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Samsung LN52A850S1F A850 52-inch LCD HDTV Review
Samsung LN52A850S1F A850 52-inch LCD HDTV Review - PCSTATS
There's much to get excited about with Samsung's 52" LN52A850S1F LCD HDTV, commonly known as the 'A850'. For starters this LCD HDTV ups the ante with the ability to play movies/music/pictures directly from a USB mass storage device or over a home network connection.
 88% Rating:   
Filed under: Home Theatre Published:  Author: 
External Mfg. Website: Samsung Jul 07 2009   J. Apong  
Home > Reviews > Home Theatre > Samsung LN52A850S1F

A850 - The Slimmest Panel Design?

The overall design of the Samsung A850-series 52" LCD HDTV can be described in two words - "sleek" and "thin". In fact the screen itself is just a shade under two inches thick. To complement its thin profile, the bezel around the display is only 5mm away from being flush with the screen so there's nothing to distract the eye.

The Samsung LN52A850S1F has a detachable base that can be swapped out if the unit is attached to a 400mm VESA wall mount.

The thin screen enhances the clean design, although it also makes the TV a bit difficult to move around. Having to pick up a seventy-pound display when you have a 5mm sliver of plastic cutting into your hand isn't comfortable. If you're going to mount the LN52A850S1F on a wall via its 400mm VESA mounts, definitely ask two friends to help you lift it.


Samsung's LNA40A850 stand can be pivoted up to 30 degrees so that the side and back panel connections can be reached without having to move the TV's stand.

If you eschew wall mounting this thin sliver of a widescreen HD television and stick with the included base, you'll be pleased to note that while the bezel of the TV is made out of plastic, the base stand that Samsung ships with the LN52A850S1F HDTV is thick tempered glass. The base is reassuringly heavy and maintains the dark cherry finish after repeated dustings.


The rear of the TV houses the rear panel connectors, the VESA mounts and grating that exhausts heat away from the LCD. Power is supplied by single AC power port just below the data connections.


There are four VESA mounts spaced at 400mm, designed for M8-sized screws. This unit is light enough that it can be mounted on VESA-compliant articulated arms.

A combination of a glossy plastic display and dark colouring means that the LN52A850S1F is a superb dust magnet, attracting particles of dirt seemingly out of thin air to coat its mirror finish. Obsessive compulsive cleaners will enjoy wiping this LCD HDTV down several times a day with the supplied microfiber cleaning cloth.

Crouching Remote, Hidden Control Panel

The Samsung A850-series HDTV can be controlled via one of two remotes or with the control panel on the bottom right side of the screen. The buttonless control panel is exceptionally difficult to see, hard to use (because the buttons are flush touch-sensitve keys) and its poor illumination doesn't help matters.

The screen's control 'buttons' consist of a touch sensitive strip, the problem is they blend into the LCD TV's bezel so well they can't be seen from more than a few inches away. That makes them difficult to find, especially when its dark. Once pressed, the buttons do light up with a dull red light, however don't lose the remote or you will be completely out of luck.

The back-lit buttons are only properly visible at eye level, and since the buttons are on the bottom bezel of the HDTV it's unlikely the illumination will be seen unless you're sitting on the floor.

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Contents of Article: Samsung LN52A850S1F
 Pg 1.  Samsung LN52A850S1F A850 52-inch LCD HDTV Review
 Pg 2.  — A850 - The Slimmest Panel Design?
 Pg 3.  Dual remotes: one for him, one for the kids
 Pg 4.  Many Media Inputs and Outputs
 Pg 5.  Samsung Wiselink Pro Media Streaming
 Pg 6.  Samsung Wiselink Pro DLNA and PC Share Manager
 Pg 7.  On Screen Display Menus
 Pg 8.  Visual Observations - HD Viewing and Listening Experience
 Pg 9.  Acoustic Observations and Conclusions

 
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