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Features

On paper, this new Samsung is an absolute darling and nothing short of a class leader. Besides a future-proof 1,920 x 1,080-pixel resolution, it's neck-to-neck with the upcoming Sony Bravia KLV-46W400A in terms of dynamic contrast and viewing angle at a factor of 30,000:1 and 178 degrees, respectively (Samsung could be using the same S-LCD panel). The A550 even beats its Japanese counterpart by a slight margin, delivering a higher 500cd/m2 brightness and blazing-fast 5ms response time.

Like the IDTV F8s, the LA46A550P1 offers dual subwoofers, cleverly installed on the rear to capitalize on the non-directional nature of a low-frequency bass. The two-way speaker array is, in turn, driven by a respectable 20W audio amplifier, customizable via software settings. For starters, there is a five-band graphics equalizer to boost various elements of the sonic spectrum. Then there is the popular SRS TruSurround XT audio post-processing, designed for recreating virtual surround from a simple stereo setup.

This time round, WiseLink multimedia playback is back, implemented via a high-speed USB 2.0 port. Compatible with mass storage devices ranging from thumbdrives to memory card readers and digital cameras, it accepts both MP3 and JPEG formatted files. Navigation is straightforward here with each category listed in two independent menus. The photos are previewed in 5 x 3 thumbnails and programmable for slideshows, complete with background music of your choice and predefined intervals.

Samsung must have been listening to user feedback as it officially embraces film-centric 1080p24 videos through the TV's HDMI trio. For owners of its AnyNet+-enabled A/V products, these jacks will also relay control signals so you can power up your entire home theater simultaneously via a single remote, too. Older equipment such as the original Xbox 360 will benefit from the 1080p-ready component-video. Same goes to the similarly capable analog PC input. Noticeably missing from the rear, however, is a legacy S-video socket which is progressively phrased out by numerous vendors.

« Design | Performance »

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