lcd hdtv dilemma

[Omegachi]

which samsung LCD HDTV should i get? right now at cc, they have a sale for the following two tvs:

46" A550
and
40" A650

they are about the same price, but the A550 is 46" where as the A650 is only 40". The A650 is a newer series with newer features, but are the features enough to justify for a bigger tv?

 

[Genx87]

I suggest going into the store and taking a look. I would personally if given both options take the bigger TV. But you may have different preferences from me.

I got the 530 series Samsung LCD last Monday from BB. It was 1199 which fit into my impulse buying range. It is a 40" set and works for me. But I was comparing it to a 40" Panny Plasma. I thikn the panny had a slightly better picture but for 150 bucks more. I took the 150 bucks and got the 4 year plan from BB.

 

[krotchy]

This all depends on you and how much of a must have the glossy screen for increased pop/contrast (and also glare in bright rooms) and120Hz Processing for 5:5 Pulldown and Motion Enhancement are on the 650. The 120Hz combined with the glossy panel makes the 650 look significantly better to me, but its not for everyone. The touch of color border is definitely like it or leave it for most people.

Also the A650 and A550 are the exact same model year and came out basically the exact same time. The 650 is just a higher series in Samsungs line, but it isnt newer, just more decked out. Another TV to look into is the 46A540 which has the glossy screen of the A650 but not the 120Hz processing. Could be a good middle ground.

 

[dwell]

I find the tighter pixel density of the 40" to look better. If you're only going to be 6 - 7 feet away from the display I'd go with the 40".

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: Chris
I find the tighter pixel density of the 40" to look better. If you're only going to be 6 - 7 feet away from the display I'd go with the 40".

6 feet from a 46" is still well below the point at which 1080p is too low of a resolution (you could have a 50" at that distance). OP, I would go with the larger set if you have the room. If you get a TV that seems "just right" the day you bring it home, then that same set will be too small 6 months (or less) from now once shrinkage has occurred. It was a huge jump from a 27" CRT to a 50" plasma, and it definitely looked big at first; however, after 6 months it looks just right. I sit 9 feet away from it, and even though it's "only" 768p I never notice any pixelation or a less-than-stellar picture from the resolution being too low.

There's definitely a difference between those two models. However, you have to ask yourself which you'll notice more: the bells, whistles, and possibly better PQ on the A650 or the extra 6" on the A550. Here's a calculator that will allow you to compare the sizes of the two sets side by side.

Edit: Another idea is to cut out a piece of cardboard the size of one of the TVs (including the bezel). Then spray paint the area of the screen (per tvcalculator.com) black to show the area that will display the picture. If you do that with the 40" and it looks too small in your room, then that'll go a long ways toward helping you make your decision. It's so hard to see how things will look in your room until you actually get them home. You could also see what CC's policy is on TV returns/exchanges. If it's the same as Best Buy, then you'd be able to try out a TV and exchange it for a different one within the first 30 days at no charge.

 

[Rio Rebel]

If you buy the 46 inch A550, a month from now you will likely still be saying (as I am, a happy A550 owner) that the 120hz capability isn't missed.

If you buy the 40 inch A650, you may or may not believe that you can tell the difference with 120hz on a 40 inch set. But you are much more likely to be wishing you had a larger tv a month from now.

 

[Amused]

The 46" A550 without a doubt. The slightly improved (and I mean slightly) PQ of the A650 is NOT at all worth the loss of size. And the glossy screen of the A650 is just damn annoying if you ever have the lights on or sunny room.

I just set up the LN52A550 for my mother and it's an amazing set for the price.

 

[Muadib]

Unless they are willing to price match, don't buy from CC. For just $100 more, you could get the LN46A650 if you order from Amazon.

I agree that you should look at both sets, as some people don't like the glossy screen that the A650 models have.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: Muadib
Unless they are willing to price match, don't buy from CC. For just $100 more, you could get the LN46A650 if you order from Amazon.

I don't have that option since i live in hawaii. well, not free anyways.

btw, should i get any insurance plan with my tv purchase?

 

[Muadib]

Insurance plans are a gamble. Basically you are betting that something is going to happen to your set in X amount of years. I find them to be a waste of money, because nothing ever happens to my big ticket electronics. That might not be the case for you. Just be aware that you can bargain on the price on them, just like you can with anything else.

Since it looks like you will be buying from CC, you should know that they are very close to declaring bankruptcy. If they go under, they will take your plan with them.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: Muadib
Insurance plans are a gamble. Basically you are betting that something is going to happen to your set in X amount of years. I find them to be a waste of money, because nothing ever happens to my big ticket electronics. That might not be the case for you. Just be aware that you can bargain on the price on them, just like you can with anything else.

Since it looks like you will be buying from CC, you should know that they are very close to declaring bankruptcy. If they go under, they will take your plan with them.

wow really? didn't know they are going bankrupt. where did you hear that from?

 

[Muadib]

CC hasn't given up yet, but IMO, they are headed in that direction. Read this.

I hear that Blockbuster is looking to buy them now, so that could save them, at least for a while.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: Muadib
CC hasn't given up yet, but IMO, they are headed in that direction. Read this.

I hear that Blockbuster is looking to buy them now, so that could save them, at least for a while.

i don't see how blockbuster is doing any better, i don't remember anyone i know have gone there.

 

[aznconfused]

The 120hz processing can only be noticed if you have a good eye. So many of my friends have tried but failed to see the difference. When you do see it though, you will definitely notice and appreciate the difference. Fast action scenes are wonderfully smooth and the characters on screen all seem to stick out of the background as if 3D.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: Omegachi

Originally posted by: Muadib
CC hasn't given up yet, but IMO, they are headed in that direction. Read this.

I hear that Blockbuster is looking to buy them now, so that could save them, at least for a while.

i don't see how blockbuster is doing any better, i don't remember anyone i know have gone there.

You are correct, Blockbuster also has problems, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why they would want CC.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: aznconfused
The 120hz processing can only be noticed if you have a good eye. So many of my friends have tried but failed to see the difference. When you do see it though, you will definitely notice and appreciate the difference. Fast action scenes are wonderfully smooth and the characters on screen all seem to stick out of the background as if 3D.

its easier to see the difference if you have a 120hz tv next to a 60hz, its much more appearant.

 

[Genx87]

The only thing I got out of t he 120Hz TV was a layered effect. It looked really odd and I didnt like it.