Samsung UN55EH6000 Review

120Hz, 1080p Edge Lit LED-LCD Television

by Jack Burden, Reviewer

Strengths

• Color Rendition Accuracy and Calibration to D6500K
• Strong Light output from the full-array LED backlighting is bright
• Most premium Internet Movie options with built in Connect Share feature
• Design Elements are good for price point - clean design
• Wide Color Enhancer feature helps off center viewing (less contrast loss) somewhat
• 120Hz rate panel (CMR240) feature helps with fast motion images and sports
• Full-array LED backlights give good smooth uniformity
• Auto Motion Plus de-judder feature can be a positive if set right
• Semi-Matte screen finish good for situations with lots of lights behind viewer.

Weaknesses

• 120Hz frame rate can interfere with natural background in cinematic material if the Automotion feature is set wrong
• Semi-Matte screen finish, has flat appearance, lack of depth
• Semi-Matte screen finish viewing angles contrast diminishes
• Black levels not deeply saturated
• 3.7" depth
• Only 2 HDMI inputs
• Does not have Full Smart TV options (Apps)
• 3D Viewing not availability

Picture Quality Rating: 8.4

Semi-Matte Finish Screen

We initially thought at CES the EH6000 was going to receive the clear coat screen which gives the picture so much depth, but this is one of the big differences between the EH6000 and the ES6100 series which does have the clear coat screen that we like so much. The matte screen is similar to the ones found on the D650 LCD TVs from last year which we also liked a lot. I guess it's good to have options out there, since the matte type screen finish found on this TV will also be good in some situations - particularly when there are lights on from behind the viewer. This is the best application for the EH6000, as there is less reflection from the matte-type screen.

A shot from the BluRay of Rocky shows good color and detail in dark areas on the EH6000

Color

Color performance on the UN55EH6000 is strong, both realistic and accurate. Keeping the backlight in check keeps colors from becoming washed out. Keep the backlight dialed back in calibration if you prefer more realistic colors so fans of either look can be satisfied by the EH6000. Blacks are less saturated than many models tested this year, flesh tones look natural but flat. One of the areas you really improve in by purchasing the higher end models is color rendition.

Side Angle Viewing

For an edge-lit LED television the side angle viewing performance on the UN55EH6000 is not bad, contrast begins to fade around 30 degrees which is a good result for an edge lit LED television, but is helped in 2012 by the wide color enhancer technology that is built in to the 55EH6000 series.

Another scene from Rocky shows nice color rendition on the EH6000

Black Levels

Black performance on the EH6000 is not a strong point due to the matte screen finish. This is one of the weaknesses of the picture quality.

Features Rating: 7.8

Connect Share for Movies

Samsung's Connect Share allows you to access some of the most important premium (paid for) movie services available such as Netflix, Amazon Video-On-Demand, Hulu, VuDu and more. For most people, this is enough without being able to access the full array of Apps Samsung has for 2012.

Appearance

The 55EH6000 has a very thin black bezel of .75" in width. Though this is not one of the more refined or flashy designs on the market it's a good looking set for the price point. The total TV depth though is considerably deeper than we have seen in a long time (due to LED backlighting not being edge lit) and is a hefty 3.7". However, the depth is well hidden if looking at the TV from the front to sides due to a thin framing bezel on the sides of the TV.

Menu and Remote

The menu is the same as last years D-series menu and is plenty full of options and easy to navigate, while the remote is simple, backlit and complete.

Value Rating: 8/10

The 55EH6000FXZA sells for between $1200 and $1400. The picture quality is pretty strong, but there are not many additional features. We have been fans of Samsungs matte-type screen since the C650 series in 2010. I cannot say that I think the 55EH6000 is a great buy. There are many more options out there even in Samsung's own lineup including the very enhanced 55ES6500. But if you want a Samsung quality TV with matte finish and none of the extra features then this is really your only option. The matte screen finish is becoming hard to find in quality TVs.

Overall Rating: 8/10