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Usability
In previous reviews of Samsung's smart TVs we've barely mentioned its SmartView 2.0 'second screen' app, so here's a few thoughts on how it interacts with the UE48H6500. Freely available for both iOS and Android devices – that's both phones and tablets, thankfully – SmartView 2.0 operates primarily as a second screen, essentially replicating what is playing on the TV. For example, watch BBC1 and that's what will show on the app, though it is a good few seconds delayed. As well as going full screen, you can choose channels from a list.
Sadly this doesn't work with anything plugged into the HDMI inputs, so it's not possible to watch a Blu-ray disc via SmartView 2.0.
I'm also not quite sure who needs this functionality. More interesting is the option to stream videos and music from the smartphone/tablet to the UE48H6500. It mines your phone or tablet for media and presents them nicely; there's a colourful grid of JPG photos and MP4/MOV videos it finds, and a list of MP3 files organised by artist/album or A-Z. It's all really well laid-out and good-looking,
SmartView 2.0 also has a virtual remote control page, which looks best on the tablet version. Nicely spread-out and with a metallic look that's reminiscent of the TV's palm-sized smart remote (it's actually a lot easier to use).
Another issue is repeated use; each time you fire-up the app it goes through the mis-named 'auto discovery' mode and you have to wait, then choose your TV from a list.
Sound
Low frequency sound seems a bit hollow from the UE48H6500's built-in 10W stereo speakers, but the overall audio performance is actually rather impressive. Primed to deliver dialogue from live TV, there's plenty of treble detail and not a hint of hiss. It also goes to loud volumes without distortion. Is this a by-product of the UE48H6500's chubby chassis? Perhaps so. Still, those after a proper movie-grade sound system can, at least route audio from live TV to a home cinema via the UE48H6500's rear-mounted digital optical audio output.
Value
Since the UE48H6500 is selling for £1,049 on Samsung UK's website and half that amount on the high street and online, it has got to be considered an absolute steal, though there are cheaper 48-inchers out there. Two pairs of 3D glasses in the box seems reasonably good value, too.
