The Samsung LE-46 A 656 TV (full specifications) has been available across Europe since the first quarter of 2008; and as the Samsung LE-46 A 659 TV in Germany.

Florian Friedrich, March 12, 2008

• Contrast ratio of 2,190:1 is very high indeed for a 46" LCD flat-panel TV.
• High-gloss screen lends the images greater depth; reflections are well suppressed, even during the day, and never detract from the viewing pleasure.
• HDTV pictures, PC content and HD-JPEG photos are displayed in near perfection.
• Convincing color reproduction and TV motion clarity.

• Slight pink color casting, particularly on black and white films.
• Occasional (but rare) line flicker with 24p playback.
• Artifact introduction when using "100 Hz Motion Plus" with movie material.
• Awkward menu navigation and input selection.
• Distorted bass even at normal listening volume.

The Samsung is an interesting offer. Apart from its multimedia capabilities, the feature set is fairly standard for a TV of this class. The striking yet attractive design, however, stands out from the flat-screen masses - the semitransparent casing is a real head-turner. Nevertheless, you do have to accept some slight deficiencies in operation and picture quality.

Most common connections:

2x 4x 1x 1x 1x

Introduction

With the LE-46 A 656/659, Samsung has concentrated on the essential feature of a TV set - the picture. And, in this context, the TV is indeed convincing. Those who choose this product will, however, have to make their peace with the overloaded menu and average sound, and, in most cases, a set-top box for digital and/or high resolution TV pictures. With its smooth rounded edges, high-gloss aesthetics and gleaming dark red frame, Samsung has given this TV a look of extravagance.

This South Korean offering also scores plus-points in terms of picture processing - the picture boasts above-average contrast, even in bright surroundings, and is almost judder-free. Countless picture enhancement settings mean that the Samsung's menus can be a little confusing, and that digital artifacts are sometimes introduced. Samsung's "100 Hz Motion Plus" mode improves motion sharpness in sports programs and documentaries, but can disturb the atmosphere with movie material.

By contrast, the Samsung's 24p reproduction is very accurate, with low-judder motion, good sharpness and faithful color reproduction. Even if traditional HDTV movie material (in 60Hz) is played back from an older Blu-ray player, the Samsung converts it to the low-judder 24p format. Here, as with TV reception, the only thing spoiling the party is the rather weak sound from the integrated loudspeakers. If the booming sounds from an MTV video are not top of the list of everyday requirements, then this unit provides eye-catching style and a high contrast ratio.