Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review
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Samsung LN46A550 LCD HDTV : Detailed Info, Features.
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer's Description--March 24, 2008
Samsung's 550 Series is a perfect way to step up to Full HD 1080p resolution. A fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes for sports and action movies, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 makes for deep blacks and crisp lines (15,000:1 in 32-inch and 37-inch models). Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means these HDTVs play well with all of your other electronics. Easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through the side-mounted USB 2.0, turn your LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect your MP3 player for a dynamic audio experience.
Key Features
* New -- 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 15,000:1 on 2007 models (15,000 on 32-inch and 37-inch models)
* New -- Fast 5ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
Features
- Full HD 1080p Resolution
- Wide Color Enhancer
- 3 HDMI Inputs
- USB 2.0
- HDMI-CDC
Incredible Value and Performance5
The Samsung LN46A550 was at the top of our list for quite some time while we researched the quality and value of Flat Panel LCDs that were in the 42 - 46 inch range. While other TVs may have done slightly better in terms of price, the quality of Samsung televisions have surpassed even Sony in recent years as they consistently rank as one of the top brands. This TV is no different.
We were not in need of all the bells and whistles that are advertised on the later models of the Samsungs, such as the 120Hz refresh rate. This feature may smooth out intense sports action but as the human eye can only process a 60Hz refresh rate, the 120Hz will often tire your eyes out after viewing too long (this is why looking at an LCD monitor for a computer too long tires your eyes out).
As for its performance, we could not be happier. The Dark Night on Blu-ray played via a PS3 hooked up with HDMI 6FT / 2M Super High Resolution Male to Male Cable by Eforcity looked absolutely stunning. The 1080p resolution on this TV is incredible. People may complain about artifacts and pixelation while watching TV but that issue (which I have experienced) is not the TV itself. The fact that it can play Blu-ray movies at full 1080p resolution flawlessly indicates that the problem lies with the video source. The free HD channels I get as a Time Warner subscriber in NYC look amazing, but they do get a bit pixely sometimes during intense camera movement and action. This is also added to by the fact that even channels that are supposedly broadcasting in HD are using compression techniques that lower the quality on the subscriber's end. Unfortunately there is nothing to be done about it but wait for HD to become the standard. Everything still looks great and I do not regret this purchase in the slightest. Even the sound quality surprised me (it may not be 5.1 surround but it was better than I expected after reading people's reviews here).
Excellent TV5
This TV is great, Ive had it for a month and a half with no problems whatsoever. The color/tone was perfect straight out of the box for me. It is also extremely quiet and doesnt give off any heat (I have it in a very small room and the temperature in there and the rest of the house is the same). I also really like the matte finish of the screen. This tv sits directly across the room from a window where the glare was tterrible with a normal tv but it is significantly reduced with this one. That is one way this tv is actually better than the A650, which has a glossy reflective screen.
I use it for over-the-air HD tv which looks great (if you have a strong signal on your antenna) and blu-ray movies, but the thing i use it for most is my Playstation 3. These two were made for eachother! The games look stunning even though most of them are only 720p. This TV doesnt have the 120Hz refresh rate like the A650 (which Ive seen because my parents have the A650). The 120hz refresh rate is nice for nature programs, animated movies, and sports but I actually do not like it for live action movies and tv shows. I feel like it looks like you're on the film set, which sounds good, but it really makes it look fake to me for some reason. Videogames currently only output at 60Hz so the 120Hz refresh rate makes no difference for them.
Overall I am extremely happy with this TV and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a nice HDtv, especially if your budget is a little tight.
Great hdtv5
Great tv for a reasonable price. Excellent picture quality. We have a surround sound system and it truly is like being at the movies.
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HD Ready (1366x768) To appreciate just how good a high definition picture is, it helps to know how TVs, DVDs and VHS worked in the past. Until recently, there was only one type of broadcast format – Standard definition - SD. With SD, the level of detail in the picture resolution is limited. SD has a resolution of 720 X 576, which means 576 horizontal lines of 720 pixels each. Pixels are the dots which make up a digital picture. The new HD formats boost resolution far beyond SD, giving your TV a level of clarity and detail that is absolutely breathtaking. 
BRAVIA Theatre Sync BRAVIA Theatre Sync is a new way of controlling Home Theatre setups. Using HDMI connections and one remote control, signals can be sent between the various units that make up the system. BRAVIA Theatre Sync is designed to cut out any complexity so you can concentrate on enjoying the movie. Just one push of a button and the audio equipment and TV are switched on, the correct inputs selected and the Blu-ray DiscTM or DVD player starts to play. 
