Compare the LN-52A550P to these 52" LCD HDTVs:
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Samsung LN52A550P 52-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.
The 550 series, as represented here by the LN52A550 , is more of a base model in comparison to the 650 series, in particular the LN52A650A . Specifically, the 650 series sets include 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).
But do those added features on the 650 series mean you should opt for it over the LN52A550, or should you pocket the roughly $800 difference and rest assured the differences are minor? Here's our take...
One thing you should note: many reviews of LCD sets across the Internet have examined the 120hz feature compared to similar sets without it and have concluded that the difference is very hard to notice. In theory, 120hz processing inserts extra frames between the typical 60 frames of video per second that most LCDs display, with the gaol of decreasing motion blur and judder. In reality, many critics have failed to see the feature pay off yet.
Another difference between the LN52A550 and its 650 series cousin is in the dynamic contrast ratio (50,000:1 for the LN52A650A and 30,000:1 for the LN52A550). Here, you're more likely to see the difference, as the dynamic contrast ratio measures the brightest white and darkest black tones the set can produce and the level of gradations in between. Yet the LN52A550's rating of 30,000:1 is nothing to sneeze at, since it's average or a bit better than most LCDs on the market today.
The Touch of Color feature on the 650 series models is a cosmetic coloring of the frame, and as such, is a matter of taste and willing to shell out the extra bucks. To us, it's a nice, subtle addition to the aesthetic of the set, but it's not enough to justify a higher price tag.
The next spec to look at is the pixel response time, which measures how quickly an individual pixel can turn on or off. The LN52A650A has a 4ms response time, while the LN52A550 has a 5ms response time. That's a 25% difference, but we're splitting hairs over 1 millisecond difference, while many of the top LCD sets you might compare the LN52A550 to currently have only an 8ms response time.
Another important factor in choosing an HDTV is the amount of connection options for hooking up all your high-end gear. The LN52A550 gives you plenty of options, with 3 HDMI, 2 component, 2 S-Video and 2 composite inputs.
And another thing you must check out before buying: what do other consumers like you think of the set after they brought it home? Check out their user reviews of the LN52A550 at Amazon.com. | |
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Amazon Prices on Top 52" LCDs: -
Samsung LNT5271F
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Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000
