Samsung LCDs?

H

Homebrew

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Mrs. Homebrew and I are looking to replace a first generation CRT HDTV with an LCD (not interested in Plasma). Consumer Reports heaps much praise on the Samsung models. Can anyone with personal experience speak to them?
 
I am by no means an HDTV expert, but have been very happy with my Samsung 4661. Great picture, and no complaints after 1+ years of ownership.
 
I just recently purchased an LCD HDTV and for me it came down to the Samsung 5 Series and the Sony Bravia S series. I found both to be comparable, solid televisions for the price and ended up going with the Sony because after comparing the two side-by-side I just liked the picture from the Sony a little better. Plus it was $50 less...

Through my looking around it seems like the Samsung TVs are solid choices. Perhaps check out the Sony Bravia line as well. Happy hunting.
 
we bought one earlier this spring. it's great. looks at amazon.com before you buy-- they have the best prices, no tax, and free "white glove" delivery
 
You are going to need to list a price if you want some help. The 55a950 is there newest TV and can be found for $4,200. They go down from there. What are you looking to spend?
 
I just bought a Sony 40" LCD 1080p 120Hz yesterday for $1299 at Frys. It has a great picture and was at a pretty good price to get he 120Hz feature. I liked it better than the 40" Samsungs in the same price range. If you are interested in one, they are on sale through tomorrow.

SONY KDL40W4100 40" 1080P 120Hz LCD HDTV
 
Are you size limited?

Also, why did you foreclose on the plasma option? Reason I ask is most of the Sammy LCDs have a glossy panel that mimics the same reflective properties of the plasma glass panel.
 
Here you go:

Amazon 52" 630

It has the 120 hz processing for motion. I wish I would've waited and bought this one instead of the 550 (no 120 hz). As far as the 120 hz, I could tell a difference in store with moving scrolls (such as espn scores at the bottom of the screen). It is almost like wearing glasses if you are near sighted. The text is much clearer. That was the biggest difference. I was able to price match Fry's at Best Buy for the 52a550 at $1599. After paying tax, I would've much rather had the 630 shipped from Amazon, no tax, for $1999. The 630 is just like the 650 but with a matte screen for better daytime viewing if you have a lot of ambient light. It is also $150 cheaper than the 650. The 550 I have is stunning in HD. I can live with it.

By the way, on that Amazon link they have a $200 gift rebate to mountedmemories.com for purchasing this tv. You don't just have to buy from Amazon to get this, it is a Samsung rebate. They sell sports memorabilia. Here is their Longhorn stuff:

Longhorns
 
No real size constraints. Why no plasma? I'm not a fan of the heat generated by or electricity consumption of plasma displays.
 
Its my understanding that plasma screens have glass covers and that makes them more prone to issues with glare which means you may need a dark environment to use them well. Older plasmas were prone to "burn in" if left with the same image too long. I think that problem has been fixed on most of the newer models though.

The big advantage that plasma has had over LCD seems to be shrinking. Plasma has been better for watching scenes with quick motion like sports and action movies, but the LCD technology has closed the gap recently with the 120 Hz feature. I think on the whole that the industry is going away from plasma. Most of the newer models are LCD. I heard that if you want a plasma that the better brands are Pioneer and Panasonic.
 
Totally hear you on the power consumption - that's why I asked for clarity. To that end, the LED DLP solution will typically deliver 33-50% less power consumption than an LCD panel (and that translates into less heat as well).

Just a thought.

As for the LCD solution, the Samsung 650 is a great value TV - and you can find its slightly bigger brother (some largely cosmetic differences and a few connectivity plusses - but same image quality and drivers), the 750, on sale at BB and other stores right now. Both will come in below $2,500 in a 52" size.

If the glare bothers you, the 630 is a solid choice - but you lose image quality with the semi-matte screen. Less glare for less "pop."

The other TV you may consider is the Sony W (mentioned above) or Z series. The Z only goes up to 46" but delivers a very solid picture quality and is their top-of-the-line non-XBR set. But, read about "sparklies" and uneven backlight issues before you jump into the Sony so you know what you are looking at. Both Sony's have the low-gloss matte screen.
 
If you don't care how much it costs, get a Sony. If you want the best bang for your buck, get a Samsung.
 
LCD = Lima Charlie Delta

smile.gif
 
Guys becareful when you talk about LCD and glare. The models that you are discussing, 650 and 750 series use a plastic screen on the front of them to help with brightness and contrast. The down side to doing this is that it actually gives off a bigger glare then any plasma out there right now. It also cuts off your viewing angle. Straight on it looks good, but take two steps to the side and watch the blacks wash out and a haze come over the screen. At the same price point, I go to the Sony W4100 like another poster stated. No glare better viewing and no red(ou) boarder on your new TV.
 
True, the 650 and 750 have a glossy screen much like a plasma. But, don't confuse these with the Sammy 630. It has all the bells and whistles of the 650 but with a matte screen to cut down on glare. This is only an issue if you have a window or light that will reflect off the screen while viewing.

To be honest, you really can't go wrong. The Sony is a solid choice, as is the Sammy. You will be very happy with either. Don't think too hard about it. Make the jump, you will be glad you did.
 
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