Samsung UE40D6530 review

For this review we tested the 40in model in the 6 Series D6530 range, but it’s also available in 32in (UE32D6530), 37in (UE37D6530), 46in (UE46D6530) and 55in (UE55D6530) screen sizes. All models have identical specifications except for their dimensions and power usage. We’re confident that image quality will be practically identical across the range.

Take one look at the D6530 and it’s clear that Samsung knows how to design a great looking TV; it has an almost non-existent screen bezel and a metallic silver stand that looks fantastic. But it’s not just about good looks; with 3D support, internet services and DLNA media streaming, this Full HD, edge-lit LED set a force to be reckoned with.

We were quite impressed with the picture quality at the default settings. Standard definition television broadcasts were reasonably devoid of artefacts and colours were largely accurate. Naturally, images were nowhere near as pin-sharp as on the BBC HD channel. Blu-ray movies were initially too bright, but once we’d lowered the backlight to compensate the dark opening scenes of Casino Royale looked much more accurate. Despite using an edge-lit panel, there was a refreshing lack of backlight bleed and colours were vibrant, but contrast suffered compared to Panasonic’s plasma TVs.

3D video was slightly less impressive, although the incredibly thin bezel certainly helped to heighten the effect. Our main concern was the amount of cross-talk, which was clearly visible in several scenes of Avatar. The active shutter glasses dimmed the image significantly, so movies weren’t as bright and vibrant as they would be if watching in 2D. No 3D glasses are included, so you’ll have to factor in the £45 price per pair before you buy.

In spite of the pencil-thin screen bezel, there are still plenty of ports around the back: four HDMI, component video, Scart and VGA video inputs join digital optical, stereo mini-jack audio and three USB ports, which should be more than enough for most home cinema setups. As well as being useful for playing multimedia files from a memory stick, you can also turn the TV into a single-tuner PVR recorder when you attach an external hard disk. The interface is straightforward and well integrated into the TV’s menus. We liked that video and audio were still available while browsing the EPG, unlike Panasonic’s TVs.