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Product summary
Specifications: Product type: LCD TV; Diagonal size: 19 in; Resolution: 1366 x 768; See full specs
Price range: $329.95
CNET editors' take
- Published on: 06/26/2007
We've reviewed three models from Samsung's 2007 flat-panel LCD lineup so far this year: the LN-T4665F, the LN-T4661F and the LN-T3253H. If those model numbers don't mean much to you, don't worry. We'll take you through the company's 2007 LCD lineup from least- to most-expensive, and when we don't have actual reviews we'll provide our take on step-up features and how the models relate to one another. Update 07-12-2007: Samsung has announced two additional series of LCD TVs for 2007, detailed here.
Samsung LN-T3242H
(Credit: Samsung)This is Samsung's entry-level LCD series. We haven't reviewed any of these sets, but we expect them to perform similarly to the LN-T3253H (see below), which we did review. The 26-, 32- and 40-inch models might exhibit slightly worse black-level performance than their 53H counterparts, however, since they have slightly worse contrast-ratio specs, but we don't know for sure. The features on the 42H series are typical of what you'd expect from a name-brand LCD maker. All have the standard LCD native resolution of 1,366x768, all are clad in glossy black, and all have speakers mounted to the sides as opposed to the bottom. They also include a couple of extras that some entry-level sets skip, including picture-in-picture. Models smaller than 32 inches get two HDMI inputs, while the 32-, 40- and 46-inch models add a third on the front panel and a swivel stand--both uncommon among entry-level HDTVs.
Models
Entry-level features
- 1,366x768 native resolution on all models
- Two HDMI inputs, three on 32-inch and larger models
- Picture-in-picture
- Side-mounted speakers
- Swivel stand on 32-inch and larger models
Samsung LN-T3232H
(Credit: Samsung)Although generally a bit less expensive than the 42H series above, the LN-T32H series is reserved for selected distributors and isn't available in many places, so it's not the company's official entry-level line. We haven't reviewed any of these models, so we don't know for sure, but we expect them to perform slightly worse than the LN-T42H series, on account of their lower contrast-ratio specs. They also lack picture-in-picture and the third HDMI input on the larger models, but otherwise their specs are very similar to the 42H series.
Models
Samsung LN-T3253H
(Credit: CNET)
Samsung LN-T2354H
(Credit: Samsung)This is Samsung's midline LCD series, which includes the company's best 32-inch and smaller sets, as well as its only 19-inch models. The 19- and 23-inch models are available in both the standard glossy black and a white finish--the latter distinguished by the "54H" at the end of the model name. We liked the 32-inch model we reviewed quite a bit, noting the numerous picture controls, solid video quality, and excellent connectivity. We expect the 40-inch model to perform about the same as the 32-inch, but the smaller sets have different specs, including lower contrast ratios, so they might not offer the same level of picture quality as the 32-incher we reviewed. Aside from rounded styling and speakers mounted on the bottom of the frame, these sets have all of the features of the 42H series (including three HDMI inputs and swivel stands in the 32- and 40-inch models). The 26-inch and larger versions add a so-called Wide color enhancer, which in our tests didn't render color as well as the standard setting. The 32- and 40-inch versions have USB ports that can connect with thumbdrives to display JPEG photos or play MP3 music. These two sets can also control compatible gear using just the HDMI connection and the TV's remote.
Models
- Samsung LN-T1953H
- Samsung LN-T1954H
- Samsung LN-T2353H
- Samsung LN-T2354H
- Samsung LN-T2653H
- Samsung LN-T3253H review
- Samsung LN-T4053H
Step-up features
- Bottom-mounted speakers
- Wide color control
- HDMI control on 32- and 40-inch models
- USB port on 32- and 40-inch models
Samsung LN-T405H
(Credit: Samsung)Much like the LN-T32H series detailed above, the LN-T5H series of Samsung LCDs is reserved for limited distribution. The sets in this series will probably be cheaper in most cases than their equivalent sizes in the LN-T53/54H line, and they're also missing a couple features, including that third HDMI port, the USB port, picture-in-picture, the swivel stand, and the Wide color control. Most of the picture-related specs are the same, however, so although we haven't reviewed any of the models in this line and can't say for sure, we expect them to perform as well as the LN-T3253H we reviewed.
Models
Samsung LN-T4661F
(Credit: CNET)We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and we generally liked what we saw. The LN-T61F series includes the least-expensive Samsung LCDs with 1080p native resolution, which allows them to display every detail of 1080i and 1080p content (more info). The visibility of that extra detail depends on many factors, however, including seating distance, and if you sit a normal distance from the set, say about 7 feet away from the 46-inch model, you'll probably have a hard time appreciating the extra resolution. Other step-up features include HDMI 1.3 inputs, which are of dubious value as explained in the review. Otherwise they have basically the same feature sets as the 32- and 40-inch members of the LN-T53/54H series.
Models
Step-up features
- 1080p native resolution
- HDMI 1.3 inputs
Samsung LN-T4665F
(Credit: CNET)We've reviewed the 46-inch model in this series, the LN-T4661F, and it was one of the best-performing LCD TVs we've seen so far. The main difference between these sets and their step-down 1080p cousins in the 61F line can be found on the screen. The 65F LCDs have screens with a shiny finish that tends to reflect a lot of ambient room lighting, so they might not be the best choice in light-filled rooms. Then again, the LN-T4665F we reviewed exhibited excellent depth of black and especially shadow detail--surpassing the 61F in the latter area--so home theater buffs who can control room lighting might be willing to put up with the shiny screen. Aside from the screen and the price, the two series have basically identical features, although the 65F series is the only one to include a 52-inch model.
Models
Step-up features
- Shiny screen
We'll update this article if we review another Samsung LCD mentioned above.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Flat-panel TVs. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of flat-panel tv.
Going "Green" with HDTV
In addition to considering screen size, TV type, and available features also consider ways to conserve energy. Below are a few energy consumption tips for your HDTV:
Turn the TV off when not in use.
Turn on the power-saver mode Many TVs these days come with a power-saver mode that's designed to cut down the power consumption. Performance of this mode varies from model to model, with the effect sometimes being drastic and other times providing only a slight savings. The only downside is that the power-saver mode usually makes the TV less bright, but we've found that sometimes this has a beneficial effect on the image quality, especially with the room lights turned off, in which case it's a win-win situation.
Turn down the LCD's backlight Many LCDs give you the ability to control the intensity of the backlight in the TV. By turning down the backlight, you'll lower power consumption, but also make the TV less bright. While retail stores love to turn the backlights up all the way for their displays, we find that we get the best image quality when we turn down the backlight significantly.
Control room lighting Reduction in the intensity of the backlight is going to make the TV less bright, but that can be compensated by controlling the light in your home theater room. While this may be a little overboard just for power consumption, limiting the light in your home theater also goes a long way toward creating the "theater" experience, as well as getting the most out of your TV.
And beyond TV concerns, good-quality blackout shades offer thermal benefits that keep other energy costs low; they keep heat in during the winter and keep it out during the summer.
Watch TV together Having multiple TVs in a house is more of a norm than a luxury these days, but that also means your power consumption is going to increase as well. You can cut that power consumption by watching with your family or housemates. You might need to make a few compromises on what you watch, but sometimes it's more fun to watch with friends and family.
Don't forget to properly recycle your old model If donating or repurposing your old TV is not a viable option, CNET encourages households to recycle their electronics. Please explore the following websites to find a recycling center in your area Electronics Take Back Coalition or Earth 911.
HDTV source resolutions
There are two main HD resolutions in use today by HD broadcasters and other sources: 1080i and 720p. One is not necessarily better than the other; 1080i has more lines and pixels, but 720p is a progressive-scan format that should deliver a smoother image that stays sharper during motion. Another format is also becoming better known: 1080p, which combines the superior resolution of 1080i with the progressive-scan smoothness of 720p. True 1080p content is extremely scarce, however, and none of the major networks have announced 1080p broadcasts. The term 1080p today appears mostly in reference to the displays' native resolution, not the source.
| Source resolution name | Resolution in pixels |
HDTV | Progressive scan | Widescreen | Networks/sources |
| 1080p | 1,920x1,080 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Blu-ray and future HD-DVD players; PlayStation 3 |
| 1080i | 1,920x1,080 | Yes | No | Yes | Includes CBS, NBC, PBS, DiscoveryHD/ Xbox 360 |
| 720p | 1,280x720 | Yes | Yes | Yes | ABC, Fox, ESPNHD |
| 480p | 852x480 | No | Yes | Yes | Fox wide-screen; progressive-scan DVD players |
| Regular TV | Up to 480 lines | No | No | No | All |
Despite the obvious difference in pixel count, 720p and 1080i both look great. In fact, unless you have a very large television and excellent source material, you'll have a hard time telling the difference between any of the HDTV resolutions. It's especially difficult to tell the difference between 1080i and 1080p sources. The difference between DVD and HDTV should be visible on most HDTVs, but especially on smaller sets, it's not nearly as drastic as the difference between standard TV and HDTV.
For more information on resolution, please read HDTV Resolution Explained
Understanding HDMI
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and that's a pretty good description of what it is. In layman's terms, HDMI is a type of digital connection that's capable of transmitting high-definition video and high-resolution audio over a single cable. To do the same thing with analog cables, you'd need to connect three component-video cables plus six analog audio cables--that's a whole lot of cable clutter.
HDMI can deliver the best image quality of any of the cable types available today. It can handle high-definition video of up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, which is the most bandwidth-intensive video format currently available. The older PC-based DVI connection offers equivalent quality, but it is rarely available on HDTVs or video components these days. Component video is found on nearly all electronics that output high-def video, and its image quality is slightly lower than HDMI, but it's really difficult for most people to tell the difference. Many viewers are probably familiar with the quality associated with the various standard-definition video cables--namely S-Video, composite (the yellow video cable), and RF--and HDMI provides a potentially huge improvement over all of them. As always, however, the biggest factor in video quality is the source; a low-quality source delivered over HDMI will still look worse than a high-quality source over S-Video.
For audio, HDMI is the reigning king of quality as well. It supports the ability to carry eight channels of 24-bit audio at 192kHz--enough to handle even the highest resolution audio soundtracks such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The only other connection type that can deliver the same quality are multichannel analog audio cables, but you'd need to run as many as eight separate cables to get the same quality. Digital audio cables--both optical and coaxial--can deliver multichannel audio, but are limited to lower-resolution audio signals.
For more information on HDMI, please read HDMI Quick Guide
See more HDMI (High-Definition) products products
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