Samsung Series 9 A950 1080p LCD LED Backlit HDTV | 46 inch LN46A950 and 55 inch LN55A950 Review

Samsung’s Series 9 (A950) of 1080p LCD LED backlit HDTVs totals two models; the 46 inch LN46A950 and 55 inch LN55A950. Samsung have distinguished them from the recently released Samsung Series 8 LCDs with a charcoal gray accent Touch of Color bezel as opposed to deep blue or rose. Features are identical to the ones covered in depth in our Series 8 review however, performance is worlds apart thanks to the use of LED backlighting (Samsung call it SmartLighting) rather than a CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp).

Samsung Series 9 1080p LCD LED Backlit HDTV

LED backlighting sweeps away LCD display technology’s inherent weaknesses of lower contrast ratios and less deep blacks. The A950 models have a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio compared to the CCFL backlit Series 8 models. It’s the local dimming of the LED backlighting which produces the dramatic improvements. Being able to completely switch off the LED backlights individually gives more precise control of screen lighting, allowing some areas to brightly lit while others are completely black. Turning off LED backlights avoids the light leakage of the liquid crystals that occurs with a constantly on CCFL lamp.

Other advantages of LED Backlighting, as covered in depth in our technology guide, include blur reduction for gamers and sports fans, a larger color gamut for more lifelike images, improved reliability and lower power consumption (up to 50%).

Feature Highlights of the Series 9 Samsung LCD HDTVs

Native Full HD (1080p, 1920 x 1080 (HxV)) resolution
Fast 4ms response time
120Hz refresh rate with dejudder processing
Wide viewing angle of 178 degrees
Ultra Clear Panel for enhanced contrast ratio and deeper black levels
Wide Color Enhancer 2 for more intense colors
Digital media playback via USB and DLNA network sources (MP3 audio, JPEG photos, XviD and MPEG4 videos)
InfoLink RSS content feeds including news, weather, and stock quotes
4 HDMI inputs
Energy Star compliance

Purchasers always appreciate a longer warranty and for the Series 9 LCD HDTVs, Samsung provides an 18 month parts and labor warranty backed by Samsung’s toll-free support.

Resources

Overview of Samsung’s 2009 LED LCD HDTV Range

Specification Series 9 Samsung LCD HDTV (pdf)

Quick Guide for Samsung A950 LCD Models (pdf)

User Manual for Samsung Series 9 LCD Models (pdf)

Tweak MY TV Data Base of User Menu settings for Samsung HDTVs. Recommended settings, based on field data collected by technicians performing professional calibrations, are designed to improve a HDTV’s manufacturer-factory preset settings for enhanced picture performance.