Best Buy Lcd HDTV Blog

Visibly better than Samsung LN46A650
We bought the Samsung LN55A950 and the LN46A650 at the same time - one for the family room and the other for the bedroom. Side-by-side, the difference is very noticeable. Even though I set the image parameters the same on both sets, the colors on the 950 are definitely more vivid. You need not be a videophile to see the difference. Even when I view the 650 by itself in our bedroom, I can tell the subtle difference. It's still a great picture, but it just lacks the "pop" of the 950. Also, when viewing the two sets in total darkness but still powered-up and in the absence of any video signal, the 650 screen is a dark navy or gray, while the 950 is nearly (but not entirely) invisible. Granted, no one ever watches a blank screen in the dark - but there really is a difference in the black levels between these sets.

Both sets have the "glossy" screen, but to my delight and great relief, they pose absolutely no problem whatsoever. Both our sets are located in rooms with windows and overhead lighting. Can I see any reflections? Sure, if you look hard, you can see them - as I could on my old CRT TV. Before I turned-on the sets, my wife commented on the reflections, but no one has ever commented about reflections when the set is on.

As other reviewers have noted for the 650, the 950 also takes 3-4 seconds to pick-up the video signal on start-up. Images do not instantaneously appear as soon as you turn-on the set. This is a very minor issue.

I looked over the games, recipes, and other content that you can access with the 950. I actually found a good recipe for beef kabobs, but the material is mostly forgettable and this content would not be a deciding factor in my purchase.

I paid 00 for the 55" 950 and 00 for the 46" 650. Is it worth the difference? Of course, the screen sizes are quite different, but if I were to do it again, adjusting for the different sizes, would I pay 00 - 00 more for the better picture? Hmmm, that's a tough one. If you can afford it, I would go for the 950. The 950 made our holiday houseguests all wonder what was so different between our HDTV setup and theirs. That satisfaction is certainly worth something. However, I would definitely be very happy with the 650 and if I had not seen the 950 first, I would not be dissatisfied or wanting in the least.

55 inches of amazingness
This TV is amazing. The picture is near perfect and it has the darkest blacks I have ever seen on any television. I watched The Dark Knight on Blu Ray and I was blown away by the performance of this TV compared to my old Sony LCD. One of the main complaints I have is the 120hz feature. Thankfully you can turn it off. It makes everything look fake and ruins the viewing experience. After the first couple of minutes of The Dark Knight I had no choice but to turn the feature off.

Though on the expensive side, the TV is worth every single penny. You will not be disappointed.

Update: After doing some research and monkeying around with the settings, it should be known that the 120hz feature is not what ruins the viewing experience. 120hz TV's will always play content in 120hz, and it practically eliminates motion blur. What ruins the viewing experience is Samsung's "Auto Motion Plus" feature. This is the feature that I recommend turning off. Some people like it, some people don't. I personally am not a fan of the feature. Here is a more in depth description of the way 120hz TV's work.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-13973_102-0.html?forumID=146&threadID=312626&messageID=2884506

I have owned the TV for a few weeks now and am still loving every minute of it. The TV is beautiful. I have found myself pausing while walking through the living room and starring at the TV even when it is off. Once again, you will not be disappointed.

Great New Generation LED Backlight LCD HDTV!

I've had this for a month now. I also bought the Samsung BD-P1500 with it. I love both units. I connected them to my Sony HT-CT100 soundbar and I am perfectly happy with the sound. Yes, I know the soundbar does not do HD sound,etc,.. but I don't care because the soundbar is quite slick with the TV. Plus, it does what I want it to do so no complaint.

As for the TV. The picture is so crisp and clear and the black level really black that it took a while to get used to watching it. I have a DirecTV HD DVR attached to it too via HDMI and it is an entirely different level of watching TV. The images look so "real" as my daughter said.

I know the TV can do a lot of other things if you attach it to the internet. But, I bought it really for just watching HD TV and movies. So, I was/am not that concern about its other functions.

Right now, DirecTV just upgraded my DVR to 1080p, so I can't wait to see any program or shows in 1080p. But the 1080i resolution is great as it is. So, no complaint in there either.

BTW, the upconversion from the BD-P1500 looks great too. Also, make sure you use HDMI 1.3b cables. I got mine here from BargainCell for < each.