The Samsung 71 series LCD HD television series (40 inch LN-T4071F, 46 inch LN-T4671F and 52 inch LN-T5271F) are all 1080p (1920(H) x 1080(V) pixels) full high definition with an in-built digital ATSC HDTV tuner. A prime draw card for the Samsung 71 series is the inclusion of motion blur reduction (Auto Motion Plus) through a 120Hz frame rate. The dynamic contrast ratio for the 71 series LCD HDTVs is an impressive 25,000:1, providing ultra-black blacks.

Two other interesting features of this series are the inclusion of three of the latest version (3.1) HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) inputs (one on the side) and a USB for convenience in tasks like plugging in a USB drive to view some photos on a large screen. The HDMI inputs allow simple connection of HD digital devices like cameras, camcorders, laptops, disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components. To make operating your video equipment simpler Samsung have implemented the optional HDMI-CEC component of HDMI which allows global control all CEC-enabled peripherals.

LCD Motion Blur Reduction

LCDs have a motion blur effect primarily because an LCD pixel remains lit between frames unlike the rise and fall of pixel lighting with other display technologies such as CRT sets. Attempts to counter the problem by inserting a black frame between existing frames helps with making motion look smoother but has the detrimental side effect of reducing the inherent, attractive brightness of LCD screens.

Numerous LCD manufacturers have now moved to combat motion blur by doubling the refresh rate to 120Hz. Mitsubishi have called their technology Smooth120Hz, Sony – Motion Flow, Toshiba – ClearFrame, LG – TruMotion Drive and JVC call it Clear Motion Drive II. These LCD televisions video processor creates an interpolated frame between each existing frame to achieve 120Hz and make motion appear smoother for the viewer.

For those who are disturbed by any evidence of motion blur should have a look at the LED backlit Samsung 81 series LCD TVs. The “Motion Plus” scanning technology for these LCDs reduces motion blur as it is closer in nature to other display technologies where each pixel has a rise and fall in lighting. It’s regarded as being superior for reducing motion blur generated by computer video games.

The motion blur reduction technology should not be confused with judder elimination. Judder is something that may be observed during on film based video in scenes that include slow camera pans.

Improved Dynamic Contrast Ratio – Blacker Blacks

The dynamic contrast ratio for the Samsung 71 series is a truly impressive 25,000:1 (but still pales against the 500,000:1 of the LED backlit Samsung 81 series). Dynamic contrast refers to lighting adjustments being made for contrast improvement on a scene by scene basis. Although a high contrast ratio is desirable, consumers should be careful not to base television choice on just the highest dynamic contrast ration. It’s much like the promotion of mega-pixel per image count with cameras at the moment. For more information, read PTek’s technology guide on contrast ratio.

Wide Color Gamut

A wider color gamut means that a television is capable of producing a larger palette of colors resulting in more “true to life” color images. For LCD televisions, the color gamut available depends upon the backlight which they require as the liquid crystals filter light rather than generate light such as with a phosphor screen.The Samsung 71 series uses the new Wide Color Gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) for a larger gamut of colors and more natural images. Standard CCFL backlit LCD TVs have a color gamut of approximately 72% of NTSC. In comparison, a wide gamut CCFL, as used in the 71 series, can have a color gamut of approximately 90% NTSC. LED backlighting has the best color gamut of over 100% NTSC. As always technology moves quickly and Genoa Color Technologies have reported a CCFL backlight capable of achieving 110% NTSC. It’s possible we will see this sort of innovation incorporated into LCD displays soon.

Those who like to consider the greenness of the appliances they purchase, may favor the LED backlight Samsung 81 series LCD for two reasons: 1) wide gamut CCFL reduces efficiency some 20% and 2) CCFL backlighting tubes contain a significant amount of Mercury. In fact, backlighting is being driven towards LED in the European Union due to their RoHS initative which seeks the removal of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated bi-phenyl and polybrominated diphenyl from electronic equipment sold in EU member companies.

HDMI-CEC

Consumer Electronics Control (CEC or HDMI-CEC) is an optional feature of HDMI which Samsung has implemented which allows global control all CEC-enabled peripherals using a single remote. CEC will allow up to ten devices to discover and communicate with one another through HDMI cabled network. Although commonly linked with HDMI v1.3, CEC was actually first available in HDMI 1.2a.

Based on the intention of simplifying control of video equipment, individual AV devices can control each other utilizing CEC. For example, closing the DVD tray could trigger the DVD player to switch the TV on, select the correct video source on the TV and set the appropriate video and audio modes for playback.

Many manufacturers have implemented CEC but, have in many cases referred to it with their own marketing term. Some of the names that have used to refer to CEC include; Theater Sync – Sony, Regza Link – Toshiba, Simplink – LG, EZ-Sync – JVC and Aquos Link – Sharp. Generally, all units with CEC enabled should work together without any problems. However, some manufacturers have added extra features such as Panasonic’s inclusion of an onscreen interface and provision for the support of media cards.

Audio

SRS Lab’s TruSurround XT technology is included in all the Samsung 71 series LCD HDTVs. SRS Lab’s have managed to simulate a surround sound field using only two speakers. Twin channel stereo output can be produced from mono, stereo or multi-channel input signals. TruSurround XT is compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels.

Many find it annoying to have to grab the remote when a commercial jump bumps up a television’s volume. Samsung have included a Sound Leveler to automatically maintain average output loudness.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Check the following online retailers for competitive prices, user reviews and product ratings.

Samsung LNT4071F 40-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Samsung LNT4671F 46-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD TV

Samsung’s Extended Service Plan

Extended Service Plan

Samsung LN-T4671F 46IN 1080p HD LCD TV LNT4671F

Samsung LNT5271F 52-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Samsung LN-T4071F – 40 Widescreen 1080p LCD HDTV – 25,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 6ms Response Time – Black

Samsung LN-T4671F – 46 Widescreen 1080p LCD HDTV – 25,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 6ms Response Time – Black

Samsung LN-T5271F – 52 Widescreen 1080p LCD HDTV – 25,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 8ms Response Time – Black

Specification Samsung 71 Series LCD HDTVs

Features

• Widescreen Aspect Ratio HD-Grade 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) pixel resolution: High resolution pixel density with built-in image scaler to handle inputs from a variety of digital and analog audio/ video sources.
• Auto Motion Plus™
• Super clear panel
• Wide Color Gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp): Provides colors in your picture that were not available before.
• Wide Color Enhancer:optimizes a color’s hue resulting in more natural colors.
• 178º(H)/178º(V) viewing angle:improves viewing angle, contrast, and brightness to provide an even better picture.
• 10 bit processor
• 25,000:1 contrast ratio/550nit brightness: As two of the most important determining factors in overall picture quality, contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this latest generation LCD panel. Samsung’s new LCD TV’s give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever from a flat
  panel set.
• Wide Viewing Angle Panel
• Built-in digital tuner: (ATSC/Clear QAM)
• Picture-in-Picture (PIP): enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources.
• Game Mode: enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.
• Response time: Fast 8ms response time minimizes blurring of moving video.
• V-Chip system: allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
• Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
• Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
• SRS TruSurround XT™: TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television
  speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels.
• Stereo broadcast reception: (MTS& SAP) with 181-channel capacity.
• “Hidden” side built-in speakers with 10 Watts x 2 Audio Power
• Low-range speaker on back cabinet enhances acoustic performance
• Auto volume leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.
• Side A/V ports provides easy connections so you can connect a camcorder, digital camera, or any other digital device with no hassles.
• Removable stand and VESA compatible hole mounts: If you want to install your TV on your wall, you can easily remove the stand and use a VESA compatible wall mount to safely and stylishly attach your TV to the wall.
• Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
• Swivel stand
• Panel: Wide (16:9) LCD
• TV system: American NTSC standard color
• Channel coverage: VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69, CATV 1-125 (up to 181 pre-selected channels)
• Antenna: CATV/VHF/UFH 75-ohm, F-type
• Watts per channel: 15W x 2
• Premium audio: Improved sound quality with dedicated low-range speaker system
• Headphone jack

Connections:

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): 3 (version 1.3)
• Component video: 2 (Y, Pb, Pr)
• S-Video input: 1 side/1 rear
• A/V inputs: 1 side/1 rear
• PC input: 1
• RF antenna inputs: 2
• RS-232C Connections
• USB 2.0
• HDMI-CEC

Warranty

• Warranty 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.

Technorati Tags: Samsung 71 series, LCD, Auto Motion Plus, HDMI-CEC, Judder, Wide Color Gamut, Wide Color Gamut CCFL, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp, LED backlighting, RoHS initative, CEC