Samsung LE32A336 32-inch HD Ready LCD TV
720p High Definition Freeview Television Review
Oct 18, 2009
If an upgrade to a flat-screen HD Ready LCD television is playing on the mind, then now might be the time to abandon that old 28-inch CRT box. UK Freeview Hi-Def TVs tend to come in 22" or 32" screen sizes, and the former is really more of a bedroom set. Buyers tend to be looking at 32" as a sensible upgrade, and as the prices come down further, there is no need to panic about an expensive replacement set.
1080 or 720 DPi Resolution?
Some people are concerned initially that a 720-DPI TV might be in some way a halfway house that would need replacing with a full HD set in a mere 12 months time. But after doing some research, buyers have quickly realised that a good progressive-scan 720-DPI set is almost a match for a larger non-progressive-scan 1080 TV. It even offers much better scaling during non-HD broadcasts, so there really are no real drawbacks in going 720.
Budget Flatscreen TVs
32 inch is a key screen size, in terms of both price point and screen performance. There are several manufacturers who offer screens of this size for under £400 retail, so choice is far from limited. Many buyers may be toying with the idea of going unbranded and aiming at around £300, but these bargain-basement sets offer poor contrast ratios and less than concrete residual values when it comes time to upgrade in the future.
Potential buyers should not be tempted by these win-free-save alternatives. Often with the purchase of an electronics item, spending a little more in the short term will offer a much more rewarding long term satisfaction. One set which seems to be at the top of many buyers' wish list is the Samsung LE32A336, and this set has already won several industry awards.
Samsung Picture Quality
Samsung’s Slovakian-made 32” 336 model offers a very attractive piano-effect black surround, a well-regarded 32” high-contrast screen and 10-watts a side Tru-Surround audio output. It also has the de rigeur twin HDMI connections for those crucial Xbox and Upscaler DVD toys.
The screen has been noted for it’s quality in several magazine reviews so far, and it is just as impressive as its reputation suggests. The only drawback is that its refresh rate cannot match similarly priced rivals such as LG’s 32” model.
This is nothing more than a tiny annoyance, and is only really an issue when watching programming with sweeping camera shots, which make static objects appear to "jump". It is a small price to pay for Samsung’s class-leading colour definition and image balance. Dark areas are solid, colours bold and lines are razor sharp. The 336 never seems caught out by an image that outfoxes it.
Samsung Sound Quality
The thing that is most likely to impress new buyers is the audio quality. Trusurround emphasises the higher frequency sound carrier information to the centre of the stereo picture in a similar way to the centre channel on a good Pro-Logic 5.1 system. Despite the lack of on-paper power, this will knock some socks off with it’s spread of harmonics and focus of sound stage. It has truly made some buyers question the necessity of adding a 5.1 speaker system to the set. The various terminal options on the rear offer several other audio routing possibilities also.
Samsung User Friendliness
In terms of user-friendliness, the only thing that counts against it is the slow speed at which the Freeview menu and channels operate, and this is a common complaint about built-in Freeview TV systems. Apart from this, the A336 allows for easy operation and a clear, concise menu system.
Samsung LE32A336 32-inch HD Ready LCD TV Conclusion
All in all, this is a fantastic and complete package, not only at this price point, but also several notches above. Samsung’s HD-ready range has won many fans, not to mention many awards in the last twelve months. It is easy to see, and hear, exactly why. As a complete value-orientated all-rounder, this is tough to beat.
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