With the LE46A656, we tested our first television in Samsung’s new CrystalGloss series. Note that the A656 is available in 32, 37, 40, 46 and 52 inches while the 32 and 37 inch models differ with another type of panel and components.  For example, 100 Hz technology is absent from the 32 inch.

Design: elegant and not too sober

Aesthetically, this new series is distinguished by its slightly reddish Plexiglas frame.  And yes you may have understood that CrystalGloss models will only be available in this color; however, as you can see in the photo, this is a slight tint and not “fireman” red.

The base pivots which enables rotating even the largest diagonal sizes and the panel is glossy with a light anti-reflection coating.

Connectivity and components: something is missing

It’s the main characteristic that differentiates the A676 from the A656 series: the latter does not have an HD digital tuner.  You will therefore have to add an external box to receive the free channels that will be transmitted at the end of 2008.  For us, this is the biggest defect of this television – all the more so that the presence of this type of HD tuner will be obligatory in TVs sold at the end of the year.

For the rest, connectivity is complete including 4 HDMI.  We also liked the backlit remote control, although it’s a bit unclear and muddled.  Moreover, you will need a little time to get used to the placement of buttons.

Menus: complete controls

Once the TV is turned on, we find ourselves with a rather classic Samsung menu. It’s not particularly attractive.  There are this brand’s usual organization and complete options – even too complete.  Those who like optimizations will be delighted while others will be lost amongst certain adjustments such as ''carnation'' or skin tones.  Therefore, beginners will avoid touching settings they do not understand.  On the other hand, for those who are interested there is panel backlighting adjustment (10 levels), noise reduction (4 levels + auto), dynamic contrast (4 levels), gamma (7 levels), edge enhancement and Motion Plus 100 Hz (4 levels).  As for this last setting, it shows impressive efficiency with increased fluidity of movements.  In fact, this is the first time that we are tempted to watch a movie with such a system activated and the video effect added by most of these filters is absent.  However, do not push this option too far as there are too many artifacts on images.  Otherwise, in the worst case scenario its deactivation is still possible to watch movies in the original format.

Measurements: good depth in black and a lack of brightness

With a measurement that varies between 0.09 and 0.21 cd/m², the LE46A656 produces dense and deep black colors.  On the other hand, the contrast ratio stagnates between 1100 and 1300:1 due to brightness that has trouble going any further.  With the Cinema setting, it’s only 120 cd/m².


Other measurements (gamma, CIE space, etc.) didn’t show and particular defects.

In practice: a positive result

Whatever the source, the LE46A656 manages to do quite well.  HD is excellent and colors are only slightly inaccurate.  By default, skin tones are a bit mauve, but this is barely visible.

In SD, rescaling is satisfactory.  It’s much better than what we’ve seen on certain models but a bit inferior to what the best Full HDs are capable of.  To obtain an ultra high quality in the display of DVDs, you will have to use a player that has very good 1080p upscaling.

Finally, viewing angles are rather large.  Four viewers can fully benefit from the image from 3 meters.  If we add others on the sides, the image will fade slightly due to excess brightness in all colors.  Also, note that vertical viewing angles are rather small with a notable difference when sitting or standing.