For the practical ones who want to have an LCD TV, the Samsung LN26B360 is a good option. At 26-inches, this is a good model to start with while enjoying all the basic features of an LCD television. The LNB360 series also comes in other sizes – 19”, 22”, and 32”. All of them share the same features described below.
With a basic LCD TV like this Samsung model, do not expect to have high screen resolution as the LNB360 series only works at 720p resolution, which is not bad as it is still significantly better than the tube versions. Also, streaming videos, network capabilities and other interactive add-ons are things that this model will also not have. Anyway, with the price tag of not more than $400, it is reasonable enough to enjoy only the basic functionalities of an LCD television.
Color Accuracy. The Samsung LN26B360 has fairly good color accuracy, maintaining almost constant color temperature all throughout. However, some darker areas may have a bluish tint on them. Primary and secondary colors are smoothly rendered and almost accurate. Color saturation, on the other hand, is not consistent. Some shades of red may not appear as rich, whereas the blue and green hints may be overly saturated.
Black Levels. The LN26B360 is able to produce pretty good levels of black color. Although not as intensely black as that of the more expensive models, the B360 series have relatively deep black levels, as well as bright white color that produce rich and vibrant images. There is also a wide range of contrast that appeals to most viewers.
Video Processing. Since this is just a basic model, faster video processing such as 120Hz is not found in this model. The unit was able to produce smooth images for slow-moving objects. However, this fails significantly with fast-moving objects. Also, motion pictures in this model are not as sharp as when watched over one of the more expensive models.
Connectivity. The Samsung LN26B360 has adequate connectivity for a basic LCD TV. There are 2 HDMI ports and the usual digital and analog video and audio ports. All of them are located on a specific area at the back of the screen.
Power Consumption. This is a major plus of having just the basic LCD TV – it does not have extensive features that consume a lot of power. The LN26B360 only uses 59.5 watts on the average. And assuming that it is turned on (or on standby) for 5 hours a day, it will only cost around $11.82 per year.
If the only purpose of buying an LCD TV is to watch TV and enjoy the LCD viewing experience, the Samsung LN26B360 is a good choice. The basic functionalities are included at a very reasonable price. It is definitely a great value for money.
Steve has over 17 year of experience in reviewing TV equipment. Most of his free time he spends tinkering with electronic in his garage or traveling to distant places.