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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Blacks & Whites
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03.Color Accuracy
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04.Motion
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05.Viewing Effects
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06.Calibration
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07.Remote Control
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08.Connectivity
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09.Audio & Menus
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10.Formats & Media
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11.Power Consumption
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12.Vs RCA L40FHD41
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13.Vs JVC LT 42P300
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14.Vs Samsung LN40B650
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15.Conclusion
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16.Series Comparison
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17.Ratings & Specs
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18.Comments
Samsung LN40B530
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IntroductionNext: Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Tour & Design Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Samsung LN40B530. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the LNxxB530 series. The LNxxB530 series includes the following models: LN32B530, LN37B530, LN40B530, LN46B530, and LN52B530. Read here for more details on series differences.
• Clean, simple design
• All the ports are in the back
Front
The Samsung LN40B650 has a clean and simple design, for the most part. The front of the set has a thick, piano black bezel. It's definitely reflective and picks up fingerprints, but that's clearly the design du jour, because it's hard to find an alternative these days. Along the bottom edge, below the Samsung logo, is a thin strip of translucent plastic. Why? The designer wants it there, that's why.
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A clear plastic strip runs along the bottom, but there's little else to distract. |
Back
It's big, it's flat, it's the back of the TV. There's very little here except the ports in the lower corner. They're located close to the edge. With the swivel base factored in, that makes for easy access when you need it. For information about the ports on the back of the Samsung LN40B530 see our Connectivity section.
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All the ports on the TV are located on the back. |
Sides
The Samsung LN40B650 is a little unusual in that it has no ports on the side of its body, despite having plenty of room for them. Typically, TVs that are wide enough offer a smattering of ports on one side for easy access. On the right side, Samsung did include on-board button controls.
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| On-board controls |
Stand/Mount
The stand for the Samsung LN40B650 is a smooth, sexy, circular pedestal that rises up gracefully from a wide, shiny base. It swivels, too, allowing for approximately 45-degree rotations in either direction. That's exactly the kind of access you need when all the ports are located on the back of the TV.
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| The base swivels, giving better access to rear ports |
Controls
There are just a few buttons on the side: Source, Menu Volume up/down, Channel up/down, and Power.
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Source selection | |
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| Volume up/down | |
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| Channel up/down | |
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| Power | |
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Remote Control
The remote control for the Samsung LN40B650 (specifically the BN59-00856A model remote control) is nicely balanced and has a smart button layout that puts the important controls within reach. For more details, read the Remote Control section of the review.
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| A good remote |
In The Box (8.0)
The Samsung LN40B650 ships with a remote control, batteries, a screen wipe, and the necessary documentation. There are no cables included.
Aesthetics (8.0)
The Samsung LN40B650 is framed in highly reflective black plastic. It's a popular look, but be warned that it picks up finger prints very easily.
| Other Models in the LNxxB530 Series | ||||
| This is a review of the Samsung LN40B530. 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. | ||||
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| Samsung LN32B530 32-inch |
Samsung LN37B530 37-inch |
Samsung LN46B530 46-inch |
Samsung LN52B530 52-inch |
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