Great Value, Awesome Picture!, June 5, 2008
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...read full review
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. minimize
My first HDTV experience...., May 12, 2008
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...read full review
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.
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Samsung LN37A550 lives up to expectations, May 28, 2008
I purchased the LN37A550 after reading a reviews for several LCD HDTVs and comparing them side-by-side, to the extent possible, in retail shops. I narrowed down my choices to Samsung and Sony; as far as I could tell from reviews and published specs, the sets were comparable. However, Sony was higher priced. I like the deep blacks and color...read full review
I purchased the LN37A550 after reading a reviews for several LCD HDTVs and comparing them side-by-side, to the extent possible, in retail shops. I narrowed down my choices to Samsung and Sony; as far as I could tell from reviews and published specs, the sets were comparable. However, Sony was higher priced. I like the deep blacks and color saturation of the Samsung set. From the reviews, it appeared that 1080p doesn't offer any advantage over 720p in a 37" set; nevertheless, I decided to buy the higher resolution set as a bit of insurance against future technology developments. (I purchased a 37" set because of space limitations.) Installation was very easy; the on-screen plug-and-play process went seamlessly. The arrangement of the keys on the remote control differ from all the other remotes I own; nothing new here. The remote is not too intuitive, but it didn't take long to understand the various functions. The on-screen menu is easy to navigate. There are ample controls by which to vary picture and sound quality. I am disappointed with sound quality; to my ears it sounds somewhat tinny. The reviews said the Samsung sound was superior to competing sets. That may be true, but it's inferior compared to the set it replaces: a 27" Toshiba CRT set. I suspect that smaller speakers are used in the Samsung set compared to the Toshiba set; bass seems to be particularly lacking despite my tweaking the equalizer settings. (I plan to buy external speakers.) Also, the Samsung website claims that the viewing angle is 178 degrees (89 degrees to one side or the other from the perpendicular to the screen). That's more or less true, but don't expect picture quality to be maintained. To my eyes, picture definition and color saturation deteriorate markedly when I move more than 45 degrees off the center line. A note about "White Glove" delivery service: It was flawless. Delivery was made two days ahead of the promised date; I was phoned ahead of time to arrange the approximate delivery time. In summary, this purchase has met my expectations. minimize
Very pleased so far, May 9, 2008
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 ...read full review
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. minimize
Failed in less than 3 weeks, October 4, 2008
Quality control on the Samsung line is poorer than expected....
My 37" 1080p LCD functioned for a total of 2.5 weeks and then the screen went BLACK...
A conversation with the hardly interested folks at Samsung Warranty Service -- really thrilled me when they said my TV was still in warranty --- OH JOY!
They informed ...read full review
Quality control on the Samsung line is poorer than expected....
My 37" 1080p LCD functioned for a total of 2.5 weeks and then the screen went BLACK...
A conversation with the hardly interested folks at Samsung Warranty Service -- really thrilled me when they said my TV was still in warranty --- OH JOY!
They informed me that based on the flashing red power light - that the critical internal "bulb" had burned out and needed replacement....
However -- they said that our "local service" facility would call me "sometime" after next Monday to schedule service....
If this is the kind of quality or service you anticipate after purchasing a $1,000 TV --- be my guest...
I've contacted Amazon to pursue the option of returning this LEMON for a full refund....
I'll post again to pass on the status...
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Oct. 08, 2008
Bingo! Amazon's inhouse complaint handler agreed that a new replacement TV was in order...
Within 3 days of contacting the Amazon folks - the new TV is already in transit to me..
I can NOT say the same thing about the Samsung warranty folks...
They seemed "programmed" to say only -- "Your set is under warranty, we will repair but not replace unless it can't be repaired"...
That is NOT what I wanted to hear..
Thankfully -- Amazon saved the day and stood behind the concept of CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.....
I remain a happy Amazon customer - but will wait to see how long THIS set runs before failing... While it worked - it was beautiful.... Time will tell. minimize
