Samsung LN26D450 Review

Model: Samsung LN26D450
Description: 26" LCD TV
Resolution: 1366 X 768 (720p)
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: Summer 2011

One of Samsung's best selling TVs from 2010 was the C450 line of small LCD TVs. No wonder they decided to replicate with production of the D450 series which has many of the same features. Upgrade features include SRS TruSurround HD, a third HDMI input, the ability to watch video off a USB thumb drive and Samsung's AnyNet+ which allows communication between similarly equipped Samsung home theater equipment.

Picture Quality Rating (Non-HD): 7/10

A standard definition picture from Braveheart shows decent color and light for a 32" TV, but well below quality of the better TVs in the market.

Color rendition is a bit dim with non-HD sources. There doesn't seem to be enough light throughput at times to enrich colors. We noted some jerky motion artifacts in the background of some scenes. However, I did not see much offensive negatives in the foreground and was very pleased with the detail offered in 480i in general. I certainly would not describe the picture as poor but it's not going to overwhelm you either.

Picture Quality Rating (HD): 7/10

Light throughput on the D450 was a slightly weak. A shot from the Blu Ray version of Troy

Picture performance was much better in HD through HDMI input. Colors had more pop. There is still some slight blurring from judder effects when slowly panning. Overall, we did not see much if any improvement from last years C450 series. As with most LCD TVs with an anti glare screen rather than a clear screen the picture depth is lacking overall. Picture presentation is somewhat flat.

Even after calibration, color accuracy on the D450 is a little off. Notice the turquoise blue in the uniforms of the Trojans in this scene from Troy

Black levels in the D450 are below average for today's TVs. Post calibration contrast measured 1301:1 which is much better than we expected the TV would yield.

Features Rating: 5/10

Samsung's proprietary technology AnyNet is included as an option which allows easy communication between Samsung devices and sharing of remote controls.

The input selection of the LN32D450 gives an ample 3 HDMI inputs, a composite, component, USB (which allows video viewing). The component and composite inputs cannot be shared - only one at the time.

Aesthetic design appeal is one of the strengths of the LN32D450 as there is a lack of good looking attractively prices 32" TVs in the marketplace. The design is little changed from last years C450 with a slight scarlet red touch of color at the bottom of the framing bezel and surrounding the frame. You almost cant believe how light the TV is upon lifting it, a scant 15.7 pounds. The TV is 3.25" in depth so not of the super thin variety, but the lines are very clean and the oval stand is a nice looking accompaniment. The depth is 8" with the stand. The included non-swivel table top stand is very light and plastic and requires some assembly (8 screws) to attach the TV. There is no screwdriver included and we had a difficult time getting the screws tightened enough to fully secure the TV.

Value Rating: 8.5/10

Currently the LN26D450 costs around $315 from authorized Internet dealers. It offers a decent feature set and quality in this small size and price range - which is often lacking in quality options. Competition is from the LG 26LK330.

Overall Rating: 7/10

See the calibrated picture settings for the LN26D450