Samsung UE46ES6540 review

For this review we tested the 46in model in the ES6540 range, but it’s also available in 32in (UE32ES6540) and 55in (UE55ES6540) 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.

Samsung’s high-end TVs might have jaw-dropping looks and stunning image quality, but they also have the prices to match. Thankfully, the more mainstream 6-series range retains the same Full HD panel, along with 3D support, Smart TV functions and lots of connectivity at a much lower price.

It’s clear to see where the UE46ES6540 gets its looks – the design is almost identical to the more expensive 7- and 8-series models, although look a little closer and you can spot a few cost-saving differences. The bezel is a little thicker and is made from plastic rather than brushed metal. The TV’s stand is matte silver plastic rather than chromed metal, but it’s still a gorgeous-looking set that will stand out in any room.

In case the message that greets you every time you turn on the set wasn’t a clue, the UE46ES6540 is a smart TV, with access to Samsung’s Smart Hub online portal. It has a comprehensive suite of apps, including catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, on-demand films from Netflix and LoveFilm, a web browser, Twitter and Facebook social networking apps and Samsung’s own Family, Fitness and Kids apps, which give access to on-demand fitness videos, games and photo-sharing services.

Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, there’s no need to run a network cable from your router to the TV to get online, although that is of course still an option. Once connected, you can also stream content from any DLNA-compatible media server, such as a NAS device or PC, using the AllShare Play function. This scans each of the three USB ports for digital cameras and flash drives, so you can play local files if you haven’t got any networked equipment. File format support was excellent, letting us play all our test videos including DivX, MOV and MKV files.

If you have a spare flash drive or external hard disk, you can use it to turn the TV into a basic PVR. You’ll have to format your disk, but once set up you can start recording with a single button press – you can only record the channel you’re currently watching, as the TV only has a single tuner. The TV comes with a single remote control – unlike Samsung’s more expensive sets, which have two remotes as well as voice and motion control. However, we aren’t fans of these gimmicky systems anyway, so the more traditional control system suits us just fine.

There are plenty of connectivity options on the back of the set to let you connect set-top boxes, games consoles and other devices. The three HDMI inputs are all version 1.4 compliant, and so compatible with 3D sources. Component and composite video inputs are on hand for older devices, as is a single pair of stereo phono audio inputs, plus 3.5mm audio jacks for auxiliary in and headphone out. There’s no VGA input, unfortunately. The single digital optical audio output is handy for older amplifiers that lack HDMI connections.

HEAR-HEAR

The pair of internal speakers are fine for catching up on the week’s events in Weatherfield or Albert Square, but if you plan on watching a lot of films we would recommend investing in a set of surround sound speakers. The built-in models are loud enough to fill a medium-sized room and have a clear mid-range, although the high-end felt a little sharp and there was a definite lack of bass.

PICTURE BOX

Standard-definition broadcast TV was clean and relatively free of artefacts, although only with the digital noise reduction settings enabled, and even then the noise reduction causes visible noise around the edges of objects.

There’s a clear step up in picture quality when switching to high-definition broadcasts – despite the small amount of digital noise that’s still noticeable, images really sparkle and details are well preserved, even after enabling noise reduction. You have the choice of Freeview HD over the air using an aerial, or FreeSat if you have an existing satellite dish, so you should be able to access free-to-air content in most places.

Feed the UE46ES6540 a high-definition Blu-ray and the TV really shines – even at the default picture settings, both brightness and contrast were excellent. Samsung continues to over-saturate and over-sharpen images with the Standard picture mode, so you’re much better off switching to the Movie setting for films, but with this mode enabled the UE46ES6540 rivals the picture quality of more expensive sets.

Samsung’s more expensive TVs are backlit and have local dimming for added contrast, but the cheaper 6-series is an edge-lit set. The TV’s micro-dimming system can dim the edge LEDs when necessary, and while this system can’t produce the deep blacks we’ve seen from Samsung’s high-end TVs, it does a fantastic job given the price of the set. Darker scenes had real punch, although this also highlights the backlight bleed from the edge lighting, which creeps into the picture from either side. There’s also a small hint of light halo around bright images on dark backgrounds, but this doesn’t hang around for long.

THE THIRD DIMENSION

Fans of 3D content will be happy with the two pairs of active shutter glasses included with the TV – this year’s glasses are the thinnest and lightest active shutter design we’ve seen. Depth effects are convincing and there’s very little flicker from the TV, even at its brightest settings. You’ll be able to enjoy 3D without blacking out your room, although we did get the best effect when we turned down the lights.

SUMMARY AND ALTERNATIVES

It may lack some of the more advanced features, panel coatings and image processing of its more expensive siblings, but the UE46ES6540 is still a fantastic TV. It has all the connectivity, Smart TV functionality and multimedia support we would expect from a high-end set, yet it costs significantly less. Its main competition is the LG 47LM670T LED TV, which costs £50 less, but we think the addition of a Freesat tuner, active shutter 3D and a slightly slicker interface make Samsung’s TV the better buy. However, both TVs are just pipped by the £1,000 50in Panasonic Viera TX-P50ST50B , which has a slightly inferior smart TV system but better picture quality from its plasma panel.