Samsung's 2010 TV lineup has something for everyone. Between plasmas, LED-based LCDs and traditional LCDs, it can be tough to keep all the different lines and model numbers straight. If it helps, all new LED-based models begin with "UN," all new traditional LCD models begin with "LN," and all new plasma models begin with "PN." In the realm of traditional LCDs, the 2010 line includes five series, from the entry-level Series 3 up to the top-shelf Series 7. The Series 7 offers just one model: the LN46C750. We have not performed a hands-on review of the LN46C750, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 46-inch, 1080p LCD is currently the only 3D-capable model in the traditional LCD lineup. When I say it's a traditional LCD, I mean that it uses a standard cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as a backlight, as opposed to the edge LED lighting employed in the "UN" models. The LN46C750 doesn't have the super-slim cabinet you get with the LED-based models; this one measures 3.2 inches deep. You do get Samsung's Auto Motion Plus 240Hz technology: Unlike some companies' "240Hz" implementations that combine a 120Hz frame rate with a flashing backlight, Samsung offers a true 240Hz frame rate. This TV can link to your home network via a wired connection, but it is not WiFi-ready. The AllShare feature allows you to stream digital media content from a DLNA-compliant server, while Samsung's Internet@TV portal lets you access the new Samsung Apps store, which includes apps for VUDU, Netflix and Blockbuster video-on-demand, as well as YouTube, Pandora, Flickr and Twitter. Finally, the LN46C750 has EnergyStar 4.0 certification.
Additional Resources
• Learn more about Samsung and its products.
• Read about Samsung's amazing streaming innovation.
The thorough connection panel includes four HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, one PC input and one RF input to access the internal ATSC and Clear-QAM tuners (picture-in-picture functionality is available). The HDMI inputs accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals, and one is located on the side panel for easy access. The side panel also includes dual USB ports for video, photo and music playback. The Ethernet port is located on the rear panel. The LN46C750 lacks an RS-232 or IR port for integration into an advanced control system.
The setup menu offers an excellent assortment of video adjustments, starting with four picture modes and four color temperature presets, plus RGB gain and offset controls and a 10-point white balance control to fine-tune the color temperature. There's also an advanced color management system to more precisely tailor the color points. The menu includes adjustments for shadow detail, gamma, fleshtone, digital and MPEG noise reduction and edge enhancement. The Expert Pattern and RGB Only modes are designed to aid in the video-setup process. The Auto Motion Plus 240Hz menu includes more options than we've seen in older Samsung models--with settings for off, clear, standard and smooth, plus a custom mode in which you can separately adjust the blur and judder functions. The LN46C750 has six aspect ratios, including a Screen Fit mode that displays images with no overscan. Finally, the 3D menu include a whole host of setup tools, through which you can tailor the 3D input mode, enable 3D to 2D conversion, and make adjustments to 3D viewpoint, 3D depth and more.
On the audio side, the TV's setup menu includes five preset SRS TheaterSound modes, a five-band equalizer to further tweak various frequencies within each mode, SRS TruSurround HD, SRS TruDialog to improve vocal clarity, and an Auto Volume function that reduces level variations between TV shows and commercials.
The LN46C750's Eco menu includes an Energy Saving mode (with six options) to lower the backlight level, as well as an Eco Sensor that automatically adjusts the picture to suit the room's ambient lighting. You can set up the TV to turn itself off when it has received no signal for a designated time.
Competition and Comparison
Compare Samsung's LC46C750 against its competition by reading the reviews for Sony's KDL-55HX800 3D LED HDTV and Panasonic's TC-P54VT25 3D plasma HDTV. Learn more about 3D by visiting our 3D HDTV section.
Read about the high points and the low points of the LN46C750 on Page 2.
High Points
• The LN46C750 is 3D-capable, when mated with the proper 3D source equipment and active-shutter 3D glasses.
• This TV has a 1080p resolution and will accept 24p sources via its HDMI inputs.
• Auto Motion Plus 240Hz technology effectively reduces motion blur and offers multiple settings to tailor the smoothing effect to your liking.
• LCDs can be very bright, which makes them a good choice for a brightly lit viewing environment.
• The TV has plenty of connection options and picture adjustments.
• The LN46C750 can receive streamed content from a DLNA server and access the Samsung Apps portal.
Low Points
• This TV uses a traditional CCFL backlight, so its black level is likely not as deep as you'll find with the better LED-based TVs with local dimming. The cabinet is also not as thin.
• The LN46C750 doesn't support a wireless network connection.
• LCD viewing angles are not as good you'll find with a plasma TV.
• It lacks an IR or RS-232 port.
Conclusion
The LN46C750 is currently one of the better deals you'll find in 3D TV, getting you in the 3D door for a more modest price of $1,699.99--as long as you're okay with the smaller 46-inch screen size. As I write this, Samsung is offering a deal: Buy a Samsung 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player, and you get a free 3D Starter Kit that contains two pairs of glasses and a copy of the Monsters vs. Aliens 3D Blu-ray. Beyond that, each pair of glasses will run you $150 to $200. Putting 3D aside, this TV also offers a lot of the perks you'll find in higher-end Samsung TVs--like Auto Motion Plus 240Hz, Samsung Apps, and DLNA media streaming--at a lower price than the company's LED-based models. Of course, if you're going to put 3D aside, you might consider the LN46C650 instead: It has an almost identical feature set, minus 3D, for $1,299.99.
