PICTURE QUALITY This model had excellent high-definition picture quality. It did an excellent job displaying the finest detail. Color accuracy was excellent, so colors looked very natural and lifelike. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images had depth and dimension, typical of most models we test. Black level was very good thanks to Samsung's effective "Smart LED," a local dimming feature which lends greater depth to darker scenes (assumes the image is viewed directly from front and center; see viewing angle comments). Even with the feature turned off black level was still acceptable. Brightness level was only fair, dimmer than most, best-suited for a darker room. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands.
VIEWING ANGLE This Samsung has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing LCD sets we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of the TV. If your family is seated in chairs off to the side of the TV, they'll see decent but compromised image quality.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was good; the picture showed a slight loss of color so flesh tones looked a bit washed out, along with a moderate color shift. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE This Samsung UHD TV delivers full 4K picture detail, with excellent HD-to-UHD upconversion. All native 4K content we played on this Samsung, including movies and videos, was presented in full detail when played back via the TV's HDMI inputs (all HDMI inputs support 4K). Images looked natural and true to the original source content with no added sharpness or edge enhancement to mar image fidelity. We were able to stream 4K content from both Netflix and Amazon Prime, confirming the set does include an HEVC decoder. 4K streaming from these services presented content with better detail and better rendition of texture than in the 1080p version of the same programs. The TV is also able to play back 4K videos and photos from a flash drive input via its USB port. We played our test HEVC video file, an "MP4" file from the Sony 4K camcorder, and 4K resolution test patterns and photos which were reproduced accurately, with detail extending to the limits of UHD's resolution. When playing 1080p movie content from a Blu-ray disc, we found the TV's HD-to-UHD upconversion processing was top notch. Edges of fine detail were generally smooth with minimal jaggies. This model provides a full complement of picture settings with any of these viewing modes so you can tweak the image to your preference. For more on how we test UHD see "ABOUT ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE" below.
MOTION BLUR This Samsung TV has excellent motion performance, with no visible blurring on our motion tests, thanks to Samsung's Auto Motion Plus. This feature is designed to reduce motion blur, a shortcoming of most LCD TVs. With the feature turned off, motion performance was good, with some blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The screen surface on this LCD TV has one of the shinier mirror-like surfaces we've seen, which makes it very susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was only good, a notch below the better 3D displays. 3D images generally showed effective depth but with a noticeable level of ghosting (left eye/right eye crosstalk) on our 3D test patterns and on a wide variety of 3D program content. We didn't see any increase in ghosting when viewing at off angles. In 3D mode, the display presented full 1080p resolution to each eye, showing all the detail from the best 3D content from Blu-ray disc.
SOUND QUALITY This TV has very good sound, better than most models we've tested. It has a wide volume range, allowing the TV to play loud with no noticeable distortion. At more typical listening volume levels the TV has a generally smooth sound along with good bass and impact. The overall sound quality is above average on this TV which should more than please the pickier TV listeners out there.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was straightforward, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features, and to access 3D, and to access Internet features, and to access 3D. All buttons on the remote are backlit so they're easy to see in the dark. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the TV to the included support stand is easy, though the stand requires the assembly of two parts before mounting.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. Features include a full Web browser and access to a library of applications via "Samsung Apps." Movie streaming services include: Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, M-GO, Moviecity, Movies by Flixster, Netflix, Target Ticket, Vudu. It also supports an optional Web cam for access to video conferencing applications such as Skype.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes four HDMI inputs, one composite input, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing. HDMI and analog cable connections made to the rear-facing panel will protrude beyond the panel's slim depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, two remotes with batteries, and four pairs of 3D glasses, IR Blaster. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
