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By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
Jun 09, 2008

The Samsung Series 650 falls right in the middle of the pack for its Crystal Design HDTVs, sharing near-identical styling among all three models and differentiated mainly in terms of features. While it lacks the advanced networking of the premium 750, it does edge out the 610 with an onboard motion-tuned 100Hz engine. Aside from the unique cut-out of the LG Scarlet and see-through design of the new Bravias, these Samsungs are about the flashiest flat panels out in the market. Do they have the inner beauty to melt our hearts, too? Let's find out.

Design

The LA46A650A1RXXS (LA46A650) is Samsung's latest attempt in aesthetics-driven HDTVs. Possibly its finest design to date, the set oozes style and charms with a mix of familiar sleek bezel and new Crystal Design with a touch of color. From a distance, the TV exhibits an alluring tint of red at different viewing angles. The feminine hue is most prominent near the thin LCD frame edges, tastefully contrasted by transparent borders. It has inherited many of its predecessors' classy traits, too. These range from a rear piano finish and soothing rounded corners to the touch-sensitive control and svelte wine-glass swivel stand.

Aside from the unavoidable caveat of stains and dust woes, Samsung has done a rather fine job in component layout. The side HDMI and USB are well-concealed yet easily accessible on the left. The touch controls, unfortunately unlit again, are embedded on the front lower-right chassis. The new down-firing speakers lined along its bottom are, however, something we're not sure about. This rather unconventional arrangement helps trim bulk, but possibly compromises directional sound clarity. If you're looking at wall-mounting the panel, there're choices of either a standard or optional motorized bracket.

We could not find any major fault with the pretty and functional remote wand. Fashion-minded users will love its matching hues and sexy curves, while its extensive backlight is a much-welcomed addition. You could set the orange illumination to activate at the press of any button or switched off to conserve battery life. Furthermore, two independent shortcuts are now available to facilitate HDMI source and TV broadcast switching. This is in addition to an "assisted" toggle button that filters A/V feeds to connected inputs. On the whole, this responsive and ergonomic remote controller is easily the best in its class.

Rounding up the LA46A650's brilliant design is its intuitive and well-structured software menu. Almost every crucial setting is available for tweaking, including fundamental parameters such as saturation to advanced A/V equivalents. Most notable is the backlighting adjustment to optimize shadow details and white balance ideal for indepth SpyderTV Pro calibration. There are also various post-processing options to tailor, among them, the level of 100Hz Motion Plus judder suppression and edge enhancement. If you prefer to rely on its factory presets, there are three picture and three entertainment A/V modes.

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