Samsung LN46A950 Review

Samsung LN46A950 - Superior LCD HDTV

One of the superb LCDs released this year by Samsung, the LN46A950 represents top-level performance with a matching price tag.

Created with cutting-edge LED technology, packed with top-of-the-line features, and geared for unmatched LCD performance, the LN46A950 definitely is an excellent choice for discriminating buyers who know their HDTVs and willing to spend for the right one.

Design

Samsung didn’t change much of the external look of its A950 series, preferring to focus on the technology inside. Samsung ignored the trendy thin-bezels that came out this year and instead fitted the LN46A950 with a thick, dark grey frame with barely noticeable ‘fish scales’ design. The sleek, minimalist frame looks cool on the glass and black stand, which, unfortunately, isn’t the swiveling type.

The rotating click-wheel remote of the LN46A950 is a new innovation and there are still noticeable glitches - such as the slight delay between pressing the remote and displaying the action on-screen. Other features of the backlit remote include large buttons, dedicated ‘Tools’ keys, and easy picture-in-picture controls. However, the useful ‘P Size’ button that makes changing aspect ratio easy was excluded in this remote, and the glossy finish isn’t at all attractive after a few minutes of handling. Samsung’s redesigned menu system for this HDTV is also great and one of the best we’ve seen.

Screen/picture clarity

As expected, the Samsung LN46A950 delivers exceptional performance on black levels and color reproduction. The SmartLighting LED technology allows shutting off of the LED lights in dark areas to give true blacks and make images more vivid and stunning - eclipsing some of the plasmas which used to dominate LCDs in this aspect. The LN46A950 also has one of the most accurate color rendering we’ve seen in HDTVs; both primary and secondary colors as well as greyscales were rich, well-saturated and natural-looking, making images more lifelike. To top it off, solid video processing and fast 120hz. refresh rates give smooth pictures, even from 1080p/24 (Blu-ray) sources, removing motion blur from fast action scenes.

On the downside, this Samsung performs not too well on off-angle viewing, as blooming effect is observed even just one seat removed from the center. Also, the mirror-like finish isn’t great on bright light conditions, as objects in the rooms are clearly visible and reflected on screen.

Features

The LN46A950 has an Ethernet port that allows Internet connectivity and display of news, weather and stock reports. It is also preloaded with interactive games, recipes, high-def art with music, a children’s section and a fitness section. Fitted with superb connectivity options, including four v1.3 HDMI ports, USB port, PC connectivity, you’ll surely have your fill of entertainment from all sources imaginable. Its three power saving modes make it as energy efficient as one wants these HDTVs to be.

SAMSUNG’s added a new level of functionality to its HDTVs with DLNA CERTIFIED^TM connectivity. Now, your compatible Samsung HDTV can remotely access your PC’s personal media so that you can download music, video, and photos and enjoy them anywhere in your home where your TV is, using the same remote control as your TV.

If you have a deep pocket, the Samsung LN46A950 is definitely the LCD TV for you. With its superb performance and unrivaled features, this is the perfect home theater HDTV that will mark you off as a real video connoisseur.

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