Review: Samsung H6400 Smart TV
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 7:58AM 
The Samsung H6400 Series Smart TV impressed me right out of the box with accurate color and grayscale performance using its factory calibrated Movie picture preset. The H6400's well-contrasted imagery derived from its ample maximum light output (391 cd/m2) that's ideal for well-lit rooms and good black levels for optimized dark room viewing. Compared to the similarly styled H6350 series, the H6400 adds 3D, improved motion resolution, and the impressive RF-linked Smart Remote Control. If you don't need or want the H6400's extras, then the H6350 presents an even better value.
Size and style
I reviewed the 55-inch version (UN55H6400) and other available screen sizes include 48-inches, 50-inches, 60-inches, and 65-inches. The H6400's thin bezel design (0.56 inches along the top and sides) accentuated its 1080p 120Hz LCD panel. A swivel base stand proved useful, and the TV's chassis is compatible with standard wall mount hardware.
Processing prowess
Samsung's superior video processing gives the H6400 effective film-mode detection for maximum detail and deinterlacing that's free of unsightly jagged edges. I also appreciated the TV's Auto Motion Plus feature that reduced motion blur with video sources like sports programming without altering the filmic look of 24fps material (most movies and TV shows). Most LCDs cannot reduce motion blur without also also smoothing the on-screen motion of movies to the point they appear soap opera-like.
App goodness
The TV's quad core processor made for fast start up times and speedy app performance. The selection of apps on Samsung Smart TVs continues to be the most comprehensive among manufacturers, and I was please to see a recent update for Amazon Instant Video add support for the remote's precise cursor control - a first among third party apps and something Netflix should have added long ago. The H6400 flawlessly streamed 1080p video from popular services over its WiFi link, and a bandwidth speed test using its built-in web browser revealed no problem saturating a 60Mbps/6Mbps (down/up) connection. In a pinch, Bluetooth mouse and keyboard support effectively transform the H6400 in to a convenient Internet workstation.
Not quirkless
Similar to Samsung's otherwise awesome 4K UHD HU8550 television (read review), the H6400 overscaned 720p broadcast channels like ABC and Fox when using its built-in over-the-air (OTA) tuner - 720p input via the TV's four HDMI ports could be configured to not cut off the edges of the video picture. Also, navigating the H6400's channel guide was annoyingly sluggish.
The H6400's excellent color accuracy (note the CalMAN Color Checker result below) was tempered by benchmark tests that revealed a slight loss of fine color detail with component video (YCbCr) encoded sources (most HDMI video devices). RGB encoded HDMI input didn't exhibit this loss.
Audio quality from the H6400's down-firing stereo speakers was surprisingly weak sounding. Enabling the TV's DTS TruSurround sound mode did improve the listening experience, but I recommend adding a good soundbar/soundstand for a more immersive home theater experience!
Bottom line
Everyone appreciates a great deal on good technology, and the Samsung H6400 Series Smart TV is an above average HDTV with picture performance comparable to TVs that cost much more. In my time with the H6400, Samsung has pushed a couple of firmware update, and I'll update this article if any future updates address the few quirks noted above.
Read my complete review of the Samsung H6400 Series Smart TV at HD Guru.
Reader Comments (1)
Can I change default source on hdmi1?
Hi Danijel! Are you talking about using an HDMI switch with the TV's HDMI port #1? If so, the answer is yes. If not, please provide more details.
--Robert