Samsung LN32D550 32-inch LED HDTV Reviewed

There are plenty of different HDTV models in the 32” HDTV market, each serving a specific niche. The Samsung LN32D550 is one 32” HDTV that offers full HD 1080p viewing with as many connections as a higher-end model along with support for DLNA streaming.

Design

Going for a sharper profile, the Samsung LN32D550 follows a simple design of sharp angles and uniform piano black bezels. While it doesn't use LED edge lighting, which contributes to the slightly thicker panel, this HDTV still manages to deliver good LED-backlit technology. The rectangular black base has a glossy surface finish and connects to a rounded silver stand for an overall good looking HDTV.

Features and Specifications

Like other HDTVs of it's class the Samsung LN32D550 offers 32” worth of screen real-estate. The panel uses LED-backlighting with excellent Energy Star efficiency for a lot more in energy savings. The HDTV delivers an image contrast ratio of 40,000:1 for better defined blacks and whites along with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The screen itself supports full HD 1080p resolutions and also delivers great AllShare DLNA networking for some media streaming.

As mentioned earlier this HDTV provides the same amount of connectivity as most other higher-end models. This includes four HDMI ports, two component video ports, two component audio ports, two USB ports, one PC input and one PC audio input along with a digital audio output at the back. While the HDTV packs in the standard two 10W speakers it ups audio quality by offering support for Dolby Digital Plus and Multi-Channel Sound (MTS) technologies.

Performance

Image quality and video quality are excellent, especially for night-time scenes while the 60Hz refresh rate performs well for everything except really high speed action. Audio quality is significantly better than average while all the connections means that you can hook up practically everything with no sacrifice required. The HDTV's full HD 1080p resolution looks great with Blu-ray media and HD gaming while the additional PC input allows the Samsung LN32D550 to be a very effective media hub for the smaller living space, which in turn helps to save space in general. Gamers need not worry about motion blurs in their fast paced action games as the HDTV has a special game mode that turns off some picture processing functions to help increase video response, so there is no problem or issue of motion blur during gaming.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung LN32D550 delivers solid performance for the general purpose user while offering all the connections you could need. The additional DLNA streaming support is welcome as it helps provide external media without the need for any external USB wireless dongles. The price is quite good, although not as bang for your buck as we could have hoped for but it still provides some solid performance, especially if you're looking for a smaller sized single HDTV for your personal home theater room.