Samsung LE32R87BDX Review

32in LCD TV

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Outstanding connectivity and impressive features let down only slightly by standard definition picture quality.

89%

1366 x 768 pixels

HD Ready

Reviewed: 11 April 2007

Design

The Samsung LE32R87BDX like the rest of the R87 range is a real work of art. Glossy black finish, elegant bevelled undercarriage with hidden speakers and swivel stand will create an impressive centrepiece for any living space.

Features

The R87 range from Samsung forms the companies new base range LCD TVs, but as such, connectivity and features will not be found wanting. Three HDMIs are accompanied by 2 Scarts, component video, pc input and an Integrated Digital TV tuner (IDTV) for Freeview.

Details

Screen size & shape: 32in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound system: Stereo

Resolution: 1366 x 768

HD Ready: Yes

Contrast Ratio: 8000:1

Brightness: 450cd/m2

OTHER FEATURES: DNIe picture processing, IDTV, HDMI-CEC, Movie Plus.

SOCKETS: 3 HDMI, 2 Scart, component video, PC input.

The heart of the Samsung LE32R87BDX's picture processing technology is Samsung's familiar Digital Natural Image Engine (DNIe).

DNIe has four main feature areas, Motion Optimizer, Contrast Enhancer, Detail enhancer and Colour Optimizer, and has a track record of producing impressive results on previous Samsung screens.

Complementing DNIe is Samsung's Wide Colour Enhancer which has been designed to deliver more vibrant colours, especially around the edge of panels where they are more likely to appear washed out. Samsung also claims a wider colour gamut and four times as many colour gradations.

Movie Plus, another proprietary technology has been designed, by improving the video signal, to eliminate a bug bear of LCD TVs, motion judder, and to speed up response times and produce a sharper picture for gamers the LE32R87BDX sports something called 'Games Mode'.

A new feature for the LE-32R87BDX (which it shares with the 37in and 40in models only), HDMI-CEC technology enables a single remote control unit to operate for example, a screen, a Blue-ray disc player, home theatre system or other HDMI-CEC compatible A/V product.

A video camera connected to the TV via HDMI for example would see the TV automatically switch to the camera's input displaying the content with the user now able to control the camera through the TVs remote, with no extra cabling.

two 10-Watt speakers form the audio capability of the LE32R87BDX with SRS TruSurround XT technology promising simulated 3D effect enhanced dialog and powerful bass.

Performance

If you have owned and liked previous Samsung LCD TV offerings then you will probably like the LE32R87BDX. It almost mirrors the capabilities of Samsungs LE32R74BDX while adding a host of features such as improved connectivity with its 3 HDMIs, integrated digital freeview tuner and a number of picture enhancement technologies.

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. In some previous Samsung LCD TVs the implementation of DNIe has been criticised for producing over saturated blacks. We found no such problems on the LE32R87BDX however.

On the whole, DNIe produces impressive results on the LE32R87BDX. In particular, pictures are some of the sharpest around, and edges stand out as particularly clean.

High Definition pictures is something that Samsung do well, and the clarity and sharpness of the LE32R87BDX is a match for any other LCD panel. While HD sources appeared faultless however, Standard Definition (SD) was a little disappointing. Pictures are a little too soft, and while six months ago this would have been acceptable, 100hz (screen refresh) rivals are starting to steal a march in the SD arena.

On previous Samsung LCD TVs colours have been rich and vibrant, and with 'Wide Colour Enhancer' the LE32R87BDX reaches a level of colour performance that few of its rivals can match. The depth and breadth of colour is astonishing, and although factory presets appear a little garish for some, this is easily corrected. Skin tones appear more lifelike on the LE32R87BDX, a problem on previous Samsungs.

Sonically, the LE32R87BDX is a top notch performer. TruSurround XT audio adds impressive dialog clarity, with 'TruBass' for richer deeper tones, and 'SRS WOW' which widens the sound stage. All of these technologies converge to create an immersive sound experience which is exceptional.

Conclusion

The Samsung LE32R87BDX is a hugely accomplished performer that offers excellent value for this sort of price. Three months ago this panel would have been top of its class, but times have changed. 100hz models from Panasonic have upped the stakes especially with Standard Definition sources, which after all is what the majority of us are watching now and for the foreseeable future.

The LE32R87BDX deserves serious consideration, especially with such a wide range of features and competitive price, but ultimately, it falls just short in overall picture quality.