Samsung HLS5679W LED Television Review
The Samsung HL-S5679W is powered by LED light source technology rather then any bulb. It has the advantage that if offers an increase in the true colour effect and the sharpness and overall effect is better. Like the slew of HDTV/LCD TV in the market lately, the LED powered Samsung HL-S5679W TV has a better viewing experience and eliminates the DLP TV’s often complained of ‘rainbow effect’ (spinning colour wheel effect).
The main advantage of LED’s are that the color wheel/lamp configuration in replaced by a red-green-blue LED array. Gone is the necessity to replace a bulb.
There is no visible loss of pixels or dead pixels here. The picture appears crystal clear and the colours appear very natural, quite in contrast to the often seen grains of CRT monitors! The different controls and inputs built into the Samsung HL-S5679W LED TV allow greater picture control and a wide array of inputs. Cable card with inbuilt TV guide, and PC inputs being just a few of the features. This is a rear projection TV with a 56-inch diagonal screen and dynamic contrast and 4000:1 illumination.
The main advantage is a increased usage span. Manufacturers claim a life of 20,000 hours for the LED light source, and the LED allows for faster starts as well.
Now the remote is a small one, like in other Samsung appliances, and has been well accepted. The onscreen guide is an added tool as text guides appear on the screen explaining the functions. And it does come equipped with a picture in picture feature as well. The TV guide EPG is also included along with the Cable card (comes as an accessory), which allows viewing of digital and high definition cable without a set top box.
Aesthetically it appears visual treat, with a minimalist looks and a dapper appearance.
They compare favourably with the flat panel or LCD TV, as inch for inch they are a better deal. Its compact features and sleep appearance gives it great visual appeal in its black bezel avatar.
Now for the connections, it allows HDMI jacks and a VGA port too. So if one is thinking of using it as a CTR monitor replacement, it will be a pleasant surprise. Connecting to a PC using the VGA input gives smooth and clear function, although its use for such activity would seem limited.
USB ports allow digital camera and other storage devices to connect and one can look at digital pictures. Viewing digital images are a pleasure in the Samsung HL-S5679W.
As with other HDTV, the Samsung HL-S5679W, also comes equipped with ports for play station, PC and digital camera.
It functions smoothly with inputs from the XBOX360 and similar devices. Easy to hook up and no hiccough in the gaming mode.
A Firewire is an added incentive as the iLink allows digital VCR to be connected as well.
Now the main thing against it is the price tag of $4000,which is quite steep for a TV.
However for those seeking a big screen and HDTV benefits, this would be a good option worth considering.
Overall impression: Fine gadget with excellent looks and viewing pleasure. But cost utility remains to be seen.