Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room
What up, reader? While the screen-size arms race is destined to continue forever (We fully expect to see a 120-incher any day now.), it turns out that the sweet spot for a typical living room is 40 or 42 inches. A TV around that size is big enough to let you lose yourself in a movie, but won't squat in the corner like an electronic elephant once you turn it off. With that in mind, we're pretty hot for Samsung's LN40B550 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV ($950 list, but lower at many places).
Beyond the 1080p resolution (which is as good as modern high-definition allows), Samsung has been coming on particularly strong in LCD for several years, meaning the LN40B550's picture quality is terrific right out of the box without any tweaking necessary (If you happen to be an uncontrollable tweaker, you'll be happy to know that, like all recent Samsung models, it offers an outstanding control menu.). There are four HDMI inputs, plenty to accommodate your cable/satellite box, a Blu-ray player, and a game console or two, as well as an included swivel stand. And to round out the package, it looks good, owing to Samsung's snazzy "Touch of Color" bezel design, which adds a subtle hue to the black frame.
If you have a larger room or sit farther back from the TV (more than 10 feet or so), or simply can't resist the allure of a giganto screen, you may want to reconsider your loyalty to LCD and pick up a plasma set on the cheap. Panasonic makes some of the best, and its VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 50-inch HDTV brings plenty of bang for the buck at just $1,000 (and much less if you shop around). Granted, it's only a 720p set, but the picture quality and stunning blacks in particular make it a real standout.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Anthony said 4:32PM on 11-11-2009
Ok, I get it's about the TV, but the picture on it made me laugh for a minute.
Reply
JDam4131 said 3:37PM on 12-02-2009
I must personally attest to the amazing picture quality of the samsung LN46B640 it was on sale at best buy for 999.99 AMAZING bargain for the BEST TV
Reply
cynicinli said 1:39AM on 12-16-2009
picture is great with the samsung but you will run into problems with the tv turning on after about a year...search the net and you will see numerous complaints along these lines
Reply
waco-reddog said 8:23AM on 12-16-2009
Read the forums on this manufacturer. Although a great product, it has weaknesses: particularly the power supply in the set.
Reply
shimmer32880 said 10:03AM on 12-16-2009
I actually just bought the Samsung LN40B550 a few weeks ago. It was on sale at $804.99 when we put it on layaway, and when we went back 2 weeks later to pay it off it was $704.99! It is a great TV! Even watching regular non-HD cable it's not bad. Xbox 360 is unbelievable.
Reply
billblazenski said 9:12AM on 12-16-2009
While LCD offers the highest level of detail, for distances under 5 feet from the screen, they make for poor choices for big screen televisions. Plasma HDTVs offer 800% better depth perception than LCD. If you can afford a plasma, buy one. They will soon be extinct, because LCD is far cheaper to manufacture.
Reply
nnojr said 10:11AM on 12-16-2009
I don't know where you people shop! I just purchased a 46 in Sharp Aquois 120Hz 1080p for $799.00. LAst year I purchased the 52 inch Sharp for $1199.00. Yes 120 Hz 1080p. Americans seem to through money away by not shopping or doing their homework first. No wonder the US is in trouble, no one in Government or Public life can shop and make a good sound purchase!
Reply
dave said 1:24PM on 12-16-2009
Since you are such a good shopper why dont you go out and buy a BJ then come over and give it to ME, you are an idiot totally self centered and selfish. A legend in your own mind. To think the worlds problems revolve around how YOU shop is so egotistical.
cawj1741 said 10:18AM on 12-16-2009
Wow!! I'm happy! I just bought this television as a Christmas gift to my daughter and her family. After reading these comments, I think I have the best deal. Sears had this television on sale for; $599.99!!!! It really is a GREAT television for the money.
Reply
volcomdude1117 said 11:53AM on 12-16-2009
stupid thread.
you can get a good 46" lcd for that price.
even a 50" plasma if u want 720p
shop at sears
Reply
samnatcf said 1:27PM on 12-16-2009
This was a great TV, studied several brands before buying 2 Samsung's LN40A550. But after a one year and 3 months, one began having problems. At first, thought it was the cable box, wasn't the problem. Now it has stopped working altogether. Called Samsung, there people were RUDE, and aware of the problems. They informed me that only 3 to 5 percent of these TV's were bad. They will not repair my set, but gave me the local TV repair man's phone number they just happened to have. Called him only to find out he charged $200 to repair my set if I brought it to him, or $75 for him to pick it up. He informed me he had repaired several of these set in the last few months. So don't waste your money. Buy Sharp Aquos, or Sony if you can afford it. Make sure to get full 1080i, and 240 Hz.
Reply
Jim said 3:17PM on 12-16-2009
Were they rude because they informed you that the TV was out of warranty, and thus you were responsible for the cost of repair? Or, were they just rude? Yes, you have to pay for repairs if the TV is out of warranty. Either pay up for the extended warranties, or put up with repair cost. Everything made has the possibility of needing repair...even Rolls-Royce, Rolex, Ferrari have repair shops, LOL!!!
mashman said 1:43PM on 12-16-2009
I am on my third Vizio which is the 47" 1080 120hz from last year. I have had wonderful experiences with their products. Personally I don't think you can do much better in pricing and quality for a HDTV. Now they have the 240 hz if you are into that. I love my vizio and everyone always gasps at the picture. Anyone else have any comments on their experiences with Vizio?
Reply
Mary Lou said 5:40PM on 12-16-2009
I liked my Visio so much I bought another for my hubby. OMG it has a wonderful picture and company always comments on it. They are reasonalby priced too
Carl Vella said 2:43PM on 12-16-2009
I have a 42" Sony Bravia in the living room which is terrific but bought a 42" Dynex 1080 HiDef for my office at less than half the price of the Sony.
I'm no videophile, but the Dynex picture is absolutely awesome and, in some ways, surpasses the Sony.
Hooked up to a Samsung home theater system
Reply
Dino said 3:47PM on 12-16-2009
Do yourself a favor and don't go for those really cheap ones because usually those TV's are the one without much features, less pixes, not very good looking ones and they might don't even last too long. I got a myself a $1399.FZ Sony Bravia LCD plus $699 Home Theather BDV and I can even use the same remote for boths. The picture & sound are extraordinary like 3-D. Sometime is better to pay a little of bit more for more quality over quantity !!!!!
Reply
Gary said 3:43PM on 12-16-2009
Ok Shimmer, where did you see it for $704? Everywhere it is advertised for $799. You sure you didn't get the 530 instead of the 550? The 530 is a cheaper version.
Reply
Robert Jessee said 4:16PM on 12-16-2009
WHAT ever you do DO"NT buy a Panasonic mine is sixteen months old and needs $655 worth of work(Paid $1400)Panasonic service sucks,atleast they got the money before they bent me over
Reply
smarks1632 said 8:03PM on 12-16-2009
What is the difference between 120 and 240 hz? And please don't say 120...I really don't know what the number refers to...thanks?
Reply
Jim said 8:49PM on 12-16-2009
The difference between 60hz, 120hz, and 240hz is how many times the picture is updated per second. The faster the update (the higher the number) the more times the picture is drawn on the screen per second. This minimizes blurring or "tearing" when there is real fast action going on in whatever you are watching.