Which HDTV to get?

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Anyone have any reviews about the Sony KDL-40V4100 ($1200)? How about the Samsung LN-46A550 ($1800)? Or the Samsung LN-52A550 ($1900)? Any thoughts about any of those HDTVs? Which would you get and why?

 

[krotchy]

Personally I like Samsung's lineup the most of any manufacturer this year, so my suggestion is the 52A550 (especially if its a mere 100 dollars more than the 46A550. I am curious why the 3 TV's you mentioned are all completely different size ranges though, seems more reasonable to say 46" or 52" V4100 vs A550 etc.. As far as picture quality goes, assuming a same size V4100 vs A550, I give a slight nod to the 550, but its almost entirely a tossup, seeing as they use identical panels due to Sony and Samsungs panel making partnership and both have good processing to go with it. Ever since Amazon slashed the price on the 52A550 you really cannot get a better deal on a great 52" set though, making it a major winner in bang for the buck.

 

[Oyeve]

I also think this years Samsung lineup is good. I just got the LN32A330, 32" is fine for me, for 600 bucks on Amazon and I have to say, for 600 bucks this TV looks amazing. I have looked at dozens of 32" HDTVs and this one IMO is the best by far for the price and features and performance.

 

[krotchy]

oops hit quote instead of edit

 

[techwanabe]

I am seriously interested in the Samsung 46-inch LCD 1080P. I'm wondering if it is worth the extra cost of the A650 models over the A550 (better contrast ratio and what else?). I did look at the A650 model in the store and I thought the picture looked better on the A650.

Also, what is the best way of searching for prices on the current Samsung models? I'm trying to old out and keep my cost below $1800 and the LN46A650 is just over that right now at best discount prices. Could be prices may sink a little more over the next month or two. The 52-inch models aren't that much more expensive but enough that I've not seriously considered them.

Edit:

It looks like the major difference between the 550 and 650 Sammy's is higher contrast ratio and 120 auto motion. Are these extra enhancements something I would regret not getting. I mean, you use a TV for years so you want to be as happy with it as possible.

 

[Tencntraze]

From what I've read the A650 looks a LOT better than the A550. I'm actually expecting delivery on my 52" A650 this afternoon, and being at work is that much more difficult as I'm counting the hours.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

The reason for the different sizes is that I am trying to figure out which would work on my wall. It's basically going to be going in a game room.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: Tencntraze
From what I've read the A650 looks a LOT better than the A550. I'm actually expecting delivery on my 52" A650 this afternoon, and being at work is that much more difficult as I'm counting the hours.

Looks, as in picture quality, is important. That is why I'm taking my time deciding. If the A650 looks that much better, I'd rather go with the 46" model for a similar price than the 52" model. 52" for $1900 is tempting no doubt.

 

[krotchy]

My parents have a 46A550 and a 52A650, and I would say the 650 looks significantly better. Personally I love the look of 120Hz processing, but that is really subjective.

The big thing is the glossy vs matte panels. The glossy makes the image pop much more overall in my opinion but opens you up to glare so the reason for buying each is very room dependant.

If for a reason you like the glossy but not the 120Hz the A540 models are essentially a glossy version of the 550 from what I understand. I would think they look almost as great as the 650 with 120Hz off.

From what I can tell the successors to last years 1080p models are as follows:
A530 = Starter 1080p set. No real predecessor.
61F => A550
65F/66F => A540
69F => Matte 120Hz not yet announced, but I would estimate model number to be A640 or something.
71F => A650 or A750
81F => A850 (Rumored)

 

[techwanabe]

Thanks krotchy,

I think I'll go for the upgraded version and go 46" as planned. I may give it another week or two unless I find a really good price but it sounds like I've settled on brand and model!

 

[Tencntraze]

Ok, so I got the A650 and OMG it's awesome. I upgraded from a 36" CRT that is several years old, so it's definitely a great upgrade, and the PS3 looks rather nice as well. I will have to fiddle with the color calibration, but that's something I'll deal with another time.

 

[techwanabe]

Originally posted by: Tencntraze
Ok, so I got the A650 and OMG it's awesome. I upgraded from a 36" CRT that is several years old, so it's definitely a great upgrade, and the PS3 looks rather nice as well. I will have to fiddle with the color calibration, but that's something I'll deal with another time.

What size?

 

[Tencntraze]

52", as mentioned before. I highly recommend it, though I'm sure that the 46" version also looks spectacular.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Any thoughts specifically about the Sony KDL-40V4100? Reviews and such?

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

double post. why don't they let us delete doubles?

 

[DanMart25]

Checkout for some reviews on Sony KDL-40V4100

 

[spidey07]

How far away is your viewing distance? Start from there to select a HDTV.

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: DanMart25
Checkout for some reviews on Sony KDL-40V4100

The V4100 is competition for the A550 from Samsung, though I nod a bit in Samsungs favor personally. The TV that has been posted most in this thread is the A650, which would be competition for the Z4100 from Sony (or W4100 if he is willing to settle for 8 bit)