Samsung LE19R71 Review

Overall Rating

Looks stunning in black or white, High resolution 1440 x 900 TFT widescreen, DVI input with audio, VGA input with audio, 1x Scart socket, Stand doubles up as a wall mount, Teletext, Stereo speakers, remote control.

No HDMI sockets, No Component inputs, No Optical output. No built-in Freeview decoder.

The Samsung LE19R71 is a stunning looking 19 inch widescreen LCD TV, with a screen resolution of 1440 x 900 which makes this screen higher res than many larger LCD & plasma screens.

Samsung has included 1x VGA input on the back with audio inputs for PC, XBOX 360 (via vga cable) etc.

A DVI input with audio inputs for slightly older HD sources, so while it can produce high definition images, its not classed as a HD ready TV because there is no HDMI socket to carry both the HD audio & video signal through. However there is 1x scart socket included if thats any consolation.

The contrast ratio is about acceptable, when set above the default settings, white levels are fairly impressive, however the black levels are not as good, especially when watching very dark scenes in movies or shows.

There is a freeze image function handy for vewing pictures, telephone numbers etc, but no picture in picture option, however you do get a built-in sleep timer thrown in for good measure.

The hidden speaker are fairly decnet for a small TV this size, with good nicam stereo sound separation, and while it wont win any awards for its sound reproduction of treble & bass, there are several audio presets such as movie, speech, music, included aswell.

This set has no built-in freeview decoder which is probably one of the biggest drawbacks for many, however as there are tons of external freeview boxes available for as little as £9.99, so its not such a big deal if you want to add one at some point.

All in all a good little LCD TV with excellent screen resolution, and fairly decent input options, only let down by the omission of a HDMI socket and built-in freeview decoder.