Compare the LN46A550P to these 46" LCD HDTVs:
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Samsung LN46A550P 46-inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Samsung has unveiled its new LCD HDTV line-up for 2008, with a number of new series offering a wide range of the latest features on the market.
If you're comparing the latest Samsung 46" LCD models, here's some clarification on the big differences between the 650 and 550 series, including this one, the LN46A550P. Since the 650 models are several hundred dollars more expensive than the 550 sets, as you'd expect, they have a number of additional features most notably: 120hz Motion Plus, the "Touch of Color" subtle coloring on the frame, and a 4ms pixel response time (as opposed to the 550 series sets' 5ms response time).
The question is: do those extra features on the 650 model (LN46A650A ) warrant you choosing it over the LN46A550P? Well, yes and no...
Let's compare the differences one by one:
120Hz Motion Flow: Several reviews of LCD sets from Samsung and other brands have compared sets featuring 120hz processing with similar sets without it and determined that the difference is very hard to notice. Theoretically, 120hz processing inserts extra frames between the typical 60 frames per second on most LCD HDTVs, with the gaol of decreasing motion blur and judder. But in practice, many critics and consumers alike have reported that it just doesn't seem to make a big improvement, so don't let the LN46A550P's lack of 120hz cross it off your list.
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: While the 650 series models offer a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, their 550 series cousins register a 30,000:1 rating. This is an area where you may see the difference. The dynamic contrast ratio measures the whitest white and blackest black tones (plus all the steps in-between) that a set can produce, and a 50,000:1 rating is quite impressive. But still, the LN46A550P's 30,000:1 spec should be more than adequate for your needs, since it's average or a bit better than most LCDs on the market today.
Touch of Color: The 650 series Touch of Color feature is a cosmetic coloring of the frame, and as such, is a question of taste and whether you're willing to pay for a feature that doesn't impact the set's performance. For our money, it's a nice touch, but not enough to justify the higher price.
Pixel Response: Another difference is the pixel response rate, measuring the time an individual pixel takes to turn on or off. The 650 series sets boast a super-fast 4 millisecond speed, while 550 models like the LN46A550P register a 5ms pixel response rate. While that's 20% slower than the more expensive set, it's also a good deal faster than many LCDs on the market today offering a relatively dragging 8ms response time.
And don't think if you settle for the cheaper model that Samsung will short you on the all-important connection options for your video components. The LN46A550P offers you plenty of options, with 3 HDMI, 2 component, 2 S-Video and 2 composite inputs.
But before you buy the LN46A550P or any other set, first investigate what other consumers like you have to say about the television after putting it to the test in their own homes. Read user reviews of this TV at Amazon.com. | |
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Amazon Prices on Top 46" LCDs: -
Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR4
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Sony Bravia KDL-46W3000
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Samsung LNT4671F
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Sharp Aquos LC46D82U
