(updated) Thoughts After 1 Year of Use, June 2, 2008
When I purchased this TV from Amazon.com I had already decided on this Samsung 52" series and was trying to decide between the 650 and the 750. At the time there was a small price difference between the two on Amazon.com. I ended up choosing the 650 because I was placing the TV inside a nook that had limited space.
The 650 has a...read full review
When I purchased this TV from Amazon.com I had already decided on this Samsung 52" series and was trying to decide between the 650 and the 750. At the time there was a small price difference between the two on Amazon.com. I ended up choosing the 650 because I was placing the TV inside a nook that had limited space.
The 650 has a less bulky frame around the LCD screen and therefore it was only 50.2 inches wide as compared to the 750 which is 52" wide. Both screens have the exact same visual display area. Beyond trying to accommodate my limited space, I felt that the smaller frame looked nicer on the TV than the larger frame.
The other reason I chose the 650 is that it can swivel on the base, whereas the 750 is fixed on its base. Because I have placed the TV in a nook, this swivel feature has come in very handy as I have had to get behind it from time to time to plug in cords, etc.
I have read a lot about screen reflection and was bracing myself for a potentially unpleasant experience during daytime viewing, especially since the room the TV is in has windows all the way across two walls and is full of sunlight daily. I'm happy to report that screen reflection is absolutely no problem. The TV that I was replacing with the Samsung LCD was an older 32" Panasonic Panablack analog TV with the glass screen, which had a lot of reflection. As a point of reference, the Samsung has about 20% of the screen reflection of my old TV (judging from when the TV is off). When the TV is on, the Samsung has about 5% of screen reflection compared with what I used to have with my old TV, which may be due to the incredible brightness of the display.
I spent a number of months on this decision and I feel like I hit a home run with this purchase. Samsung has certainly exceeded my expectations with this model and I have been very satisfied with my first experience of buying a TV online from Amazon.com.
DEC 20, 2008 UPDATE: I've now owned the TV for more than 6 months. No regrets. The TV has survived well in a family with 5 kids under age 10. It's taken some direct hits to the screen with toys thrown by a 2-year-old but any marks on the screen easily rubbed off. It still looks just like the day I first got it and runs perfectly. I'm very happy with this purchase.
JUNE 7, 2009 UPDATE: Still going strong after 1 year. Absolutely no problems with the TV. Best purchase I ever made. Everyone who has seen it can hardly believe the picture quality. I get positive comments all the time. minimize
Beautiful TV! From the picture to the bezel, just perfect., April 5, 2008
I've had this TV since very early March. I've watched HD, SD and Blu-Ray and can not find a flaw. The 650 handles motion extremely well to where blurring and other artifacts are vitually non-existant. The AMP is a very cool feature that brings a realism to film making it seem more life-like, or as if it were originally shot on HD Video. Some have...read full review
I've had this TV since very early March. I've watched HD, SD and Blu-Ray and can not find a flaw. The 650 handles motion extremely well to where blurring and other artifacts are vitually non-existant. The AMP is a very cool feature that brings a realism to film making it seem more life-like, or as if it were originally shot on HD Video. Some have said this gives off a "soap opera" effect. I can see that description, but to me it makes film based DVD's and movies look more like your watching a real-life play, viewing it through a window. It's a very cool effect!
I understand people's concern's with the glossy screens found on plasma and some LCD's. This screen is slightly less reflective than Samsung's 71 series but can still be a problem for some. It would be nice if there was an easy solution for this but there's not. Sony and other makers use a matte type of screen that certainly helps or eliminates the problem but introduces other negatives. I find colors and blacks just don't "pop" on matte screens and tend to wash out more for off-angle viewing. The 650 has a picture with great depth and color from any angle, greatly adding to the immersion effect.
Much talk has been about the TOC bezel. I think Samsung has hit it out of the park with this. I absolutely love the red. I think it adds just a touch of class. It sets this tv apart from all others(though the picture quality already does this) while still being very subtle and retaining the ability to blend in with any decor. Most people who've come to my home do not even notice the red until I point it out. I'm a little tired of every set looking the same with either a piano black bezel or flat black. This is a very welcome change.
I like many other suffered the shut-off issue. As has been mentioned it appears Samsung has fixed the issue with a firmware update. I've updated the FW and so far so good. It was annoying but not a huge deal to me. Samsung should be commended for how quickly they addressed the issue. I received several calls from upper level officials that were very concerned with my problem. I've never had this level of service from any other manufacturer. Well done Samsung! A side effect of the FW update is that the AMP processing received a boost. Before the FW update I usually had AMP on low at all times and would occasionally put it on High. Now, I still use it at the low setting most times but will put it on Medium occasionaly, and find the High setting a bit much for me. I can put it on High without most of the annoying artifacts people have desribed the 71 series has, which is nice, nut the actual effect is bit much for me.
Overall, this is best the LCD on the market. I can't see Sony or any of the other manufactures making a better TV this year. They may match it perhaps, but certainly won't surpass it. For those that were on the fence waiting to buy until the shut-off issue was fixed, your wait is over. Buy with complete confidence and enjoy one of the best TV's out there! minimize
My research concludes this is #1 - Auto-off Problem Resolved, April 5, 2008
I've been doing the research and visiting the brick and mortar locations and I've concluded the Samsung features are the best on the market currently. I've been concerned about the auto shut-off problem I've been reading. I called Samsung Customer Support and was told it is not an issue but they didn't mention the firmware update which is indeed...read full review
I've been doing the research and visiting the brick and mortar locations and I've concluded the Samsung features are the best on the market currently. I've been concerned about the auto shut-off problem I've been reading. I called Samsung Customer Support and was told it is not an issue but they didn't mention the firmware update which is indeed posted on their Web site today. Go to the Samsung Web site and look under "SUPPORT/NEWS & ALERTS" - A650 Series LCD TV Auto Off Firmware Update. A small number of Samsung A650 series LCD TVs turn off automatically. The following models are affected:
* LN40A650A1F
* LN46A650A1F
* LN52A650A1F
Samsung has released a firmware update that fixes the problem. If you have one of these models, Samsung recommends that you install this firmware update on your TV, even if you are not experiencing the auto off problem. If you have a USB memory drive, you can download the firmware from our website. For complete instructions on downloading and installing the firmware update, go to [...]. If you do not have a USB memory drive, Samsung can send you a drive containing the firmware. To have a copy of the firmware sent to you, call Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864). Have your model and serial numbers on hand when you call. minimize
Great HDTV, average for non-HD content, white glove service overrated, August 7, 2008
After 3 weeks of gruelling research, I shortlisted Samsung LN52A650, Panasonic Th-50PZ800U and the Sony XBR series. After watching them all side by side, I dropped Sony off the list as it is simply not worth the price & it wasn't as bright as the other two. And since I had owned a Panasonic EDTV for last 4 years, I was ready to test waters with...read full review
After 3 weeks of gruelling research, I shortlisted Samsung LN52A650, Panasonic Th-50PZ800U and the Sony XBR series. After watching them all side by side, I dropped Sony off the list as it is simply not worth the price & it wasn't as bright as the other two. And since I had owned a Panasonic EDTV for last 4 years, I was ready to test waters with an LCD TV. After watching the picture quality of the Samsung 6 series, I was blown away. I can confirm to you that this unit offers the best picture quality in LCD, bar none. Also, it comes really close to the Pioneer Kuro in black levels.
A few basics. I have used all HDMI 1.3 connections. I have an Onkyo TX-SR705 A/V receiver which is great.
HD Content from DirecTV with DVR - Watching HD content from DirecTV is pure pleasure to eyes. Eventhough I am sitting just 7-8 feet from this huge TV, I see breathtaking picture quality that I did not notice in any other HDTVs.
Blu-Ray on PS3 - I downloaded a few HD trailers from Sonystoreonline using my PS3 and also watched Spider-Man3 on Blu-Ray. This was simply spectacular.
Non-HD content - I am quite disappointed with the quality of picture with non-HD content on this TV. My old Panasonic plasma did a much better job at this. My only hope is that most channels would make the switch to HD in the coming years.
120 Hz experience - May be its me but I couldn't see a visible difference between keeping this feature on versus off.
6 series versus 7 series - The extra pre-loaded content and a better integrated speaker weren't worth $400 premium for the 7 series. I would suggest you stick to the 6 series. But watch out the amazon price fluctuations, you shouldn't be paying more than $2270 for the 6 series.
White Glove Delivery - The CEVA shipping took about 7 business days and I had to be proactively calling them to schedule the delivery and track shipments. A lone fellow showed up at my doorstep struggling to lift the TV up my front porch. I had to help him bring the TV inside. Onbce he got in, after a little effort in helping me place the TV on the stand, I could see his desperation to leave. Hence, I had to sign him off and call a pal in to help me with the rest. I am satisfied with this service but not super-excited like some others. minimize
Wow - now that's a picture !, April 6, 2008
I hesitated buying this TV until I read that a firmware update fixed the shut-off issue. I bought mine today - hooked up a Samsung (DVD-HD860)unconverting DVD player (HDMI) and Wow. The DVD player is only a 1080i - I'm gonna get the 1080p version or wait for Blu-Ray (read below). The picture on this TV is simply amazing. If you're thinking about...read full review
I hesitated buying this TV until I read that a firmware update fixed the shut-off issue. I bought mine today - hooked up a Samsung (DVD-HD860)unconverting DVD player (HDMI) and Wow. The DVD player is only a 1080i - I'm gonna get the 1080p version or wait for Blu-Ray (read below). The picture on this TV is simply amazing. If you're thinking about this TV, just do it. I've been researching and waiting for 3 months. Incredible PQ. HD channels look great and DVDs are fantastic. I'll be getting a Blu-ray player as soon as the new versions come out later this summer (I hope).
I played a home movie DVD that I made and saw colors and detail I hadn't seen in the same movie on another (DLP)TV/DVD player.
BTW, I called Samsung for the firmware update - the gal told me it would be harmful to my TV unless it had the shut-off problem and advised against it.
To say the least - I'm impressed. Strong buy recommendation here. I just hope my initial enthusiasm isn't ruined by any problems down the road.
There is some glare from a large bay window on the wall perpendicular to the TV (if I'm watching TV, the window is on my right hand side) - but it's not terrible when the TV is displaying something. If it's blank, the darn thing almost looks like a mirror (during bright daylight).
Nice styling on the TV also. Comes with a cloth to keep the bezel clean and finger-print free.
Oh, and playing-back (JPEG) pictures using the built-in USB drive and slide-show with music - I'm seeing my high res photos jump-out at me. Wow.
Not sure what the Ethernet port is good for yet. Perhaps some future functionality. Can't even use it for firmware upgrades I believe.
Good luck with your purchase decision. I'm very pleased so far with mine.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll be as honest and objective as I can. Heck, I'm an engineer - I can't lie ! Wish they had a 58 inch model ( my DLP is a 61 inch and I'm trying to get used to a "smaller" screen now). I haven't even played around with most of the settings ( AMP ? what's that do? ) - but I'll be experimenting over the next few days. My wife told me while I was raving about the golf on TV "Golf ALWAYS looks good on TV" - so I guess I need to see another sporting even with faster action to comment further :-)
TT
Two week update: Installed the firmware upgrade. Hasn't shut-off since (yet).
The picture on this TV is like looking thru a picture window at the image - sports or movies - incredible clarity and colors. I have not seen a better picture anywhere. What a great TV. Incredible detail and sharpness. minimize
