Samsung A550 46" LCD TV Thoughts?

**DeathCougar** · 02-09-2009, 12:35 AM

My girlfriend is dead set on purchasing an HDTV, so i helped her look for some options today.

I think we have decided on a Samsung 46" LCD, model LN46A550.

What i am looking for is peoples thoughts, experiences, etc regarding this and similar televisions. This will be one of the bigger purchases she and I have ever made, so any help would be great.

We have already decided to purchase the longest extended warranty they offer, given our personal track record with electronics!

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Elton · 02-09-2009, 12:57 AM

my friend has a 32'' lcd sony bravia and high def satellite picture quality is great bright and crisp

olharleyman · 02-09-2009, 01:06 AM

I been checking out lots of tv's and there was a report some where that ranked the VIZIO 46" both best visual and most adaptable for blue ray dvd video games and hd viewing and the prices are around $1100 for the 1080 set check them out may be a better deal

X-AWDriver · 02-09-2009, 01:11 AM

I've been doing research for my mom who wants a 40"+ and I checked out the same Samsung and it's hard to beat for the price and performanced and the only cons I saw pop up in reviews (professional and user) was the speakers aren't so good (but an external receiver is the fix) and the lack of a 120hz refresh rate showed some blurring during fast action but not anything that noticeable.

This is one of the TVs my mom might settle on since the sub $1500 is hard to beat.

How much did you find it for?

***Corey*** · 02-09-2009, 02:17 AM

I have the 40" version, and it is awesome.
I can not remember the model #, but I think it is the same 5 series.
Got it this past fall.

**DeathCougar** · 02-09-2009, 10:17 AM

The best price we have been able to find it for is $1099 at Video only, and we are going to buy the extended warranty.

The only thing I didn't like was the 60hz refresh, but if you want 120hz you gotta step up and pay $$$. We went into best buy to compare side by side, and this TV seemed to have the best clarity and color.

***Corey*** · 02-09-2009, 10:51 AM

I do not see any blurring with my 60 Hz one.
Here is the model, and I paid $1K for it.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1205537712071

It has dropped $100 since I bought it, and originally is was $1.1K when I went in, but it dropped to $1K.

**DeathCougar** · 02-09-2009, 10:58 AM

Best buy wants $1249 for the one we are looking at. Clearly not the "best buy" lol. And they also only price match within their own company, they do not price match their competitors. What is the point of that?

The main differences between the one we are looking at and yours, besides size, is contrast. 30,000:1 instead of 20,000:1. Not the biggest concern in the world though. Both are 1080p. I figured its about time to start taking advantage of that comcast HD i have been paying for lol.

***Corey*** · 02-09-2009, 11:01 AM

Yeah, I finally went with the HD DVR set top box awhile back too.
I only record shows now on the HD channels.

Shows look amazing.
CSI Miami the colors when they show the ocean beaches and the sky scrapers looks really amazing.

I bought a Blu-Ray player also a few weeks after getting the TV.

jjrgr21 · 02-09-2009, 11:02 AM

we have a samsung 40 and like it pretty good. the samsung and sanyo's by far have the best picture IMO

**DeathCougar** · 02-09-2009, 11:26 AM

This is all very good and reassuring info guys!

And if we get it and it breaks, Im taking a trip to Coreys house

We also have the HD DVR service, I love it. Comcast has added a TON of HD channels since we first got the programming. Now everything we watch is in HD, even though all we have is a 32" Analog TV. Previous roomate had a 62" samsung plasma...it was pretty fancy

***Corey*** · 02-09-2009, 11:29 AM

Wait until you see some DVDs on it Josh.
I have Wall-E that cartoon, but it is not Blu-Ray.
But it looks fantastic on the LCD.

Battle Star Galactica looked great Friday night, heck most shows do.

X-AWDriver · 02-09-2009, 11:52 AM

You should really see Wall-E on Blu-ray.

We have three LGs (32" and 37" 720p in the bedrooms and a 1080p 42" in the family room) and all have been problem free and deliver a picture similar to the Samsung and coupled with the PS3's BD player and our HD DVR movies look awesome.

Got the 42" for $800 right before Christmas but now it's $400 higher.

SteveO · 02-09-2009, 03:09 PM

A couple of things to consider:

If you live at sea level, go with a Plasma, the picture is faster and better.
If you live above 5k feet, go with the LCD.

I originally purchased a Sony 46" LCD from Costco and thought it was pretty cool.
Then, a month later, Costco had the 52" 120Hz LCD. Took my 46" back and picked up the 52" 120Hz Sony Bravia LCD.

120Hz....what a difference. If you haven't picked up A LCD yet, be absolutely sure you get the 120Hz LCD, there is a big difference. When watching Blue Ray movies (PS3) on the 120Hz screen, some movies are just eye-popping.

I would highly recommend you go to a store and take a close look at the standard LCD and the 120Hz LCD. Have them put on one of the Pirates moves in Blue Ray....there is a noticeable difference.

then again, this is all just an opinion, and my two cents worth

X-AWDriver · 02-10-2009, 06:29 AM

I'm not sold on Plasma no matter what altitude I'd be living at unless I have a very dark room to watch it in,I can't stand the glass screens as they reflect everything and don't do well in a room that's lit up;Plasmas also generate alot of heat but plasma's black color is better than an LCDs.

hernameisyota · 02-10-2009, 06:35 AM

well i used to work at best buy for 2 years so any ? just ask but all i can tell you is go samsung there the best i have a 40in a650 the only thing i can say is 120hz kicks ass you cant beat these tvs if you can go for the 120hz and get the hd dish from your satellite company its like 10 more bucks a month umm other than that nice tv.

SteveO · 02-10-2009, 07:58 AM

Something I've noticed about the Plasma screens is that indeed, they do have darker dark colors, and they don't blur as much as LCD in high action scenes. Of course the down size is that each plasma bubble has some gas in it, which is affected by high elevation. Seven thousand feet is pretty much the ceiling for Plasma screens. I've got a couple of buddies that have plasma sets, and after just a couple of years, they have the all to familiar buzzing. We live at about 6700 feet.

The plasma screens are getting better with their anti-reflective coatings, but again, you need to know your elevation....no matter what the salesman tells you.

I absolutely love my 120Hz Bravia screen...the COD4 is really nice on a 52" screen.

EWAYota · 02-10-2009, 08:10 AM

we just bought a 47" Vizio, 120hz from Costco for 999.99. I love this thing to death. We thought about a Sony for a bit more but decided on the Vizio. We thought about getting the 55" Vizio for a few 100 more but decided against it. I'll tell ya, if you look at the tv's side by side, you see the differance, take it home and any set looks pretty darn good. Vizio is also releasing their new line in June, consisting of a new 47 and 55" 240hz sets.

Also with Costco, we get the 1 year warranty from Vizio plus another year from Costco and Vizio's extended warranties after that aren't badly priced at all.

SteveO · 02-10-2009, 08:22 AM

"240Hz" sets. Man those must look really sweet. At that point, there would be no need to get a plasma. With our 120Hz model, we get a little bit of pixelation in high-speed sequences, but nothing too drastic or overly noticeable.

**DeathCougar** · 02-10-2009, 08:43 AM

So the general consensus is 120Hz? I am thinking that is the direction we may go.

We have located an LG that is only a few hundred more, and is a 120Hz set.

Btw, DON'T buy at Circuit City. Their "Going out of business" prices are MORE than most other stores normal prices!

SteveO · 02-10-2009, 08:54 AM

LOL, Circuit City still over charging customers, even though they are supposedly "liquidating" their stock....

Yeah, don't even consider anything less than 120Hz. There is a BIG difference between the 120Hz and the standard 60Hz screens. Check em out side by side in Best Buy or Costco with a HD movie playing. Make sure its an HD movie on a HD player, not an upgrade converter that just upgrades a standard DVD to HD size. There is a difference. In the long run, you'll be glad you spent the few extra hundred bucks for the better picture.

**DeathCougar** · 02-10-2009, 09:07 AM

We went to Video Only last night and compared them side by side. The 120hz was wayyyyyy better.

We also compared Samsung next to LG, and i could not find any noticable difference.

For now, all we have is an upgrade converter DVD player. It was only $100 for a 5 disc, so i will work for now. When I upgrade my surround system, i will get a better DVD player as well.

TurnerR · 02-20-2009, 08:01 PM

Not sure where you guys live but around here the only deals at circuit city are the TV's. They have some insane deals... I have a 40" Sony Bravia and love it. Picture is amazing. I don't have blu-ray but the HD channels are mind blowing. I was off work one day while my wife worked and watched all of the discovery planet earth episodes. I have no idea what they said but I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. lol

**waskillywabbit** · 02-20-2009, 08:04 PM

I have the Samsung 1080 46" LCD TV and it rocks. It was the same size as the mirror we replaced it with so that is the size we got. I LOVE watching sports on it when I do watch TV. Awesome unit and since Samsung builds most of the components for all the others' tvs anyway, why not get a Samsung to start with?

We mounted ours over the fireplace with about a 15 degree tilt...perfect angle for sitting on the sectional all stretched out.

**DeathCougar** · 02-20-2009, 08:04 PM

Planet earth is really a great show.

Comcast has added a TON of HD channels, so now we watch all our shows in HD. Its great!

We went with the 47" LG, and after playing with the RealMotion settings, this TV is amazing. No pixilation problems at all, and video games on the Xbox360 look amazing.

02-09-2009, 12:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,671	my friend has a 32'' lcd sony bravia and high def satellite picture quality is great bright and crisp __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

02-09-2009, 01:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	I been checking out lots of tv's and there was a report some where that ranked the VIZIO 46" both best visual and most adaptable for blue ray dvd video games and hd viewing and the prices are around $1100 for the 1080 set check them out may be a better deal __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq.

02-09-2009, 01:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 10,179	I've been doing research for my mom who wants a 40"+ and I checked out the same Samsung and it's hard to beat for the price and performanced and the only cons I saw pop up in reviews (professional and user) was the speakers aren't so good (but an external receiver is the fix) and the lack of a 120hz refresh rate showed some blurring during fast action but not anything that noticeable. This is one of the TVs my mom might settle on since the sub $1500 is hard to beat. How much did you find it for? __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

02-09-2009, 02:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,081	I have the 40" version, and it is awesome. I can not remember the model #, but I think it is the same 5 series. Got it this past fall. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-09-2009, 10:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,081	I do not see any blurring with my 60 Hz one. Here is the model, and I paid $1K for it. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1205537712071 It has dropped $100 since I bought it, and originally is was $1.1K when I went in, but it dropped to $1K. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-09-2009, 11:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,081	Yeah, I finally went with the HD DVR set top box awhile back too. I only record shows now on the HD channels. Shows look amazing. CSI Miami the colors when they show the ocean beaches and the sky scrapers looks really amazing. I bought a Blu-Ray player also a few weeks after getting the TV. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-09-2009, 11:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,520	we have a samsung 40 and like it pretty good. the samsung and sanyo's by far have the best picture IMO __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

02-09-2009, 11:29 AM	#12 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,081	Wait until you see some DVDs on it Josh. I have Wall-E that cartoon, but it is not Blu-Ray. But it looks fantastic on the LCD. Battle Star Galactica looked great Friday night, heck most shows do. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-09-2009, 11:52 AM	#13 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 10,179	You should really see Wall-E on Blu-ray. We have three LGs (32" and 37" 720p in the bedrooms and a 1080p 42" in the family room) and all have been problem free and deliver a picture similar to the Samsung and coupled with the PS3's BD player and our HD DVR movies look awesome. Got the 42" for $800 right before Christmas but now it's $400 higher. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

02-09-2009, 03:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	A couple of things to consider: If you live at sea level, go with a Plasma, the picture is faster and better. If you live above 5k feet, go with the LCD. I originally purchased a Sony 46" LCD from Costco and thought it was pretty cool. Then, a month later, Costco had the 52" 120Hz LCD. Took my 46" back and picked up the 52" 120Hz Sony Bravia LCD. 120Hz....what a difference. If you haven't picked up A LCD yet, be absolutely sure you get the 120Hz LCD, there is a big difference. When watching Blue Ray movies (PS3) on the 120Hz screen, some movies are just eye-popping. I would highly recommend you go to a store and take a close look at the standard LCD and the 120Hz LCD. Have them put on one of the Pirates moves in Blue Ray....there is a noticeable difference. then again, this is all just an opinion, and my two cents worth __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

02-10-2009, 06:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 10,179	I'm not sold on Plasma no matter what altitude I'd be living at unless I have a very dark room to watch it in,I can't stand the glass screens as they reflect everything and don't do well in a room that's lit up;Plasmas also generate alot of heat but plasma's black color is better than an LCDs. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

02-10-2009, 06:35 AM	#16 (permalink)
hernameisyota Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 17	well i used to work at best buy for 2 years so any ? just ask but all i can tell you is go samsung there the best i have a 40in a650 the only thing i can say is 120hz kicks ass you cant beat these tvs if you can go for the 120hz and get the hd dish from your satellite company its like 10 more bucks a month umm other than that nice tv.

02-10-2009, 07:58 AM	#17 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	Something I've noticed about the Plasma screens is that indeed, they do have darker dark colors, and they don't blur as much as LCD in high action scenes. Of course the down size is that each plasma bubble has some gas in it, which is affected by high elevation. Seven thousand feet is pretty much the ceiling for Plasma screens. I've got a couple of buddies that have plasma sets, and after just a couple of years, they have the all to familiar buzzing. We live at about 6700 feet. The plasma screens are getting better with their anti-reflective coatings, but again, you need to know your elevation....no matter what the salesman tells you. I absolutely love my 120Hz Bravia screen...the COD4 is really nice on a 52" screen. __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

02-10-2009, 08:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,597	we just bought a 47" Vizio, 120hz from Costco for 999.99. I love this thing to death. We thought about a Sony for a bit more but decided on the Vizio. We thought about getting the 55" Vizio for a few 100 more but decided against it. I'll tell ya, if you look at the tv's side by side, you see the differance, take it home and any set looks pretty darn good. Vizio is also releasing their new line in June, consisting of a new 47 and 55" 240hz sets. Also with Costco, we get the 1 year warranty from Vizio plus another year from Costco and Vizio's extended warranties after that aren't badly priced at all. __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Preping for SAS...... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace

02-10-2009, 08:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	"240Hz" sets. Man those must look really sweet. At that point, there would be no need to get a plasma. With our 120Hz model, we get a little bit of pixelation in high-speed sequences, but nothing too drastic or overly noticeable. __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

02-10-2009, 08:54 AM	#21 (permalink)
SteveO Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NM Posts: 1,848	LOL, Circuit City still over charging customers, even though they are supposedly "liquidating" their stock.... Yeah, don't even consider anything less than 120Hz. There is a BIG difference between the 120Hz and the standard 60Hz screens. Check em out side by side in Best Buy or Costco with a HD movie playing. Make sure its an HD movie on a HD player, not an upgrade converter that just upgrades a standard DVD to HD size. There is a difference. In the long run, you'll be glad you spent the few extra hundred bucks for the better picture. __________________ http://www.Hunt4Steve.com In the span of time, life is short. Our life is like a wave on the ocean, a flower in the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Know yourself, know where you will spend eternity, for NOTHING else will matter when you die.

02-20-2009, 08:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
TurnerR Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 109	Not sure where you guys live but around here the only deals at circuit city are the TV's. They have some insane deals... I have a 40" Sony Bravia and love it. Picture is amazing. I don't have blu-ray but the HD channels are mind blowing. I was off work one day while my wife worked and watched all of the discovery planet earth episodes. I have no idea what they said but I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. lol __________________ 1996 Tacoma, Standard Cab, 2.7, 5 speed, 31x10.50 A/Ts SOLD 2008 scion xD 2007 Honda cbr600rr 1970 Ford Bronco

02-20-2009, 08:04 PM	#24 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,559	I have the Samsung 1080 46" LCD TV and it rocks. It was the same size as the mirror we replaced it with so that is the size we got. I LOVE watching sports on it when I do watch TV. Awesome unit and since Samsung builds most of the components for all the others' tvs anyway, why not get a Samsung to start with? We mounted ours over the fireplace with about a 15 degree tilt...perfect angle for sitting on the sectional all stretched out. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale Last edited by waskillywabbit; 02-20-2009 at 08:05 PM.

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