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Samsung LE26R74BD

Product Rating

Samsung LE26R74BD Review

The picture quality of the LE26R74BD is very high. On paper, the specification ticks all the right boxes: HD ready with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, a fast response time of 8ms, brightness of 500 cd/m2 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 5000:1. But in addition to all this Samsung have added their high performance DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) display technology to the mix, and this moves the quality of this display up a couple of gears. Picture quality is very impressive indeed, especially when you consider the price of this box. When viewing digital TV from the built-in digital tuner, the display is excellent, with good colour saturation and little in the way of motion blur or other digital artifacts. Connect this TV to a HD source such as Sky HD or HD-DVD, and you'll be amazed by the quality. This is definitely a great performer in the area that counts most - picture quality.

Audio quality is about average when compared to similar TV's from other brands. The TV uses two hidden speakers mounted below the screen with a total of 10W (2x5W) power output, with SRS TruSurround XT to add depth and greater realism to the experience.

When it comes to connectivity, the LE26R74BD includes a very good range of input options: HDMI (for connection to another HD Ready device), 2 x SCART, component video, S-video, DVI (enabling the TV to function as a compuiter monitor with high quality digital input), and a composite AV connection. A second HDMI port would have been nice - enabling you to connect two HD devices, such as Sky HD and a high definiotion DVD player. Output ports consist of an audio connection and a headphone jack.

As already mentioned, all R74 series televisions come with an integrated digital TV tuner, with auto set-up for easy installation. A useful swivel stand is included in the sales package, or the TV can be wall mounted using an optional bracket. With various PIP (Picture in Picture) modes, you can watch TV and see images from DVDs, PCs, camcorders or games, at the same time. There is also a special games mode that optimises the display for use with a games console.

Samsung LCD TVs satisfy the highest global standards for environmental safety and health protection. This is the first LCD TV in the world to receive the Nemko RoHS certification as an eco-friendly home electronics product. It carries the Energy Saving Trust's "Energy Saving" logo, which means that it meets strict criteria on energy efficiency.

In summary, we like the Samsung LE26R74BD very much. It delivers a lot for your money, especially with regard to picture quality. In fact it can hold its own against more expensive models such as the Toshiba 27WLT56 and even the Sony KDL-26S2010. The only improvements that we'd like to see are a second HDMI connection and a less glossy frame.

Features of the Samsung LE26R74BD include:

• Visible Diagonal: 26"
• iDTV
• Colour Gamut: EBU 100%
• Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Brightness: 500 cd/mē
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 3000:01:00
• Response Time: 8ms
• Viewing angle (H/V): 176°/176°
• Backlight: CCFL
• Colour system: EU Multi
• Power: 220V/100-240V (CIS)
• Output: 5 Watt x 2
• Stereo: A2/NiCAM
• Surround: SRS TruSurround XT

Samsung LE26R74BD Consumer Reviews (2 reviews)

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