3D TV Review: Samsung UE 46 C 7000
The first TV of its generation doesn't disappoint...
3D TV has finally arrived, and we've had one in our test lab: The Samsung UE 46 C 7000 is a European model nearly identical in specification to the American UN 46 C 7000, which Samsung lists for $2,599.99.
So let's go straight to the big question: Is it any good?
Yes! We're skeptical types at Televisions.com, so of course we've got a few grumbles, but overall we're very impressed: The 3D effect is consistent and convincing, and the TV's 2D picture quality is absolutely superb.
We tested the TV's 3D movie playback with Monsters vs. Aliens on 3D Blu-ray, largely because this was the only 3D Blu-ray currently available to us. The film looked great, but there are some double edges, and the picture frequently suffers from flicker. The 3D shutter glasses made some of our reviewers' eyes feel uncomfortable and will probably take a bit of getting used to. But, apart from these relatively minor quibbles, we thoroughly enjoyed our first taste of 3D home cinema.
Other 3D Material
We also tested the 3D picture with a 3D game (Avatar on the PS3) and with 2D material converted by the Samsung into 3D. The game was an absolute treat, even considering the double edges that appeared again here. Converted 3D material was surprisingly good (given our initial skepticism) but suffered from some of the problems we'd expected to find: inaccurate perspective and, yet again, double edges.
In general, 3D material showed a significant reduction in brightness compared to 2D. We tracked this down to the way the LCD panel was being driven and you'll find a detailed explanation of the effect in our full review (link below).
2D Picture Quality
Here, again, the Samsung scored highly. In fact, 8.1 points out of 10 is the highest score we've ever awarded a Samsung; the C 7000 must be doing something right. Motion looks exceptionally crisp, and the dynamic contrast is impressive. But we noticed some patchy illumination when we turned the lights down, and the viewing angle was typically narrow for an LCD TV.
A design overhaul has left the Samsung with a glistening metallic look. Even the remote control has changed, taking on a distinctive cell-phone look. See if you can spot the tantalizing 3D button
Overall
If this TV wasn't 3D-ready, we'd still be raving about it. The 46 C 7000 is the best Samsung we've ever tested, and has an impressive list of features, including internet access and a USB recording function. The design is delicious, the picture kicks ass, and let's be honest it's a 3D TV what's not to love?
Read the full review of the Samsung UE 46 C 7000 at Televisions.com. Any comments on the device or our review are most welcome.
The first TV of its generation doesn't disappoint...
3D TV has finally arrived, and we've had one in our test lab: The Samsung UE 46 C 7000 is a European model nearly identical in specification to the American UN 46 C 7000, which Samsung lists for $2,599.99.
So let's go straight to the big question: Is it any good?
Yes! We're skeptical types at Televisions.com, so of course we've got a few grumbles, but overall we're very impressed: The 3D effect is consistent and convincing, and the TV's 2D picture quality is absolutely superb.
We tested the TV's 3D movie playback with Monsters vs. Aliens on 3D Blu-ray, largely because this was the only 3D Blu-ray currently available to us. The film looked great, but there are some double edges, and the picture frequently suffers from flicker. The 3D shutter glasses made some of our reviewers' eyes feel uncomfortable and will probably take a bit of getting used to. But, apart from these relatively minor quibbles, we thoroughly enjoyed our first taste of 3D home cinema.
Other 3D Material
We also tested the 3D picture with a 3D game (Avatar on the PS3) and with 2D material converted by the Samsung into 3D. The game was an absolute treat, even considering the double edges that appeared again here. Converted 3D material was surprisingly good (given our initial skepticism) but suffered from some of the problems we'd expected to find: inaccurate perspective and, yet again, double edges.
In general, 3D material showed a significant reduction in brightness compared to 2D. We tracked this down to the way the LCD panel was being driven and you'll find a detailed explanation of the effect in our full review (link below).
2D Picture Quality
Here, again, the Samsung scored highly. In fact, 8.1 points out of 10 is the highest score we've ever awarded a Samsung; the C 7000 must be doing something right. Motion looks exceptionally crisp, and the dynamic contrast is impressive. But we noticed some patchy illumination when we turned the lights down, and the viewing angle was typically narrow for an LCD TV.
A design overhaul has left the Samsung with a glistening metallic look. Even the remote control has changed, taking on a distinctive cell-phone look. See if you can spot the tantalizing 3D button
Overall
If this TV wasn't 3D-ready, we'd still be raving about it. The 46 C 7000 is the best Samsung we've ever tested, and has an impressive list of features, including internet access and a USB recording function. The design is delicious, the picture kicks ass, and let's be honest it's a 3D TV what's not to love?
Read the full review of the Samsung UE 46 C 7000 at Televisions.com. Any comments on the device or our review are most welcome.
Wow, they must have a different model then we get in the states, because I took the un55c7000 back two days after having it! The 2d picture could not even compare to my un55b8500, or my pn63b590. What I saw was allot of pixelation during fast moving scenes, a big time hiccup when dejudder was engaged while watching film based content, and allot of blooming and flash lighting due to the edge lit leds.
