Samsung LE32R74BD review

Samsung's latest entry-level LCD screen shares a similar future-proof specification and attractive design with models from most big-name brands, but for a recommended price of £1,049 (you can find it for less than £800 online if you shop around) it's a considerably better bargain.

Most budget screens are slighted by poor build quality and compromised features. Samsung's LE32R74BD, however, boasts a stunning design with high-definition compatibility, integrated Freeview and advanced picture processing, while performance comes close to that of more expensive class leaders.

With only a single RGB Scart and one HDMI input, connectivity could be improved, and image quality doesn't quite cut the same sharpness as leading models from Panasonic or Sharp, but at this price you can save a lot and lose very little.

Design
While some screen designs have started to shy away from overbearing aesthetics towards more conservative constructions, Samsung's striking LE32R74BD appears anything but dulled down.

The screen and accompanying swivel stand are entirely coated in a heavily glossed, black lacquer that's immediately more eye catching than most budget models. The sleek finish is exaggerated by a seamless casing with virtually no visible joins, even across the rear panel.

A few primary controls have been almost invisibly integrated on one side. The opposite corner features several standard AV inputs that can be easily reached by occasionally connected devices, like a camcorder or games console.

The remaining connections have been crowded into a narrow arrangement around the back. All input options are covered, but connectivity lacks strength in numbers -- there are only two Scart terminals with just one that's RGB-enabled, meaning if you have any more than one Scart-connected device you'll have to contend with compromised picture quality. Unlike some similarly priced screens, there's only a single HDMI digital input, so if you plan to watch high-definition images from both an HDTV receiver and upscaling DVD player you'll have to switch cables between the single digital connection.

Alternatively, there is a set of analogue component inputs that can be used with some high-definition sources as well as supporting progressive scan video from a compatible player. PC users will be pleased to find a standard VGA input accompanied by an often-ignored PC audio input.

On the audio side, the TV speaker's average sound can be enhanced using either analogue stereo outputs or an optical digital output that can be connected to an external home cinema amplifier.

The attractive, slender remote shares a similar colour scheme to the set, unlike some of the mismatched designs that usually accompany budget screens. There isn't really enough space to accommodate all the controls, but primary functions have been thoughtfully positioned and there's plenty of 'shortcut keys' to save you always accessing the menu.

Features
Now high-definition has officially arrived, it's important that this screen's 1,366x768-pixel resolution will support HD signals using both 720p and 1080i formats, allowing you to subscribe to Sky's HDTV services or watch upscaled DVD images with detail and depth unlike anything we've seen before.