Samsung Smart TV D5500 40” LED TV

When it comes to TVs, we are really getting spoiled these days. Never before have we had access to the kind of vibrant picture quality that we can find on the market today. And, even better, they are sleek, elegantly designed units that can be fitted into virtually any space, thanks to ideas like flat panels and wall mounting. It is a new Golden Age.

Samsung are defining themselves as one of the better TV manufacturers out there, with their Smart TV range delivering not only superb performance, but also excellent versatility. See, a TV isn’t just a box to show pictures anymore, and Samsung know this. Rather, it is an important part of a fully integrated entertainment experience and, because of this, Samsung have created a TV that not only displays pretty pictures – and they are very pretty – but also provides a host of connectivity options.

The Samsung Smart TV UA40D5500RR (or D5500 for short) is a beautifully constructed, very thin 40 inch LED TV that delivers awesome clarity and contrast, along with bright colours. It supports a host of added extras, including wireless LAN support and the ability to play media via its USB ports.

One complaint that we can level at this otherwise wonderful TV are the inputs. It features four HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports, a LAN port, headphone jack, antenna input, and a number of audio in and out options. That’s a good list (particularly the HDMI ports.) But the still necessary component cable ports are conspicuously absent. The solution is to supply a specialised interface cable… but although this comes with the unit, it cuts down component cable use to one item. Now, realistically, anyone in their right mind should be using HDMI for… well, everything, but there are still older devices that use component cables only. And we found the performance of the D5500’s component cable converter to be disappointing.

But that’s about it. Everything else, with regards to this TV, was great. OK, it’s not a 3D model, but we’re still a little unconvinced about home 3D viewing (or any 3D viewing, for that matter.) Sure, if you’re after a 3D TV, you’ll probably look elsewhere, but undecided users who don’t think that 3D is a ‘must have it or die’ aspect to a TV need look no further.

The extremely user-friendly device is really top notch. It would be difficult to choose another TV over it, except for almost purely cosmetic reasons (like the fact that it has a very shiny screen that reflects light easily and really is a pain to keep clean) or based on its inputs. Price might be an issue too… it’s not the cheapest TV around, but good quality LED TVs cost more than poorer models.

In short, it is a beautifully constructed TV that has a good, solid base, great remote functions and performs excellently. The decision to buy it or not may only come down to a silly reason like brand loyalty, but there are worse brands to support than Samsung. And if you’re still on the fence, a quick demonstration of its excellent picture quality alone will probably make your decision for you.

Verdict:

A great TV, particularly if you’re not after a 3D option

Pros:

• Excellent picture
• Extra functionality
• 4 HDMI ports

CONS:

• Shiny
• Expensive
• Component ports lacking

Buy

You can buy the Samsung D5500 TV in many online stores, including Amazon.

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