Samsung Series 5 (B550) Full HD LCD HDTV Review

Samsung’s 550 models form part of the Series 5 LCD HDTVs with the other model designations being the 540 and 530. The 550 models include the 32 inch LN32B550, 37 inch LN37B550, 40 inch LN40B550, 46 inch LN46B550 and the 52 inch LN52B550. All 550 models are Full HD (1080p) which is a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This resolution gives you all the impressive detail of high definition being able to handle television shows broadcast in 1080i and BlueRay DVDs. Through scaling by the video processor the 550 will handle 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i video inputs.

Samsung Series 5 (B550) Full HD LCD HDTV

The 550 models can be distinguished from their sibling Series 5 models by their Touch of Color design begins with a deep piano black bezel that fades into distinct chrome that finishes as light ruby highlights which vary in intensity depending upon the viewing angle.

Samsung’s HDTVs have a powerful video processor and in for the 550 models this is augmented with Samsung’s Wide Color Enhancer which optimizes each hue for rich, natural colors. A large factor in achieving image quality is the contrast ratio which is an impressive 70,000:1 (dymanic) for these models. The response time for the 550 displays is a fast 6ms which translates into a near absence of blur during fast on-screen action such as with sports programs and action movies.

Built-in Tuners

The 550 models have digital and analog tuners as well as a QAM digital cable tuner for watching unscrambled channels without a separate set-top box. A useful feature is the Digital Noise Reduction feature which can help improve poor reception by reducing any static and/or ghosting. There are also Film and Game modes for improving video reproduction from these sources.

Media Play

Media Play allows you to view photos (jpeg) and listen to audio files (mp3) loaded using the USB port. In mp3 playback mode any mp3 files are listed to scroll through and select for playback. There are Repeat and Random playback modes.

Any jpeg files are displayed as a thumbnail index for easy selection. When selected individual photos can be zoomed in on and rotated. You can also show your images as a slide show with variable speed and background music from a selected mp3 file.

Picture Controls

For those who have an interest in optimizing their HDTV, Samsung provide a wide ranging suite of picture controls:

Automatic Picture Settings - factory set for different ambient light conditions
Standard - for average ambient light conditions
Dynamic - for bright lighting conditions
Movie - for low ambient light conditions
Energy Saver – stepped adjustment of display brightness for reduced power consumption
Picture Settings - backlight brightness, contrast, brightness (of picture), sharpness (edges), color (saturation/intensity) and tint (color)
Black Tone - varies black level
Color Space – color space selection changes range of colors available for image reproduction
Color Tone - provides stepped color tone adjustment from cool through to warm emphasis
Dynamic Contrast - for optimizing contrast for personal taste
Edge Enhancement - emphasize object boundaries in the picture
Flesh Tone - adjusts pinkness of flesh tone
Gamma - stepped adjustment of RGB color intensity

Sound

Samsung has not ignored sound quality including twin 10W speakers. Also included is SRS Lab’s patented SRS TruSurround XT a multi-channel surround sound virtualization technology which produces a surround sound effect using only two speakers. It will handle up to seven (5.1) audio channels. Sound playback can be customized using one or the preset modes which include Standard (factory settings), Music, Movie, Clear Voice and Custom (5 band equalizer adjustment). Additionally, there is an Auto Volume function to adjust

An often appreciated sound control is the Auto Volume adjustment which smooths sound output despite variations in the sound modulation signal. Commonly it eliminates any drastic volume changes over channel changes.

Connection Options

Samsung have provided the 550 models with a wide and varied array of inputs for connecting A/V. With the HDMI inputs you have CEC control (Anynet) of other compatible Samsung devices using the remote supplied.

4x HDMI v3.1 (3 rear/1 side)
2x Component video (rear)
2x Composite inputs (1 rear/1 side)
1 USB 2.0 – for loading firmware updates and music or image files
1 Optical sound output (rear) – output Dolby Digital or 2 channel PCM
1 PC input (rear) – combination stereo mini-jack and an analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin) jack

So that you don’t have the near impossible task of remembering which AV device you plugged into what input you can assign them meaningful names.

Installation

Although the Samsung Series 5, 550 models come with a pedestal, they can be wall mounted using the threaded inserts on the back which are to the VESA 200×200 standard.