Samsung 2011 Series D7000 LED LCD 3D 1080P Full HD Smart TV

The Samsung D7000 LED LCD 3D 1080p HDTV series for 2011 features three models; the 60 inch UN60D7000, 55 inch UN55D7000 and the 46 inch UN46D7000. This series is the next model above the entry level 3D enabled D6500 LED LCD models. As well as an improved contrast ratio 15M:1 vs 5M:1 thanks to Samsung’s Micro-dimming Plus there are other added features including; a higher 240Hz frame rate, swivel stand, Web browser and QWERTY keyboard remote.

Samsung 2011 Series D7000 LED LCD 3D 1080P HDTV

The clarity of fast motion is also improved with the video processor interpolating three extra frames between the original 60 frames per second (fps) to deliver 240 fps. If you are wondering how much difference this might make in comparison to the 120Hz of the D7000 series read our analysis in our 120Hz vs 240Hz article.

Samsung now use a new terminology, Clear Motion Rate (CMR), to quantify motion smoothing. It gives consideration to three factors contributing to motion clarity; display refresh rate, image processor speed and backlight technology. The CMR is for the D7000 series is 720 compared to 600 for the D6500 series and 960 for the flagship D8000 series.

Samsung Web Browser with QWERTY Keyboard Remote

While a Web Browser may seem like a small addition it does add a significant improvement to the capabilities of a HDTV when one considers the vast array of information and entertainment services which become available. Browsing the Web on what is usually a much larger HDTV display is a very different experience to that on a PC monitor. To provide navigation and text entry capability Samsung included a QWERTY keybord remote. From experience using the browser it is apparent that Web surfing works well but the QUERTY remote is not really suitable for typing tasks beyond an email, Tweet or social networking site update. There is a useful Search All feature for finding videos via apps or other connected devices and a recommendation engine which suggests movies you might like from Video-On-Demand services.

Micro Dimming Plus

As described in our technology guide on local dimming, the process significantly improves contrast ratio and in turn picture quality. Samsung’s new Micro Dimming technology, featured only in the LED 8000 series, is like local dimming on steroids – further boosting contrast ratio and picture quality. Local dimming is all about controlling the backlight intensity across the LCD panel to match the brightness distribution of the picture being displayed. Rather than controlling pre-defined areas of LED backlights, the picture being displayed is analysed for an optimum mix of control area sizes. It is called Micro Dimming because the system can control lighting intensity right down to a single LED backlight. It’s significant that Samsung have achieved Micro Dimming with software and hardware that has not affected energy-efficiency or display depth.

Conclusion

A check of feedback comments by registered Amazon customers reveals an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Samsung D7000 series with close to a full 5 star rating. As well as providing excellent picture quality, The D7000 series opens the world of 3D home movies and expands on the role of the HDTV to both an entertainment and communication hub.