Sony KDL46S4100 or Samsung LN46A550

[quangdaika]

I'm having such a hard time deciding between the two. I'm only getting a TV to watch standard DVD and TV on it. I may be Blu-Ray in the future but not right now. Don't play any next-gen consoles on it. I can get them for about the same price (after price matching). Please give me your inputs. Thanks.

Both are 46" 1080p LCD

Sony http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...&cp=1&id=1207352527119

Samsung http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...&cp=1&id=1202649424693

 

[krotchy]

When comparing features/PQ it is really the:
Samsung 550 = Sony V4100
Samsung 530 = Sony S4100

Considering the Sony is 200 dollars cheaper go with it though, Sony uses Samsung panels anyways.

 

[quangdaika]

Originally posted by: krotchy
When comparing features/PQ it is really the:
Samsung 550 = Sony V4100
Samsung 530 = Sony S4100

Considering the Sony is 200 dollars cheaper go with it though, Sony uses Samsung panels anyways.

Please don't look at the price on the site. I can get them for the same price (after price match). That aside, which one is the best bang for my buck?

 

[manimal]

Actually PQ on the 550 and 530 is very close, even though the website and retailers list the contrast of the 530 as being different than the 530 they are very close. The S series from sony is big step down from either sammy imho and with the deals to be had this week there are much better choices than the walmart sony..

At my local BB they had a LN52a580 for 1499 and the 46 sony W series for 1399 so go instore and see what they can do. Just checked BB.com and they had the 46W series for that same price of 1399 so I would do that over the cheaper S series or get the 550 if its 1199.

 

[krotchy]

If they are the same price I pick the Samsung 550 over the Sony as well. If it was the V4100 then the Sony might come into play, but I still might take the Samsung.

 

[evilbix]

550 has a faster reacting Dynamic contrast. When calibrated there is absolutely no difference in visual quality between that at the 530 (when calibrated you disable dynamic).

However, since a TV is a pretty big buy, I'd very highly recommend saving up for the 650. That tv destroys everything else in the price range when calibrated.

I only deal with calibrated tv's for my installs. However, if you choose to go without doing it (i'd recommend against it, you can get a decent sensor for about $100) the 550 or 650 would be my picks.