Samsung LNB750 series--photos

One of our favorite HDTVs of 2008 was the Samsung LN52A650, which has remained in our lab for more than a year as a comparison model representing LCD TVs that use a conventional backlight as opposed to LEDs. Now that 240Hz processing has arrived in force on the LCD landscape, we expect the Samsung LNB750 series to take up that mantle. This set outperforms the company's edge-lit LED-based LCD displays in most areas, including black-level performance and picture uniformity, and produced a better picture than any other LCD we've tested, aside from last year's LED-backlit models that utilize local dimming. It's definitely not perfect, however, and the best plasma displays still equal or surpass this LCD in overall image quality. But for people seeking an LCD and willing to pay a premium for 240Hz and interactive extras, the Samsung LNB750 series should make the short list.

The 3.1-inch deep LNB750 models lack the ultrathin profile of the company's edge-lit LED-based LCDs.

The only touch of color on the B750 is the subtle translucent blue accent--bluer and more subtle in person than seen here--along the bottom of the frame.

The included matching stand incorporates a transparent stalk that also allows the panel to swivel.

The remote control is basically the same as last year, too, aside from a new protrusion on the rear that keeps the clicker stable on a flat surface, and we're definitely fans--especially since Samsung ditched the rotating scroll wheel. The buttons are big, backlit, and easily differentiated by size and shape, and we liked the dedicated "Tools" key that offers quick access to picture and sound modes, the sleep timer, and the picture-in-picture controls. We didn't like the remote's glossy black finish, however, which picked up more than its share of dulling fingerprints after a few minutes.

The LNB750's back panel sports ample jacks, including three HDMI, two component-video and one PC input.

Around the side there's a fourth HDMI, flanked by USB ports and joined by a composite AV input--but no S-Video.

The main menu system wears blue coloration that's much less-subtle than on the TV's exterior.

Yahoo Widgets represent the B750 series' major interactive feature.

New widgets are available in the widget gallery.

The new Twitter widget lets you track twitter feeds right on the screen.

The Yahoo video widget includes numerous videos, including recipes by Wolfgang Puck.

The built-in content library, while generally pretty lame, might appeal to people seeking extra diversions.

A convenient contact screen provides customer service information.

Samsung's dejudder processing allows more customization than was available last year.

As always, we appreciate the addition of white balance controls for tweaking the grayscale.

The Samsung LNB750 series is the best-performing LCD we've tested aside from the LED-backlit Samsung A950 and Sony XBR8 models. It delivers the staples--deep black levels and accurate color--and adds solid uniformity and a nicely customizable dejudder mode. The reflective screen is still an issue, but otherwise this set gets most everything right.