Samsung LN52A550 52" LCD TV

Exceptional LCD TV

Strengths: Beautiful picture, easy-to-navigate menus, non-glossy screen (unlike other similar Samsung models)

Weaknesses: Noticed slight jitter during sports shows, but this might be a function of the cable TV signal

Summary: Having owned a rear projection TV for the past three years, I decided to buy the LN52a550 mostly based on very positive online recommendations. I'm not the least bit disappointed. The picture is crystal-clear and bright, and noticeably more crisp than my rear projection TV. I've used a slightly brighter video setting than than consensus suggestion on the AVS forums and love the outcome. The PC connection to the TV works beautifully too. The only issue I've discovered is a slight jitter during some televised basketball. It's entirely possible that this is the fault of the cable connection which has given me problems previously, but otherwise I have no complaints and am very happy with this TV.

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After 2 months it is still without fault.

Strengths: HD picture is awesome. Outstanding blacks and color quality. Love the swivel stand that solves my reflectivity issues.

Weaknesses: I have none. Two possible issues for some: Sound and PIP

Summary: I have had my Samsung for 2 months and I am totally satisfied. It has awesome picture quality, color, and a menu that is very user friendly considering the large number of available options. It is also my first HD TV so I did a lot of research prior to buying. Not an easy task given the number of choices. Model numbers seem to make no sense until you list them all along with options, type, and date of release. The big differences are size, plasma vs. LCD, black level/color quality, 720p vs. 1080p, number of connections, 120Hz, and of course manufacturer. So I'll give you my decision factors and say this TV has more that satisfied them all and I highly recommend it based on what were my needs and desires.

I decided on size based on my 9 foot seating distance. Most sources list 52” viewing distance as 6.5-12.5 feet for 720p and about 2 feet closer for 1080p. But normal DVDs are only 420 and there is still a lot of SD programs so I chose the middle and think I got the size right. I sometimes move the lazy-boy closer for the 1080 sporting events, fine tune the surround sound and am just blown away by the experience. It is better than being there (because I can’t afford such good seats). And sometimes I move back for SD programs, but HD is so much better that I don’t watch much SD any more.

I decided on a LCD based on screen reflection and the fact that my viewing area is often sunlit. Plasma screens are very reflective and so are some LCDs. In fact the 550 is more reflective than some others and there is a color shift at an viewing angle off center (not much but definitely noticeable). The swivel stand was actually my final deciding point that solves both my reflectivity and off angle seating position issues. It is a very nice feature.

Black level is another noticeable issue that you can observe in the store when comparing sets. It is most apparent in dark scenes and once you see the set that appears grey, you will also notice it’s color is not as vibrant during light scenes. As far as comparing color and contrast differences in the store, I don’t know how you can because colors are all amped up and contrast numbers have no standards between the different manufacturers. But I know my TV has the best and most realistic color I’ve ever seen. I began by tuning it to the numbers given in some Samsung reviews, and tweaking from there. The blacks are outstanding.

I was initially thinking of buying a plasma 720p but reflectivity issue changed me to the LCD, the cost difference between 720p and 1080p LCD was not significant, and newer LCD models no longer offer the 720p. So I decided on the 1080p.

I did look at the 120Hz and did see a difference but the 650 has a much more reflective screen and the price difference is much more than the benefit. I really don’t notice any adverse visual when watching sporting events on my new TV. So I think I it is natural and I made the right choice by not including the 120Hz.

Samsung is a good quality manufacturer. I’ve read that it has about a 4% failure rate on it’s new TV s. Since I bought my TV online, you can bet I was sweating that I might get one of those bad ones. Many reviews don’t say good things about Samsung’s response to those bad ones. But the odds were in my favor and I got one of the 96%.

As far as negative comments, I have none. The sound is not very good as mentioned in other reviews, but you owe it to yourself to add Dolby surround sound anyway. It comes as part of HD broadcasting vs. the old stereo and is so much better. Also, if you are using PIP as a desirable feature, be advised that it is useless, since the sub picture source can only be an analog TV broadcast signal.

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OMG!!!! This TV is awesome!

Strengths: Stellar picture, beautiful display, multitude of inputs.

Weaknesses: Changing inputs could be simpler. The audio is a little "tin"ny sounding.

Summary: I picked this TV from Frys online when they had it for a ridiculously low price. It arrived to my house in a fairly large box, but I was able to navigate it down the steps by myself. I only needed help lifting the actual TV onto my stand.

The inputs are primarily in the back with a set of inputs on the left side of the TV. Three HDMI ports allowed me to hook up a HD Tivo to one input and a PS3 to another. The component inputs connected to my DVD player and Wii and the rest went through the S-Video to my receiver.

The picture is truly outstanding with high def content. The PS3 works perfectly with the TV and the picture is jaw dropping.

When watching SD programs, you will notice a difference in picture quality. Watching a DVD on the standard DVD player looked fairly blase when compared to the PS3 which upconverts DVDs. This made a noticeable difference. This is not a knock on the set, but more on the size of the screen magnifying the lesser resolution source material.

Changing inputs involves an on screen menu. There is no way to cycle the inputs with a button press on the remote.

The remote itself is big and not very pretty, but I use a Harmony, so that remote will be put in the remote drawer with the others.

Samsung makes a beautiful bezel for this stellar display. Composed of a piano black finish, it is truly beautiful.

Now I assume most people would use a set this large with a surround sound system, however, if you do not, you will notice the audio is weak and tinny sounding. However, on the avsforum, there are settings to make the sound come alive. I tried these settings right away and they made a world of difference.

Overall, this HDTV from Samsung is awesome and I highly recommend it.

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Audio is an EASY FIX

Strengths: Picture, features, quality, etc.

Weaknesses: Absolutely NONE

Summary: .

EASY FIX

.

The set has a Built In Audio Equalizer.

Try these settings:

.

Mode: Custom

SRS TruSurround XT: ON

Auto Volume: ON

TV Speaker: ON

.

(# of clicks):

Balance: 0

100Hz: 8 clicks right

300Hz: 6 left

1kHz : 3 left

3kHz : 3 right

10kHz: 5 right

.

The Audio is MUCH BETTER.

.

.

Solution 2:

I purchased a Bose Companion 3.

It's a 2.1 system designed for a PC. ($200)

Plug it into the headphone jack.

WOW, it's a BOSE...

.

The Samsung / Bose combo is Fantastic...

.

.

.

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Solid 1080p Screen Pick

Strengths: Richy Color, Exceptional Contrast, Nice Screen, Reasonable Price.

Weaknesses: Need to Buy Your Own Sound System.

Summary: There's a lot to like about the Samsung LN52A550, including its exceptional picture contrast, superb HD video processing, and useful design touches like its swivel base and side-mounted A/V ports. Given the specs of the tv, it is very well priced. Semi-gloss screen is impressive, and does not provide too much glare like its 7 series. Picture quality is outstanding. Colors are very crisp and rich. New remote and design are both impressive and high quality. My only complaint would be the sound. The sound has a hollow sound, and not the best. However, if you buy a TV like this you most likely have an external speaker system to attach it to. You won't regret about buying it!!!

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Very pleased with my purchase

Strengths: Beautiful picture, looks great on the wall

Weaknesses: none

Summary: I have been following the LCD market for over a year and finally decided to take the dive and purchase this Samsung model. I have been very pleased with my choice. It was easy to mount on my wall and setting it up was a breeze. I had read about some issues with the sound, but for my room, it would not have been an issue. Still, I wanted surround sound, so I did add a 5 speaker set up and with it and the picture, I feel like I am in a movie theater. I have had a few people over in the past month and they just go crazy over it. When I put "Plant Earth" in my samsung Blu-Ray player, people cant believe how beautiful the picture is. I am really looking forward to football season coming up. I would recommend this TV to anyone that is in the market for one. Also, I was a little hesitant about ordering something this large online, but the ordering and delivery process with Butterfly photo was very easy. They called me in plenty of time for delivery and were easily within the time frame of when they said they would be at my house.

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Amazing picture, beautiful, great contrast

Strengths: The picture is truly stunning, especially for such a large screen.

Weaknesses: The standard sound setting make the TV sound not so good.

Summary: This is an excellent TV, great picture and especially the contrast, really upgraded from the previous versions. The only weakness is the sound settings, but there are some changes that can be made to make the TV sound much better. Alternatively, of course, you can simply use a receiver for sound. Otherwise this is a great buy and should certainly be on anyone's top list of HD TV's.

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Reasonable Excellent TV to Compare to Sony

Strengths: great picture, great sound quality, and everything is great

Weaknesses: not that I know of.

Summary: This is an excellent TV, great picture and especially the contrast, really upgraded from the previous versions. The only weakness is the sound settings, but there are some changes that can be made to make the TV sound much better. Alternatively, of course, you can simply use a receiver for sound. Otherwise this is a great buy and should certainly be on anyone's top list of HD TV's.

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Awesome...Totally Awesome !!!!!!!!

Strengths: Awesome picture, easy setup

Weaknesses: The only bad thing I can come up with is the glossy black stand and cabinet are finger print magnets.

Summary: I got tired of my Father inlaw telling me what a piece of junk my five year old rear projection television was so after six months of research and shopping I finally bought it...and it was worth every penny.

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Overall a good TV

Strengths: HD picture, style,

Weaknesses: Standard picture, remote

Summary: I bought this TV because I have a 46" Samsung that I purchased a year ago that I was very happy with. I needed another TV for my den so I went with another Samsung. I decided to spend a bit more on the LN52A550 over the LNT5265F as it was the new model so I thought it would be better. I'm not so sure that was the right move. The HD picture is excellent. I use a cable box with an HDMI cable. But I am pretty unimpressed with the SD picture. As I have a 2 year old we watch a lot of DVD's like Elmo and, unfortunately, Barney. I really don't think the picture on these is very good. Same goes for regular SD television. It is not bad, but not particularly good. I think the picture on my 46 inch is better. Of course, it is possible that being that it is such a big screen you see the imperfections more clearly.

The thing I was really dissatisfied with was the remote. First of all, it is not a universal remote (it only controls the TV, not the DVD, cable box, etc unless you have a Samsung DVD). I could not believe this and called Samsung to verify. I bought a VCR in 1997 for $120 that came with a universal remote and a $2100 TV doesn't have one in 2008? They said it was a way to keep the cost down. I think it is ridiculous. I bought a universal remote to compensate for this.

Secondly, some features such as PIP are not available with a button. You have to hit "tools" and scroll through a screen. Not the end of the world, but inconvenient.

Overall I think this is a good TV but you may want to check out the LNT5265. It has a better remote and possibly a better picture as my 46 inch does. Compare them in a store if possible prior to buying. Also, make sure whoever you buy from has a price match guarantee. The prices on these TV's are very volatile. I watched this one for several months before buying and the day I got it the price went down $110!!

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Grandmas dilemma

Strengths: Great Picture!

Weaknesses: None!

Summary: 2008-05-27 11:59:18 It's not like it used to be years go when you would walk into Sears and choose from a 13''RCA,25''Zenith,or 19''GE tv set,buy it,walk away,turn it on and choose between channel 2,4,5,7,9,11,and 13 for Leave it to Beaver,Walter Cronkite or Bonanza.....no manual needed.There were no new YEARLY models like a different bumper on automobiles.Now it's choose from 39 different makers, each with 49 different models with numbers that no one knows what they stand for.Where it used to be vertical and horizontal adjust with brightness and contrast,it's now a 1 inch manual with aspect ratio,full 1080p,dynamic contrast,usb ports,umpteen cables and we'll do the dishes for ya!...Ha!......not only that but get cable or dish network and hopefully they will work but make sure you've got rg 59 not rg 6 for the digital revolution,be sure to have a converter box along with its remote to go along with the tv remote to go along with the dvd remote to....well you get the idea......in the meantime grandma fell asleep while you fumbled through the remote jungle and lawrence welk isn't on again untill next sunday!

How's the tv you ask?...FANTASTIC!......the modern age is supposed to be simpler folks......when I walk into the bank and they tell me the computer is down,it's not simpler....they don't have my records available.I still have my money in the bank,I just can't get to it.When the cable goes out,I still have my tv but I can't watch it.There are more buttons on 3 different remotes than you will ever use in a lifetime just to watch the Lakers or Babs.

So,to sum up this little review,I still watch 2,4,5,7,9,11,and 13,grandma can't see the numbers on the remote let alone know what CNN is and says screw you,she'd rather listen to her trusty,rusty Philco radio....I miss the good ole days.

I did use an old stereo to get some deep bass background theater sound and bypassed the tvs speaker nasel stuff up and bam!...Ive got that theater quality background....very nice.The HD is crystal clear and Babs looks great!......this stuff is not user friendly for folks over ...well you decide......and do I recommend it?....you bet...Samsung has got it goin on sonny boy........I also recommend the good ole days and.......simple.

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Fantastic Deal

Strengths: Styling, Contrast, Colors

Weaknesses: None that I know of yet, wish it were a 65 inch!

Summary: This is an absolutely beautiful TV, although not a 120hz model, it still is an amazing bargain when coupled with the TIVO HD recorder deal from Amazon for $1826 shipped

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Samsung LN52A550 52" LCD TV

Strengths: Excellent Picture Quality

Weaknesses: Awful, unacceptable sound.

Summary: I found out that most Samsung LCD TVs have their speakers pointing down. The set I received had such poor sound that I had to return it and buy a Sony instead. Even a $10 radio has better sound than this set. I tried all the audio adjustments even using the equalizer that is internal to the Samsung and nothing helped. It sounded like the sound was coming through a can. For $1600 you should have passable sound. STAY AWAY FROM SAMSUNG SETS THAT HAVE SPEAKERS POINTING DOWN.

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Samsung LN52A550

Strengths: awesome HQ picture quality

Weaknesses: analog channels are so so

Summary: first LCD purchased. it was meant to go in the kitchen... but we had to set to table back a few more feet. buyers should be double check the guideline on the sitting distance. my 2 year kid is just mesmerize by the screen whenever its on.

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Great TV

Strengths: Great picture and not very heavy.

Weaknesses: Sound very poor.

Summary: Poor..poor sound. Recommend a home theatre to enhance your experience. Recommend Panasonic Home Theatre in a bov retails around $900. The one in the box alos has a blu ray player and Ipod doc or you can but a receiver ( good ones $550+ and 1 channel speaker and 4 speakers plus bass)

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