Samsung's F5000 TV delivers quality and won't weigh you down with endless features.


Recently, the TV market seems more and more abuzz with tweeting, Facebooking, 3-D viewing and internet browsing. Smart TVs may be the future, but that's the trouble; most of them just aren't there. Typing on smart TVs is downright maddening, app selection is scant, and unless it's a high-end model, the smart TV in question is usually more of a headache than a help.

If you're in the market for a TV with an entry-level price but high-end performance, one with superior picture instead of a fussy feature parade, Samsung's F5000 series is a great choice. The F5000 (MSRP $999.99 for the 46-inch model) won't weight you down with internet features, 3-D tech or endless connectivity.

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As with many LCDs, this one has a measly total viewing angle — so if you sit away from the center of the screen, the picture quality will degrade considerably. If you want a TV for movie night with friends, or to watch a soccer match with your entire family, this is not a great choice.

But the picture quality is simply excellent. The TV renders pictures that are true-to-life, polished and vibrant. Colors are spot-on, and it handles motion very well, so fast-moving sports will still look sharp. Best of all, the contrast ratio is impressive for a TV of this type, with truly deep blacks as well as blinding whites. Why is this important? Because the more shades of gray a TV can produce, the more realistic its picture will be.

If you won't miss the latest flashy features, and can live with a narrow viewing angle, the F5000 is a great value for the money.


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