LCD TVs are near-clones of the 530 line with a Crystal Design makeover and value-added multimedia playback. The former gives the panels an alluring rose black accent, coupled with a transparent border and luxurious touch-sensitive controls. The latter enables MP3 and JPEG file support implemented via a USB 2.0 port. For added versatility, the system is compatible with thumbdrives, digital cameras, portable hard drives, etc. Rounding up the key differences are four 24-ready HDMI inputs and handy USB-based firmware upgrade. The facelift and added multimedia function will cost you up to S$300 (US$241.04) extra compared with the Series 530, though.
Key specifications
| Model | LA32B550K1M | LA40B550K1M | LA46B550K1M | LA52B550K1M |
| Screen size | 32-inch | 40-inch | 46-inch | 52-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |||
| Contrast (dynamic) | High | |||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG and MP3 via USB | |||
Quick summary
For a small premium, the Series 550 LCD TVs deliver more attractive facades, USB multimedia playback and a generous spread of four HDMI inputs.Series 610 LCD TVs
Next up the performance ladder are the Series 610 LCD TVs which offer an ultra dynamic contrast ratio for reproducing deeper blacks and enhanced image depth. To further boost picture quality, there's also Samsung's 100Hz Motion Plus processing. This function interpolates one intermittent frame for every original frame in a video footage to smoothen and sharpen fast-moving images common in games, sports programs and action flicks. Aesthetics-wise, the Series 610 still retains the same Crystal Design finish, albeit in platinum black. Everything else is similar to the previously mentioned 550 units.
Key specifications
| Model | LA40B610A5M | LA46B610A5M | LA52B610A5M |
| Screen size | 40-inch | 46-inch | 52-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | ||
| Contrast (dynamic) | Ultra | ||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | ||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG and MP3 via USB | ||
Quick summary
You'll get enhanced image quality from the Series 610, thanks to its higher ultra dynamic contrast and motion-oriented 100Hz engine.Series 650 LCD TVs
The high-end Series 650 panels come with all the niceties offered by the 610 TVs, in addition to a glossy Ultra Clear panel that Samsung claims will absorb reflections and its premium Crystal Full-HD Engine processing. More importantly, this range is endowed with the Korean chaebol's latest Media@2.0 system comprising Internet@TV, DLNA wireless, 1GB Content Library and USB movie support. The Yahoo widget-based Internet@TV downloads Web content such as YouTube videos and live weather reports, while DLNA wireless enables full multimedia streaming in a Wi-Fi network via a bundled USB adapter.
On the other hand, Content Library provides offline edutainment materials ranging from cooking recipes and mini games to children's lullabies and fitness programs. Rounding it up is USB movie playback which encompasses most popular video formats (refer to table below) up to full-HD resolution. The only exception is the LA22B650T6M which lacks the above-mentioned features, has a lower dynamic contrast and HD-ready native resolution. On the bright side, this 22-incher has IDTV and an attractive Crystal Design like its larger counterparts in the series.
Pricing-wise, expect to fork out up to a S$600 (US$482.08) premium over a comparable Series 610 for all the above-mentioned upgrades and extras.
Key specifications
| Model | LA32B650T1M | LA40B650T1M | LA46B650T1M | LA55B650T1M |
| Screen size | 32-inch | 40-inch | 46-inch | 55-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |||
| Contrast (native) | Ultra | |||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | |||
Quick summary
The Series 650 is a new generation of connected TVs featuring wireless multimedia playback, Yahoo widgets and comprehensive video format support.Series 750 LCD TVs
Samsung's no-holds-barred conventional LCD TVs, the Series 750 models pack all the bells and whistles available in their lower-end siblings together with the latest 200Hz Motion Plus engine. This further improves motion reproduction by interpolating three intermittent picture frames for every original frame. Interestingly, the Series 750 has a more boxy silhouette compared with the Series 650's V-shaped bottom which closely resembles its early Bordeaux Plus range of panels. Other distinctions are its Crystal Design in platinum black rather than the latter's rose red accent and a cosmetic light effect.
Key specifications
| Model | LA40B750U1M | LA46B750U1M | LA52B750U1M |
| Screen size | 40-inch | 46-inch | 52-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | ||
| Contrast (dynamic) | Ultra | ||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | ||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | ||
Quick summary
The crown jewel for Samsung's conventional LCD TVs, these 200Hz panels have the smoothest motion reproduction for sports and action-packed programs on paper.Series 6000 LED TVs
These flat-panel displays belong to a new-generation of LCD TVs based on edgelit light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Marketed under Samsung's LED TV series, these 29.9mm-thin full-HD panels are easily one of the slimmest HDTVs in the market with an all-in-one design. Underneath their Crystal Design skins are DVB-T digital TV tuners and MPEG-4 decoders for IDTV, onboard JPEG and MP3 playback via an onboard USB port, and four native film 24p-ready HDMI inputs. To give them an added touch of class, there's a red lighting effect below the company logo.
Performance-wise, the Series 6 LED TVs are in the same league as the company's plasma TVs offering mega dynamic contrast. This is complemented by its 100Hz Motion Plus engine which is designed to provide smoother and sharper moving images. As if that's not enough, these panels can consume up to 40 percent less power than their conventional LCD equivalents, thanks to their energy-efficient bulbs.
Key specifications
| Model | LA32B6000VM | LA40B6000VM | LA46B6000VM | LA55B6000VM |
| Screen size | 32-inch | 40-inch | 46-inch | 55-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |||
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG and MP3 via USB | |||
Quick summary
If you have a limited budget but would like to try out its new-generation LED TVs, the Series 6000 offers the best value with most of the essentials covered.Series 7000 LED TVs
The Series 7000 LED TVs offer the same feel and features as their Series 6000 siblings, with one major exception, for up to S$600 (US$482.08) more. You'll get an enhanced Media@2.0 suite available only in its high-end LCD TVs with twice the onboard flash memory. Out of the 2GB storage space available, around 877MB can be used for copying multimedia files from a USB device or network server for local playback. This midrange series also comes with dual USB inputs: One reserved for its proprietary Wi-Fi adapter and another spare port to hook up portable gadgets. There's a pair of remotes bundled, too: A backlit primary controller and a pebble-shaped secondary equivalent for channel and volume adjustments.
Key specifications
| Model | LA40B7000WM | LA46B7000WM | LA55B7000WM |
| Screen size | 40-inch | 46-inch | 55-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | ||
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | ||
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | ||
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | ||
Quick summary
The Series 7000 LED TVs receive the company's Media@2.0 treatment that enables YouTube video and wireless multimedia streaming, among other content-rich functions.Series 8000 LED TVs
On the premium end of the spectrum are the Series 8000 panels upgraded with a 200Hz Motion Flow engine. This interpolates three times more unique picture frames to enhance moving image fluidity. Other minor cosmetic variations from the lower-end series range from Crystal Design bezels in platinum black instead of rose accent to larger 46- to 55-inch screen sizes. To recap, the Series 8 LED TVs feature all the latest bells and whistles from Samsung, including Media@2.0, DLNA-compatibility, 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity for network multimedia streaming and IDTV.
Key specifications
| Model | LA46B8000XM | LA55B8000XM |
| Screen size | 46-inch | 55-inch |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | |
Quick summary
For those who demand nothing but the best and are willing to pay good money for their HD fix, the Series 8000 LED TV is the right panel for you.Series 430 plasma TVs
Although these entry-level plasma TVs have a humble XGA resolution, only two HDMI terminals and no PC input, they do offer a few unique propositions. For starters, these panels have double motion enhancements via the latest 600Hz sub-field drive and a 100Hz engine. You're not missing out much in the audio department, either. Samsung has included updated SRS TruSurround HD and Dolby Digital Plus processing for its 10W x 2 audio subsystem. To top it off, they're also one of the few kits in their class with HD broadcast-ready IDTV and touch controls for S$1,699 (US$1,365.10).
Key specifications
| Model | PS42B430P2M |
| Screen size | 42-inch |
| Resolution | 1,024 x 768 |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 2 |
| Multimedia playback | N.A. |
Quick summary
It's hard to beat the Series 430 plasma TVs in terms of value when it comes with a 100Hz engine and value-added IDTV for couch potatoes.Series 450 plasma TVs
The Series 450 plasma TVs address the 430 units' connectivity bottleneck by offering a third HDMI input and a PC jack. The former is conveniently located by the side of the chassis for connecting your laptops, digital SLRs and video cameras. On top of that, the 50-inch model has an HD-ready 1,365 x 768 resolution which boosts a higher 33 percent pixel count. This should deliver less jaggies compared with the 42-inch panel, particularly when it comes to rendering fine graphics from full-HD console games. Other than these differences, the Series 430 and 450 machines are identical right down to their outlooks.
Key specifications
| Model | PS42B450B1M | PS50B450B1M |
| Screen size | 42-inch | 50-inch |
| Resolution | 1,024 x 768 | 1,365 x 768 |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 3 | |
| Multimedia playback | N.A. | |
Quick summary
For a premium of up to S$600 (US$482.08) over a comparable Series 350, these plasmas come with three HDMI inputs for enhanced expansion flexibility for future equipment upgrades.Series 550 plasma TVs
This next stepped-up plasma TV series doubles the native resolution and HDMI connectivity to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and four terminals, respectively. The former is ideal for bringing out the full details of Blu-ray movies, while the latter provides extra headroom for future expansion. You'll get all the features of the lower-end 450 TVs with onboard MP3 and JPEG playback implemented via a high-speed USB port. Another distinction is the Series 550's Crystal Design facelift in platinum black. This gives these 50-inchers a unique dual-tone finishing rather than the standard glossy piano black look.
Key specifications
| Model | PS50B550T2M | |
| Screen size | 50-inch | |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |
| Multimedia playback | JPEG and MP3 via USB | |
Quick summary
The Series 550 plasma TVs up the performance ante with full-HD resolution, coupled with extras such as USB multimedia playback and four HDMI inputs.Series 680 plasma TVs
For a huge 63-incher, the full-HD PS63B680T5M is surprisingly sleek at just 74mm thin. For more "bite" in audio-visual performance, Samsung has upgraded this panel with a meaty 15W x 2 audio amplifier and its top-of-the-line Crystal Full-HD engine processing. However, its real party piece is the Korean chaebol's enticing Media@2.0 suite that offers connected TV functions. Most notable is Yahoo widget-compatibility which brings YouTube videos to the TV screen, as well as DLNA wireless that weds Wi-Fi media streaming with comprehensive video playback.
Key specifications
| Model | PS63B680T5M | |
| Screen size | 63-inch | |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | |
Quick summary
The PS63B680T5M is the largest HDTV in the Samsung lineup, though its S$10,999 (US$8,837.38) sticker price puts the panel out of reach of most consumers.Series 850 plasma TVs
The PS50B850Y1M is a scaled-down PS63B680T5M with 2GB instead of the latter's 1GB onboard memory. This offers more storage space to transfer multimedia files from USB devices and network servers for local playback. Furthermore, this 50-incher packs the same powerful 15W x 2 amplifier and SRS TruSurround HD processing of the 63-inch giant. Best of all, the PS50B850Y1M is reasonably priced at S$4,999 (US$4,016.55), making it a bargain if one takes into consideration its long list of credentials: IDTV, Media@2.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi support, etc.
Key specifications
| Model | PS50B850Y1M | |
| Screen size | 50-inch | |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 | |
| Contrast (dynamic) | Mega | |
| No. of HDMI inputs | 4 | |
| Multimedia playback | JPEG, MP3, DivX, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, H.264, VC1 via USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and onboard memory | |
Quick summary
For its price, you're actually getting quite a good deal for this flagship plasma TV equipped with all the frills that the company can offer.
About the author
Philip Wong is an A/V, PC, photography and gaming enthusiast. Besides spending countless days and late nights fiddling with his home theater system and watercooled PC, he also hits the roads frequently on his iron horse to sweat it out. Now, who says geeks don't work out?
Latest comments
We bought our samsung LA37B530P7R on June 19, 2010. After 13 months (1month out of warranty) the volume started automatically going down to zero. A samsung technician diagnosed that the chip panel for the side buttons was causing the problem and needs to be replaced. We opted to have it taken out instead since we hardly use those buttons anyway.. That solved the problem. However, at 20 months post purchase, the tv suddenly won't turn on. The standby light is on though. We've replaced the remote control batteries w/ new ones but still nothing. The quality of this product has totally disappointed us considering that heir prices are at par with those known reliableu brands as sharp and panasonic. Our sharp analog set is still working fine at 18 yrs old.
I purchased the LA40B650 model on 14 Sept 09. It has a lot of features which I have not fully utilised. Only problem was in just over 2 months I had a problem. The screen looked as though camera bulbs were flashing all the time. Samsung Malaysia attended to this problem immediately by replacing the power board & so far everything is fine. However, I need reassurance that this problem will not recur.
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