Samsung PN59D7000 Plasma 3D HDTV Review

Internet Features

Streaming is big, and Samsung put its money on the Smart Hub for its 2011 line. Minimizing the source video to a small thumbnail in the upper left-hand corner, the Smart Hub lays out a bar of downloadable apps above channels, sources, and media playback options. Below the PiP view of the screen is a space Samsung uses to display notifications or advertisements.

Included among the Hub's bounty are streaming options, including Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, and Vudu. You may also access a web browser, although if experience serves us, it won't be pleasant to do with a TV's remote control. If you wished, you could spend $100 to upgrade to a double-sided QWERTY remote, making typing more plausible. This remote is included normally with the PNxxD8000 series, and we found it pleasant to use.

Logging into the Smart Hub allows you to customize its layout. One such customization is the purchasing of apps, just like on a tablet or smartphone.

Streaming content abounds on the Samsung PN59D7000, a television that understands its increasing value. It even has a Your Video recommendation service based on your preferences of videos you've watched.

Local Media Playback

The Samsung PN59D7000 has two USB ports for media playback. It can play back various video formats, photos, and music. As usual, a slideshow option is available.

In addition to playing media from a USB drive, a DLNA service called, "Allshare" can access media from a network-attached device. Both of these can be accessed from the Smart Hub.