Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The SAMSUNG LN46A550 has full 1080p HD resolution and an astounding 30,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio for the sharpest, most realistic picture quality ever, all on a 46-inch screen. And if you want to watch sports events and action-packed movies like never before, a fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes. This TV turns your high-definition dreams into a definite, crystal-clear reality. 2 Composite (AV) inputs 3 HDMI inputs PC input (D-sub) S-Video input Headphone output RF antenna inputs Viewing Angle - 178 x 178 degrees DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) - Samsung's innovative DNIe technology delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that is closer to film. (Both analog/digital) SRS TruSurround XT - produces virtual surround sound with the left and right speakers Amplifier watts per channel - 10 Watts x 2 Built-in digital tuner - ATSC / Clear QAM Picture-in-Picture mode Wide color enhancer optimizes a color's hue resulting in more natural colors Bottom speakers Sound leveler Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection HDMI-CEC allows peripheral devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by TV remote control Auto wall mount compatible 3-dimensional operation via TV's control; no external IR receiver required Stereo broadcast reception (MTS & SAP) with 181-channel capacity V-Chip system for parental control Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals Includes Swivel stand TV dimensions without stand - 44.4 x 27.6 x 3.9 TV dimensions without stand weight - 51.4 lbs TV dimensions with stand - 44.4 x 30.2 x 11.0; TV dimensions with stand weight - 60.8lbs Black finish

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) (Learn more) New -- Fast 5ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal Full 1080p HD (Learn more) 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (Learn more) 3 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant (Learn more) USB 2.0 port: connect devices directly to your HDTV--view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance (Learn more) Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more) Wide Color Enhancer technology and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) offer a wider color range (Learn more) Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content. Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French. Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals. Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required. Swivel stand included 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support Step Up Features Series 6: 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, AutoMotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion, 4ms response time, Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel, Clear Panel, Ethernet port with Infolink free RSS feeds, 4 HDMI 1.3 ports, Sports and Game modes, Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia Series 7: Internal flash memory (1GB) with pre-loaded interactive content such as cooking recipes, children's entertainment, HD artwork and more, Integrated woofer for an enhanced audio experience, DLNA-Compatible: for better interoperability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers What size TV should you get? Learn More Full HD 1080P Full HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HDTVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable. Samsung’s 1080p panel uses a new high-speed liquid crystal to cut response time to 4ms. The fast response time, coupled with Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120Hz motion blur reduction technology dramatically reduces motion blur and judder. 30,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio/500 nit Brightness 30,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio will give you a picture better than you ever thought possible, with whiter whites, blacker blacks and a nearly infinite subtlety of gradations in between. As two of the most important determining factors in overall picture quality, contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this latest generation LCD panel. Samsung’s new LCD TV’s give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever. Digital Natural Image Engine DNIe The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine. This exclusive Samsung technology dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, white balance and reduces. Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) has established the color standards all TVs in America try to meet. And typical LCD TVs only meet about 72% of this standard. Samsung LCD HDTVs use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp back lights to give you 92% coverage of the NTSC standard, ensuring truer, more breathlessly vivid colors. Samsung’s exclusive Wide Color Enhancer technology delivers more brilliant colors, even in bright areas of the picture where blues and greens are washed out on conventional screens. The system displays wider color reproduction, showing you truer colors – the fresh green of spring foliage, the intense blue of the summer sky. Connectivity To make the Series 6 a true entertainment hub for any home, Samsung has incorporated advanced HD connectivity and networking capabilities that expand the HDTV’s functionality. A wide variety of multimedia devices can be connected to the set through any one of the four Simplay compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs (including one on the side), and the handy HDMI-CEC feature lets you control all your CEC-enabled peripherals using just one remote. Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the 2 rear connections and use the side-mounted input for cameras, camcorders, and laptops. HDMI is the best performing interface for displaying an HD source on an HDTV. Once connected, users can easily access device menus and manage and display content through the newly redesigned Wheel Key Remote control and the HDTV’s sophisticated content management interface. All Connections 3 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) version 1.3: (2 rear/1 side) Component video: 2 rear (Y, Pb, Pr) Composite inputs: 1 rear (shared with component) / 1 side S-Video: 1 side PC input: 1 rear Wiselink® (USB 2.0) RF antenna inputs Headphone jack: side Super Patterned Vertical Alignment Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel provides a 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes Audio Features TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass. TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience. Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper. TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself. The SRS WOW feature widens the sound stage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system. Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing. Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room? With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5 Series 5 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 32-inch, 37-inch, 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models Series 6 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 19-inch, 22-inch, 32-inch, 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models Series 7 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models

I have had this TV for about 3 months now and it is very nice. Everything works and performs wonderfully. The colors are great and the picture is clear and very customizable. It is a nice looking TV as well, and the swivel stand makes it very easy to get to the back. Not to mention it is fairly thin and lightweight too. The ratio adjustment is great for different resolutions for different inputs. Not having to adjust the screen after playing a game to watching TV is very nice. Only 2 things bug me about the TV, first the speakers sound a little muffled at times and some options can only be used, such as PIP, by going into the menus and then adjusting it needs more menu browsing. Besides these 2 minor gripes it is an excellent TV quality-wise. I would recommend fully, and if you use external speakers there is no reason not to go with this series of TV.

OK, if you have been looking, really consider this set. I researched this television purchase for over a year, we wanted a bigger (not the biggest) set, this 46" Samsung fit the size AND PRICE needs. We have a small Samsung of the same age and it was very good with picture, action, color and ease of operation. But...should you make a major , large sized purchase online, without a brick and mortar store to get it back to? Even off Amazon....? The price was under $1500, this was the exact set Consumer Reports had given a glowing report to in the last issue and local retailers raved about Samsung sets they sold (I was shopping for Sony Bravia at the time)and Amazon's White Glove delivery seemed as if it should be ok...so ordered. Set came from PA to WI-Milwaukee, to be exact. It was in Milwaukee in a couple days, took the Milwaukee shipper 4 or 5 to get it here. We live in a small city, they probably make a run north once a week, when you are rural, you know this is the set up, so I was fine with the time issue. The delivery truck this shipper used was very well built, the Mercedes of vans....did, indeed have a Mercedes engine, items inside were ALL televisions and all were standing as they should, delivery fellow very cooperative...so, as a Wisconsin customer, all was reassuring. (We had had difficulty with smaller electronics by mail before, not through Amazon). The sound issue everyone speaks of....well, I notice it because everyone notices it and I knew to listen for it. Does the basic job.. Add some sound system if you want, we probably will when we get time. The motion issues have not occured, sports are fine, haven't tried games yet. Very user friendly for using menus and setting options. Do follow the guidelines for HOW FAR TO SIT from the television, sit too close and of course you will see the technology doing what it does! For our size set, it was recommended to be 11 feet or more away and at that distance or more, great, as it should be.

Samsung is really making a name for themselves with their LCD TVs and other LCD products. The LN46A550 continues Samsung's tradition of higher standards of quality for their TV division, maintaining themselves as a top tier LCD manufacturer, alongside Sony and Sharp (Don't bother looking at other brands, particularly the cheaper ones: they lack reliability or picture quality). This set offers excellent picture quality for high definition media and TV at a very economical price. The only caveat is that a separate sound system would be recommended, as the range on the set's speakers is a bit lacking. This will be my fourth Samsung LCD product that I have purchased that I am surprisingly very happy with. My previous LCD HDTV was the LNR268W, a 26" 1080i set, which I happily owned for two years. It had great picture quality and surprisingly good sound, but because of the smaller size, the higher resolutions were a bit of a moot point. After waiting for prices on larger LCD sets (36"+) to come down some, and comparing many models, I decided on the LN46A550. GOOD: 1. The price of this set delivered cannot be beat. I had tried haggling with some big box retailers to bring down their pricing, but considering I'd be charged tax, there is no way they would be able to match Amazon's price + no tax + free shipping. This was my first major electronics purchase (all priors were for smaller items) from Amazon and I was very pleased with the speed and quality of the service. 2. After doing some tuning with the TV's settings using some professionally calibrated picture quality settings found on a thread in AVSforum (A popular forum for high end video fans), the LN46A550 was able to realize a great range of natural colors, contrast, and blacks and whites. It really brought out the picture and quality of my Blu-Ray discs, standard definition TV, PS3 games, and regular DVDs. With 5ms response time, I am not noticing as much ghosting as I did with my older 8ms response time set. Some of the higher end Sony's and Sharps can achieve similar results, but at a significantly higher price. It is of note that many of the preset color and picture quality settings on the TV are already very good, compared with other LCD manufacturers. 3. An awesome number of video inputs. 4. The additional features found in the A650 and A750 models did not seem to offset the increase in price, making the A550 the best buy. BAD: 1. Internal speakers are awful. I was able to tune them to get passable sound, but they still lack clarity if the volume is cranked up. Either all highs, all lows, or drowned out sound in the middle. A separate audio receiver and speaker set should be used with this TV. (If you have a 46" LCD HDTV and HD media, this is a must) Overall, this is a great set and I am very pleased with it. Despite the poor quality of the internal speakers, the overwhelming quality of the rest of the features give this LCD HDTV a full 5 stars. Samsung has a great reputation for the reliability of their LCD TV products, so I don't anticipate worrying about RMA's like some of the cheaper brands like Vizio, Olevia and Westinghouse that I was considered beforehand. If you're on the fence about which TV to get, consider this one. Price isn't dropping and I've seen it actually go up a bit.

I purchased this TV a month ago to replace a Sharp 46" (Costco model# LC46D62U) LCD that I used for two months before puchasing this TV. I did not like the black level, viewing angle, and VGA input not supporting 1920x1080 on the Sharp, so I decided to buy the Samsung. Since I've never really used any other LCD TV's (other than an older 32" no name brand LCD), I'll compare this Samsung with the Sharp. Appearance: Honestly, Sharp TV looked little better to me with thinner bezel and slimer profile. When I place the Samsung on the TV stand, I immediately noticed the thicker bezel which was not a plus for an overall appearance. This does not mean Samsung does not look good, but simply the transition from Sharp to Samsung did not impress me in terms of the look of the TV. Picture Quality: Black level and viewing angel are noticably better on this Samsung. HD satellite channles looks very good. I do not have a 1080P source, so I did not experience the highest possible picture quality. HD channels on Sharp TV's looked great also. Audio: Even with some adjustment, the back-firing internal speakers do not sound as good as most of other LCD TV's out there. I think Samsung made a mistake on this and hope they change the location of the speakers in the next version. I do use 5.1 channel sound system for movies and other stuff, but it's just not convenient and efficient to use the sound system for everything. User Interface: I like the Sharp's user interface better than Samsung. Again, it's the personal preference. Also, somehow reception range for the TV remote is very limited for the Samsung and I'm not sure if this is normal. Overall, I'm happy with the Samsung and wish they had better speakers (or location) and easier user interface. I also paid only $1,421 (Original purchase price of $1,479 less refund of $58 from Amazon price protection) I would choose Samsung over Sharp if I need to buy again. By the way, I'd give 5 star to Amazon customer service, price protection policy, and the white glove delivery service.

Here are my thoughts on my Samsung LN46A550P LCD TV purchase. I'll leave the technical analysis to those into all of the stats and numbers and stick to my real life user experience. Like many others, I researched the potential options and narrowed them down. I selected this TV as the best bang-for-the-buck I could find. Now that I've had it for about a month, I am positive I made the right decision! It has an exceptional picture! My whole family loves it. The myriad of settings the menus offer allow me to configure it to my exacting standards. The unit is aesthetically pleasing. The cost was very reasonable. I was concerned when I read some of the reviews lambasting it for having such horrible sound. I adjusted the levels in the TV's equalizer and it sounds great. It sounds better than my dad's Sharp Aquos. If I want an added kick, I just run it through my amp and get the full theater effect. The TV arrived in five days and the white-glove delivery was great! I tracked its progress along the way. No problems at all. The only thing I've noticed is that the TV's price on Amazon fluctuates all the time. I thought it was a good price when I bought it and it dropped within days. Then I saw it bump up again, then down! I was unaware of any price drop guarantee. If you have some time before buying, my advice is to keep checking the price and buy when it looks best. Don't hesitate! Get it! It's a great TV and a great value too!