Samsung LN32A550

Summary: When I was initially shopping for HDTVs two years ago, I came down to Samsung and Sony. How fitting that I came down to both of these brands yet again. ...

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Summary: When I was initially shopping for HDTVs two years ago, I came down to Samsung and Sony. How fitting that I came down to both of these brands yet again. This time, it was much easier for me to choose the Samsung LN32A550. I had been toying with the idea of adding an HDTV/computer monitor to the bedroom for a while. I couldn't decide between a large, expensive computer monitor and a TV. I knew that I needed something with greater resolution than "720p" for a screen that size. Sure, you might not notice the difference watching a movie or HD programming, but as a computer display, it's not quite as forgiving.

When I saw this unit for <$900, the thought of using it as a compromise piqued my interest. I read the review of the 450 series on CNET and assumed that the 550 had to be at least as good (lucky for me that potentially flawed logic held true!). I saw rave user reviews for the larger models and decided to take the plunge.

It arrived yesterday, and I had to set it up at lunch. It looked great out of the box, but you must calibrate these things. I am still playing around with the settings using DVE, AVIA, and the THX Optimizer and have found great results so far, but I am a calibration nut and will continue to tweak. Once I feel like I've got a great calibration, I will post my settings. Also, I will update my eval after connecting it as a PC display with a high end graphics card.

As I said, the price/performance ratio for this display is phenomenal. A buddy at work was looking for a 32" and settled on a set that doesn't really approach the quality of this one, and I only paid a little over $100 more. You can always get a better picture going with the creme de la creme. The trick is to find that peformance/price break that both matches your budget and gives you the best bang for the buck. I feel pretty fortunate owning the Sony KDS50A2000 and Samsung LN32A550. I bought both for under $2500, and I have seen sets that expensive which can't beat the picture on either display.

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Summary: The LN-32A550 SAMSUNG is fantastic. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p in this size TV because you can.

The ...

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Summary: The LN-32A550 SAMSUNG is fantastic. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p in this size TV because you can.

The HDTV programs are great. Digital programs are very good and SD programs are above average depending on the channel (can't wait for Febuary).

Blacks are deep, whites are bright and flesh tones are natural.

There are more setting in the menue for picture and sound than any other HDTV I looked at.

3 HDMI inputs and all the other ports you could want for this size TV.

The sound is ony average but I have it in my bedroom. If you are going to put it in a family room or living room you will want to add speakers.

Swival stand and backlit remote are great features.

Style is in the eye of the beholder. I like the piano black finish with the thin bezel and lack of chrome. Simple and modern.

I looked for four months and it came down this this TV and the KDL-32xbr6. For picture, features and price this was my choice.

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Summary: Having some issues, willl update once resolved with Image flicker/jumping with Old SDTV programs that are showing in 720P on HD channels.

Updated on Aug 26, 2008

I think ...

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Summary: Having some issues, willl update once resolved with Image flicker/jumping with Old SDTV programs that are showing in 720P on HD channels.

Updated on Aug 26, 2008

I think that the down firing speakers are the issue with the quality of sound, have you played around with the EQ?

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Summary: The sound is inferior and there is no clear way to adjust for more bass, less tenor.

Summary: The sound is inferior and there is no clear way to adjust for more bass, less tenor.