If, like most people, you're waiting for the high-definition dust to settle, you can continue watching standard TV broadcasts using the integrated analogue and digital tuners -- with an accompanying CI card slot for TopUp TV's subscription channels.
Samsung has accompanied its proprietary DNIe technology and 10-bit processing with a new XWCG (eXtended Wide Colour Gamut) system. Apparently, the advanced backlight units mean the screen can display more colours than your average LCD -- but not necessarily to everyone's tastes, as we'll explain later.
All this advanced underlying technology is joined by an extensive range of interactive features. As well as the memory card applications we've mentioned, there are some sophisticated settings for picture and sound, including advanced colour-management systems and surround-sound effects. Games enthusiasts can also select a Games Mode, which enhances sharpness, response times and audio for a more engaging experience.
The clean graphical menu system is simple to use, while digital broadcasts are accompanied by an excellent electronic programme guide that features a moving thumbnail with sound, so you don't miss programmes while you're scanning schedules. Short-cut keys on the remote mean you can access virtually all options with the touch of a single button.
Performance
Although picture performance is exceptional at this price, there are a few flaws that separate it from class-leading models from Sony and Panasonic.
Digital TV broadcasts and analogue connected sources lack a little detail and stability, especially when faced with challenging movement or complex backgrounds. Nonetheless, the bright images appear instantly appealing, using vibrant colours and strong black levels to enhance depth and definition. While the new XWCG colour system creates a rich palette of colours, however, the balance appears upset and unnatural at times.
High-definition images carry the same colour balance, but enhanced detail, cohesive movement and the elimination of artefacts mean the overstated colours are easier to ignore. If you want to be dazzled you won't be disappointed, but picture purists might want more realism.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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Steve Borrett 8 January 2007
Good: Looks great, great picture quality with movies and DVD playback
Bad: Very poor picture quality if you are like me and are a football nut, ghosting and poor backgrounds, dark areas appear to move and look two-tone! Overall disappointment.
Comment: Tomorrow I am changing it for a Panasonic plasma in the search for that great footy experience.
peter godwin 31 December 2006
Good: Good picture even on VHS, superb on Freeview and Dvd
Bad: Remote is a bit fiddly
Comment: Good connectivity - works well with camcorder and memory cards (sd, compact flash and USB).
Syed Hoque 2 November 2006
Good: Future-proof connectivity and class-leading picture sharpness
Bad: Not 100 hz like upcoming "M73" range which all but eliminates any motion blur
Comment: It is after all an LCD and any cons are due to its LCD "dna"!
The Sony kdl 32v200 WAS the class leader here but lacked on the connectivity front. It only has one hdmi, no PC output and for the up to the minute spec sheet, a substandard connectivity range on the whole.
This LCD has 2x hdmi, an impressive contrast ratio of 6000:1 (Sony: 1000:1 approx) and a class-leading ability to display even the remotest of colours... This will obviously have to be tweaked a little depending on personal taste and to subjectively provide the most "real" picture.
Sound is acceptable but is far from the best. However this can be remedied and brought up to par via external sound through an optical digital output.
So overall, this TV is good, very good. The price is great value, it is the most future-proof of any other set currently available and the design is strikingly elegant.
Sound is pretty average and it's not 100hz like the m73 range but on the whole, given the choice between this, the Sony or the realtively impressive Toshiba, my money would be on this Samsung n73
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