1005WHC11 Samsung LE-26R41BD

8/8/05

5:05 PM

Page 30

GROUP TEST >26in LCD screens
DNIe processing boosts fine detail response

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Despite looking feeble, the speakers provide a well rounded soundstage

RATINGS

##### EASE OF USE ####$ FEATURES ##### PICTURE ##### SOUND ####$ VALUE ##### OVERALL #####

Samsung LE-26R41BD 800

An amazing TV with top drawer specification and an excellent picture all at an equally amazing price
Samsungs LE-26R41BD must have rivals quaking in their boots. To us, its the most attractive TV in this group, partly thanks to the opulent gloss finish to its black screen frame, and partly thanks to the cute triangular shape of the silver speakers under its screen. Then there are its connections. Its fully loaded, complete with separate HDMI input, component video input, and VGA PC jack plus, of course, all the usual TV essentials. Next, theres the fact that it carries a built-in digital TV tuner, complete with 7-day electronic programme guide. And still were not done, for this 26in trooper can also handle the current key high definition formats, and boasts a high native widescreen resolution of 1366 x 768 factors which, together with its connections, mean it earns the HD-Ready badge of honour. Perhaps the single most remarkable part of the 26R41BDs appeal, though, is its price: its huge list of key features can be yours for a mere 800. Within seconds of spinning our test DVD of The Village its obvious that this is a superior performer. The most surprising of its many strengths is its black level response. The various night-time shots enjoy a real sense of depth and scale thanks to the background darkness looking truly black rather than grey or blue as is the case with so many budget rivals.

TEST SCENE

> >The Village
Colours are scintillatingly rich and solid too, with the contrasts between the villagers yellow and the creatures red cloaks looking as vivid as weve seen them. But critically, subtler fodder like the muted decor and naturalistic lighting in the films council meetings also looks convincingly toned.

Stay sharp

Although only 800, the screen carries Samsungs DNIe picture processing circuitry one of the key facets of which is the boosting of fine detail response. And it works a treat, making the visually striking scene where Lucius strays into the woods and is spotted look spectacularly textured and sharp. The picture is free of noise, too, as DNIe seemingly throws up no unpleasant processing side effects. Theres not even any sign of the common blocking noise on digital HDMI sources. We can muster only two gripes about the 26R41BDs picture. First,
while DNIe works great with most sources, it seems to lose the plot with analogue tuner footage, causing smearing and serious softness. Second, the picture can jump in brightness from time to time. But with regard to the analogue pictures, surely youre not seriously intending to watch those anyway! And the brightness jumps happen sufficiently rarely not to be a serious annoyance.
The picture exhibits stunning fine details, excellent black levels, well-textured colours, and impeccable edging

Packing a punch

Although the 26R41BDs speakers look cute, they also look slightly feeble. Yet while certainly no paragons of volume or bass extension, they work well enough within their limitations, keeping dialogue rounded and clear, pushing the soundstage unexpectedly wide, and making sure they never succumb to speaker distortions, cabinet rattles, or harsh trebles. Somehow Samsung has managed to combine in the 26R41BD top-flight performance standards and a sumptuous premium design at a budget price. And the result is a TV that we just love to bits I

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES HD-Ready Built-in digital TV tuner 1366 x 768 native resolution 500cd/m2 brightness 800:1 contrast ratio DNIe picture processing CONNECTIONS Composite video input S-video input Two Scarts (one RGB) One component video input One HDMI input One VGA PC input One headphone output CAM slot Multiple stereo audio inputs
THE SINGLE MOST REMARKABLE PART OF THE 26R41BDS APPEAL IS ITS PRICE
www.samsung.co.uk 0870 2420303
HDMI and component video inputs are just some of the highlights here
VGA input for your PC and a CAM slot

Neat and well laid out

30 WHC OCTOBER 2005

Sales Line : 0005 Visit This Product on Laptops Direct
LE26R41BD 26 Inch LCD TV - LE26R41BD

591.96 inc.vat

Summary
The SAMSUNG 26 LE26R41BD LCD TV allows the viewer to experience the ultimate in Home Entertainment without compromising space and style. These new standards in TV have an improved resolution of up to 1366 x 768 meaning more visual information on the screen resulting in the best image you the viewer have ever experienced. It allows 2 application images on the screen at one time (e.g. Excel spreadsheet with TV programme on view in top right hand corner or split screen 50:50). Designed with the viewer in mind SAMSUNGs on-screen graphic menu takes a step further with its sophisticated whilst easy to use graphic interface that overlays the on screen images with simple to use drop down menus s HD Ready panels offering the ultimate visual experience s High Brightness and Contrast 800:1 s Widescreen with no compromise on space or style s IDTV Digital Tuner s Wide Viewing Angle H: 170, V: 170 s Nicam A8 SRS TruSurround sound s Twin Scart s Wall mountable

Technical Specifications

Price correct as at Sunday, November 21, 2010 3:53 AM. Please check the website for the latest price.