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SamSung LN-T4661F LCD TV

Sun, Jan 6, 2008

Filed in HDTV

Samsung LNT4661F Review:

The SAMSUNG LN-T4661F LCD TV delivers the full brilliance of HDTV with décor-enhancing style - and industry-leading value. Enjoy the incredible detail of 1080p resolution, the endless color range of 16-bit processing, the finely nuanced tones of a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and the quick motion of an 8ms response time. With the amazing SRS TruSurroundXT™ system, full-bodied sound comes from two bottom speakers.

Three HDMI ports, USB 2.0 and full connectivity lets you add DVDs, camcorders, PCs and a range of other digital devices; HDMI-CEC capability lets you control all CEC-compatible devices with one remote.

For people looking to step up to full 1080p resolution in a 46-inch flat-panel LCD, Samsung LNT4661F is a good choice. Besides offering full 1080p resolution the Samsung LNT4661F also features a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for rich blacks and subltle texture display, an 8ms response time panel for smooth motion, hidden side speakers, an NTSC tuner, and 3 HDMI ports.

Compared to other Samsung Models
The primary differences between Samsung LNT4661F and the step-up LNT4665F LCD HDTV is in the contrast ratio and video processing power. The pricier LNT4665F offers a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio compared to this model’s 10,000:1 ratio, and also offers full 10bit video processing over this model’s 8 bit system. The more expensive model should display finer gradients of shading making for more detail in darker scenes. The video processing difference should ensure smoother motion in fast moving scenes for the LNT4065F.

SamSung LN-T4661F’s Video Processing
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.

SamSung LN-T4661F’s Connections

HDMI (version 1.3): 3 (1 CEC cabaple)
Component video: 2 (Y, Pb, Pr)
S-Video input: 1 side/1 rear
A/V inputs: 1 side/1 rear
PC inout: 1
Headphone Jack: 1
USB 2.0: 1

SamSung LN-T4661F’s Audio Features
High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the TV. SamSung LN-T4661F’s SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass through hidden side speakers. TruSurround XT audio adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.

Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

If you are searching for a high-quality LCD TV, look no further: it doesn’t get any better than Samsung. I work in IT, and every fellow geek whom I surveyed recommended a Samsung LCD or DLP. Since DLP won’t fit in the space available in our bungalow’s living room, we went with LCD.

Review after review on Amazon and CNet rank the SamSung LN-T4661F and the LNT4555F as best in class. After looking at the sets side by side with LG, Sharp, and Sony models in local stores, the Samsung’s superiority became apparent. I quickly eliminated other brands from consideration and focused on the Samsung LNT4661F vs. LNT4665F. If you’re in a quandry over which is best, here’s what I found:

1) The LNT4665F does has a marginally better picture and contrast ratio than the SamSung LN-T4661F. I reviewed the sets side by side and noticed the biggest difference during very dark scenes. The LNT4665F handles those slightly better than the SamSung LN-T4661F, but the LNT4661 still looked better than any other LCD nearby.

2) The shiny screen on the LNT4665 will DEFINITELY create glare issues in any room where you cannot control direct or ambient light. The set I looked at in Circuit City had no problems with glare, but it was located in a home-theater type viewing room. The set at Best Buy was in an area facing windows and overhead light, and the glare was very noticeable. As my living room gets light from a ceiling fixture, two lamps, and three windows, I feel that I made the right choice in going with the SamSung LN-T4661F given its matte screen.

3) Eagle Global Logistics was a PAIN regarding delivery. Were shipping not free, I would have been REALLY ticked. Basically, they would only deliver the set on Tuesdays or Thursdays, which is hard to accommodate if you work full-time and those are your busiest days of the week. I went to the warehouse to pick up the unit and found the warehouse staff to be professional. The packaging was compact considering the size of the item, and it fit easily into a friend’s Ford Escape.

4) You can’t beat the SamSung LN-T4661F for the price. Circuit City and Best Buy were both around $800 more than Amazon when sales tax was factored in. Interestingly, both Circuit City and Best Buy were charging $2495 for the LNT4665F and $2595 for the SamSung LN-T4661F, despite the LNT4665F being the “lower” model.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. The TV looks AWESOME, and we’ve had tons of fun watching colorful movies like Finding Nemo, PBS in hi-def, Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings movies, etc. BUY THIS TV: YOU WON’T BE SORRY!

—– By Elissa J. Troutman

Samsung LNT4661F Features