Guest Blog by Chris
My first impressions of the 55” version (there is a choice from 49”-75” screen sizes) of this model is of quality. The box it comes in looks a premium design with a slim structure and designer picture on the box so you know exactly what’s inside and, like a child at Christmas, I can’t wait to unwrap it and see inside!
The packaging is first class, keeping the screen firmly protected with polystyrene protecting the LCD from damage and additional edge protection over the extremely thin edge screen for when you are lifting the TV out of the box. The accessories are neatly packaged and each has their own position on the polystyrene top, with the One Connect box in a silver box and an accessory pack that contains a premium remote, a second standard remote and the usual accessories of batteries and so on.
Building the stand was simple and swift. It’s a solid piece, with a nice brushed silver-effect finish to complement the TV. It slides and screws into the recessed back, firmly holding the TV upright and there is plenty of room below if you go for the matching Samsung soundbar (which I advise). As this TV has the One Connect box linking all of its cables, the TV only needs power and the One Connect cable attaching to it and these are fed up through the TV pedestal. The One Connect does a great job, giving a cable-free design look to the TV. All of my HDMI, antennas and USB’s connected to the One Connect box, however there is a USB, LAN and external link socket on the recessed side of the TV, should you want to use it.
All assembled and ready for the big switch on…..! There’s an amazing Samsung start-up graphic sequence displayed for around 20 secs giving you a taster of how good the picture is going to be and then you start the set-up. It is pared down to some very simple steps compared to other models I have used and whilst you are sorting the internet passwords it is already scanning & tuning in the background, speeding up the set-up process even further. A simple touch but a gem of an idea from Samsung.
I’m all ready to go and the simple premium remote is a breeze to use, navigating through the different options with a simple menu on screen. There’s no need to point the remote directly at the TV thanks to Bluetooth connectivity – another simple but brilliant idea. I can control my SkyHD box, 4k Blu-ray and soundbar all from this one little remote.
The picture options allow for a more detailed set-up if, like me, you are fussy and want to set the tone to your own eye; however you can use the pre-set options in the menu if you prefer. The upscaling on standard pictures is very good and the 4k content is amazing, showing every detail in scenes missed on normal Blu-ray films. The frameless design makes the picture appear as if it goes all the way to the edge and looks stunning on scenery, filling the display.
I have downloaded the Smart View app to allow media to be transferred using Wi-Fi to the TV and also control the TV if I don’t have the remote to hand. I can easily send videos and photo across to the screen to share with my family and friends and likewise, so can they.
The smart element of the TV is simply laid out, with all the apps scrollable across the bottom of the screen as are the inputs I have to switch between, continuing the simple-to-use side of this excellent TV.
I would highly recommend this model of Samsung, particularly if their premium QLED model is just out of your price range. This is a remarkably good TV and offers so many great features that it’s perfect for movie lovers, box-set bingers and gamers alike.
Buy online, use our Click & Collect to get yours in as little as one hour, rent from £16.15 per week, buy instore or ask your local store about a demo.
