Samsung LCDs promise six-figure contrast

(Update 11-14-07) Since this post first published, we have reviewed the 46-inch model from each series described below. For complete details check out the full reviews of the Samsung LN-T4671F and the Samsung LN-T4681F . For further information on the company's less-expensive lineup of flat-panel LCD HDTVs, check out our roundup.

Samsung LN-T71F series

Samsung LN-T71F series

(Credit: Samsung)

The big step-up feature for this series is a 120Hz refresh rate, which is said to cut down on the motion blur sometimes seen by sharp-eyed viewers in fast-moving scenes -- although in our tests of 60Hz LCDs, motion blur hasn't been an issue. Samsung's processing also smooths out judder inherent in film-based sources, a feature found on 120Hz LCDs from Sony and Toshiba, among others. Compared to the less-expensive 65F series, the 71F series also boasts a higher contrast ratio, which might mean better black-level performance, but we doubt if the improvement is all that noticeable despite the very high 25,000:1 spec. Styling is also a bit different, too, incorporating chrome plating to accent the standard glossy black. Of course, these models include the same shiny screen we complained about in the LN-T4665F review, which Samsung calls "Super clear panel."

Models (estimated selling prices)

• Samsung LN-T4071F ($2,699)
• Samsung LN-T4671F review ($3,399)
• Samsung LN-T5271F ($4,399)

Step-up features (over the LN-T65F series)

• 120Hz refresh rate
• anti-judder processing
• 25,000:1 contrast ratio
• chrome plating

Samsung LN-T81F series

Samsung LN-T81F series

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung's highest-end LCD-based HDTVs for 2007, the LN-T81F series, includes the first widely distributed flat-panel LCDs that replace the traditional fluorescent backlight (the TV's light source) with LED technology. The benefits, according to Samsung, include more-accurate color and better black-level performance, to the extent that the company is claiming a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, the highest yet for a shipping flat-panel set. The TVs are said to achieve these deep black levels because the dark areas of the display can be turned off completely--traditional LCD backlights are always on, which causes "black" areas of the picture to brighten a bit as the light leaks through--with so-called local dimming technology. All this pretty-sounding technology costs a pretty penny compared to the 71F series (from $300 to $600 extra depending on screen size), but it has the potential to really improve picture quality. Needless to say, we're excited to review one of the 81F series and check out the claims for ourselves. As we mentioned above, the 81F series lacks the 120Hz scan rate of the 71F series, but does offer anti-judder processing.

Models (estimated selling prices)

• Samsung LN-T4081F ($2,999)
• Samsung LN-T4681F review ($3,999)
• Samsung LN-T5281F ($4,999)
• Samsung LN-T5781F ($6,999)

Step-up features

• LED backlight
• local dimming
• 100,000:1 contrast ratio

[steve7410]

120Hz briefly explained and 100,000 : 1 contrast!?

I currently work for the largest "brick and mortar" electronics chain on the planet, Best Buy. For those of you that done know there are almost 1200 stores in the U.S., Canada, and China, and the sales people at their stores have not been on commission for nearly 20 years. I have worked there for a little over four years, and have seen a lot of technological innovation in this little amount of time. I remember when the only HD content available was Monday night football, and I am very excited to see how the HD world is expanding.

If you do not read about HDTV?s everyday or do not work in the industry, all of the technical specs and various anagrams and other 4 letter words of the HDTV world can be hard to digest. I am excited to see that Samsung is finally catching up to Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba and is launching a set that is capable of 120Hz refresh rates.

Normal televisions have a refresh rate at 60Hz which is alright for SDTV, but in the world of 1080p and beyond it is somewhat behind the times. The televisions that have a 120Hz frame rate conversion are able to show 120 frames per second by quickly repeating each frame by a multiple of 120 to reduce pixilation and motion blur AKA ?judder? that is normally seen by video enthusiasts, with the most discriminating sets of eyes.

A normal TV broadcast is 30 frames per second, which breaks down to 30x4=120, or repeating each frame from four times. Movies are slightly different, and have a frame rate of 24 frames per second which breaks down to 24x5=120, or showing each frame five times.


Moving onto the contrast ratio of 100,000:1, I will believe it when I see it. From all of the brand reps, and websites and other various sources from which I get my information, I have come to find that there is really no bench mark for contrast ratios. I do enjoy the vivid colors, and accurate blacks that the current high end Samsungs have at a contrast ratio of 15,000:1. However when looking at the Samsung LN-Txx65F series I am unimpressed with the amount of pixilation that I see compared to any of Sony?s current offerings, even their entry level KDL-xxS3000 series, or any of the Sharp Aquos televisions. Hopefully the 120Hz frame rate conversion fixes this problem.

The LED technology in the Samsung DLP televisions does offer a much richer, deeper, fuller black than normal micro-display television technologies, and I assume the spread of the LED into a flat panel display will also yield excellent results. The ability to turn of each pixel individually as a plasma television can do will yield much higher range of black tones, and of course make many more shades and tints of each color.

I feel that the picture is promising, but hope that the horrible pixilation that plagues many of the Samsung LCD?s now. However, many consumers, especially those that wear glasses and or contacts, may have a harder time discerning the difference between a televisions with a 120Hz refresh rate to that with one of a 60Hz. Leaving the overall color reproduction and brightness more desirable than the smoothness of the picture.

[mabower]

What about the LN-T4069FX?

CNET has largely ignored this model, and I'm wondering why. I'm in the market for an LCD with 120hz technology, but I don't want a glossy screen. Sony's XBR series is a bit pricey, and Samsung's 4071 has the potential for glare. So the 4069 seemed to be the right choice with the matte screen and affordable price. Am I missing something here? What is the difference between the 4069 and 4071, other than the screen?