Samsung UE40B7020 / UE40B7000 Review

Even though Samsung has produced and sold LED-backlit flat screen HDTVs for some time now, 2009 marks the year when the world’s largest electronics manufacturer starts marketing them under a new “LED TV” moniker to distinguish them from conventional CCFL-backlit LCD TVs. Here’s the scheduled lineup of Samsung LED-backlit LCD TVs (otherwise referred to as “LED TVs” in this article for the sake of simplicity) for 2009:

  • B6000 Series: Entry-level edge-LED TV with 100Hz Motion Plus technology. Available now in 40-inch (UE40B6000/ UE40B6000VW) and 46-inch (UE46B6000/ UE46B6000VW) screen sizes.
  • B7000/B7020 Series: Mid-range edge-LED TV with 100Hz Motion Plus technology and enhanced interactive functionalities such as [Internet@TV], [Wireless DLNA] and [Content Library]. Available now in 40-inch (UE40B7000/ UE40B7000WW or UE40B7020/ UE40B7020WW), 46-inch (UE46B7000/ UE46B7000WW or UE46B7020/ UE46B7020WW) and 55-inch (UE55B7000/ UE55B7000WW or UE55B7020/ UE55B7020WW) screen sizes.
  • B8000 Series: High-end edge-LED TV with 200Hz motion technology. Expected to be available for sale from May 2009.

The Samsung UE40B7000 LED TV we are reviewing today employs the “Edge LED” technology which is quite different from the local-dimming LED backlighting system we have previously seen on the Samsung F96, A786 and A956 series. In “Edge LED” HDTVs, white LEDs are mounted along the edges of the screen to illuminate a cleverly arranged array of reflective plates which then steers the light forward and out of the screen.

As you can imagine, this “Edge LED” technology allows for breathtakingly slim panel depth and purportedly lower energy consumption (because less LED bulbs are used). Without further ado, let’s see how the Samsung UE40B7000 HDTV fares in our tests…

Note: The Samsung UE40B7020 and the Samsung UE40B7000 differ only in their cosmetic styling (the UE40B7020 has a “Platinum Black” all black bezel; whereas the UE40B7000 has a “Rose Black” bezel), so for all intents and purposes, the findings in this UE40B7000 review can also be applied to the UE40B7020.

Design

In recent years Samsung TVs have developed a reputation for being stylishly designed, but this edge-lit LED LCD TV really takes it to the next level. Measuring only 3cm in depth, it’s not far-fetched at all to describe the Samsung UE40B7000 as wafer-thin. Its mildly reflective “Ultra Clear Panel” is framed by a polished black bezel infused with red accent towards its outer edges, which is further encased by a thin strip of see-through plastic extending beyond the borders. Beneath the Samsung logo along the bottom border of the bezel, you’ll find a smiling red-orange LED indicator light which would blink in response to any remote keypress even if you elected to switch it off in the user menu.

Samsung UE40B7000

Designed to match the bezel, the black rectangular base of the swivelling pedestal stand also sports red borders with transparent fringe. The translucent pedestal stem allows you to vaguely spot your cables running down the back of the Samsung UE40B7000 HDTV. All in all, even when switched off the Samsung UE40B7000 is a stunning looker… its size-zero slenderness really wouldn’t look out of place in a Valentino fashion show.

Connections

Amazingly, Samsung has managed to cram 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and even a TV tuner into the rear of the Samsung UE40B7000 without compromising its slimness, although the shallowness of the recessed connection bay may prevent thicker cables from fitting the input sockets snugly. If you wish to connect your devices to the Samsung UE40B7000 via Scart, component or composite, three breakout cables are supplied though their relatively cheap quality may not sit well with owners of high-end equipments.

Rear connections on Samsung UE40B7000
Rear: 4 x HDMI, 2 x USB, VGA, ethernet, aerial, digital audio out, CI slot (not shown)
Breakout cables on Samsung UE40B7000
Breakout cables for Scart, composite and component connections

Operation

The on-screen user menu, EPG and multimedia interactive functionalities (such as [Internet@TV], [Media Play] and [Content Library]) on the Samsung UE40B7000 are essentially the same as those found on the LE40B650 which we have reviewed in depth last month, so please refer to the relevant sections if you need more detail.

Infrared Remote Control(s)

The Samsung UE40B7000 comes with not one, but two remote controls. Featuring a gloss black coating and user-friendly, backlit buttons, the first one is no different from that bundled with the LE40B650 apart from a peculiar hook-shaped appendage which curves backwards at the bottom of the remote.

Remote controls on Samsung UE40B7000
Left: Main remote; Right: Baby remote

The second, smaller remote looks like a supersized key fob, and lets you power the Samsung UE40B7000 on and off, as well as change volume and channels. We doubt this baby remote will be used much, if at all.

Calibration

Greyscale

Just like the LE40B650, out of the box “Movie” [Mode] with its default “Warm2” [Colour Tone] provided the greyscale closest to D65 standard on the Samsung UE40B7000:

Pre-calibration CCT
Pre-calibration CCT with “Movie” [Mode] & “Warm2” [Colour Tone]
Pre-calibration RGB Tracking
Pre-calibration RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs)

We performed our initial run of greyscale calibration on the Samsung UE40B7000 by adjusting the RGB offset and gain controls in the [White Balance] submenu. Here are the results:

Post-calibration CCT
CCT after greyscale calibration in “Movie” [Mode]
Post-calibration RGB Tracking
RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs) after greyscale calibration

At first glance a good job was done: delta errors (dEs) were curbed below 3 from 20% stimulus onwards. However, these CCT and RGB tracking graphs do not tell the full story… here’s why.

Samsung has by default implemented auto-dimming on the UE40B7000, presumably to achieve the very deep blacks that edge-lit LED backlighting technology is capable of. What this means is, when the content on screen falls below a pre-defined Average Picture Level (APL) threshold, the light output on the Samsung UE40B7000 would dim down automatically.

And because the dimming effect on the Samsung UE40B7000 is of the global (again an unavoidable characteristic of edge-LED backlight) rather than local (i.e. individual LED arrays can be activated and deactivated separately) variant, once the auto-dimming is triggered there would be a corresponding drop in the luminance of even the brighter elements within the image on screen, resulting in reduced contrast (and, to a lesser extent, diminished colour saturation and intensity).

In other words, greyscale and point gamma could shift dynamically from frame to frame, particularly affecting darker scenes with lower APLs which would trigger the auto-dimming.

The auto-dimming/ black level fluctuation on the Samsung UE40B7000 can be defeated by engaging [Game Mode] and then setting [Dynamic Contrast] to “Off” (many thanks to Mr Laurent Grimal and Mr Seow who independently verified that this worked on their sets), though this solution is less than satisfactory as it entails some compromises in video processing (will be explained in a later section). Nevertheless, to remove low-APL greyscale and gamma fluctuation from the equation, we proceeded to calibrate the Samsung UE40B7000 in [Game Mode]:

Post-calibration CCT in [Game Mode]
CCT after greyscale calibration in [Game Mode]
Post-calibration RGB Tracking in [Game Mode]
RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs) after greyscale calibration in [Game Mode]

Because [Game Mode] limits us to [Picture Mode] “Standard” and [Colour Tone] “Normal” (which yielded a pre-calibration colour temperature in excess of 8500K), the calibrated greyscale in [Game Mode] did not track as well as that in “Movie” [Mode]. Still, we managed to keep delta errors (dEs) below 4 from 30% stimulus onwards… not a bad result at all.

Colour

[Colour Space] “Auto” was faithful to HD Rec. 709 specifications, while [Colour Space] “Native” was oversaturated (especially green):

[Colour Space] Auto [Colour Space] Native
[Colour Space] “Auto” [Colour Space] “Native”

By setting [Colour Space] to “Custom” on the Samsung UE40B7000 to access its colour management system, we had no problems mapping the x, y coordinates of all the primary (except blue) and secondary colour points to obtain accurate hues and saturation, but aligning colour decoding proved to be far more difficult because the colour intensities are heavily influenced by the aforementioned APL-dependent auto-dimming.

We advise sticking to [Colour Space] “Auto“, unless you wish to calibrate the colours in [Game Mode] which of course disables the auto-dimming, making it possible to achieve supremely accurate hue, saturation and colour decoding:

Post-calibration CIE chart in [Game Mode]
Post-calibration CIE chart in [Game Mode] with reference to HD Rec. 709

Benchmark Test Results

Dead pixels None
Screen uniformity Mild clouding and backlight bleed
Overscanning on HDMI 0% with [Size] set to “Screen Fit
Blacker than black Passed
Black level 0.01 cd/m2 when auto-dimmed
Black level retention Stable only in [Game Mode] with [Dynamic Contrast] “Off
Primary chromaticity Excellent in “Auto” [Colour Space]
Scaling Good
Video mode deinterlacing Excellent
Film mode deinterlacing Passed 3:2 cadence in 480i and 1080i; and 2:2 in 576i
Viewing angle 90°
Motion resolution [100Hz Motion Plus] engaged: 550; “Off”: 300
Digital noise reduction Acceptable at baseline
Sharpness Defeatable edge enhancement
1080p/24 capability (PS3) Accepts 1080p/24 video signal; no telecine judder
Input lag (rel. to Samsung F96) 22ms in [Game Mode] or over VGA; 85ms otherwise

Power Consumption

Default “Dynamic” [Mode] 104 watts
Calibrated “Movie” [Mode] 78 watts
Standby <1 watt

Picture Performance

Black Level

Because of the presence of auto-dimming, it’s only fair that we qualify our black level figures with the Average Picture Levels (APLs) under which they are measured. On a totally black screen (video black), the Samsung UE40B7000’s calibrated black level – enhanced by auto-dimming – was measured at 0.01 cd/m2, a superb figure that is beaten only by 9G Pioneer Kuro plasmas (e.g. the PDP-LX5090) and Samsung local-dimming LED-backlit LCD TVs like the F96, A786 and A956 series. On an ANSI checkerboard test pattern, we recorded a still excellent 0.06 cd/m2.

In [Game Mode] where auto-dimming is disabled by switching off [Dynamic Contrast], calibrated black level was 0.04 cd/m2, matching that measured on the CCFL-backlit LE40B650 LCD TV.

Screen Uniformity

Even after calibration, and even with the aid of auto-dimming, the Samsung UE40B7000 exhibited slightly worse screen uniformity than the latest conventional CCFL-backlit LCD televisions such as the Samsung B650 and Sony W5500 series. On a totally black screen (video black), we observed mild backlight bleed on all 4 corners of the screen, as well as several patches of clouding.

However, these screen uniformity issues probably fall within our expectations for non-plasma flat screen HDTVs, and to be fair were quite subtle and not really noticeable in real-life viewing (especially in brighter ambient lighting conditions).

Video Processing

As was the case with the LE40B650, standard-definition video processing was overall very good on the Samsung UE40B7000 LED TV. Because we’re interested in using [Game Mode] for critical viewing due to the lack of auto-dimming/ black level fluctuation, we also investigated its video processing properties.

With [Game Mode] engaged, video processing on the Samsung UE40B7000 took a hit in the following manner:

  • Slightly worse video-mode deinterlacing (more jaggies seen);
  • No film-mode deinterlacing;
  • Marginally worse digital noise suppression at baseline;
  • [100Hz Motion Plus] greyed out and therefore cannot be activated; and
  • Subtle telecine judder witnessed with 1080p/24 material.

Points 1 and 2 can easily be circumvented by outsourcing the deinterlacing process to a competent external device (i.e. send a progressive video signal from your DVD player/ set-top box/ external video processor); and point 3 is basically a non-issue. As far as we’re concerned, the 2 significant downsides to engaging [Game Mode] is lower motion resolution, and the introduction of subtle telecine judder when the UE40B7000 is fed with 1080p/24 signal.

Standard Definition (Freeview Digital TV)

Just like the B650 series, the Samsung UE40B7000 is blessed with high-quality upscaling and excellent deinterlacing (both video- and film-based), which makes standard-def material extremely watchable. We did witness some low-grade motion smear on slow-medium pans, but engaging [100Hz Motion Plus] – we liked a “Custom” setting of [Blur Reduction] “8” and [Judder Reduction] “0” – quickly rectified this.

Match of the Day football

[Game Mode] is greyed out and hence not available when watching TV programmes through the internal tuner. Fortunately, most sports programmes – for instance football and snooker which were on TV all week – are usually shot in well-lit environments, delivering sufficiently high Average Picture Levels (APLs) to avoid eliciting auto-dimming/ black level fluctuation on the Samsung UE40B7000. In these brighter scenes, the combination of D65 greyscale and almost spot-on primary and secondary chromaticities resulted in beautifully accurate green hues on the football pitch and the snooker table, not to mention suitably convincing flesh tones. The aforementioned “Custom” [100Hz Motion Plus] settings did not introduce any significant interpolation artefacts.

High Definition (Blu-Ray)

With [Size] set to “Screen Fit” to attain 1:1 pixel mapping, the Samsung UE40B7000 portrayed the fine details in the spy thriller Body of Lies on Blu-ray – be it the grains of sand in the desert, or Roger Ferris’ (Leonardo DiCaprio) facial hair, pores and scars – with impeccable sharpness and crisp definition. Along with the deep canvas of blacks, this appreciable sharpness contributed immensely to the sense of depth and dimensionality we so crave from high-definition material.

Leonardo DiCaprio in Body of Lies

In brighter sequences (for example those filmed in sun-drenched deserts), colours looked wonderfully realistic judging from the skin tones and whatever little foliage there was on display, thanks to D65 greyscale (achieved with calibration), and mostly accurate primary and secondary colour points.

However, because the light output on the Samsung UE40B7000 was globally reduced once the Average Picture Level (APL) of the content being displayed on screen dropped below a certain threshold, predominantly dark scenes would appear a touch lifeless and desaturated. Needless to say, in these darker scenes shadow detail suffered a bit as well due to the drop in overall luminance.

Russell Crowe in Body of Lies

Our main bugbear with the auto-dimming/ black level fluctuation on the Samsung UE40B7000 is not so much the black level fluctuation itself (we really do think that the actual dimming process is for the most part reasonably subtle and not distracting), but the depressed luminance of the brighter elements within a mostly dark scene resulting in poorer perceived contrast.

The most obvious examples in Body of Lies are the numerous insertions of faded-in white text on a black background stating the location of the next scene. In spite of inkier blacks, the lower overall luminance on the Samsung UE40B7000 (brought about by global auto-dimming) meant that the white text was not delivered with the desired impact. This was especially obvious during the daytime (not that we’re recommending this for critical viewing… just trying to make a point): stronger competing ambient light made the dip in perceived contrast even more noticeable when it came to displaying predominantly dark content.

Mark Strong in Body of Lies

Engaging [Game Mode] and then disabling [Dynamic Contrast] eliminated any black level fluctuation while still maintaining deep blacks, exquisite detail, D65 greyscale and accurate colours, but introduced a subtle telecine judder to slow panning shots, for example the many high-resolution surveillance satellite tracking footages in Body of Lies. Whether or not this telecine judder will bother you depends on your individual sensitivity and whether you recognise it in the first place; to us, it was largely tolerable.

Sound Quality

As you can expect from the acoustic limitations imposed by the Samsung UE40B7000’s super-slim chassis, its internal speakers sounded hollow and bereft of any meaningful imaging. It can go fairly loud without distorting, and dialogue is reasonably clear, but for critical viewing/ listening, we would go with external home theatre systems.

Our Samsung UE40B7000 review sample did not emit any significant background noise either in use or in standby.

Conclusion

Pros

  • Accurate colour chromaticities and decoding
  • Capable of 0.01 cd/m2 blacks (though with auto-dimming; see Cons)
  • Impressive SD video processing
  • Custom” [100Hz Motion Plus] setting allows for blur reduction independent from dejudder processing
  • Stunning super-slim styling
  • Extensive networking and media playback versatility (Internet@TV, Media Play, DLNA, etc.)
  • Consumes less power than LCD televisions of similar size

Cons

  • Auto-dimming/ black level fluctuation at low Average Picture Level (APL), unless [Game Mode] engaged and [Dynamic Contrast] set to “Off
  • Mild clouding and backlight bleeding
  • Input lag may affect sensitive gamers

Summary

The UE40B7000 is the fruit of Samsung’s commendable maiden effort at implementing edge-lit LED backlighting technology on a flat screen HDTV. Not surprisingly, this first-generation product is not problem-free. For starters, the edge LED system can contribute to some backlight uniformity issues though the severity varies from unit to unit. Our review sample exhibited some mild clouding and backlight bleed, but these were barely noticeable in real-life viewing after proper calibration and ambient light setting.

To artificially generate deeper blacks and live up to its marketed contrast ratio (and perhaps even mask the uniformity issues), unfortunately Samsung has also introduced low-APL auto-dimming which can adversely affect the image quality of darker scenes. The auto-dimming can be thwarted by engaging [Game Mode] and then disabling [Dynamic Contrast], but this entails some heavy sacrifices in video processing, motion resolution and 1080p/24 handling… truly a case of being caught between a rock and a hard place.

Nevertheless, the Samsung UE40B7000 LED TV is not without its merits. The television set’s stunning design, deep blacks, accurate colours, advanced motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI) technology, impressive video processing, superior energy efficiency and extensive networking/ media-playing functionalities did enough to earn the Samsung UE40B7000 a well-deserved recommendation from us here at HDTVTest.

Recommended

218 comments

  1. HDTVTest Reader

    Good read. I recently got this TV, very happy and the picture is wonderful at times. Sadly, there is some slight clouding. I wish I hadn’t read this as I may not have noticed it origionally! :( That said, HDTVTest are right that its only rare this happens in dark scenes – mainly around the letter-box black areas, and you really have to be in pitch black environment to see it. Other than that its usable, clear and normal tv viewing is a charm.

  2. Like always, spot on review…

    You are the man Vincent…

    Congratulations

  3. Dear Vincent,

    I don´t know if is possible for you to you send me your calibration settings (both, movie and game mode) to my e-mail? I so you make me a very happy man.
    Thanks for your time

  4. I changed a bit in the Service menu. Under Advanced (with code 0000) you can change the ‘CE Dimming “for” Standard “&” Movie “to” OFF “. Now it works as we expected it to do in the first place! Being able to turn off dynamic contrast, when you want both in the Standard & Movie mode. Seems to be set separately for each input, so change each at a time!

  5. i would also be happy to receive the used settings.
    anyways, imho it needs to be mentioned that this year again you get a panel lottery regarding clouding.
    i had 2 7090’s here and both had severe clouding from the corners.

  6. Great review, very helpful. I was wondering if I should pay the extra for this screen vs the LE40B650 but I think I’ll go for the latter and let LED backlit tech move on a bit before I jump in.

  7. Thanks for the review.
    I own the 40B6000, and also I’m playing with this settings for almost 2 weeks.
    Could you sent the calibrations settings you achieved during the tests? I do know they can vary for the sets, but nevertheless they will be nice to have.
    Regards.

  8. Thanks for your review.

    +1
    “Could you sent the calibrations sttings you achieved during the test”
    Please

  9. HDTVTest Reader

    Hi – Would be greatful for the settings also.

    Rgds

  10. Hey

    Would be very grateful if you can send or put out the calibration on ths tv.

    Thx for a good job

  11. Hi Vince – top review, I’m thinking of buying this TV but not too sure about the whole auto dimming issue. What do you think about the comments on how to turn off auto dimming below, not sure about digging into the service menu, is it a straightforward procedure and does it truly resolve all the dimming issues…

    tolou on 3 May 2009 9:15 am
    I changed a bit in the Service menu. Under Advanced (with code 0000) you can change the ‘CE Dimming “for” Standard “&” Movie “to” OFF “. Now it works as we expected it to do in the first place! Being able to turn off dynamic contrast, when you want both in the Standard & Movie mode. Seems to be set separately for each input, so change each at a time!

    Many thanks for you help, Robbie

  12. Hey dude,

    Excellent review, I’m thinking of buying this TV. However, the whole auto dimming issue worries me.

    I would be very grateful if you can mail me the calibration on this tv, or put it out.

    Thank you very much for a TOP job

  13. HDTVTest Reader

    Hi

    I’d be really interested in other peoples opinion on the clouding of this TV. I’ve not had much to compare it to so cant work out if its drastic or just a typical, low artifect of current LED tech. I’ve yet to try the TV with the calobration Vincent used mind …

    Cheers

  14. Great review! I bought this set and I am very satisfied (aside for the terrible sound quality!). Great blacks, stunning clarity and some clouding/smearing on SD material in slow pans. Not an issue though if you don’t look for them – these go unnoticed if you watch from a distance – say 3-4 meters.

    Just like other people have commented before me, would you mind sharing the calibration settings you used?

    Thanks in advance,
    Alex.

  15. Thank you very much for an excellent review!

    Question: You’ve compared (LED based) B7000 with (LCD based) B650. The last one is about 50% cheaper, but has some similar features. Which pros / cons would you see at B7000 in comparison with B650? Is there a difference in a picture quality that comes true with the price difference?

  16. You can turn Dynamic Contrast off in both Movie and Standard Mode.

  17. Milyen panel van benne? wazze…

  18. 1 Measuring Game lag relative to another arbitrary lcd set with uspecified lag of its own, just doesn’t cut it .. get an old crt already!

    2 You see, it’s not just ‘sensitive’ gamers. Anyones performance on Guitar Hero/Call of Duty/Street Fighter 4/Insert Generic Action Game Here will objectively suffer when dealing with 20 odd ms + F96 ‘unknown quantity’ lag, whether they notice and care about it or not.

    3 Not even a separate Gaming/Pc mode performance analysis anymore?

    this site is quickly losing interest as all you seem to care about is rushing ‘high recommendations’ for every single lcd manufacturer who calls at your door.

  19. HDTVTest Reader

    Hi Vincent

    Would you mind posting the calibration you used please?

    Thanks

  20. carlos rebocho

    can you explain me how it works the bd wise? if i connect an external hard disk with amkv file will him read it? apolagises for my english. thank you

  21. nice and unbiased review. the settings you used would be highly apreciated, as well as maybe a review with disabled global dimming and the impact on the resulting settings :-)

  22. HDTVTest Reader

    disorganizer – I agree.

  23. Another HDTVTest Reader

    HDTVTest Reader – I agree with your agreement.

  24. Great review, again, thanks!
    Am I correct in assuming then that these ‘edge lit’ displays are not capable of switching off the backlighting in certain dark parts of the picture, hence giving you totally black blacks instead of 0.01 cd/m2 throughout?
    I understand its called ‘multi zone LED backlighting’.
    This is strange if it is, because I would have thought this latest release of sets from Samsung would only be doing multizoned LED sets from here on out.
    But then I suppose doing so would bump the prices up by £500.
    .
    Okay, so which of their latest gen sets do the multi-zoned backlighting trick?
    I’m looking forward to this tech becoming the norm, because it would likely mitigate the ‘need’ to move towards potentially expensive AMOLED screens for totally black blacks.
    I must say I was quite disappointed when watching the Blade Runner BluRay on my Samsung LE40A656A at night time, because its such a dark film. If you watch the film at night time, lights off, the backlighting is terrible above about 2 or 3 on the backlight brightness setting, and below 3 you lose picture quality a bit.
    .
    Also have you noticed Samsungs advertisers are going to confuse the normal buying public when they get round to releasing true OLED screens? Because they’re calling these screens LED instead what should be “LED backlit LCD”.
    People are going to look at OLED and think its just some small-time upgrade to LCD!

  25. Stu…..

    I think what your referring to is Local Dimming LED sets, this in the past was the Samsung F96, The Samsung A756 & A956 and I believe it will be the Samsung 9000 series (not out yet) that will be local dimming in the new range of sets!, all these can turn off LED’s in different parts of the screen that are dark, although perfection will only come when we have an array of 1920×1080 LED’s (which I can’t ever see happening!) which can all be controlled independently!……….hope this helps!

    Vincent…..

    Can you please do another review with auto-dimming turned off in the service menu and the set calibrated using movie mode! PLEASEEEEE!

  26. …where is the PS3 section of the review ???
    I wish B7000 does not introduce heavy game lag…so I think to wait B8000 with 200Hz panel
    Do you think is a good idea?

    thx

  27. After reading both reviews, how can the KDL W5500 deserve a better score than the B7000?!?!?!?!?!?!?! A mystery as born…

  28. HDTVTest Reader

    Hi Vincent,

    Are you able to comment on any of these requests? It would be great to know if you are reading these as the calibration you used would be a welcome piece of info for us regular readers.

    Thanks

  29. Another Great review

    When’s the Panasonic TX-P42X10B review going to come out?

    Thanks

  30. HDTV you’re incompetent, which penalizes bad review a TV of rare excellence (B7000)
    use game mode demonstrates all the limitations of your ability, very scarce, CHAD tencico ISF renowned nondiale like other tencici, were able to enhance this TV that offers almost infinite adjustments ……
    you suffer a TV reference level
    are the usual plasmisti, idiots and sutpidi !!!!!!!

  31. Sam B7000 è un TV refrence level…..
    use game mode demonstrates all the limitations of your ability

    bad bad bad techics, bad bad bad review HDTVtest

    ah, kuro mind and mito kuro Pioneer……

    smile LOL !!!!!!

  32. Wow! Steve has lost it apparently. I really feel that good reviews deserve to be defended. Just FYI Steve, Chad is the only person who says that the b7000 is an excellent tv and places it over the panasonic 2009 plasma tvs. He even says that although the samsung didn’t score as well in tests he still thought it was better (blacks, ansi contrast etc). So, forgive me if I am not going to take his “review” for granted when there are excellent reviewers such as hdtvtest, avforums and many others who agree that even the seriousky cheaper b650 was a better tv than the b7000 in pq.

    Excellent review hdtvtest people I mostly agree, although I still think you are being a bit lenient.

    And just wanted to say, the european version of the panny G10 is miles better than any edge lit lcd that samsung produced. Although I expect it to be surpassed by the b9000 local-dimming.

    Wake up people! Don’t buy what they want you to buy. This tv was designed having in mind a cheap(for the manufacturers) slim wall hanged set with eco-friendly characteristics. Were does picture quality fit into this? Simply, it doesn’t. Huge uniformity issues and a “cheating” dimming system

    ps: Stevie learn some english if you are going to post in an english web site. No one is going to try hard to decipher your peculiar hybrid language and check your non-existent website. Italians who think they are the only people in the world…

  33. @Daimon
    I’m italian.
    I speak good english.
    I don’t think italians are the only people in the world.
    I think this site rocks and reviews are great (even if we still lack Philips tv tests).
    Maybe you could revise your last words…. ;-)

  34. Yeah sure.You ‘re alright. But, still, this is a mediocre tv.

  35. I agree with you !!! :-)

  36. brilliant review for people like me who are no technocrats . also gives you good independent insight into the product without any bias.

    thank you and keep up good work.

  37. Hey again

    Have someone got the configuration yet or what is the deal?
    Would be very grateful if you could send it or mby post it here on the website?

    thx….

  38. Ioannis Nikolopoulos

    Dear Vincent,

    I don´t know if is possible for you to you send me your calibration settings (both, movie and game mode) to my e-mail? I so you make me a very happy man.
    Thanks for your time

  39. Ioannis Nikolopoulos

    Dear Vincent,

    I noticed that in some 1080p movies (*.mkv files) have no sound at all! The error message was, “Sound codec not supported”. Do you have any idea how to solve this problem?
    Thanks for your time

  40. @Peter: I have published the calibrated settings at http://hdtvtest.co.uk/news/samsung-ue40b7020-settings-20090522149.htm

    @Ioannis: At this time of writing, the Samsung UE40B7020/ UE40B7000 still cannot decode DTS soundtracks.

    Warmest regards
    Vincent

  41. Bought the new LED tv samsung UE40B7000 not even a week ago.

    First disappointment: it looses picture after (between) 1/2 hr to 2 hrs playing (sound remains on).

    Any ideas pls ? (unless I bought a bad product…)

  42. Ioannis Nikolopoulos

    Dear Vincent,

    I noticed that in some 1080p movies (*.mkv files) have no sound at all! The error message was, “Sound codec not supported”.

    In case I connect the tv set with a dts amplifier will the sound work or not?

    Thanks a lot for your help!

  43. just bought the 6000, which is identical to the 7 series in terms of hardware. The picture is great, but auto dimming is really a problem in dark scenes (the contrast drops significantly).

    The bigger issue for me though is the “flashlight” effect caused by the edge LEDs. A cone of light appears in the lower right corner, and to some lesser extend in the other 3 corners, and becomes quite noticeable in dark scenes. I’m not quite sure if this is something you get used to after a while, but it’s definitely a bit odd.

    If stuff like this distracts you a lot, don’t buy this TV.

    Say, some said you can turn off auto dimming in the “service” menu with some code 0000. To be frank, I have no idea what you are talking about :-) Is this some kind of hidden option? I don’t see a service menu on my TV, and I cannot find this setting anywhere.

    Thanks.

  44. That is a very good review,

    Please can I get possibly get the calibration too?

    Thanks.

  45. So all and all; assummimng the picture quality (and frankly that is pretty much all I care about) is the same on the UE46B7020 as is on the 40″ version; whcih of the following is the best TV TH-P46G15, UE46B7020 or the KDL-46Z5500. Any suggestions?

  46. Sorry re last comment clearly the I menat TX-P46G15 not TH.

  47. Hope that there will be a review on the UE40B8000 because of the €300- cash back option at the moment.

  48. Can anyone advise on how you access the service menu to disable the CE Dimming as mentioned in this thread >>> “I changed a bit in the Service menu. Under Advanced (with code 0000) you can change the ‘CE Dimming “for” Standard “&” Movie “to” OFF “.

    I have only had this set for 5 days but it is mint – Blue Ray is fantastic and the SD picture is far better than many sets – turning off the dimming feature would be a huge plus though!!

  49. Would also be interested in the CE Dimming option in the service menu. I have accessed the service menu but cannot find the option… ADVANCED menu option has no items for me to use…?

  50. Is it possible to remove the bezel from the display?

  51. Hi there

    I cannot find the service menu … Perhaps being a complete fool. Can someone please take the time to tell me where it is?

    Mark H .. you seemed to have found it – can you please give me an idiot guide – I just cannot find it

    thanks

  52. Put the tv in standby mode, then press on the remote: INFO then MENU then MUTE and then POWER to put the TV on again. The TV will now start up and the service menu will apear on the left.

    Scroll down to Advanced then press the numerals 0000 on the remote.
    You will see a box with CE DIMMING in the second or third column along (there are lots of boxes), scroll (you cannot jump to it) to it then click ENTER (on the remote).
    Then click on Standard or Movie then go left or right to select on or off.

    Then power off the tv. When you start it up again, the picture settings will revert to default, so you’ll need to record your settings before attempting this.

    And there you have it, no auto-dimming. Beware messing around in the service menu though; unless you know what you’re doing just jump in and out following the instructions above.

    Hope that helps.

    It’d be cool if the initial reviews could recognise the the existence of this option now that its been found and proven to disable CE Dimming.

  53. THANK YOU!! WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!

  54. Can someone send me a movie settings? And what is default (from factory) settings to CE DIMMING menu (Service Menu)

  55. Is Contrast dimming ON or OFF when tv coming from factory(Service Mode)? i cant remember what is it :)

  56. Hi,

    I would like to know if the Samsung has a RCA stereo output to connect to an amp. I know it has an optical audio output, but I’m keen to know if you can use a RCA stereo output to connect to a SurroundBar I have.

    And can you get audio out using RCA for TV, DTV and HDMI inputs?

    Thanks

    Dan

  57. HDTVTest Reader

    The only sound output is has is an Otpical Out.

  58. weird, even tho I turned off Dimming for Standard and Movie modes, it’s still active for all modes except Movie (you can easily tell, because every time you change the channel, the OSD will fade out because of the dimming).

    how about you guys?

    I’m not so sure about turning it off altogether anyway, because without dimming, the terrible backlight bleed of this set becomes even more apparent… you basically lose what let’s this set stand out: the good black levels.

  59. also, it didn’t reset any color settings when screwing around with the service menu and then rebooting.

  60. hi my 46″ 7020 and PS3 is working in 1920×1080 in 60HZ not in 100HZ? how i can change to 100HZ? I am using HDMI cable from comet worth 60pounds.

    The tv is briliant comparing with my previous samsung 32″LCD. Stle of tv and picture quality is really the best advantages, i also like 2 USB, on 1st i connected my portable HDD 120GB full of movies and mp3. and it works fine. subtyles working fine. having problem with mkv files tv shows the video but no sound.
    I hope samsung will fix it and will release new software update for a tv. (I notice you can update it in menu.

  61. I just bought samsung 46b7000 for replacement of SONY V HS34 HD-CRT TV (85 kgs) a week ago.
    I know I should not compare any led Lcd with CRT they need long way to reach same quality of view.

    My initial disappoitment was viewing TV right in front of the panel is great however from getting closer to sides contrast increasing heavily and blacks are ligthened. view angle is about 90 degrees only.

    I have plugged in my 1 terrabyte WD external hardisk to TV without problem, you can browse mp3/photo/vidoe files quite fast. Good work Samsung!

    it plays MKV 1080p movies without problem and gives 5.1 channel audio out to my receiver for the movies AC3 codecs. However when movie is DTS codec it gives audio error and you watch movie without sound.

    I bought this TV because of its ability to play MKV files and I paid a lot money. I could buy cheaper product without mkv play ability. However it DOES play MKV files with DTS sound codec WITHOUT sound. This is really disappointment for me.

    Nearly half of my movies have DTS codec (This I learned after purchasing this product ) I read some owners found ways to convert their files’ codecs from DTS to AC3 to watch them in their B7000, however DTS is far much better than Dolby Digital 5.1 codec. It is like converting HD video and watch them in SD.

    If I need external source to play my MKV files with DTS codec why do I have bought this TV ???

    I hope Samsung is not intending to use DTS codec as a marketing tactic and bring upper new model with DTS codecs only. I hope Samsung support their customers by providing DTS codecs for the present models.

    If you intend to watch MKV video, B7000 is not worth to buy. Buy cheaper model and use external sources for watching your mkv as in any case you will need external source with B7000 model

    regards

  62. We just bought a Samsung LED TV series 7100. Question: Is that normal that the on and off light (on the bottom of the TV) blinks three times before staying on every time we turn the TV on?

  63. Hmm .. I would have been partucularly interested in the GAMING LAG figures since this was highlighted as being poor in some of your other reviews on Samsung LCD’s
    Will you be adding these figures so we can make a comaprison or was your review conditional on not releasing your results for this apparent problem?

  64. Hi.
    I have a UE40B7000 since last Friday, and I have the following probleM: sit shuts down and re-start again every few minutes. I am waiting for the Samsung Technical service to come, but I wonder if anyone has had the same problem.
    Thank you very much in advance.
    Regards,
    Miguel
    (Spain)

  65. Good review. I should have read it more thoroughly before buying the UE40B7020. Mine has just a little too much backlight bleed in the bottom left corner, which means watching films in a higher ratio than 16:9 (e.g in letterbox) with no ambient light can cause your eye to be led to the light in the bottom left corner. When a dark picture is present there it is less noticeable and completely unnoticeable for most pictures.

    For most content the set is fine, and I think I’m still in the stage of deliberately looking for faults rather than just watching TV. The unit otherwise is great and looks really nice.

  66. A week ago I bought a UE40B6000 to replace a failed LCD TV. The performance on Blu-Ray and HD satellite is amazing, well worth the significant extra cost.

    Maybe it’s just me, but I find it hard to set the lip sync easily. Around 20mS seems to be the right area, but even after calibration with specific “flash/click” test transmissions on satellite I am not convinced it’s quite right. Could it be the delay varies depending on the amount of processing and backlight adjustment the TV does?

  67. recently brought ue40b7000 love the tele but not sure if its in a 100hz as the display tells me its in 1920 x 1080i @ 50hz not 1080p or 100hz ??????? is this correct and how can i get the best possible picture

  68. Does anyone know (on the UE40B6000) how to remove the floating on screen mute icon when I have pressed the mute button on the remote? When I play DVD’s using an optic cable for sound I don’t want to hear it from the tv as well. I now have to turn the volume down to zero, instead of pressing mute and getting stuck with this onscreen icon.

  69. I have had this TV for two weeks now and ,though I am not a particularly critical TV viewer, I am driving my wife crazy through my attempts to fine tuume the colour, saturation and contrast.

    Is it possible for you to email me or publish publish the cailibration settings you used.

    Having bought the TV I would agree with your review and wish I had read it before buying the TV.

  70. Could you post the calibration settings please…

  71. First of all. Great Review. Although like many others here I will like to see it edited to check the service menu patch descrived above (thans thans thans for that!!) and also ask for the customized configurations to achieve the best image quality!! please!!!!

    I love the TV. I see some people that don’t like it, and others that even advice against its buy… I sure dissagree with them.

    For me (maybe I had luck with my set) there are not light torchs in low light conditions (lucky me).

    Others, It’s my opinion, bought this model for the wrong reasons… Specially that guy that says that bought it because it reproduced mkvs!! Please man!! you don’t spend 1700€ for a set just for the mkv!!
    I agree with you that DTS must work with it but your arguments?? please! I agree that you are not going to convert your mkvs just to see them in the tv, but comparing DTS->DD to HD->SD???? Come on man… even yourself says that you didn’t know your mkvs were DTS!! jajaja (and by the way that also means you don’t create your, but download them from some where… so go as Samgsung help you see your ilegaly obtained movies)

    Anyway, I do recomend the set. If you have, like me, problems to play your xbox games during the day because your tv is in a direct sun lit room… this tv has all the contrast you need…

    Jur.

  72. Great Review HDTV !!!—Can you please send me the calibration settings. And If possible the optimum settings for watching footy on HD.

    Thanks

  73. For every one that have problems wilth mkv files have you tride to work with samsung pc share manager?
    I have tride it an my mkv files work wilth sound.
    If you play a mkv file from a media drive or of somthing else it doesn’t work.
    Every other media file works when you play it form a external media drive.
    I’m still looking for a solution for the mkv problem form a external media drive.

  74. I have the UE55B7000 model , but I can not seem to activate the ADVANCED MENU by 0000 under the SERVICE MENU …

    Any idea what numbers would turn on the ADVANCED MENU tab in Service Menu ?

  75. Someone make a decide for me.
    I’m about to part with my cash on a big tv. I’m stuck between the lovely looking samsung ueb407000 and a panasonic txp42v10.
    I will be connecting a ps3 and sky hd. The mrs loves the look of the led but the panny is similar money and seems to be pretty high end. HELP

  76. For all those moaning about the lack of DTS support in their .mkv files just grab the popcorn hour audio converter, it muxes the DTS to AC3 which IS supported and does it very fast.
    I know it’s not ideal but what can you do?

    Latest: The latest Samsung update supposedly has REMOVED .mkv support due to concerns over ‘piracy’.

    tb

  77. Hi,

    Just purchased the 6000. Like everyone else would be fantastic to get your calibration specs.

    What do you recommend Auto dim on or off

    Thanks

  78. Still alot of readers are asking for it, so here’s the url to the calibration specs – which I’ve looked around for myself – they was right under my nose ;)

    http://hdtvtest.co.uk/news/samsung-ue40b7020-settings-20090522149.htm

  79. comprei 01 tv sansumg 40 polegadas. trouxe para o brazil, mais ela nao quer ficar colorida de jeito nenhum o que devo fazer para configurar a mesma?

  80. Before I did firmware update, I could access the Advanced menu with 0000, but after update I can’t. Maybe they have canged it? Or maybe I managed to lock it by testing all kinds of combinations before I remembered the 0000.

    Someone said that this unit has only optical audio out, but it does have RCA out with the provided scart cable. You need of course also a scart adapter with RCA connectors.

    And the optical out does not pass through the 5.1 from hdmi sources, only stereo.

  81. Well I just had to put 00000 and I got in to the Advanced menu.

  82. I have purchased a Series 7 7020 55 inch
    Suffered badley on the tourch light effect sent back for a refund.
    I could not watch this tv samsung said they have not had this compaint and the dealership said it was normal. I emailed photos, 30 mins later I got a refund
    Parents have same tv all ok.
    Only purchase this set if you see it working.
    What happends 6 months after purchase?

  83. Hi Vincent

    Spot on review.

    Could I be cheeky and ask for you to mail me the calibration on this tv, as it would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you very much job well done agaian.

    Phil

  84. Hi.Is this TV good for gaming? Does 6000 have the same conf? Thanks

  85. hi can eny one help ive been reading distinctions and cant find if its safe to plug a external drive in to the usb port and all so ime a bit worried that i could cause damage i have got the Samsung UE40B7020 me and manuals are hard work , thanks for reading ;-)

  86. I am struggling connecting the sky plus to TV via RGB connection. I bought a scart to RGB but it says no signal. However scart to scart works. But I need to connect DVD player as well (SCART to scart works). I tried connecting my laptop to TV using VGA to RGB, again no signal. Is this a problem with the cable or is it the TV?

    Is there anyway you can get audio to home cinema(no optical in)?

    Appreiciate your advise.

    Thx
    Shash

  87. I just bought a Samsung LED Series 7.
    The problem is the audio,
    sometimes it get softer, right in the middle of viewing,
    then i have to increase the audio volumn.

    What is the problem ?

    Tks
    Leo

  88. I have recently purchassed a 7000 series Samsung and whilst I am very happy with the picture quality I am very dissapointed with the sound quality as your review indicates. Can you advise me if and where I can plug in a single audio socket between the TV and a decent set of speakers or a Bose speaker (in a similar fasion to a PC output). I don’t really want to go the suround sound in a bedroon environment if I can help it.

    Thanks for your help, great review by the way

  89. Hi John,

    If youa re worried about the space in the bedroom then you can go for 2.1 channel sound system (3speakers instead of 5). You got to have the sound system to enjoy this telly.

  90. Geachte
    Waarom heeft het model UE40B7000 ongeveer 75 Watt/uur nodig ,Terwijl het model
    UE40B7020 er 140 Watt/uur nodig heeft;Heb ik toch gelezen op de Belgische site van Samsung;
    Ik las nochthans dat beide modellen gelijk zijn op het uitzicht na

  91. Hi,
    What If I record a movie in 1080p 60p (progressive)?
    Does this Lcd screen shows realy the progressive movie or just interlaced!
    I mean, is this screen progressive or interlaced at 1080?
    Hope you understand my question

  92. Just bought the 46″ 6000. My wife saw the tv in a store it stood ouyt against all of the other TVs by a mile so we went down to Comet and( I used my UWclub card to get an extra 5% off) bought one. Plugged everything in switched on auto tuned it and connected my Sky HD box and my home cinema system and everything worked perfectly. Stunning picture from any source just using the default settings. I think people get far to critical about subtelties. I have tweaked the settings a bit but nothing drastic and I’m totally delighted with it

  93. Hi
    Just went to the Service Mode to remove auto screen dimming and pressed the factory reset by mistake have i damaged my UE40B7020 :(

  94. Hi all,
    I am just about to buy either Samsung UE40B7000 or LG 42SL9000 – any advice? It will be hang on the wall so the location of the inputs & outputs is crucial(positionning LG’s as the 2nd choice).
    I’ve read somewhere that there is no possibility to connect UE40B7000 with Amplifier via HDMI – is it true?
    Many thanks for your help!

  95. Samsung Le32b450c4

    Hi guys,
    I Just about to buy Samsung UE40B7000 I’ve read somewhere that there is no possibility to connect UE40B7000 with Amplifier via HDMI – is it true?

    I think so meantion it before not sure what the answers was

    Thank you for your help guys in advance

  96. Hi All

    If you reset the ue40b7020ww in the Service Mode does it go back to when you take it out of the box (first Switch it on)

    Many thanks
    Rich

  97. is there anybody know what kind of the EXT Scart cable is?

    or is there any clear photos which plug in the EXT port?

  98. Hi all,

    After reading the 40B7000 review I bought a 46B7020. Color, contrast and black values are excellent, however I do have an issue with the backlight. The ‘normal’ clouding is acceptable, but there are triangle shaped darker areas especially on the top and bottom of the screen. A Samsung service person had a look and told me it was a ‘design feature’ – I would say this is a design flaw.
    Here’s a photo of the TV displaying an evenly colored image

    http://rootweb.nl/samsung-ledtv/UE47B7020-backlight.jpg

    Anybody else seeing this issue?

  99. Hello people

    just wandered if anyone gets what is meant by “Input lag may affect sensitive gamers,” as i am planning to buy this tv and also game alot. Ta

  100. Yes.. its a nice TV, lots of features and very good picture. BUT, for me, its missing one very important feature, a headphone socket.

    At the back of the TV there are many connectors but most of them are inputs, there is no analog RCA type audio out connector so you can’t just plug this TV into your home cinema system or audio amplifier. And there is no headphone socket on the set so forget about listening to the TV in private or late at night, its not going to happen.

    After contacting Samsung UK about the lack of an analog audio output, they suggest that the only way to get an audio output is to use the optical audio output on the back of the set. But they go on to say that they don’t guarantee that it will be compatible with any device that you connect to it. They also told me that I should look at the specification before purchasing the set. Nice!… thats just the kind of destructive comment I don’t need.

    So if you want this TV and want a headphone socket (as I do) then its going to cost you at least another £200 to find an amplifier system that has an optical audio input and headphone socket to give you a system will provide a basic function that should have been designed into the set in the first place

  101. Hai,
    I purchased Samsung LED TV-Series 7. I have some problemes in playing DVDs under following modes”
    1. Under AV mode- I do not get the color picture and gets the sound.
    2. Under HDMI mode – I get the color picture but no sound comes.
    I would like to know the problem is with DVD or with cables?
    Appreciate your guidance on my problem.
    regards
    ashok

  102. I use headphones whilst listening to TV. There does not appear to be a connection for head phones to plug into on the 7020.
    Is there?

    Regards

    John

  103. when switching the tv off it makes loud “turn off sound” , is there a way to shut this sound off so i can turn the tv on and off late at night without waking everyone?

  104. Well it’s the first time I have read a whole review and I must say I will be adding this website to my favourites well done. I am looking to buy a new TV and I really want to go for something which will last for a few years before it is obsolete! Samsung looks like a good safe bet. I like the LED 8 series have you any thoughts on this model.

    Michael

    Specialist-Gifts.Biz

    World Of Gifts For All Occasions

  105. I got my 407020 just after Xmas and I love it so far. Black levels are fantastic, as are the picture options (plus Game Mode manages to not disable all other picture settings, unlike my other Sammy, the otherwise excellent A656). Being able to disable auto dimming really makes the TV come alive. The weight of the 40 inch (only 20kgs) isn’t something people mention in reviews, but seeing as it has to sit on my chest of draws this and power consumption are vitally important (so it was this rather than a a Sony Z4500!) I just wish the connections weren’t all weighted on the left-hand side of the unit.

  106. By the way, I’ve been reading the comments above and the lack of a headphones socket irritates me as well! I’ve ordered this from Amazon, but I’m unsure whether this is what we need (hopefully it converts the optical out to a 3.5mm headphone socket after switching the sound from TV speaker to external output in the menu…) Guess I’ll find out when it comes!

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00206GVXM/

  107. Jermaine Beckford

    Hey if anybody recieved the Calibration settings from Vincent, could they post them up on here as a comment as i would also like them. Thanks alot in advance!

  108. Recently bought the 40 inch 8 series. Happy with the TV except the media player capability. DLNA video does not pause, fwd or rew so is useless. You need a hack to enable access to smb or nfs shares which then allow the facility (as if using a usb drive).

    Even worse, your ripped dvd video or any anamorphic format file will not scale full screen. According to the Samsung guy on tecnet forum this is because anamorphic format are not common in the US market (so tough). See the lengthy pleas in the forum falling on deaf, then belligerent, ears. To fix this needs a more invasive hack – say goodbye to your warranty.

  109. Hi,
    when i bought ue40b7000 i had a menu in pink, it was quite nice. Now i have blue menu. What did I do? How can i change it back?

    Jack

  110. Hi ?Nige

    got the same TV and found this
    http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/samygo/index.php?title=Main_Page

    on there is everything you need to solve your problems

    Steve

  111. I recently bought one here in germany and I must say I’m more than happy with it. The image quality rocks and the slim design fits my living room perfectly…I don’t even see a big difference in image quality compared to a plasma a friend of mine owns who paid alot more for his TV.

  112. Hi Jack!,

    I also managed to do something and now my menu is blue and the icons have changed. For example I have a bar for volume instead of the speaker with the ring around it. The mute-icon is also different.

    If you manage to get the setings back please let me know.

    /Adrian

  113. Hi igen,

    Jack, I have managed to find the setting used to change the color/appearance of the OSD menu. You will find i´t in the service menu “Control/SubOption/UI Color”

    You can choose RED, BLUE or BASIC.

    BR,
    Adrian

  114. I have read some comments about panel manufacturer for samsung… is that right? Those websites suggests checking a “letter” in the model number or in the version of the set on the service menu.

    I have not read about this in this forums so I’m starting to think this is not quite true.

    Any idea about? Does this panel manufacturer quality problems affect the 7020 or the 651 (i’m thinking about it too because is becoming cheaper again) ?

    Thank you!

  115. I just got a external hard drive. will I be able to connect it to the samsung led 7000 series and play movies from the tv or will I need a media player?

  116. I may purchase this tv tomorrow as it is on sale for the day. Play games like farcry. doom. Crysis. I understand that there is lag issue? Is is better to wait for the 8050 to come down in price – will this help with lag issues. thanks Yvonne

  117. I do not understand a lot of the tech talk. about the back-lit I hear from you there is blurry issues? Please help I need to know about 8000 8050 versus the 7000 which is $1000 cheaper. and it is urgent as I buy tomorrow due to the sale.

  118. one thing I do not like the mount it extra, $300 to buy the mount do you can put on wall.

  119. Hi I’ve just ordered this TV in 46″ now am really not sure whether to cancel or not – not a techno whizz bt want good quality picture – often watch movies with darker backgrounds so not sure this is the one now. My other option was the panasonic viera.
    Looked at TV reviews a few weeks ago and the samsung was 9+ now the reviews I find show a lowel level of satisfaction.
    Will this TV disappoint me – its not cheap?

  120. In answer to Rob Eyres (December 2009).

    I agree with your comments Rob but I have heard you can buy an audio out (optical)
    converter to analogue. They seem to be priced at about £40.00. I think I will try one it seems to be the only answer.

    Regards

    Geoff

  121. Hi I tried to contact Samsung uk without success do you have there details? also i emailed the supplier of my tv(dabs.com) still waiting on a responce first message sent on the 7th feb. Perhaps you might have an idea whats to my question ,my tv used to start up 1920@1080i @ 100hz now it starts up with 50hz?

  122. i like the one above have only ever had 50hz come up on the tv. why?

  123. the tv tells you whatever frequency the input is, i.e 50hz from sky, 60hz from xbox 360, if the motion plus is turned on then the tv doubles the rate , i.e 50=100 and 60= 120hz, it does not show this on the screen hz reference though as the input is still 50 or 60hz. :)

  124. I’ve had my samsung UE702046B for a couple weeks then yesterday i came back home watched tv for a couple hours then the t.v went off and the standby light kept flashing HELP PLEASE!

    I tired turning off and on no use please contact me if you know the problem thanks

  125. can anyone tell which are the differences between 7020/7000 and the 7090 ?! thks

  126. … and, also, what exactly can you do on the internet@tv? i read the le40b650 review, but it’s not clear for me.

    On paper, the Samsung LE40B650 LCD television offers two extra features not found on the immensely popular LE40A656. Firstly, you can access selected online content such as Youtube videos, weather, news, stock quotes and Flickr photos on the Samsung LE40B650 via its “Internet@TV” function which is driven by Yahoo widgets through an Ethernet network connection.

    so, does it mean that you can really access youtube.com on your tv and watch any video? or is there a number of youtube clips stored somewhere in the tv and you can watch only these ones? thank you very, very much for your help

  127. Great post!

    I personally was looking for a review about this model. thanks it help me a lot to take a better decision

  128. I have a series 7 40″ and like some others here I am trying to get the sound to my old amplifier that only has analogue inputs. I understand that there are several converters/adapters on the market that can convert the digital optical signal to an analogue rca. However I am not sure which adapter to get, e.g. if it has to support dolby digital (5.1) signal.

    Is there anyone here that has found an audio adapter that works with the tv? Any advice would be most helpful!

  129. I have the Samsung LED Backlit 7 series.
    Problem when playing movies from the DLNA / Network connection from a network drive.
    The picture is squashed (left to right) and no matter what picture setting is chosen the image does not change.
    Yet this same network drive produces perfect picture sizing through a Playstation 3 connected to the TV and also through the Samsung Blu-Ray player plays OK too. As of course do any PCs attached to this drive.
    Why – is there a fix – I had hoped the latest OTA update would sort but no.

  130. I’ve had a Samsung Led 7020 since Nov, however recently whilst watching it and being no where near the remote control, it’s started turning itself off, then on again at 1.01am every morning. Did a quick Google and will contact Samsung, but wondered if anyone is having the same weirdness…?

  131. Have anybody try the media player on the EU46B7020? It seems having problem to scaling a standard Mpeg file. I mean it cannot scaleing a 4:3 format file to full screen. It looks like have a big bug. Anybody is able to contact Samsung to confirm it?

  132. reply to stefan on march7 10.36pm,look up the web at jaycar.com.au there is a converter by digitec from taiwan,product no.ac-1603 in the left hand top corner under products.The size is of a matchbox,sells for 70 oz dollars here and works ok.you need an optical cable,cheap one will do.All you do set your tv remote down to zero and use the volume control on your headset,its the same for corded or cordless ones,for corded you need a 3.5mm gender adapter.However it does not support 5.1 and for some reason it doesnt work on hd channels but any other digital channel.Any descent electronics store in the uk should have them for appr.40 pounds.hope it helps.I was in the same situation with my samsung 6,32 inch led tv.Headsets on RF are better than Infrared.good luck . Jery

  133. Can anyone help me!!

    I am looking for the cables (Breakout cables for Scart, composite and component connections) that SHOULD have come with my discounted TV UE46B7020WW…can anyone please advise as to WHERE I can get these from and is there an official name for them!!

    THANK YOU!

    Gratefully yours,

    Faye

  134. Dear Faye,
    I also bought a discounted TV and nothing was with it. I got two cables and made it almost myself by joining these two. Let me know if you still need it. I have on spare cable.
    Thanks
    Waseem

  135. TV: Samsung UE40B 7020

    Sync problems when using a cinema amp via optical out from DVD player. Tried HDMI loop through amp but no sound and flickering pics. Now use HDMI straight to TV and optical to amp but sound out of sync with pics.

    If I use optical out from TV to amp, sound is lightweight. Samsung said that’s because it’s just stereo and not DTS.

    Any thoughts guys?

  136. One further point, today I substituted my old Philips LCD TV in place of the Samsung and the sound was perfect with no delay in the sound. Therefore it has to be the TV.

    With the Samsung TV as monitor the sound is behind through the amp. not so using the Philips as a monitor. Can anything be done?

  137. Many of you complain about missing sound output; I tried the SCART-EXT on my UEB6000 output to plug to RCA and then with the analog amp. It does give sound only from the internal DVB-T, not from HDMI-input. I think this is a shame; have to go over the 2.1 digital output + converter; seems that Samsung wants to sell its soundbar as “natural extension” (better say necessary extension). For Sat recievers without lip-sync you will not be able to compensate for timing delays.
    The mentioned digital-analog converter not working with HD seems to be no real alternative. That Samsung UK says the digital output may be incompatible with devices does not quite give hope…

  138. I am thinking of my this UE40b7020 – I have read about the auto-dimming, clouding and backlight bleeding.

    I am not that technically minded, so can some explain in layman’s terms.

    I appears auto-dimming can be turned off (does that cause degradation in picture?)

    Backlight Bleed? You can see the led light?

    Clouding. What is this?

    Should I buy this TV????

  139. It seems I’m the only person in the world who has problems with lip sync.

    Does everyone else use their TV for both sound and pictures?

    Does no-one else have a cinema amp?

    AM I THE ONLY ONE?

  140. Update: Just had Samsung man round. nHe adjusted the sound delay on the TV and all is fine.

    Press: INFO, MENU, MUTE. Menu appears. Go to advanced and change SPdif settings until sound is in sync.

  141. Bought samsung ue40b60000 from internet electrical company prc ltd basildon good led picture BUT it seems to be blurry in the distance thought at first it was my eyes;; THE sound rattle s and vibrates at level 10 BUT the big problem that it turns itself off and on when watching it…. getting very pissed of ..Bought in august 2009……

  142. I have had two Samsung 7020 tv’s now and both had lip sync problems. Would mention that I experienced these problems without any devices attached! Wouldn’t really recommend them. Needless to say I got full refunds.

  143. Hi

    Went into the service menu of my Ue40B7020 and may have changed the SVC submenu settings. Could someone please confirm whether the default SCC setting is ON or OFF, and if ON what the 4 Lx and Hx values are (271 etc..) Additionally, does anyone know what these settings mean and where I may find a complete description of the service menu params?

    Thanks

    Greg

  144. i have got samsung LCD series 6 and in the left side all the time there is menu in the menu there is written

    series 6
    100 Mhz
    media 2.0
    internet @tv

    if anybody know how to disable this menu please let me know.
    Thanks

  145. just bought Samsung UE40B7020, tried watching cup final and all I got blurred players and faces blurred on the news. Can someone please help me to put the settings correct to put this problem right.

  146. We are in the market for a new TV. We are also very confused as to what to buy.
    Some LED some say LCD Some say Plasma all we want is a Good TV around the 40inch size somebody please help??????????????

  147. dos any one know how to activate the border lights i cannot figure it it will not allow me to click on it

  148. Does anyone know how to restore factory settings on the samsung UE40B8000 ? I have no manual as it was a display model, and am forced to watch an information bar. Any help would be much appreciated.

  149. Hi,
    After just six months I got a problem with my UE40B7020 LED TV. The picture setting is not stable and after few minutes it automatically goes to the dynamic settings. If I save my picture settings to standard mode it automatically terminates and goes to the dynamic mode. I don’t know what kind of problem it is? Is it a problem of the software? Or hardware? I bought it from the UK but now it is in Bangladesh and I can’t claim warranty. I will be greatful if somebody can help me in this regard.
    Thanks

  150. I have had this TV for 2 months and am very disappointed with 2 items. Viewing this LED from more than 20 degrees off of center line distorts the picture quality greatly, especially flesh tones and reds.
    Also, I seem to get very different qualities of pictures on different DirecTv channels who all broadcast in HD?
    Can you e-mail me the “preferred” settings for this model and see if that helps?
    Thank you,

  151. Wow, that’s what I call a review! While the B7000 was indeed a little disappointing, the problems were weeded out with the new C7000 which absolutely rocks in my opinion.

  152. youssef, your tv is on DEMO mode i think,
    you must set it to normal use mode

  153. I have just purchased Samsung LED Series 6. The picture quality is very good but too much blur is appearing during football matches. Specially, when camera moves. Can anybody help me to solve this problem?

  154. The review don’t mention the big issue of this series (like the 6000): the audio which is VERY VERY BAD….don’t buy it if you can’t afford to spent other money to get a Home Teather….

  155. amazing reviews,but i want clarify one that led tv support EHDD(EXTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE) I HAVE 360 EHDD PLEASE.. TELL ME

  156. @frank, you have to increase level in audio settings (from 0 to +1, +2…) and you’ll notice that audio will improve. Of course, sound lacks in low frequencies because the slim fit of panel, but it is average not poor.

  157. Viewing angle 90° ?! OMG!!!

  158. i just bought Samsung UE40B7020 yesterday . Great information !! Thx.

  159. On dark room, there is a noticeable clouding…also after calibration.. :(

  160. any one got a solution to the TV not turning on ? LED light flashing but nothing from the remote or the tv power button :(

    Only happened since attaching a samsung blu ray to it . Have disconnected the blu ray but still nothing

    Help plz its sunday and no tv !

  161. Big Big heads up on a new problem. I purchased the B7100 55″ from Best Buy about 6 months ago and just a few days ago my wife noticed two large black spots on the right edge of the screen. It turns out a large area of pixels are dead. Imagine if you put two small peaces of masking tape on your screen and they stay black. I’m very angry at my self for not getting the extended warranty even though Im still covered though Samsung for this issue.

    This only happened ofter I started turning on the ion air fan. I wonder if the charged static in the air caused this. Humm?

  162. Switching the tv on/off makes a horrendous loud sound. is there a way to shut this sound off?

  163. Switching the tv on/off makes a horrendous loud sound! is there a way to shut this sound off?

  164. @Ashley

    In Set up in the menus go into General and then into Melody. You can turn it off there.

  165. @ Steven

    You beauty!

    much appreciated

  166. I have just purchased a Samsung UE40B7020.
    What equipment do i require for wireless Internet and what can I do about sound sincronisation when using Outside speakers.
    The T.V. is excellent

  167. ugh, the loud noise every time i put on the tv is ridicoulus, any solution for that?

  168. Doreen Elkington

    We bought a Samsung UE46B7000 TV in Mid May 2009. In just 15 months it has developed a fault.
    It makes a clicking sound and switches off. It will be costly to call out a Technician and we are hoping this is only a simple problem and can be put right without too much cost.
    Does anyone else have this problem.
    HELP!

  169. Hello
    Im trying to connect my laptop Sony Vaio to my smasung series 7 LCD
    IT looks like the laptop is seeing the TV as it says that there is another display / monitor connected but it looks like the TV is not seeing the Laptop
    I am using VGA to VGA with sound cables attatched but when you flick through HMI / AV / exit channels it will not let me pick PC as its not letting me
    I am not getting anywhere
    I tried to unplug alll my other items to see if it was that but its not that
    Im going to see if my mate can use the cable on his TV
    but can anybody help on this
    cheers
    Keith

  170. Hi, i have a LCD LN52B750 and i was browsing the service menu and find few option that i wanted to know the meaning of :

    SCC on/off
    Ligth effect on/off
    Wallmounted on/off

  171. Below you’ll find the settings I found best for viewing the Samsung LN52B750 in a dark room via the HDMI input with a 1080p, film-based source. Your settings may vary depending on source, room conditions, and personal preference.

    Settings for a Samsung LN52B750:
    Dark Room.
    Players: Playstation 3 ,Xtreamer

    PS3 RGB Range (HDMI) -> “Limited ”
    PS3 Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super-White (HDMI) -> “On”
    BD/DVD Video Output Format (HDMI) -> Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Size:Just Scan
    Hdmi Black Level :Grayed out (PS3 is YCC) or else LOW AMP OFF (Up to You)
    PS3 BD/DVD Cinema Conversion Automatic
    PS3 1080p 24p Automatic
    PS3 Cross Color Reduction OFF

    Mode Movie
    Backlight 6
    Contrast 95
    Brightness 46
    Sharpness 10
    Color 58
    Tint G52/R48

    Detailed Settings
    Black Adjust Off
    Dynamic Contrast Off
    Gamma 0
    Color Space See “CS Table”
    White Balance See “WB Table”
    Flesh Tone 0
    Edge Enhancement On
    xvYCC Off

    Picture Options
    Color Tone Warm1
    Size Just Scan
    Digital NR Off
    DNIe Off
    HDMI Black Level normal
    Film Mode Off
    Blue Only Mode Off
    AMP 120Hz Standard

    System Settings
    Energy Saving Off

    Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Cyan, Magenta
    50, 0, 0
    14, 25, 0
    5, 0 , 14
    44, 41, 0
    11, 92, 86
    37, 0, 51

    White Balance Table

    R-Offset 29
    G-Offset 25
    B-Offset 26
    R-Gain 28
    G-Gain 28
    B-Gain 17

  172. Hey guys

    I have the UE40B7020, bought only 2 months ago…I live in the somewhat rural location and we get thunderbugs (very small black flying insects) in hot humid weather. Now I see that they have managed to ‘wriggle’ INTO my LCD screen and have got lodged there! Obviously this affects my viewing (possibly 200+ insects over a 40inch screen) as you can quite clearly see them. Samsung originaly said this was an ‘act of God’ and didn’t really want to help. Then they offered a free engineer visit. Then an offer of a goodwill replacement screen at last. (note that the retailer ‘Richer Sounds’ in Brighton basically told me to get lost!).

    My question is – has anyone else had the same problem as Samsung won’t admit that it’s a fault? If you have experienced this, please get in contact so that Samsung will initiate an investigation.

    Thanks, Amber

  173. Armando on 4 September 2010 1:59 pm

    Hi, i have a LCD LN52B750 and i was browsing the service menu and find few option that i wanted to know the meaning of :

    SCC on/off
    Ligth effect on/off
    Wallmounted on/off

    vengoeca@hotmail.com

  174. OK. I’m trying to find the headphone socket and can i heck find it all i want to do is huck my hifi upto it… HELP please!!

  175. Hey guys

    i have 46b7000 and i change hide menu and now when i play video file from usb i can’t change page size . when i push P.SIZE button say NOT available
    plz help me ty

  176. how to use service connector of samsung LED TV model UA40B7000WR

  177. I bought a 55″ 6900 series, exhibiting terrible clouding.
    Had it replaced by a set that exhibited even worse clouding. The edge brightnedd I can handle – but blotchy circles showing up in all dark movies is WAY too distracting. Try watching the Matrix on one of these – FAIL.

    http://www.centient.tv/pics/

    Needless to say, it’s going back again. Plasma this time :(

  178. Where can i buy the PCB or systems board for my 46″ Led Samsung TV UN46C5000

  179. HI,
    I HAVE PURCHASE THIS TV,BUT THE ADAPTOR RGB IS MILES TO SHORT
    WHERE CAN I BUY THIS CABLE,PREFERABLE RGB TO MALE SCART TO
    CONNECT TO SKY RECEIVER.
    THANK YOU

  180. hi, i have just bought this tv, and recently moved house, i have lost the brakeout connections in the move and now cant find anywere that sells the RGB adaptor. Does anyone know were i can buy one??? thank you

  181. dont buy LED samsung: bad audio, clouding, bad I/O. Much better C650 latest LCD generation

  182. i have bought a Panasonic HDC-TM70-K video camcorder. when i transfered all the video files from the camcorder to my external hard disk, the file output was M2TS files..but then i tried to play it on this model series, it cannot read.. can anyone help me with this?

  183. Hi,
    Please help!!!!
    I have a SUMSONG TV Model LE40A656A1FXXU which I bought around 18 months ago. It was working fine when it was switched off early afternoon. However, when switched on later in the evening the picture became disturbed. I can describe it as follows:
    1- Approximately 1/3 of the screen (bottom part) has a red-black band and no picture
    2- Aproximately 1/3 of the screen (middle part) shows picture but with light flicking bands (both cross and longitudinal) which resembles internet WIFI interference.
    3- Aproximately 1/3 of the screen (top part) shows clear picture but with light flicks which again resembles interference.
    I will very much appreciate your advice.

  184. chris pissed off scott

    try to cpmplain 3 times but never get a response

  185. Poor sound. No sound out capability except digital optical connection which my old amplifier doesn’t have so can’t play the poor sound thru decent amp. Normally would be a headphone out socket which could allow you to do this. The whole ethernet, internet, USB thing is a gimmick and has a poor user interface, is difficult to use and has very limitied functionality. People who want this would be better off buying a cheaper TV and using a media PC connected to the tele.

  186. i purchased the UE40B7020 in 2009, the sound is terrible, clouding, no more support the not a good choice i cant wait for this tv to die on me because samsung is serious substandard quality and a generaly a poor company philosphy on loyalty to customers

  187. IF YOU LOVE GAMING DON’T BUY A SAMSUNG LED IT’S VERY BAD FOR GAMING!!!!! IN DE SOCCER GAMENS THERE’S VERY MUCH BLUR AND JUDDER.

  188. does anyone know how to unlag/calibrate any of the guitar heros perfectly with this type of TV or LED HD samsung??

  189. @Dan Fisher: I had absolutly no problem with m guitar hero set. I just put it in an it worked fine from beginning. Maybe your guitar hearo set is broken, did you try it on another TV to test it? -good luck

  190. Hi,
    I bough three days back Samsung LED TV 40 INCH MODEL UC40 500 , WHAT IS THE BEST SEETING OF CONTRAST, SHARPNESS, COLOUR , BRIGHTNESS AND BACK LIGHT, THE PICTURE IS DIFFRENT ON DIFFRENT CAHNNELS LIKE BBC WORLD IS NOT VERY CLEAR, I HAD EARLIER LCD 32 INCH WHERE THE PICTURE QUALITY ON BBC WORLD CAHNNEL IS VERY GOOD LIKE SHAPNESS AND BRIGHTNESS.
    Please advise what to do to get the best picture quality.
    Regards
    Arun

  191. I wonder whethere the new c series is really better? i have the B now and im thinking about changing

  192. i have a samsung LED TV 2011 B series model. I keep getting a pop ud ad on the screen about the features of the Samsung TV. iam not able to get rid of it, can someone help me

  193. Dr Surojit Sen

    Can any one tell me from where I can buy Main PCB for UE40B7000VWXXU (Samsung LED TV)?
    Please help me if anybody know about it.
    Regards.
    Surojit

  194. Bought a UN46D6000 (LED) with the annoying backlight auto-dimming, this was 7 weeks ago… called Samsung to get instructions for disabling this feature, without luck.
    A comment I read today on the web, (not sure if it was this site) indicated that auto-dimming is disabled on one of the 4 picture option, Dynamic, Standard, Natural and Movie. I’ve always tried it out on the first three, but not on Movie… behold, auto-dimming is NOT engaged on the Movie setting. So after 7 weeks of calling Samsung, including their level 2 technical support, (to no avail) I have no auto-dimming on my HDTV. I’m a truly happy camper now! Please disseminate this info… it probably applies to all Samsung models…… no harm it trying, right?

    Angus

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