The idea of using LEDs to light an LCD TV isn't a new one, but in its new ultrathin HDTV, the 40B7000, Samsung has used the technology to make something truly special. The 40B7000 isn't technically backlit--it actually uses an LED edge light, which means the diodes are mounted in the side of the TV rather than behind the panel. There's some slightly complicated technology involved in getting the light distributed evenly around the screen, but you'd never notice.

Using an edge light means the TV can be whisker-thin. The Samsung 40B7000 really is incredible to look at. What's more, it's very light, and that means the wall mount can simply be a piece of thin cable and a couple of decent screws. Oddly, the mount alone is quite pricey, but there are bound to be special bundles that include it for free.

It's worth pointing out that in the US, this LED range is known as Luxia. That name won't be coming to the UK and Asia--instead it will just be known as Samsung's LED TV. We have to say that we prefer the simple LED brand to yet another ghastly pseudo-Latin sub-brand.

Such a thin TV must have some compromises, but the only things we can find are some slightly flimsy breakout connectors for the composite and component-video inputs. Not a major problem at all, although some may not like it this way.

One of the most exciting features of this TV is the Internet widget system. However, we have spoken to Samsung and understand that such services are hugely country-dependent. To date, there is no firm indication that the widgets will be available for the Asia models. But the good news is the Korean company will be launching the B6000- and B8000-series, together with the B7000, in selected Asian countries. The pricing and availability for these panels are currently pending finalization.

We have to say that the Samsung 40B7000 has really impressed us so far. Everything about it is slick. The TV itself feels rock-solid, looks epic and has pretty much every extra function you're likely to need for a long time.

Source: Cnet.com