Samsung UN40FH6030 Review (UN40FH6030F)
40 inch 1080p 120Hz 3D LED TV
by Robert Wiley, Senior Editor
The UN40FH6030 is the smallest size of this full array back-lit series for Samsung's 2013 lineup. There aren't many LED TVs of this style this year, so that makes it pretty unique. Active 3D is another feature that really sets it apart from all the other value oriented TVs on the market this year. The Smart TV features are gone to keep the price down as well. It's a hard thing to find a 3D TV without internet features, so this will be a great option for those not looking for those features. It's about $100 cheaper than the next model up in the lineup that has internet connectivity but no 3D.
Picture Quality Rating: 8.6/10
Direct LED Backlighting
The full array LED backlighting does make an impact on the picture quality, but it may not necessarily be the answer the typical LED problems like side angle viewing and screen uniformity. From what we have seen in edge-lit LED TVs this year, they are dealing with those problems in a good way. A full array LED TV like the FH6030 is going to be plenty bright though. That is one major plus. Keeping the setting of the backlight in check is important and I'll go into more detail in the Color section further on.

This shot provides a good example of contrast and bright whites
120Hz Refresh Rate
The 120Hz refresh rate a great feature to see on the UN40FH6030FXZA. Fast action judder is significantly lessened with a high refresh rate panel like this one. 3D viewing is going to see an improvement with this as well. 60Hz isn't going to look as nice with 3D anyway. Benefits are best seen in sports programming and scenes that have slow panning camera movement. Video games also benefit from the 120Hz panel since there is usually a lot of fast camera movement and action on screen.
Features Rating: 8.5/10
Active 3D Performance
The quality of Samsung's active 3D has always been good in the past, and it is no different on the UN40FH6030. 3D content produces a lot of depth without losing picture quality. Side angle viewing for 3D content is where some marks are lost. Color and contrast begin to degrade much worse than some of the passive 3D examples we have tested out this year. Make sure you try out different picture modes once 3D is enabled because the preset picture modes change a good bit from their 2D settings.

Realistic looking color and good black level performance are seen in this shot of the FH6030
3D Glasses
The active 3D glasses are very light and comfortable this year. It may be sore spot, but the FH6030 does not include any glasses in the box. The compatible glasses have to be purchased seperately. To make the deal sting a little less, they can be purchased for around $20 a pair. The model number is SSG-5100GB.
Appearance

The appearance of the UN40FH6030 is very similar to the EH6000 from last year. The bezels and square stand are the typical shiny black plastic, but thin bezels of 0.7 inches really make this one a looker. There is some more depth thanks to the direct LED backlighting as well. The FH6030 has a depth of 3.7 inches versus the thinner 'F' models with 2 inches in depth.
Value Rating: 9.1/10
Being a 3D TV with no internet features puts the UN40FH6030 in a unique position. It's a great choice for those who already have a way to get streaming content to their TVs (laptop, game console, media box, etc.). The price point of $650 is pretty appealing as well. LG's 42LN5400 and Vizio's E401i come with a lower price tag, but do not feature 3D.
Oveall Rating: 8.7/10
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Having reviewed and written about Television Technology for over 10 years, Wiley never tires of researching the newest qualitative trends related to the technology. Most people do not get excited about possibilities behind the latest video engine...Wiley does. Read more about Robert |

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