0405WHC08 samsung

19/3/04

3:42 pm

Page 38
Group Test # 200-350 Systems

Samsung

amsungs HT-EV100 looks different to the brands more glamorous home cinema systems. Seriously retro, its more Kung Fu than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The front panel display has a garish blue glow, which is bright enough to cast an eerie light around the room once the lights are dimmed. Yet despite its intensity, it is almost impossible to read unless you are sat very close to the unit, and its difficult to read chapter numbers and track timings from any distance! The main unit also has a rather noisy cooling fan, which can be very distracting. Setup is straightforward, with colour-coded speaker cables to help you make the connections. Theres a comprehensive set of onscreen menus to tailor the system to your requirements, and a stereo audio input allows you to route an external source through the Samsung. Video connections come in the form of an RGB-equipped Scart socket for connection to a suitable TV screen, and a composite video output but theres no S-video or component video connection. System control is handled by a stylish remote, and lesser-used controls are hidden beneath a flap. Features-wise, the Samsung handles Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks, and turns stereo sources like into convincing surround sound using built-in Dolby Pro-Logic II processing. It can also play back JPEG picture CDs that have been downloaded from a digital camera on to CD-R or CD-RW discs via a computer.

HT-EV100 230

Sadly, pictures from the HT-EV100 are a disappointment, and not nearly as cinematic in quality as we expected. The system struggles with fine details, and the rippling surface of the lake during the opening sequence of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon looks digitised. The intricate details of the Chinese rooftops and brickwork in Beijing also suffer from poor picture resolution, and fine details exhibit patterning effects as the camera pans across the city. On a more positive note, colours are good and black levels are high, yet manage to show subtle details in the shadows of the trees during the spectacular sword-fight sequence between Li Mu Bai and Jade Fox.

TEST SCENE

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

The Samsung struggles to resolve the gentle ripples on the lake and there is a significant loss of detail on the streets of Beijing

GOOD POINTS

Retro styling, respectable features and low price. Good sound performance with surround effects and dialogue

Saved by the bell?

Thankfully sound is a notch up from picture performance, and the Samsungs distinctive satellite speakers craft a respectable soundstage. Dialogue is clean and firmly anchored to the screen via the centre speaker, and the movies dialogue is clear and easy to understand. Action effects are accurately placed and the rear speakers were put to good use in the films fight sequences. The subwoofer is also a respectable performer, delivering plenty of punch when needed, but it needs to be set to its highest volume level to get the very best results. Musically the Samsung lets us down again. Theres plenty of oomph, but the sub is difficult to tame with bass-laden tracks and Christina Aguileras shouty vocals sound rough and distorted through the satellites. Ultimately, the HT-EV100 would not double as a music system. The Samsung HT-EV100 is too flawed with both pictures and music to deserve a recommendation here. Which is a shame, because its surround sound playback is very respectable. Needs more skills before it can be considered a crouching tiger. WHC

BAD POINTS

Styling wont be to everyones taste. Poor picture and music performance

OVERALL

The Samsung may be reasonably priced, but its performance simply doesnt pass muster especially when compared to some other budget systems

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall ########$$ ########$$ #########$ ######$$$$ ########$$ ########$$ #######$$$
What Home Cinema May 2004