Samsung LN32B360 review – lacks side panel inputs
Pros:
- Black levels are deep considering this is an entry level LCD
- Color is relatively accurate
- Picture control selection is extensive
- Attractive looks
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t have side panel inputs
Bottom Line:
Amongst all the previous entry level TVs that we have tested in the past, this panel has the best picture quality and it earns our recommendation on this sole feature.
Manufacturer’s specifications:
Samsung LN32B360 is a 32 inch widescreen TV. Panel without the stand is 31.4 inches x 3.3 inches x 20.9 inches and weighs 20.1 lbs. With the stand, the panel is 31.4 inches x 9.9 inches x 22.7 inches and weighs around 25.1 lbs. The display format is 720p, pixel response time is 6 ms, refresh rate is 60 Hz, dynamic contrast ratio is 30000:1, image aspect ratio is 16:9, widescreen modes include Conventional 4:3, Auto Wide, Wide Zoom, 16:9, and Zoom. The vertical sync rate at the maximum resolution is 60 Hz. Display menu language options include French, Spanish and English. Video interface options include HDMI, Composite and Component. Supported resolutions for computer are 1280 x 1024 (SXGA), 1024 x 768 (XGA), 1360 x 768, 640 x 350, 800 x 600 (SVGA), 640 x 480 (VGA), and 720 x 400.
The speaker has a 2 x left/right channel system with total output of 20 watts. Audio control options include Sound mode, Balance and Equalizer. Connectors on the TV include HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) – Rear, Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) – Rear, VGA input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) – Rear, Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) – Rear, Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) – Rear, Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) – Rear, Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) – Rear,
Design:
Samsung LN32B360 looks simple and is yet handsome. This TV comes in a glossy black design which is typical in the LCD TV range. However, there are a few features which set it apart. On the frame’s bottom lip, there is a subtle clear plastic protrusion. This curve goes well with the stand of the TV. The stand lets the panel swivel.
Inside Dope:
There are tons of options when it comes to small screen LCD TVs, we have reviewed a lot of them but none of them have been as good as this in terms of picture quality. It was better in black level performance as compared to other TVs in the competition. The cost might be a bit more as compared to other panels and it doesn’t have some of the features like side panel inputs but if you are looking for best black levels, get this TV.
Samsung LN32B360’s menu system and remote are smaller as compared to the step up bigger TVs. The clicker still has plenty of buttons just like the one found on Toshiba AV502U’s remote. The buttons are nicely differentiated by color and size you have all the buttons that you’d need here. You cannot use this clicker to control other devices through infrared and we were disappointed with this.
Samsung LN32B360’s menu has a simple layout just like the more expensive TVs. There is a discrete Tools menu which gives you access to the functions which are most frequently used. You also have text explanations and we really appreciate them since some of the features are high end and newbies might get confused easily. There are plenty of items under something called “support tab’ and people who aren’t enthusiastic about technology will love this feature since it simplifies everything. There are some help functions for quick trouble shooting, a diagram which shows the common connections, and Samsung contact page along with Website, phone number and also directions for the firmware upgrade.
Just like most entry level TVs, Samsung LN32B360 has a native resolution of 1,366×768 pixels or 720p. This is HD ready as opposed to full HD resolution found on bigger TVs. We are not complaining that the TV doesn’t have full HD resolution because the screen is pretty small and at this size, the true potential of full HD resolution cannot be exploited. With regards to picture adjustment options, only LG is better than Samsung. There is plenty to play around with, on this TV for calibration. You have 3 adjustable picture mode which are all independent per input. You also have the color temperature control for augmenting four of the presets. The control for white balance includes all six adjustments.
Other tweakable options include color space and gamma. There is also dynamic contrast, flesh tone (this affects the color decoding), edge enhancement and black tone (this affects the color decoding). There are four aspect ratio settings combined for both SD and HD sources and two amongst them are adjustable. There is four step Energy Saving feature which controls the light output of the TV and this a great way to save on power. There is also a game mode put in by the manufacturer; it minimizes the video procession and is also supposed to prevent the lag between your controller and onscreen action.
Samsung LN32B360 doesn’t have as many connections as you’d expect. And there are no input ports on the sides which is a big bummer. On the back, the jack selection is quite average. You have two HDMI, one computer VGA jack, one component video, an AV input along with composite video, and RF input with optical analog and digital stereo audio outputs. For computer connection, the maximum resolution that you get is 1,360×768 pixels.
We were quite impressed by the Samsung LN32B360’s solid picture quality and deep black levels. It has some issues with color but we won’t complain about that here because of the screen size. The default Movie mode is the most accurate one found on this TV. This panel was not that good in grayscale tests, things appeared relatively blue. The gamma was a bit aggressive and dark areas were sacrificed for better black appearance. We calibrated a bit and most of these issues were fixed but we still saw blue in dark and mid-bright areas. Gamma, on the bright side, was improved considerably. This TV has excellent shadow detail too.
