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By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
Apr 11, 2008

Full-HD, checked. Subwoofer, checked. Triple 1080p24 HDMI, checked. If you have a checklist, the new LA46A550 would have inadvertently nailed almost everything on paper. Just the tip of the iceberg, Samsung is obviously going all out on this entry-level piece. It's hard to imagine what's to come following the A550s, but this is going to change the ball game altogether going forward. Let's go in-depth to find out whether this is, indeed, a no-strings-attached deal.

Design

By and large, the LA46A550P1 has retained most of the look and feel of the original 2007 F9-series. That means a picturesque-thin LCD frame, classy but stain-prone black piano finish and invisible slit-side speakers. Though Samsung has dropped its signature blue backlighting effect--a ladies' affair really-- , this stylish-looking piece still offers plenty of luxurious touches. There are the sensuous rounded corners to break its boxy outlines and front touch-sensitive controls. The latter have unfortunately lost their backlighting capability, making them a pain to operate in dim environments.

For the above-mentioned minor inconveniences, users are rewarded with a complete suite of side connectivity options. Putting aside the standard legacy jacks, we're looking at an HDMI and USB combination, all within easy reach from the left. Supporting this compact 1,186 x 111 x 686mm and 27kg panel is a sturdy swivel stand, a matching rectangular piece that swings up to 20 degrees to ensure a perfect viewing angle. Alternatively, the set can also be wall-mounted with either a standard or motorized bracket.

The bundled remote is probably the first of its kind out there, which can double as an impromptu mirror, too, going by its glossy finish. Its arched bottom is another plus for a snug grip, while the controls' tactile feedback and responsiveness enhance usability. What we're not impressed with is the appearance of stains and scratches just after days of active duty. To a lesser extent, dedicated input selection would be a lovely addition. But this is cushioned by smart input detection technology which helps hasten toggling.

Samsung has also assembled a solid spread of software settings for two categories of customers. If you fall under the "keep it simple" layman group, there are three Entertainment A/V Modes that automatically tune the panel for sports, movies and games. For the adventurous, multilevel configurations like Back Light adjustment, White Balance Cuts and Gains, and Edge Enhancement put you right in control of the picture quality. There are at least 50 options nested within five intuitive submenus.

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