Samsung UN65H7150 65-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D Smart LED TV
CUSTOMER REVIEW
// Update June 15 2014 //
** Smart View function **
I just wanted to kind of go into what someone can do with the Smart View function of the TV. I've had time to play around with it a little bit and so far am quite impressed. I'm using an iPad and iPhone with this app, I'm certain that the same type of function is available if you have a compatible Android device as well.
+ You can watch TV on the portable device, while you do other things on the TV, for instance I have my Mac Mini attached to the TV and am editing this right now while watching TV on my iPad. I have also played my game consoles on the TV screen while watching TV on the tablet.
+ You can walk around the house with the portable device, for instance if you need to do something while watching your favorite show you won't miss what is happening. I've been able to walk all around the house and it worked everywhere I went. For me, I can see this being super useful during football season!
+ You can control the TV remotely, it has a very nice remote control screen and it works well.
Things you cannot do:
- You cannot use two portable devices at one time to view TV.
- You cannot view game consoles or a computer on the remote screen and watch TV on the TV monitor. This would be super nice if they would add it.
Minor issue:
- There is a few millisecond difference between the TV and mobile device, so if you're watching in the same room it's a little weird. I guess this is really to be expected though.
** Game Mode **
There is a game mode in the Menu selection. This mode makes video games SUPER smooth. I just thought I would mention it since I don't believe anyone else has. When I switch to PS4/PS3 I turn on this mode and it really makes the action smooth.
** 3D **
You can adjust the 3D depth in the settings, the 3D looks great depending on the source. I've watched several 3D movies and these active shutter glasses aren't as annoying as some of the other manufacturers glasses out there. 2D to 3D works as well as you can expect it to, it does add a neat depth to sources without 3D. I don't use that very often. One thing that is nice about the 3D glasses for this TV is the cost, they are only around $20 per pair, so it's not a big lift to buy extra ones.
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Edited Review Follows
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I just upgraded to this TV from a six year old Mitsubishi TV which unfortunately began having a LCD issue. I really didn't want to buy a new TV yet, but as it is...
I decided on this model due to price and features. Important features to me included being at least a 55", LED backlighting, Wi-Fi, 3D, and HDMI 1.4a for the Audio Return Channel (ARC). This TV met all of my requirements and includes many extra features as well.
The TV itself is super slim, it's about 1/3 as thick as my Mitsubishi TV was (it was a CCFL backlight LCD), it's also really lightweight and has a really super-thin bezel -- and I thought the bezel on my Mit was thin!
The contrast and clarity of the screen is very good, much better than my old set. The LCD runs on the cool side of the color spectrum -- which is what I like. When set to "cool" in the settings it comes out too blue, I usually set my LCD's to cool but on this one I went with the normal setting as it is already cool enough.
There are tons of built in features with this TV, however I'll discuss some of the ones I've already ran into problems with below.
* Unboxing *
Well packaged, Apple-esq packaging. I received this with the Amazon Enhanced service, so it was unboxed, assembled, and tested by the delivery person (nice touch). In the box is the TV, Stand, a Standard Remote, a Smart remote (which functions a little like a touchpad in the air), an IR extender, and two sets of active shutter 3D glasses. Included also is a user manual and all the usual paperwork.
* Installation *
Easy. I watched the delivery guy assemble -- it had two stand pieces that had to be installed on the back of the unit with bolts, then attached to the stand with bolts. It took him about two or three minutes to assemble and it was ready to plug in and go.
With the Audio Return Channel there are few wires actually going to the TV. I have two HDMI cables, the one from my receiver and one from a security camera DVR, the power cord, and the included IR receiver extender.
* Setup *
Again, easy. It walks you through the usual internet connection settings, and other settings. It's truly Apple-esq.
* Video *
The video clarity is very good, it's very crisp, clean. I popped in Planet Earth and found it to be somewhat better looking on this TV vs. my old TV. The LED backlighting is very even on this TV, I haven't found any "flashlighting" or anything like that. Contrast is very good for a LED LCD, blacks are black without much clipping, and whites are white.
* Audio *
The built in speakers are pretty good, haven't used them much as I use a receiver. It's pretty much what you can expect from a TV today.
* Smart TV *
Ok, this is both good and bad, the smart TV functions very well and is fast with the quad-core processor, however I have ran into some problems with some of the features. Apps work as expected, but the web browser is not so good, it's hard to use without a keyboard and mouse connected -- that in and of itself isn't unexpected, but I tried using it with the Picture in Picture (PIP) function and it didn't release the audio back to the TV upon completion of use, forcing me to unplug the TV and replug to get audio back. In addition it doesn't work with sites like the History Channel for streaming shows, a big deal-breaker for me. This is why I never use these web browsers.
* App connectivity *
It works, you need the Smart View 2 app from the app store. The app says that it is for 2014 and newer TV's, and this is a 2013 TV, however it works. You will get a prompt on iDevices which says something about an older version, click cancel, connect to the TV (enter pin number that pops up on the TV screen), and begin using the app. It works great, I've had a few hiccups, but no big deal.
* Inputs/Outputs *
Probably adequate for most modern setups, however many of the outputs on the back of the unit are not recessed, that might be a problem for some who wish to wall mount this TV.
- Recessed
Three HDMI inputs, three USB inputs, one Coax for Over the Air (antenna) or Cable.
- Not recessed
One HDMI input, a combined component/composite input, ethernet, IR extender, a 3.5mm audio out, digital optical out (toslink), and another output I don't know what it's for...
* Build Quality *
The unit feels solid and looks nice. The stand is stainless steel looking, it goes well with stainless/black components.
I'll go over the pros and cons:
PROS
+ Appearance -- Looks nice, slim, sleek, thin bezel, nice stand.
+ LCD -- Great picture quality, video is smooth, and the LED lighting is very good to great.
+ SmartTV -- Most of the apps work as expected, and there are lots of apps to choose from.
+ Setup/Use -- Easy to setup and use, the Wi-Fi works well with everything I have.
+ Size/Weight -- Super slim, weighs very little. This would be easy to wall mount.
CONS
- Physical connections -- Some aren't recessed, might make it more difficult to wall mount, depending on your mount.
- Web Browser -- It's not as full functioning as they might want you to believe.
- PIP function -- Didn't work right with the Web Browser, as I stated above it didn't release the audio to the TV upon completion of using the web browser.
Overall:
I like it, it was definitely worth the money in my opinion and it's a big upgrade for me. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this TV to most people. If you are looking to wall mount this you may need to find a mount which will allow for the inputs/outputs which are not recessed, but that's probably not going to be a problem.
Highly recommended, but with a few caveats.
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