31/07/2022
Features: got what you need
It’s fair to say the AU7100 isn’t exactly groaning under the weight of its spec sheet – but it’s hardly been sold short either.
Three HDMI inputs should be enough for all but port-hungry power users, plus all three include the Auto Low Latency Mode aspect of HDMI 2.1 specification – though we’d expect committed next-gen gamers to need a bit more than that.
There’s an Ethernet socket, a USB input, a CI card slot and an RF aerial binding post – and that’s your lot for physical inputs. Outputs run to a digital optical socket, while one of the HDMIs is eARC-enabled – meaning one cable can carry higher quality audio to a soundbar or AV receiver. Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi take care of wireless connectivity.
No matter how you get your content on board, it’s displayed on a 4K LCD/LED panel with edge-positioned backlighting. The AU7100 is part of Samsung’s ‘Crystal UHD’ range, and it’s fitted with the company’s ‘Crystal Processor 4K’ chip – which means, like all Samsung TVs, it’s good with every HDR standard except Dolby Vision. Everyone but Samsung, it seems, loves Dolby Vision.