Samsung LN46A530 46" 1080p LCD HDTV
Big-screen, feature-rich LCD HD televisions are finally affordable for the masses, and Samsung's LN46A530
is just one such set that should convince any HDTV hold-outs to finally make the leap.
The LN46A530 is the least expensive 46" LCD of all Samsung's new 2008 models. The just-released big-screen LCDs from Samsung are divided into several groups: the 530, 550, 650 and 750 series. The LN46A530 is part of the first series in this grouping, meaning that while its sticker price will be lowest among the 46" sets, you'll also be sacrificing some of the more advanced features of the higher-level televisions.
Compare of the major specifications on the LN46A530 with the 46" TVs in the 650 and 750 series and you'll see that the LN46A530 includes 3 HDMI inputs vs. 4 on the higher models, a 5 millisecond vs. 4 millisecond pixel response, and a 20,000:1 vs. 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. In addition, the higher-numbered sets feature 1 GB of internal memory, a built-in woofer, and DLNA compatible connection.
So if you consider yourself the typical TV viewer, you're not likely to consider any of these to be unacceptable sacrifices (though you should understand the better dynamic contrast ratio and pixel response on the higher-priced sets will likely give a slightly more fluid color-accurate picture).
You should consider the LN46A530 to be worthy of a closer look, since it includes several advantages in a 46" set that even just a few years ago could have easily set you back twice as much money. Here's a quick feature review of what the LN46A530 has to offer:
The LN46A530 comes with integrated digital and analog tuners, which will prepare you for the required switch to digital TV in 2009. And the LN46A530's "QAM" digital cable tuner lets you scrap your cable box and watch channels directly unscrambled by the set on its own.
The LN46A530's 46" display will deliver what's considered "Full HD," which means its screen consists of 1920 x 1080 pixels, creating a 1080p picture. 1080p is the current maximum resolution offered by all the major HD content sources: high-definition television channels, Blu-Ray discs, plus many games for the latest gaming consoles (Playstation 3 and Xbox 360).
The LN46A530 includes the exclusive Samsung Digital Natural Image (DNIe) engine, which is promised to greatly enhance the picture by improving measurements such as contrast, detail, white balance, and noise reduction. It's up to you whether to use DNIe to enhance your picture... check it out for yourself and turn this setting on or off based on your personal taste.
Boasting a 5ms pixel response rate, the LN46A530 should deliver smooth, crisp video even in the quickest-moving of scenes, whether the source is a basketball game or action flick. This spec falls a bit short of the 4ms response Samsung's 650 and 750 sets offer, but keep in mind that aa 5-millisecond response rate still shames many of the most popular current TVs from manufacturers such as Sony, Sharp and Toshiba.
In researching a possible purchase of the LN46A530 or any other HDTV, be sure not only to check out reviews from multiple sources, but also find out what other buyers like you think of the set. Read some user reviews of this TV at Amazon.com.
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