Samsung LN52A750

52" HD LCD TV Resolution 1980 X 1366
Reviewer: Robert Wiley with Jack Burden

INTRODUCTION

The Samsung LN52A750 is a current Fall/Winter 2008 LCD TV model which includes non-detachable hidden speakers, 3 HDMI inputs and a 15 pin computer input. The appearance is a black transparent gloss finish with scarlett Touch of Color around the bezel frame. This LCD is next to the top of the lineup for Samsungs current model offerings second only to the LN52A850. Once calibrated, this LCD has a fantastic picture and is packed with features.

PICTURE QUALITY RATING: 94/100

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 13 feet

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: As with most LCDs there is notable motion blur and jerkiness in various scenes, fast moving images, and panning side to side. Color information from this Samsung TV is natural and realistic and displays extremely well. Flesh tones were very good in Braveheart and Risky Business. Overall I thought the upconversion processing was excellent delivering clear sharp images on even the most difficult old DVDs. The LN52A750 chip sets took out grain and background noise leaving a smooth, clear image.

Flesh tones, greens and blues looked exceptional in Braveheart

Upconversion processing in Risky Business was superb

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: Motion Lag continues to be an issue even with HD content. We highly recommend that for any film source (I.e. DVDs, Blu Ray, movie programming) that the user turn the Auto Motion Plus (120hz) processing OFF. Otherwise, the picture picks up studio set material which is not intended for viewing. In other words, this feature cuts down on the realism of the picture. Picture depth will also suffer. (See directions on how to turn this function on or off below in the remote/menu function section.) Once the 120hz processing is turned off, the picture returns to an excellent experience with superb detail – yet not in unintended areas. The one drawback is that motion lag will be worse once the 120hz processing is turned off. It's a tradeoff you will want. One important exception to this rule is high definition sports programming in which you will want to utilize the 120hz processing. Wow, football games look incredible! Black levels are some of the best we've seen, helping create depth.

Color information in HD was rich and black levels very good
from this scene from Blu Ray Ironman

HQV Processor Testing: We tested the Samsung with the Auto Motion Plus feature (120hz) on. With HD signals there was little to no background noise. During video resolution loss testing the LCDs processor performed superbly. Diagonal Filter tests also yielded excellent processing showing little to no jaggies on the horizontal moving bar test. The Samsung LN52A750 has a stellar video processor. The only drawback was during the film resolution loss test, there was slight distortion in the upper right quadrant block of the test screen.

Black Level: Honest black levels characterize this LCD TV. Black levels appear pretty natural due to the transparent plexiglass outer screen (as opposed to an antiglare screen). The black levels are not plasma like but are very good for an LCD.

Dark Shadow Detail: Blacks can get slightly oversaturated at times blotting out detail – especially with some HD content. Overall, though we liked the tradeoff with dark matter detailing still solid.

The colors are accurate and dark shadow detail impressive as in
the hair in this scene from The Fifth Element

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Colors appeared natural and accurate (post calibration) with several of our review DVDs, blues in the mountain scenes and flesh tones on Mel Gibson's face in Braveheart.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: Off angle viewing was very good on this LCD. Contrast doesnt begin to degrade until around 120 degrees at side angles – an excellent result. This is due in part to the non-antiglare transparent gloss screen used with this LCD TV as well as the quality of the LCD panel.

Motion Lag: There was motion lag and jerkiness evident in our reviews of Ironman and The Fifth Element. It's a drawback for this and almost any other LCD.

Exceptions: Turn the 120Hz processing OFF when watching film and show content. The screen does throw off a lot of glare on this TV especially for an LCD.

Note: There is some glare noted from the screen which is glossy. While this type of overlay helps with depth and contrast it should be taken into consideration in dark rooms.

FEATURES RATING: 90/100

Inputs: 3 HDMI inputs, 2 component, one 15 pin D sub (for computer) and a USB port round out a generous supply of input compatibility.

Aesthetic Considerations: The LN52A750 is quite attractive if not a bit cheap feeling. It doesnt have the weight that it's previously reviewed brother plasma has. The back panel is made of thin plastic. The plexi overscreen coat is also a little cheap feeling. The Touch of Color accenting is nice yielding that subtle red tone.

The bezel frame of the LCD is too hefty for me at 3" in width on the sides and 2.75" on top and bottom. It's glare can detract from the picture as well.

Remote Control/Menu Functionality: The menu on the LN52A750 is slick looking- transparent but the navigation is not swift. The scrolling wheel on the remote is slow to use and a little awkward. Another negative here is the gloss black remote which shows fingerprints too readily. The remote is backlit but does not have an aspect ratio button on the interface. The source button controls input selection.

To get to the Auto Motion Plus (120Hz) setting go to: Picture, then scroll down to Picture Options, then scroll down to Auto Motion Plus where you can turn it On or Off using the side arrow keys.

Audio Output: Audio output was excellent from our Dolby Digital Test disc. Volume level was plentiful and sound rich and full at just 35% of capacity. Virtual Surround sound effects also impressed us from the 10W X 10W speakers.

Features: Adding to the large increases in features and functionality of the 650 series is the 750 series. Upgraded features in this Samsung TV take network and multi media capability to a higher level. The LCD is MPEG and JPEG compatible using USB 2.0. The LN46A750 LCD series also boasts a Home Viewing Gallery or MPEG3, an internal flash memory with premium content as well as enhanced audio technology through an integrated woofer design. Users can now connect and utilize the data stored in a variety of digital devices, turning their HDTV into a media hub.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: Aspect ratio processing and sizing was spot on non-distorted from a variety of input sources. Selection is 16:9, 4:3, Zoom 1, 2, 3.

VALUE RATING: 88/100

For $2400 to $2500 this 52" HD LCD packs a lot of punch. It is near the top of Samsung's lineup for 2008 (the LN52A850 is highest). Price wise, the unit is compatible with Sharp's LC-52D85U, though it is several hundred dollars more than LG's 52LG70. Given its positive features 120hz processing (use for sports only), Touch of Color styling, excellent black levels and viewing angle vs. its negatives motion lag, glare from the screen (from any lighting behind the viewer), large bezel (frame) I put it priced very fairly in a crowded field of entry's. This LCD's strongest point is not price though it is competitive.

OVERALL RATING: 91.50/100

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Review Equipment Used: Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player, JVC HM-DH40000U HD Video Cassete player, Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.

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