Although CNET did not review the 46-inch Samsung LN46A650, we did review the 52-inch Samsung LN52A650. Judging from their specification sheets, the two Samsung LCD HDTVs are essentially identical but for screen size, so we expect the picture quality of the 52-inch model to provide a good indication of how the 46-inch set will perform. For more information, refer to the full review of the Samsung LN52A650.
Intro:
The Samsung LN46A650 is a 46-inch, liquid crystal display television.Compared to other liquid crystal display TVs on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $2,125.This TV is an LCD display, which is generally the best kind of flat-panel screen for viewing in brightly-lit rooms.
Noteworthy Features:
Has a 46-inch screen size.This is larger than the average TV on the market today, but is to be expected for a TV of this price.This set can display images that are sharper and more realistic than standard definition television when hooked up to a high definition signal.The 3:2 pulldown feature of this unit reduces artifacts that can occur when motion pictures are transferred to a digital format such as DVD.
Weaker Features:
Has only a rear connector location.
Suitability:
Suited for those who want to enjoy an ultra-sharp picture from an ultra-thin TV.In general, a wide aspect TV such as this one is ideal for DVD movies recorded in the popular 16:9 format, as well as high definition programming.
Value:
Despite its relatively expensive price, this TV has good features for the money.
Suggestions:
(1) For assistance in shopping for a new HDTV, read CNET editors' Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide.(2) If donating or repurposing your old TV is not a viable option, CNET encourages households to recycle their electronics.Please explore the following website to find a recycling center in your area Electronics Take Back Coalition.
Receiving HDTV broadcast:
The three common methods to receive HDTV broadcasts are via satellite-TV set-top box, cable system set-top box, and over-the-air reception from a digital HDTV broadcast station.
True HDTV:
True HDTV programming is broadcast in three resolutions: 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.
Tuner options:
An HDTV-ready satellite or cable box will act as an outboard HDTV tuner for your digital TV set that lacks a built-in HD tuner.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Very nice answer to the 71 series.
Overall, The LNA650 series has wow'ed me to the 'nth degree. I was a fan of the 71 series ...
Overall, The LNA650 series has wow'ed me to the 'nth degree. I was a fan of the 71 series and was conflicted with admitting to my dislike with the artifacting and over processed look of the 120hz in "HIGH" mode, but otherwise, was ok with it. The depth of color and motion was more than enough to gain my respect.
The overall look of the 650's is so far off the beaten path that it becomes a subtle work of art even WITHOUT the set being powered on! The new touch of color on the bezel brings a curious warmth to the "feel" of the set, allowing various levels of decor to be invited in.
Now, the panel. Wow. I love the level of black it can acheive. The richness and crispness of the colors make it feel like you are looking out a window, rather than watching a digital t.v. The game mode in the menu takes gaming to a whole new level.
2 out of 10 - Terrible Terrible Reliability
This set had a marvelous picture for 1.5 weeks. Then it froze up and worked no further. Samsung warranty ...
This set had a marvelous picture for 1.5 weeks. Then it froze up and worked no further. Samsung warranty service is a joke--endless procedures, no action, no follow through. I will make a point of avoiding their products from now on. All electronic products are subject to occasional defects--that can be minimized but not eliminated.
However, great service is entirely controlable. Samsung clearly is running this on the cheap. When an HP server failed, HP shipped a new frame the next day. Samsung's warranty performance is the worst I have ever seen.
Read more
by blancpain (see profile) -
June 11, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect best of the best
the picture quaility is by far one of the best of other LCD's on the market, black levels are ...
the picture quaility is by far one of the best of other LCD's on the market, black levels are as deep as produced by plasma. The new design with it's black-red piano finish gives it the edge over competition. The best buy for the money. The shiny screen makes it a bit harder to see in very bright rooms, but under normal conditions produces one of the best quality picture by far. this is my third experience with an LCD and is the best so far. LOVE every moment, best gift for playoffs......
Read more
by dan_la (see profile) -
April 20, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect Fantastic TV
This TV is awesome. Fantastic price for all the options that come with the tv. No real glare issues that ...
This TV is awesome. Fantastic price for all the options that come with the tv. No real glare issues that some people note. No burning or loss of clarity, but have only had the tv for one week.
Read more
by rikin.renegade (see profile) -
June 30, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Exceeds expectations
Did a million years of hunting & comparing. We're SO pleased with this set, and glad we didn't ...
Did a million years of hunting & comparing. We're SO pleased with this set, and glad we didn't settle for less. Ordered from Amazon, and the set arrived TWO business days later! Really amazing service, totally unexpected, kudos to CEVA. The picture is stunning, even with our old Sony standard dvd player. Wondering if we should get an upconverting dvd player. We're finally Samsung believers. Cheers.
Read more
by dnaweb (see profile) -
June 29, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect AMAZING LCD!!!
I accidently reviewed the 52 inch...so check there if you get a chance
I accidently reviewed the 52 inch...so check there if you get a chance
Read more
by WonderFooL_84 (see profile) -
June 22, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular I had to have this even though I was saving for an XBR5
I was set on buying Sony's 46XBR5. Everytime I would see one next a Samsung 71 series, the XBR ...
I was set on buying Sony's 46XBR5. Everytime I would see one next a Samsung 71 series, the XBR always seemed sharper and more realistic. Then on one trip to Sears I saw the A650 and thought that has to be a plasma. The blacks were so dark and the colors look so real, I had to have it, But sears had it listed for $2,900.00 which was a couple hundred more than the XBR. So I checked newspaper flyers and went online and found it at Amazon for a few buck less than 2 grand. So that was a no brainer.
After receiving the set more than a week before my estimated delivery. It took me 15 minutes to connect a dish network DVR, 25 year old pioneer av surround recevier and HD dvd player. The set only needed minor adjustments to give me a awesome everyday experience. Talk about adjustments there are plenty of set make what ever your watching perfect.
I've been bown away at the difference in HD veiwing compared to my Vizio set. It feels like your seeing thing through a window instead of watching TV. On my HD dvd player I've finally been able to see 1080p content, and yes you can see the difference. All the Borne movies, stardust, Serinity and I am Legend looked amazing. With this LCD I've been able to discern when an HD channel is broadcasting HD content or upconverted content, the pictures that good.
I had this TV for over 5 weeks now and I still smile when I see the picture. The only drawbacks are the remote which seemed to taunt me while trying to make adjustments. You have to have patients and double check your settings as the wheel tends to have a mind of its own. The sound output was even more dissapointing, like why is it so hard to figure out if you face the speakers toward the back of the set the sound won't be as clear as it should be? luckly my reciever reduced my annoyance about this.
The red ToC is barely noticable unless you look for it. The price the picture and ease of use makes this a winner no matter what coomes down the road.
Read more
by Randomaxe (see profile) -
June 9, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect In a word....Awesome!!
I researched many different models before deciding on the 650, and I've had no regrets whatsoever. The depth of ...
I researched many different models before deciding on the 650, and I've had no regrets whatsoever. The depth of the colors and the clarity of the picture makes you feel like you're watching live action, and not a TV.
I read the CNET review and they didn't like the reddish frame, and initially didn't think I'd like it either. However it adds life to the black or silver we've grown accustomed to, and I most definitely enjoy it more than the acrylic frame of the Sony XBR series.
The blacks are the deepest I've seen on any LCD and rival my friends Pioneer Kuro plasma. There are more than enough fine tuning controls for the picture you need, and the 4th HDMI connection is a sweet bonus. Plus the Ethernet port for streaming weather, stocks and news across the screen is another seemingly unnecessary bonus but one that has proved useful.
This is my first LCD (besides my computer monitors) and I've been a die hard plasma fanatic, but this set has changed my mind.
Also Samsung has a firmware update to fix the auto off some have been experiencing. You download it to a flash drive stick it in the USB port, install it and thats it.
Read more
by somnus69 (see profile) -
May 10, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Remarkably Clear Picture
I was all set to buy the 46" Sony XBR4 when I read the editors choice review on cnet. Went ...
I was all set to buy the 46" Sony XBR4 when I read the editors choice review on cnet. Went to the store to compare and didn't see a signifcant difference between the two. Choose the Samsung for the higher contrast ratio (50,000 vs 18,000 on the XBR) and the additional features the XBR did not have. Also, I did not care for the extended acrylic frame on the XBR. The Samsung was also $100 less.
Read more
by howstein (see profile) -
May 4, 2008