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Samsung LE32A559 Review |
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Reviewed: 04 September 2008
Note
The LE32A559, LE32A558, LE32A557 and LE32A556 are essentially the same, i.e. they share the same panels and picture processing technology. Slight cosmetic differences serve to differentiate these models, with some being sold exclusively by various distributors, a reflection of their greater purchasing clout - we imagine ...
Design
Initial disappointment with the absence of anything akin to Samsung's innovative 'Crystallized' Rose-Red finish of the step up A656 slowly gives way to an appreciation of the pure uncluttered lines of the A559.
With excellent build quality along with ultra smooth glossy black finish Samsung presents in this panel a supremely simple but effective and ultimately pleasing design.
Features
Disappointingly the LE32A559 is equipped with 'Clear Panel' rather than the latest incarnation of the technology 'Ultra Clear Panel'. The system works to reduce glare and improve contrast for a more comfortable viewing experience in all lighting conditions.
Screen: 32in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound System: Nicam Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1 Other Features: DNIe + picture processing, Clear Panel. Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, USB.
The LE32A599 does however sport one of the latest incarnations of Samsung's picture processing technology, DNIe + (Digital Natural Image engine). With a Motion Optimizer, Contrast Enhancer, Detail enhancer and Colour Optimizer, DNIe + works to improve these four main aspects of the LE32A599's performance. DNIe has a track record of producing impressive results on previous LCD and Plasma offerings from the Korean electronics manufacturer.
Unfortunately, Samsung's take on 100Hz processing, 'Motion Plus' is one of the features that is lacking on the lower spec A559 and the number of HDMI inputs are down from 4 to 3 compared to the higher spec A656 range.
The A559 is equipped with a 15,000:1 contrast ratio along with a Full HD panel. Whether or not a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution brings any tangible benefits to a 32in screen has become a much debated issue. Its a feature you really have to judge for yourself, preferably alongside a lower resolution 32in screen.
The 32A559 sports a backlight adjustment ('Black Adjust') option, through which you can increase or decrease the level of Dynamic Contrast. Entertainment mode on the LE37A559 presents the viewer with three pictures presets from which to choose, 'Movies', 'Games' and 'Sports'.
Performance
Being somewhat overshadowed by its more glamorous stablemate in the shape of Samsung's 32A656, the merits of the 32A559 have remained relatively undiscovered. Samsung's mid range offering actually loses very little in terms of absolute picture performance to its high end sibling.
With the benefit of 'Exact Scan' mode which maps pixel for pixel a 1080 line source (Sky's 1080i SD in this case) to the 32A559's Full HD resolution, picture performance is remarkably accomplished. The detail present and sharpness of on screen images belies this panels sub £500 price tag. A poorer quality Freeview source is ultimately less satisfying. An element of video noise creeps into the picture with a degree of sharpness being lost as part of the upscaling process. Motion handling is good although fast on-screen action does reveal an element of blurring. The effect however is minimal and did not encroach to any great degree on the enjoyment of this screen.
Not so long ago, the black level performance of the 32A559 would have been a revelation. With the likes of Pioneer and Panasonic producing some sublime black level performances, the 32A559 reveals a few shortcomings in this respect. The performance is good, but the darkest scenes reveal just a hint of greyness, with a graduation across varying degrees of darkness noticeably less subtle than the best.
Colours benefit from the strong black level ability although at times they appeared a little too garish. A degree of tweaking largely solved the problem, but we couldn't quite achieve those perfectly presented facial tones revealed by the best Plasma and LCD TV's.
High Definition (HD) material on the LE32A599 is all that you would expect from a Full HD panel. Some of you may consider a 1920 x 1080 resolution on a 32in screen unnecessary but we are sure that for the majority HD material will leave you mouth open wide as the Full HD resolution produce pictures of incredible detail, sharpness and vibrancy.
Along with most LCD TV's we come across these days, the LE32A559 has a rather underwhelming acoustic performance. Most screens these days have sacrificed a compact design for visible speakers which inevitably weakens the acoustic ability of the screen.
Conclusion
The 32A559 should gain more recognition for its overall performance. Not quite as 'polished' as its higher spec sibling the 32A656 its picture performance is almost as good and being a little cheaper, deserves some serious consideration.
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