Best Buy HDTVs Reviews

Samsung LN26B360

I originally bought the LN22B350, the latest unit in this series, but had to return it. You can read my review on it, but in short, it was because despite the literature stating that it has one composite AND one component input, it actually should read one composite OR one component. You could only use one or the other because they share the video input jack. So, after viewing an actual image of the input panel on this unit, I took a baby step back and ordered the B360.

Wait a minute! Amazon gave me a backhanded “upgrade” by erroneously shipping the LN22A450. The 4 series is better than the 3 series, but the A series is older than the B series. They were willing to let me keep it, but after doing a little bit of research I found that the technology has leapt forward since it was made. Among other things, it had only a 3000:1 contrast ratio whereas this one has 15,000:1. These days there’s little difference between the massive numbers spun out by manufacturers unless you’re in a high tech calibration setting, but when you talking one that low, it’s not a good thing. So, one more swap and I got the LN22B360.

I really like this set. Unless you’re an audiophile, there’s not a single thing wrong with the sound. There are different settings and a bit of an equalizer to customize, and at the level of 44, the volume is excellent. People just need to understand that no manufacturer is going to put high end audio in a unit at this price point. The 22-inch set is not the one you want to pay $500 for, or should need that kind of audio. You’re not going to get a lot of the bells and whistles you get with the bigger sets because that’s not what people are using their small TVs for.

So after one that was too new for my old equipment, and one that was too old for the new technology, this one is just right. I chose Samsung for the on/off timer, of which this unit has three, and the options there are better than expected–select all days, weekdays, weekends, etc. The set-up was easy, the remote balanced (though no back light), buttons are a good size and arranged fairly intelligently. The smaller screen makes the 720p and 60hz non-issues. Since I don’t pay for premium services, it was nice to see several channels airing in HD without a converter box. And on the down-low, I’m getting intermittent On Demand broadcasts, though I do wish whoever ordered them would take fewer potty breaks. Too much pausing and rewind. LOL!

I’m very satisfied with this purchase and hope to buy its big brother (46″) in the future after I’m sure Samsung is the way to go (and I think it is).

UPDATE 12/22/09 — Just wanted to add that I’m still liking this TV. It completely meets my needs and expectations, although the On Demand feed stopped, darn it!

Reviewed by : MollyDawg,   Aug 11, 2009