New TV - Samsung 756, 786 or 856??

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Hi - looking into new tellies at the mo. Have probably decided against a Sony W4500 ('cos of all the issues - not sure I want to risk a duff 'un). However, not sure about the three Samsungs...

I figure the 756 and 856 are pretty similar (not seen side-by-side; the wilds of Kent don't have many really good places with all the TVs) - but what's the deal with the 786? It would appear to have LED-backlight, like the 956 (which is good) - but how well implemented in the "low" spec 786 is it? I have read some poor-ish reviews for the 786 (all praise for the 956) and was wondering if anyone had a 786 and could comment? Did you look at the 756 and 856 as well? Should I look into the 786 - or play safe with something that has known technology at the price (i.e. CCFL).

Thanks...
 
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Anonymous

Guest
In a similar situation myself.

The other week Currys had a deal of a 40" A756 with a free Blueray player for £799. Went to have a look and snap one up as it was a special deal that lasted a few days. Must admit that I wasn't that struck on the A756 or the A786 series as they have quite a chunky surround.

Sat right next to these 2 sets was a 40" A856 and that looked really sweet. If you compare the 3 sets, the A856 is quite a bit smaller and nicer looking.

Picture-wise there shouldn't be much difference between the A756 and the A856 as there meant to be the same panel, electronics etc. but in a slimmer case. A786 is a bit different as it has LED backlighting.

As we speak now, waiting for John Lewis to pricematch Robert Wyhte Ltd for Samsung 40A856 set - £869 with 5 year warrenty. Don't think thats a bad price really.
 
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Anonymous

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That does sound a good deal! I can't find the A856 on Robert Whyte, though - must be going mad...

So what was your opinion on the A786, picture-wise? I'll have to make another trip to a Currys and see if I can find all three together.
 
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Anonymous

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Hi,

Less than two weeks ago I purchased a Samsung LE40A789, which I understand, is virtually identical to the 786 sold in UK in terms of features. I was sold out by this LED technology which is said to provide a 2 mill to 1 contrast ratio. The set is quite a chunky, yet is surprisingly flat. However, all these features do not materialize to well when it comes to picture quality. I spent three nights in a row trying to adjust the picture, which seemed to be lacking the depth and warmth I was expecting. It was looking to cold and clinical.To summarize, here are the pluses and minuses I have identified:

On the plus side: no uneven backlighting due to led technology, panel is virtually black when changing sources; very good black levels but not necessarily insightful; excellent motion with blu-ray, good sound, chunky remote control (but piano gloss is fingerprint magnet).

On the minus side: extremely sensitive to viewing angles, picture washes out at the slightest off-axis angle (inadmissible); tough to get an acceptable picture compromise; some incompatibility with Play Station 3 - drop-outs were noticed appearing randomly in spite of changing HDMI cables, power chords, settings; much too smooth of a picture for my liking, using as sources both my Denon upscalling DVD as well as PS3's Blu-Ray;

I read a lot of forum discussions in order to find the proper settings to adjust the picture. The set has numerous settings in addition to the standard ones found on most tv's: you can adjust the white balance, color space, each having multiple adjustments; add 3 levels of black depth, 3 levels of dynamic contrast, HDMI black and you get to the point in which you are just desperate to get a decent picture.

After managing to set-it-up to my liking, I could have accepted to live with the Samsung if it weren't for the off axis problem (really, I don't expect to pay this much money and get a poor picture if I move 20 degrees to the right or left; it is that sensitive), and the blu-ray incompatibility - those drop-outs were appearing every 20 seconds or so.

So, I took it back and got the Sony 40Z4500 instead. I had the opportunity to test it and I think it beats the Samsung hands down, delivering extremely insightful blacks, great sharpness and a natural looking picture overall. Try it with Training Day, Casino Royal, Fifth Element or Planet Earth and you'll see what I mean. Maybe it is not as "fashionable looking", as the Samsung, but it has a superb picture, impressive sound and is a doodle to use. It just seems right.

So there you have it. I guess that this LED technology has definitely potential, but the "tried and tested" route seems the better option for me right now. Please keep in mind that these are my own personal impressions and the real assessment should be done by you, so I advise you to thoroughly test before you invest so much money.

Good shopping,

Mihai
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Thanks for the detailed reply! I think that I will probably leave the LED backlighting for now - I can't afford the 9-series and after your insights (and a review I found on-line) it seems too early for "budget" LED backlights. Plus it would seem that the modern LCD'd have pretty good blacks (saw the 786 next to a 856 in Comet and while the blacks were better in the 786,less so than I thought - and the TV's were on their "shop settings" soI reckon after calibration the 856 would lookeven better).

I can't really afford the sony Z, so it'll probably be the 856 (also liked the thin frame- makes it look less dominating).

Robert Whyte have then in again for £869 inc. 5 year warranty - and seemsto come with a free stand (?). Anyone used Robert Whyte? Did Jeggsy get a price match from John Lewis?
 

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