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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 Panasonic TC P42X1
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13.Vs Samsung PN50A760
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14.Vs Vizio SV471XVT
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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 PN50B430
Previous: Page 6
CalibrationNext: Page 8
Connectivity
Remote Control Summary
• Long remote, but comfortable to hold
• Well contoured design
• Soft, comfortable buttons
Ergonomics & Durability (7.1)
The Samsung PN50B430's remote is very similar to other remotes we've seen from Samsung televisions. The remote is long, with a glossy black front and a matte black back. The lower end of the remote is a large bulge that provides excellent balance and makes it very comfortable to hold, although we would have appreciated a slightly more tack surface as the black plastic is a bit slick. The remote feels well made and is studded with buttons up and down the face. The buttons are made of a soft plastic that's easy on the fingers, with good key travel. The tacticle feedback when buttons are pressed isn't very good, however. The remote also lacks a backlight, which is a shame since Samsung usually do a good job with their backlights. Still, overall the remote is comfortable to hold and use.
Button Layout & Use (6.0)
The Samsung PN50B430's remote is studded with buttons throughout the face. With the remote held at nuetral around the bulge towards the bottom your thumb sits comfortably over the directional pad. Unfortunately the volume and channel buttons are placed a bit further away than we would like, meaning those with smaller hands will have to stretch or shift their hand to reach them. The labeling on the remote is large and easy to read, but some of the labels are a bit arcane. Using the number pad to switch to another channel will require you to shift your hand up to towards the top of the remote, a drawback of it's length. This is also true for accessing the power button. The remote can control the television from a very oblique angle, as long as you make sure to point it towards the bottom right area where the infrared receiver is located.
Programming & Flexibility (1.0)
The Samsung PN50B430's remote cannot be used as a universal remote to control other devices in your home theatre setup. It can be used to control other Samsung devices connected to the television via HDMI cable, using Samsung's proprietary Anynet+ system. We're not big fans of such proprietary setups, so we're only awarding a single point for it.
Shop for the Samsung PN50B430
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