Samsung UN46C6800 2D LED HDTV (TPV 100)

Samsung’s UN46C6800 is from their top-tier 2D range, and features LED backlighting with 120 Hz screen refresh and Internet connectivity with a growing range of available apps

Shadow Detail
As Bill Maher enters the stage from offside, it’s easy to see a chair in the darkness behind him in the wings. Camera pans over the audience during the intro are also reproduced very well.

Artifacts/Noise
As the show’s lighting is consistent throughout, there weren’t any visible brightness fluctuations, such as those noted in the Blu-ray comments.

BOTTOM LINE

There’s no doubt that the shift away from conventional fluorescent tube backlighting in favor of LED edgelighting is a primary factor in the ever-improving picture quality of many current generation LCD flat panels like the 6800. Lower power consumption, longer life and improved picture quality are all benefits that come with the changeover. However, many upper tier LED models typically come equipped with an ever increasing array of image processing technologies that include various schemes to modulate picture brightness.

While this Samsung does indeed look very good with most program material, there seems to be some sort of picture processing function that can’t be disabled, and which is causing noticeable picture brightness variability with very low average picture level content, such as the end credits roll noted in the Blu-ray comments. We’ve asked Samsung about it, but hadn’t received an answer as of presstime. If there’s a fix (or perhaps some other combination of optimum settings) we’ll let you know. Other than that, the 6800 has a lot going for it.

SPECS & PRICING

Samsung UN46C6800
Screen size: 46” diagonal
Pixel resolution: 1920 x 1080
1:1 Mode: Yes
Video inputs: 4 HDMI, 1 component (can be used as a composite input), 1 RGB PC
Other connections: 1 stereo audio input, 1 PC audio input, 1 stereo audio output, 1 optical digital audio output, 1 ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM RF input, 2 USB ports, 1 Ex-Link control port (for service only), 1 RJ-45 LAN port
Dimensions (W x H x D): 43.2” x 26.1” x 1.2” (w/o stand)
Weight: 35.5 lb. (w/o stand)
Warranty: 1 year, parts & labor
Price: $2,300

SAMSUNGvision.com
(800) 726-7864
www.samsung.com/us