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Performance
for the price is hard to beat
Not
many of the bells and whistles we have become used to
Design
In the same way that fuller figured models are having such an impact on the catwalk, the C650 pushing against a tide of stick thin flat panel TVs is strangely refreshing. The C650's styling marks something of a back to basics approach to TV design which in these times of technological progress at all costs is quite comforting.
Not more than just a few years back we swooned over Samsung's 'Crystal' design philosophy and the continuation of its aesthetic principles in the C650 reminds us how enduring the design has become.
A unique 'Crystallization' manufacturing process creates a form of transparent plastic, almost indistinguishable from glass. Samsung have added a subtle hint of deep red to the screen's undercarriage and along with a transparent neck which attaches the TV to its stand, Samsung have created a uniquely stylish piece of kit.Features
With no 3D capability or LED backlighting the LE40C650 actually sits somewhere towards the bottom end of Samsung's range of 2010 flat panel TVs. As we were to realize however, the C650 reflects the fact that 'budget' TVs have come a long way in a relatively short space of time.
Screen: 40in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound System: Nicam Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast Ratio: na Other Features: 100Hz Motion Plus, Freeview HD, Internet@TV, DLNA, Wi-fi ready. Sockets: 4 HDMI (v1.4), SCART (RGB), 2 USB, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, Ethernet.
The LE40C650 gets a built-in Freeview HD tuner for access to subscription free High definition programmes direct through an existing aerial.
Freeview HD services are currently being rolled out across the UK, so it is important to check via Freeview whether they are available in your area.
Along with other manufacturers, Samsung have recognized the growing importance of the TV as an entertainment hub, principally for the presentation of all sorts of digital media.
The 'Internet' button on the C650's remote takes you directly to Samsung's now familiar Internet@TV service while the 'Content' button allows you to choose between Internet@TV, Media Play or DLNA (AllShare).
The 'Media Play' option presents a seamless interface for the presentation of media files via USB.
You can play MP3 music files, display JPEG photos and play DivX, DivX HD (MKV), MP4, MPEG, WMV and WMV HD (pictures only, no audio) video files.
The C650 is DLNA complaint meaning that you can hook up the TV with your PC via an Ethernet connection (or an optional Wi-fi dongle) to stream various multimedia files; an inconvenience to achieve this however is the requirement to load up 'All-share' proprietary software.
The C650 also carries an updated version of Samsung's Internet@TV web portal. Hit the 'Internet' button on the remote and you get an improved interface giving access to the likes of BBC iPlayer, LoveFilm, Twitter, the Picasa online photo album site and YouTube.
Although iPlayer was not yet available, Samsung have promised that it will appear.
Elsewhere, there are 4 HDMI inputs, 2 Scart sockets, 2 USB ports, composite video input, component video inputs, Ethernet, VGA PC input amd RF aerial input.
For those who like to get their hands dirty, there are plenty of option to fine tune the C650's picture. The more interesting of these options include a 3D colour management system. 3D CMS allows the user to control the Saturation, Hue, and Brightness of the Primary and Secondary colours. New for 2010 Samsung have also included a 10-point White Balance control.
Performance
While we might not look back on the LE40C650 as a benchmark for TV performance, it demonstrates how far LCD TV technology has progressed in a relatively short space of time; in particular, it has raised our expectations of what we can now expect from a 'budget' TV.
The C650's Black Level ability is the first indication that we have come across a screen which offers something a little different. That something different is a level of contrast that belies its budget status.
To get this level of black level response you would normally have to invest in a Plasma or an LCD TV with LED backlighting. The screen reveals no hint of greyness, just deep luscious inky jet blacks.
Results are equally impressive in a brighter room. Unlike a number of other screens we have come across, ambient light does not seep through the screen to produce those tell tale grey areas.
While the C650 produces some subtle graduations of detail across darker scenes, it can't quite match the performance of the best Plasma or LCD TVs in this respect. Disappointingly, 'Dark Tone' settings which are designed to enhance detail across darker scenes were ineffectual.
Taking full advantage of the supreme backdrop of rich deep blacks, the LE40C650 puts in a remarkable Colour performance. Few TV's can match the sheer vibrancy of colour while avoiding the trap of producing an over saturated palette. The accuracy of colours is immediately apparent along with the subtlety with which these colours are blended to create wholly realistic complex scenes.
However, the level of accuracy when it comes to colour can only really be achieved by some time consuming tweaking of the rather complicated set of colour adjustment options. To get colour spot on for different scenarios required constant re-tweaking which very quickly becomes a chore.
The Standard Definition picture processing demonstrated the overall capability and subtlety of Samsung's upscaling circuitry.
While the majority of budget LCD TVs demonstrate that pin sharp, over processed look, the C650 produces something altogether more accomplished.
The great achievement of the LE40C650's standard definition performance is that it produces pictures which are virtually free from the 'jaggedness' we so often find in other LCD TVs. While the images produced are undoubtedly a little 'softer' than you would expect, we believe that Samsung have struck the perfect compromise.
As you would expect, High Definition performance from a Full HD resolution screen is excellent. What is more surprising is that the performance in this respect is on a par with much more expensive screens.
The C650 is notable in that a relatively inexpensive screen can provide the kind of jaw dropping HD picture that provides that fully immersive experience. Close up shots reveal the true ability of this screen with every nuance of detail pin sharp and presented in gloriously vibrant colour.
The way different people react to the various implementations of 100Hz technology is a very subjective matter. We have always thought that Samsung's implementation of the technology actually appears to have a worthwhile effect on the presentation of faster on screen action. Disappointed by other manufacturer's implementations of 100Hz, Samsung's motion plus system can reduce 'blurring' quite significantly.
Samsung's Motion Plus is not perfect however, leaving motion trails with faster on screen action and the occasional instance of frame skipping giving that tell tale stuttering effect to screen content.
Once again we are left a little under whelmed by the Acoustic performance of a flat panel TV.
Most manufacturers offer a dizzying array of sound presets, but none can mask the fact that hidden speakers don't have the power to create a truly convincing sound stage.
To be fair to Samsung, most other manufacturers have adopted the same approach i.e. the sacrifice of some acoustic ability for the sake of style. As with most screens, top end bass is the main complaint although this lack of power does not impinge on the every day enjoyment of the TV.
Conclusion
The popularity of TVs like the C650 is a reflection perhaps of the fact that a growing number of consumers can live without the 'bells and whistle' present on high end screens. The reduction in costs and the fact that the C650 is a very good all round TV makes it a highly attractive proposition.
Performance
for the price is hard to beat
Not
many of the bells and whistles we have become used to
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