Samsung C7000 | UN55C7000, UN46C7000 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV Review

Samsung’s 55 inch UN55C7000 and 46 inch UN46C7000 are part of Samsung’s 2010 release of 3D enabled, Full HD (1080p) LED backlit LCD HDTVs. The Samsung C7000 and C6500 models were both CES 2010 Innovations Honorees. The LED backlighting delivers a truly impressive dynamic contrast ratio of 6,000,000:1 which pales the performance of conventionally CCFL fluorescent LCD HDTVs of just a couple of years ago. Full array LED backlit LCDs with local dimming, such Samsung’s superb B8500, currently give the best performance of any LED LCD HDTVs. While the C7000 models are edge-lit and don’t have local dimming Samsung have released Pinpoint Dimming with the edge-lit C8000 and C6800 models which provides local dimming similar to what has been available for full array LED LCD displays. To understand the differences between backlighting arrangements read our comparison of edge lit and full array backlighting LED LCDs.

Samsung C7000 240Hz 3D LED LCD HDTV

Samsung’s C7000 series extensive connectivity options offer consumers the paradigm shift from scheduled programming to on-demand delivery of a wide range of multimedia content. On-demand entertainment options include network and Internet connectivity for live information feeds, real time movie downloads, network access to digital media storage devices (including PCs) and HDMI enabled access to connected AV devices. The digital media interface provides sophisticated filtering and playback options for digital audio, video and image files. The extent of the connectivity options and sophistication of he C7000 models handling of digital multimedia files make it possible for consumers to consider the savings of not having to purchase other consumer electronics (for example a stereo) in their purchasing decision.

Samsung C7000 Thin Profile Quad Leg Stand

LED edge lightning allows the C7000 models to have an ultra slim depth. Bezels are once again narrower and Samsung’s “Touch of Color” design scheme has been retained. The rectangular base has however, been ditched for a more stylish quad legged stand.

C7000 Samsung LED LCDs are 3D Ready

The headline feature of the Samsung C7000 LED LCD models for most shoppers will be its three dimensional (3D) movie playback capability. With numerous 3D movies having graced the big screen, HDTV buyers are primed for seeing 3D at home. Advertising refers to C7000 models as “3D Ready” as you need to purchase a pair of Samsung 3D Active Glasses to see the 3D effect. There is an emitter at the bottom left of the display which sends a synchronization signal to the 3D glasses for correct timing for showing the slightly differing frame views for the left and right eye.

Samsung 3D

A fly in the ointment of 3D capability at the moment is the very limited availability of 3D content. To alleviate this problem Samsung’s C7000 models have a built-in 3D processor which can convert 2D broadcasts into 3D on the fly – which reveals the awesome raw power of the video processors in today’s HDTVs. Don’t expect a picture quality matching the real thing.

Other 3D capable Samsung models are the C7000, C8000 and C9000. All are compatible with multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolution formats as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association approved “Blu-ray 3D” standard. The 3D Mode is use to select the 3D input format.

240Hz Frame Rate Technology and Blur Reduction

To reduce the likelihood of perceived motion blur (a weakness of LCD displays compared to plasma), Samsung’s C7000 models 240Hz technology quadruples the frame rate a normal HDTVs 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps. The video processor performs the impressive feat of creating three extra frames of video for each of original source video frames. In creating the new frames, the video processor uses advanced algorithms, referred to as MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation), to interpolate intermediate positions for objects in motion smoothing transitions between frames and reducing motion blur. Samsung’s 240Hz provides a true quadrupling of frame rate as opposed to a 240Hz Effect using complementary scanning backlight technology as used by Toshiba, LG and some other manufacturers.

At times running 240Hz blur reduction can be annoying to some due to a perceived unnatural look or noise produced by the video processing. Samsung provide a demo mode to view a comparison of having it on or off as well as the facility to turn it off.

Samsung C7000 models have a judder reduction function for combating judder which may result from films shot at the slow 24fps standard or 3:2 pulldown to match source and display frame rates. Importantly, Samsung provide separate control of blur and judder reduction.

Game Mode

The Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. A single button touch optimizes picture and sound quality for gaming consoles.

AllShare

Using a wired or wireless DLNA connection AllShare lets you connect your TV and compatible Samsung mobile phones/ devices through a network. Call arrivals, SMS messages and schedules set on your mobile phones you can viewed on your HDTV. The My Mobile Screen lets you look at your Contacts, Calendar and Doc Viewer . Additionally, can play multmedia files including videos, photos and music saved on your mobile phones. Web pages can be browsed on the HDTV using a Samsung mobile phones that support ScreenShare functions.

Samsung C7000 On-Demand Entertainment

As mentioned earlier, the C7000 series provides on-demand entertainment. Content sourcing options include Internet@TV, Samsungs Media 2.0 suite, DLNA connectivity and a pre-loaded Content Library (stored on internal flash memory).

Internet@TV

Samsung’s Internet@TV feature has now been upgraded and now includes Samsung Apps, an easy to navigate selection of content and applications from leading services like Accedo Broadband, AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV, Netflix, Picasa (photos), Pandora (personalized internet radio), Rovi, Travel Channel, Twitter, USA TODAY, and Vudu. Being online allows applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. All Samsung 6500 LED LCD HDTV series and above include Internet@TV.

Samsung Apps

The Internet@TV interface is split into a number of panels including the current channel, information (notices, new applications and Samsung adverts, applications provided by Samsung, Settings (edit and configure), recommended apps and downloaded apps. Two modes are available for displaying Dock and Sidebar and snipets are quick launch icons for widgets.

Amazon Video On Demand

Samsung HDTV owners can utilise Amazon’s Video On Demand service to search for and download from the some 50,000 ad-free movies and TV shows which includes new releases and the most recent episodes available in HD. Videos will play while downloading eliminating waiting time. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon (similar to e-books with the Kindle e-reader) and can be watched on your Samsung television, PC, Mac or other suitable AV device.

The preloaded content library is a multimedia collection including photos, artwork, games, recipes, fitness exercises and more.

DLNA Certified connectivity lets you remotely access your PC’s personal media so that you can download music, video, and photos.

Skype

Placing Skype on Samsung TVs makes sense. As well as the added value of video calls on a large screen there is the comfort factor of sitting on a comfortable couch for a conversation. It is an impressive connectivity when you can make phone calls from your HDTV. For those unfamiliar with the product, Skype offers free voice over IP phone calls between Skype users and reduced rates for long distance calls. You can manage it all right from you HDTV.

Remote

Internet connectivity has brought a QWERTY keyboard to the color full touch screen remote control. The full a full extent of what can be controlled from the remote is very impressive. In a significant twist on the concept of PIP (picture in picture) you can watch broadcast content on the remote display while something else is on the big screen.

Picture Quality Adjustments

Samsung C7000 LED LCD HDTVs have an extensive range of picture adjustments available. Importantly, settings for each connected external device can be adjusted and stored. The expert patterns for picture calibration were particularly appreciated.

Mode: Dynamic – bright room, Standard – normal environment, Natural – for reducing eye strain, Movie – dark room.
Black Tone: Select black level to adjust the screen depth.
Dynamic Contrast: Adjust the screen contrast.
Shadow Detail: Increase the brightness of dark images.
Gamma: Adjust the primary color intensity.
Expert Pattern (Off / Pattern 1 / Pattern 2): Use Expert Pattern function for picture calibration.
RGB Only Mode: Displays the Red, Green and Blue colors for making fine adjustments to the hue and saturation.
Color Space (Auto / Native / Custom): Adjust the range of colors available to create the image.
White Balance: Adjustment of color temperature.
Edge Enhancement: Emphasize object boundaries.
xvYCC: Setting xvYCC mode increases detail and color space when watching movies from an external device connected via HDMI or Component jacks.
LED Motion Plus: Removes drag from fast scenes with a lot of movement to provide a clear picture.
Color Tone: (Cool / Normal / Warm1 / Warm2)
Size: 16:9 Zoom1: moderate magnification. Zoom2: stronger magnification. Wide Fit: entire screen.
Digital Noise Filter: Reduce any static and ghosting from broadcast signal.
MPEG Noise Filter: Reduces MPEG noise to provide improved picture quality.
HDMI Black Level: Selects the black level on the screen to adjust the screen depth.
Film Mode: TV automatically senses and processes film signals to adjust the picture for optimum quality.

Samsung Power Savings

Energy Efficiency

As with other HDTV manufacturers, Samsung has been working hard to make it’s 2010 models even more energy efficient. In fact, the Energy Star 4.0 minimum standards are exceeded by 57%.

Features improving energy efficiency include:

Energy Saving: Display brightness adjustment to reduce power consumption.
Picture Off: The display is powered down but the audio continues – for use during music playback.
Eco Sensor: Picture settings are automatically adapted to the ambient light in the room.
No Signal Power Off: Adjustable time interval for shutdown following loss of signal.

Connections

4x HDMI v1.3 (back)
1x Digital Audio (Optical)
1x PC Input (D-sub)
1x Conponent (Y/Pb/Rr)
1x Ethernet (LAN)
2x RF In
2x USB 2.0 (side)

Samsung C7000 models have Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) which allows peripheral AV consumer electronics, such as a DVD player, to be controlled by the Samsung remote control.

Software upgrades can be performed using an Internet connection or by downloading the latest firmware update from samsung.com and transferring it on USB storage. This software upgrade facility allows the manufacturer to fix bugs and make improvements after the HDTV has left the factory.