Samsung PS42Q7HD |
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The Good
Great value; super stylish; advanced processing; competent picture performance.
The Bad
Limited connections; unresponsive remote; drained black levels; poor sound quality.
Design
Samsung leads the way in the affordable style stakes, and not many budget-priced plasmas can claim to be as stylish as the latest 42Q7HD. The gloss black frame is underscored by a brushed metal speaker system and pedestal stand, and is guaranteed to attract admiring glances. Even the gently tapered, homogenous remote is eye catching compared to its typically ugly and oversized contemporaries.
Several essential controls have been neatly integrated into the side along with a set of easily accessible standard AV inputs. It's a thoughtful feature for camcorder or games-console owners who want to make quick, occasional connections without having to delve behind the screen -- especially if it's wall-mounted
Features
Screen size & shape: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Nicam Resolution: 1366x768 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 1600:1 Brightness: 500cd/m2 Weight: 23kg OTHER FEATURES: SOCKETS: 1 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - rear 2 x SCART ( 21 PIN SCART ) - rear 1 x VGA input ( 15 PIN HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) - rear 1 x component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - rear RF input ( IEC connector ) - rear 1 x composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - side 1 x S-Video input ( 4 PIN mini-DIN ) - side 1 x headphones - side 1 x audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - rear
Samsung's 42Q7HD is undoubtedly attractive, but the underlying technology proves it's more than just a pretty panel. The future-proof specification includes high-definition compatibility, an integrated Freeview tuner and several advanced picture-processing systems that are all too often absent at this price.
The proprietary DNIe digital engine uses various technologies including a 13-bit colour processor to enhance individual elements of the picture such as colour, contrast and detail. And there's a DNIe demo mode that allows you to judge the difference yourself using a split screen to emphasise the improvements in depth, definition and noise reduction.
Performance
Picture performance is competent and commendable for the price, but there's a discernible difference in image quality compared to class leading screens.
The LG 32LC2D does a good job when it comes to reproduction of HD sources. Response time induced motion smearing performance is not an issue, but the performance in this area is not quite up with the best.
Bleached black levels are the main culprit, robbing images of the solid definition and deep contrast, especially in dark scenes, that sets apart rivals from Pioneer or Panasonic. There's also a consistent drizzle of background noise and pixellated gradations, which are most apparent during digital broadcasts, but never totally disappear even when using upscaled high-definition signals.
Sound is average, the main problem being treble harshness and a lack of bass.
Audio ability is restricted by the small speakers, which limits bass depth and dynamics, while the surround effects only appear to muddle the sound stage. But a screen of this size deserves to be accompanied by additional speakers and the inclusion of an optical audio outputs means it can be easily connected to a surround sound system.