Samsung LE-26R74BDX Review

26in LCD TV

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Outstanding picture quality compromised only slightly by audio performance and black levels.

90%

1366 x 768 pixels

HD Ready

Reviewed: 16 March 2007

Design

They say good things come in small packages and the Samsung LE-26R74BDX is no exception. Trademark black gloss finish with a back-angled triangle on the underside produce a winner in the style stakes.

Features

More than one HDMI input is starting to become a standard feature on LCD TVs these days so we were disappointed that the LE26R74BDX has just the one. In its favour however is a PC input and a digital audio output.

Details

Screen size & shape: 26in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound system: Stereo

Resolution: 1366 x 768

HD Ready: Yes

Contrast Ratio: 3000:1

Brightness: 450cd/m2

OTHER FEATURES: DNIe image processing, Dynamic Contrast, Seven-Day EPG, Picture-in-Picture, Game Mode.

SOCKETS: 1 HDMI input, 2 scarts (1 RGB), composite video input, S-video input, PC input, CAM slot, Digital Audio Output.

The audio output is present because the Samsung LE-26R74BDX has a built-in digital tuner and it allows the output of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio broadcasts.

Samsung is gaining a growing reputation for producing top-notch LCDs and this is in no small part down to its Digital Natural Image engine processing (DNIe) technology which is the main image processing engine on this screen.

The other main technology present on the Samsung LE-26R74BDX is known as 'source-reactive dynamic contrast' and is instrumental in producing a contrast ratio of 3000:1.

Rounding things off, the LE-26R74BDX sports Freeview tuner complete with seven day electronic programming guide (EPG).

Performance

The DNIe engine present on all new Samsung LCDs these days has been designed primarily to produce richer more life like colour tones. But it also works to boost contrast levels and make motion clearer and smoother. On the whole, DNIe produces impressive results on the LE-26R74BDX. In particular, pictures are some of the sharpest around, and edges stand out as particularly clean.

HD sources are first rate, with a crispness that we have come to expect from the format. Although there is some softness when pictures originate from a standard definition source, the Samsung LE-26R74BDX looses nothing to its rivals in this respect.

The Samsung LE-26R74BDX is particularly impressive with an almost complete absence of video noise, and combined with very good motion handling capabilities this panel is starting to look like a real contender.

What prevents the Samsung LE-26R74BDX from attaining superstardom are its black levels while very good are not outstanding, even with Samsungs Dynamic Contrast.

As with most LCDs of this size, the hidden speakers try their best but are not quite up to providing the impact that a more demanding soundtrack requires. The sound is more than adequate, just don't expect top-notch home cinema standards.

Conclusion

As with most Samsung these days the LE-26R74BDX is up there with the best. Despite a mediocre audio performance and slightly disappointing black levels, the gorgeous looks and more importantly the outstanding pictures make the LE-26R74BDX a serious option for your money.