Samsung LE52F96BDX Plasma HD TV Reviews

It used to be the case that for larger screens you went plasma. The new Samsung F96 series not only challenges that rule, but clearly smashes it too. The F96 series provides deeper blacks than most plasmas, better colours, better motion handling and much cooler sytling than almost any plasma in the market.

I did a huge amount of research and viewings before settling on my 52 inch Samsung. The only TV that I found that was better is the Pioneer Kuro - the only reason I didn't go for that was that it was twice the price.

In the same price bracket this TV is really competing against the 1080p 50 inch Samsung and Panasonic plasmas. Whist the Panasonic is a great TV its blacks are dissappointing, which put me off. The Samsung plasma is good and at a really appealing price point, but the truth is that it's just simply not as good as its newer LCD brother when put side by side.

So why did I buy the F96 (model LE52F96BDX)?

Deep blacks. The new blacklighting solution on this Samsung LCD is incredible. In darkened rooms you cannot tell where the screen ends and the edge of the TV begins. It really is that good.

1080p & conectivity. This screen nails 1080p. It's bang up to date with 1.3a HDMI and 3 HDMI sockets, plus all manner of other connectivity options. Basically it's as future proof as you'll get today.

Great motion handling. The problem in the UK with judging motion handling is that broadcast signals creates motion issues irrespective of the TV. That is because of the quality of the transmitted signals. So to do the test you need pre-recorded content (DVD, Blu-Ray, etc...). The Samsung is good here if not great. There is minor blurring, but no worse than a good plasma. It's certainly about the same as the Panasonic and Samsung LCDs. Again the only thing that beats it is the Pioneer.

Looks. It's stunning. Period. It even beats the Kuro here. It has a single blue LED unit on the front to manually turn on and off if you fancy. They styling is perfect. Right up there with the best Samsung do, and they do looks the best.

I use my TV with a seperate sound system so can not tell you about the sound. I did hear it when I first got the system and it seemed good. 2 subs in the tv unit and wide angled speakers should provide a better experience than most else on offer.

I also have never used the TV with freeview - just SKY HD. So no idea how it performs.

I have now had the TV over 2 months and love it. It's great to live with on a day to day basis. It wows all who see it, it looks great and, once set up right, gives a picture that is incredible to watch. It is a bit pricey, but in truth I feel its been a worthwhile purchase. This is the LCD TV to own and, for size and in this price bracket, there is nothing better.

The first LED backlit TV we've seen is Samsung's attempt to make LCDs produce blacks as good as a plasma. Does it succeed?