Samsung LN46C650 Review 46" Samsung LCD TV

Model: Samsung LN46C650 LCD TV
Description: 1920 X 1080 46" LCD Television
Reviewer: Jack Burden
Date: Summer 2010

This Blu Ray HD shot from Troy shows how bright an image the C650 can produce.

The LN46C650 from Samsung contains some older upgrade technology features such as CFL backlighting, 3.2" depth, Touch of Color bezel, 120Hz Auto Motion plus, the ultra clear panel, and now the Samsung Internet Apps selection feature. This model falls in the lower to mid range of Samsung's LCD/LED lineup simply because it does not have LED backlighting or 3D compatibility. We thoroughly enjoyed last years B650 series LCD so were happy to review the successor model. And as anticipated, we were very pleased with the results. We hope that Samsung will continue to offer/produce a value oriented CFL backlit LCD TV as their technology contained in these TVs offer exceptional value combined with excellent quality.

We were very impressed with the black levels, brightness levels and overall post calibration contrast which measured the highest this year 5408 to 1. This measurement is with the backlight set to a mere 7 out of 20 (which is all you need). What's more, when we boosted the backlight up to torch mode at 20 out of 20 black levels did not come up significantly giving us a reading of 6232:1. These contrast ratio measurements are more than the plasma or LED backlit TVs we've been testing. Obviously the high contrast helps the picture delivery. Read here about how the 120Hz Automotion feature works out...

A standard definition DVD shot from Under the Tuscan Sun shows good contrast and detail even from 480i sources.

A good shot of Eastwood from standard definition DVD of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

Next up the C650 LCD series has expended and improved Internet functionality features with Yahoo!, Flicker, You Tube, Netflix, Blockbuster, USA Today and others. There is dedicated button on the remote for the Internet features. We were impressed with the Netflix and Pandora features but not so much with the Yahoo! Widgets or terse USA Today captions.

Audio presentation while plenty loud, did not deliver a great mid range voice/dialog frequency from the 10W X 10W speakers. Read here for the other features review...

Internet YouTube feature showing ESPN during Wimbledon.

Inputs: 4 HDMI, USB, LAN, Component

At $999 to $1100 this 46" LCD TV is one of my favorite values in the marketplace at present. Sure, you will not boast LED backlighting (no big deal), or 3D compatibility (also no big deal yet), or the highest 240Hz rate (probably not even noticeable from the 120Hz). But what you will get is a great picture with the most practically interesting features, fantastic black levels, contrast and depth and super brightness if needed from time tested technologies. And the Automotion feature is more compelling. Competition comes from the LG 46LD550 and the Sony KDL-46EX500 LCD. I'll just make the comment right here that this TV will give any edge lit LED LCD a tough run for the money. One considering this TV should also consider plasma TV in this size such as the Panasonic TC-P46G25 which sells for around the same price.

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Specifications