Samsung LN32B460 LCD HDTV Review - Viewing Effects

Viewing Effects Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Samsung LN32B460. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the LNxxB460 series. The LNxxB460 series also includes the LN22B460 and the LN26B460.  Read here for more details on series differences.
• Shallow viewing angle. • Handles external light reasonably well. • Has a handful of video processing features. • Testing done using DisplayMate Software
	Motion	Page 6 of 18	Calibration

Viewing Angle (4.31)

Since people aren't always seated dead center in front of their TV, we test how viewing angle affects picture quality. Typically LCD TVs have very shallow viewing angles, and the Samsung LN32B460 doesn't do much to break free of this stereotype. It had an average viewing angle for an LCD, 42°, which isn't good. That means sitting 21° off center means you'll see less than 50% of the TV's total contrast ratio.

Viewing Angle
Compare the Samsung LN32B460 to other HDTVs
Samsung LN32B360 32 inches	Sony KDL-32L5000 32 inches	LG 37LH55 37 inches

Reflectance (7.0)

The Samsung LN32B460's is reflective. You can easily make out items in the room reflected in it, especially when the screen is dark. When the screen is bright, external lights looked diffused and aren't as noticeable. The LN32B460 did a great job eliminating reflectance form light coming in at angles. Unless you're going to point a spotlight directly at the screen, the only time you'll notice reflectance is during dark scenes.

Video Processing (1.0)

As with most HDTVs, the Samsung LN32B460 offers several different video processing options that ostensibly help improve the picture. Most of the time these processing features are not very useful, and we found that this was the case with the LN32B460 as well. We did see some minor differences with Dynamic Contrast and Black Adjust, but we recommend leaving these options off and use proper calibrated settings instead.

Other Models in the LNxxB460 Series
This is a review of the Samsung LN32B460. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.
LN22B460 22 inches	LN26B460 26 inches