Samsung Series 7 (HL-A750) | DLP 1080p HL67A750, HL61A750 LED Powered HDTV Review

The Samsung Series 7 and Series 6 Full HD (1080p) DLP HDTVs were announced at the start of this year. It was interesting that their release as well as talking about performance and features also mentioned their strategic focus on cost of ownership and energy efficiency which, as you will read in this review, is delivered by the incorporation of LED lighting in the Series 7 (HL67A750 and HL61A750).

Samsung HL67A750 DLP 1080p RPTV

The series 7 or A750 models have a black cabinet with a slim depth and slim surrounding bezel (0.6 inches). As seems the norm with each new generation of HDTV, the Series 7 comes with larger screen sizes than the previous models.

Following the market trend Samsung have also included USB (WiseLink 2.0) and the latest HDMI v1.3 for improved connectivity. WiseLink 2.0 (USB) supports MP3 and JPEG file formats allowing you to connect a digital camera, MP3 player or USB drive and easily access files for playback or display.

Series 7 Features Samsung’s LED RPTV Technology

Instead of using the conventional projection lamp and spinning color wheel arrangement of DLP, Samsung have utilized the latest LED light engine. The display is illuminated by rapidly flashing LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) which produce the red, green and blue primary colors. For those who might be susceptible to seeing rainbow effects, the good news is that this projection arrangement eliminates that possibility.

LED lighting has numerous advantages over conventional hot mercury lamp RPTV lighting including;

higher brightness (40% over lamp based models – Samsung)
instant picture at full brightness – no warm up time required for LED as with projection bulbs,
improved contrast ratio (10,000:1),
larger color gamut (up to 114% of the NTSC standards) for more lifelike images,
blur reduction (LEDs cycle at 2.9kH – 48 times faster than traditional television frame rates),
improved reliability with longer light source life of up to 60,000 hours,
lower power consumption (60%) and
environmental benefits (RoHS compliant).

The lower power consumption no doubt contribute most towards both LED DLP RPTV models gaining Energy Star compliance. The longer LED life also reduces ownership costs through avoiding conventional lamp replacement.

Local Dimming

A lighting control available with hundreds of light sources composing LED backlighting allows the dynamic contrast ratio to be improved by local dimming. This is something not possible with a single rod shape CCFL backlight. By individually controlling the light output of each LED light source darker image areas can be dimmed locally and bright areas lit to the maximum. A useful result of this local dimming control is a reduction in power consumption.

3D Picture Capability of Samsung Series 7 DLP HDTVs

The latest Texas Instruments Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD) used in the Series 7 models is able to generate separate left and right images which are necessary for stereoscopic (3D) viewing. To view 3D you need to purchase shutter glasses like those included in the DDD 3-D DLP Starter Pack. The shutter glasses ensure that the correct left and right views are displayed to the correct eye.

Video Processing

Samsung’s Digital Natural Image (DNle) video processing engine combines four image processors and a six-times density enhancer to deliver optimized on-screen images.

Other Notable Features

Ultra-Wide Color Gamut exceeds NTSC defined color space.
Entertainment Mode allows customized picture settings, optimized for different content (e.g., sports, movies, gaming).
HDMI – CEC allows peripheral devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by TV remote control. It should be noted that these models have been Simplay certified so consumers can have confidence that their HD components will work seamlessly with other Simplay certified products.
V-Chip enables parental control for channel and program blocking of TV programs that incorporate the rating code signal.
Single tuner PIP (picture-in-picture) function.
Built-in light sensor provides automatic adjustment for stable light output over the life of the TV
Analog and full digital NTSC/ATSC Tuners with Clear QAM (local channel digital cable capable)
1 year parts and labor warranty, with in-home service.

Sound

These models come with fairly standard twin 10W hidden speakers. The inclusion of SRS TruSurround XT for virtual surround sound is something that will be appreciated by purchasers.

Connections

There is a good range of connection options available for connecting your other A/V devices including;

3 HDMI inputs
2-component video inputs (480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p)
2 S-video inputs
2 A/V composite inputs
PC (RGB/HDMI) input with 1080p Input Support
RS232C port for system control

Resources

Those purchasing the A750 should note that Samsung posted a firmware update on 21 May 2008. Instructions for downloading and installing the patch are here.

Find out how Anynet (HDMI-CEC) works

HL67A750 product brochure including full specifications

HL67A750A1F User Manual (ver.1.0)

FAQ page by Samsung for HL67A750

Product brochure for HL61A750

HL61A750A1F User Manual (ver.1.0)

FAQ page by Samsung for HL61A750