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Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp
Connectivity
Super Patterned Vertical Alignment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters) [Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001TH8UUA.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
![AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters) [Supports 3D + Audio Return Channel]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B001T9NUJE.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
Key Features
 | Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel provides a 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes |
Audio Features
TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.
TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
- Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
- TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
- The SRS WOW feature widens the sound stage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
 | With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience.
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- Series 5 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 32-inch, 37-inch, 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models
- Series 6 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 19-inch, 22-inch, 32-inch, 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models
- Series 7 1080p LCD HDTVs are available in 40-inch, 46-inch, and 52-inch models
Showing reviews 1-5 of 136
Great Value, Awesome Picture! June 5, 2008K. Peterson (Maryland)
294 out of 299 found this review helpful
I bought the Samsung LN37A550 from Amazon in mid-May. I comparison shopped for several months, and found that the Samsung is on equal footing as the Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-37XBR6 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV and Sharp Aquos LC37D64U 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV models in performance, but (at the time) was more affordable than either. Here's an in-depth run-down of the top-of-the line models from each of those three brands using MY comparison criteria. Hopefully it helps you.
Price
These are prices from Amazon.com (not their "marketplace partners" or whatever they're called). I'd recommend purchasing from Amazon itself, as they offer the free "white-glove" delivery, which means that the delivery company will bring the TV into your house, unpack it, and haul away the packing materials. My TV was delivered 3 days after I ordered it, and many others who reviewed on this site have had the same experience.
Also, keep in mind Amazon's financing offers if you open an Amazon.com credit account - see below for more details.
Samsung LN37A550: Retail is $1200. I've watched Amazon's price fluctuate between $1040 and $1200. Today the price is $1064, which is as good as I've seen. In addition, Samsung TVs often have financing deals - mine was 1-year, no payments and no-interest financing, and I've also seen 18-month specials.
Sharp LC37D64U: Retail is $1400, and the fact that it was selling for about $1350 a month ago strongly influenced my decision. Today the price is $1016, which may have changed my purchase based solely on the size (Sharp is slightly narrower - see below - and the Samsung is a REALLY tight squeeze in my space). I have not seen ANY financing deals on Sharp TVs through Amazon - pay it all up front.
Sony KDL-37XBR6: Retail is $1500. Today's price on Amazon is $1400 - a major consideration (about $350 price difference), but there's also a 36 (read it again, 36) month no interest offer on this TV right now. Minimum monthly payments are required.
Contrast Ratio, Response Time, and Frame Refresh Rate
Keep in mind that different manufacturers use different methods to measure these specifications, so they can not be simply compared using numbers. All I can say is that I viewed them in a couple of different retail locations, and there is little difference in picture brightness / blurring between these models. All are capable of 1080p picture.
Samsung: 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 5 ms response time. 60 hZ refresh rate.
Sharp: 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 6 ms response time. 60 hZ refresh rate.
Sony: 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and unpublished response time. 120 hZ refresh rate. The refresh rate is where the Sony has an advantage over the others. I'm not going to get into it here, but here's a great article from CircuitCity.com explaining refresh rate in clear, simple terms (http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/cat/-12869/edOid/208448/rpem/ccd/lookLearn.do). All I'll say is that, in-store with a BluRay disc, the 120 hZ setting on a 46" screen looked AWESOME. Some have complained that it produces a "soap-opera" effect. Not being a big fan of soap-operas, I have no idea what they are referring to. Personally, I don't think it's enough of a reason to spend the extra $300+, because of screen size. With a bigger 50"+ screen, your eye will catch blurring across the screen, but on a screen of this size I have never noticed any blurring with my 60 hZ model.
High-Def Inputs
These all have the HD connections below, along with Digital Audio outputs, and other (S-video and composite video, and stereo audio) inputs.
Samsung: 3 version 1.3 (latest) HDMI Inputs (2 in rear, 1 on side), 1 USB input (for viewing JPGs and listening to MP3s), 1 PC input, and 2 component video inputs.
Sharp: 2 HDMI Inputs (Amazon and Sharp's website don't say they are version 1.3, which is supposedly faster and therefore better quality), 1 PC input, and 2 component video inputs. Also has side inputs.
Sony: 4 HDMI Inputs (3 in rear, 1 on side; again, Amazon and Sony don't say version 1.3, but I would think it's GOT to be..... don't know why they wouldn't publish this, though), 1 PC input, and 2 component video inputs.
Sound
Most reviews I have read complain about the Samsung's sound quality (most common in complaint is that the speakers sound "tinny"). I turned off the speakers before I ever hooked the TV up to an input (I've got a surround sound system), so I can't speak to this. I bought the TV for the picture, not the sound, but if that's important to you, read other reviews. I've read a couple of complaints about the Sharp model, but they didn't seem quite so angry as the complaints regarding Samsung, so I'm guessing it's acceptable sound.
Size
Size can be a consideration for many in purchasing a TV of this size. I was space constrained only in width. If you've got space constraints and 37" in width, you might also consider the Toshiba REGZA 40RF350U Super Narrow 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Super Narrow Bezel, which measures just 36.77" wide. I have not seen it in action, so I can't speak to it's performance, but other Toshiba LCDs that I HAVE seen did not compare to these 3 TVs in picture quality.
Samsung: 36.1 inches wide and 40 pounds with stand (32 pounds without)
Sharp: 35 and 23/64" wide (yes, some people really squeeze that tight) and 45 pounds with stand (39 without)
Sony: 36.3 inches wide and 47 pounds with stand (40 without)
Warranty
All of these TVs have 1 year parts / 1 year labor manufacturer warranties.
Additional features:
Each brand offers their own graphics processing engine that claims to be the greatest thing ever, as well as other features. One interesting feature which is really more of a marketing ploy is connecting other devices made by the same brand to this TV and just being able to use the TV's remote to control that device. For example, buy a Sony TV and a Sony Blu-Ray player, and you can control the Blu-Ray player without reprogramming your remote. Good if you don't want to buy a Universal Remote, but I see it more as a way to get you to buy more components from that brand. Your choice!
So there you have it. I can say with a lot of certainty that you will be pleased with any of these three models, and it's more a matter of preference for a certain brand, pricing sensitivity, and the sound issue that you have to make up your mind. As for me, I couldn't be happier with my Samsung purchase.
My first HDTV experience.... May 12, 2008AntVector (NY)
124 out of 128 found this review helpful
I've had this set for a little over a week, and I'm delighted with it so far. This is the first HDTV I've owned, and in preparation for buying it I did a lot of research into the different technologies available. My principle considerations were: A) A maximum size of 40", as I only have a small viewing distance (and a wife who didn't want a 2-ton altar of gleaming black plastic in her living room) B) A set that was going to look great for movies and video games, and C) price - not more than $1,000. The other major concern was having a fragile thing like this shipped, as I really didn't want to have to return it (at my cost) if there was a problem. I'm happy to say my whole experience with this model has been excellent.
In terms of the set design, it's pretty sleek and minimal. It does have a glossy black bevel (I would have preferred matte) but overall it looks very nice and simple. There is a side panel with the third of 3 HDMI connections, and the only composite jacks, all of which are hidden from the front.
Currently I'm running Time Warner HD cable (720p-1080i) through component, and an Xbox 360, outputting at 1080p, also over component. Both blew me away (this is my first HDTV after all), and I was especially taken with the 1080p signal from the 360 - rich blacks and vibrant colors, clear, lag-free images in fast games and really crisp details. Compared to my previous TV, some games now have an almost overwhelming amount of detail! Just for the record, I honestly can't speak to HDMI quality as I currently don't have the cables. So far I've been very impressed with component connections.
I calibrated the set using the THX optimizer that comes free with Finding Nemo DVD, and I'm happy with the results. Even my wife, who claims to not usually notice the difference between TVs had the first reaction of "Wow, that picture is amazing", so you can't say fairer than that.
There are plenty of different connections, including optical audio out, which is great. I have to agree with other reviewers that the sound quality from the set itself is thin and tinny, but then again I listen to audio for movies etc. through my receiver.
I honestly can't believe I'm getting these results for just over $1,000. I did a fair amount of standing like a zombie in Best Buy, comparing sets, and other than the screen size a regular Joe like me has been hard pressed to spot much difference in $2,000+ TVs.
A note on the shipping - I ordered through Amazon and received their White-Glove delivery, fulfilled by Ceva Logistics. I ordered on a Friday evening - my TV arrived the following Tuesday - a week ahead of schedule. The delivery person was 30 minutes EARLY, and patiently helped me test the set. Your experience may vary, but I was thrilled. A+ all round.
Very pleased so far May 9, 2008Charlie (Arlington, VA United States)
40 out of 41 found this review helpful
I've had this TV for a couple weeks now, and it looks like Samsung really scores with this one. Great price and a stunning picture, with deep blacks, fast response and good off-angle viewing. And absolutely none of the backlight leakage or "clouding" problems that so many buyers report (correctly) with otherwise fine Sony models. The one complaint you're likely to see in reviews of this set is that the speakers sound thin, and that's a legitimate gripe. My three-year-old Panasonic 32-inch sounds much better. So my rating is actually about 4.5, but the picture is so fine I'm willing to round up. In my case, I plugged a set of Klipsch Groove powered speakers ($92 at Amazon) into the headphone jack, and problem solved. Many of you will have external sound systems anyway.
If you can afford the $500 difference, you might want to wait a few weeks till Panasonic's new high-end TC-37LZ800 comes out, but if you go with this Samsung I don't think it'll disappoint you.
AWESOME TV! May 19, 2008Kathie S. Nitz
17 out of 18 found this review helpful
Just got it Friday and I LOVE it so far! One of the things that impressed me the most is how good standard definition TV channels look. I've had 2 HDTV's before this one and regular TV channels looked horrible on them, but regular TV channels look really good on this TV. Xbox 360 games look amazing with no motion blur. The only downside to this TV is the extremely weak speakers, but anyone buying a TV like this shouldn't be using the TV's speakers anyways. I have a surround sound system hooked up and it sounds amazing.
Outstanding, phenomenal 1080p set for the money July 28, 2008APC Reviews (USA)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful
This is an outstanding, phenomenal set for the money. You will have to make sure that you grasp the interconnectedness of the various modes and picture adjustments so as to get the very best out of whatever you are playing through it. Well transferred DVDs, with a good upscaling 1080p DVD player, will look stunning. Mediocre DVDs will look at least much better than you thought possible.
Standard definition cable TV through the RF antenna input looks amazingly good, all things considered, if you take the time to tweak the display profiles to accommodate the very limited, narrow bandwidth palettes of those sources.
That said, it's a real stunner with a good 1080p player. There is a noticeable quality difference between 1080i component video and 1080i or 1080p HDMI video. You should try and use the HDMI inputs whenever possible.
Samsung claims that the set has an almost 180 degree viewing range. If by that they mean that you can stand at extreme angles and still see a useable picture, that is correct. But if you assume that means that it will be as good as a plasma, or old style CRT, which has almost no loss at all at the most extreme angles, you will be disappointed. Although LCD manufacturers have made great strides in extending the viewable angle for LCDs, they are LCDs, not plasmas or CRTs. This set still has a noticeable "sweet spot" were the picture looks the very best. Standing up, or moving off the to side produces a noticeable loss of contrast.The difference is slight, but noticeable. It's no where near as bad as earlier sets.
But there is a sweet spot. Viewing in bright environments where the contrast and lamp level of the set have been cranked up to compete with the ambient brightness will probably mask this effect. Viewing in subdued to dim lighting environments, like you would want for watching films, with the set adjusted to output subtle tones and the very best movie quality image, tends to call attention to it. That said, the set has robust but very subtle color and excellent blacks and contrast range if properly adjusted.
If anyone had suggested three years ago that you would be able to get this level of technology and sophistication at about one-thousand dollars, no one would have believed it possible.
It is a great set.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 136
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