Although CNET did not review the 52-inch Samsung LN52A750, we did review the 46-inch Samsung LN46A750. Judging from their spec sheets, the two Samsung LCD HDTVs are basically identical but for screen size, so we expect that the review of the 46-incher will give a good indication of how the 52-inch model will perform. For more information, refer to the full review of the Samsung LN46A750.
Intro:
The Samsung LN52A750 is a 52-inch, liquid crystal display television.Compared to other liquid crystal display TVs on the market, it is expensive at around $2,945.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 52-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.With built-in HDTV compatibility, this television can display images that are significantly sharper and more realistic than regular television, as long as the source is high definition.(It can easily render standard-resolution digital TV broadcasts and also depict the full resolution of widescreen DVD video.)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:
A liquid crystal display TV, suited for home entertainment as well as work place applications.Also, 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:
Overall, this TV's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.Nonetheless, take note that liquid crystal display TVs with similar viewable size have an average cost of around $3,780.
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 now available 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 Top notch picture is the best I've seen on LCD
I have been comparing the Sony KDL-52XBR5 with the Samsung LN52A750, and have been for about the last 2 months. (...
I have been comparing the Sony KDL-52XBR5 with the Samsung LN52A750, and have been for about the last 2 months. (I'm sure the local stores aren't pleased with my analysis paralysis.)
Anyway, I have read all of the consumer reviews for the Sony, but there are few to none to read for the Samsung. Everyone who bought the Sony describes it as the best thing that has ever happened to TV and they all boast about how happy they are with the picture quality. I don't know if these are written by actual customers who have viewed both sets, but I wanted to offer my take for anyone willing to listen.
I just can't get myself to buy either one quite yet, and I want to tell you why. Hopefully this will help someone else to pull the trigger on their purchase in a more timely fashion than I have been able to do.
First, I'll start with the Sony. It's absolutely beautiful! The set design is awesome and it would look great hanging on my wall. My problem is that the picture is grainy as hell. I watched a program on discovery in HD using direct TV as the source. There was a big and very noticeable problem on the Sony when looking at edge detail on an airplane/ultralight. I was standing with my head @ 12 ft. from the TV (yes, I actually brought my tape measure) and it was impossible not to notice this.. even at that distance. I asked the sales guy if this is something that you just get used to. His reply was that if you see it now and it bothers you, you will continue to see it and be bothered by it @ home. Next was hockey on the Sony...un-watchable. Instant headache. The puck was a blur. Then finally, blu-ray. The picture was so good on this that I thought I was going to fall into the TV. It was stunning.
Now for the Samsung. The TV is not as visually appealing. The TOC (touch of color) is the lamest attempt I have ever seen to make a TV look more fashionable. I don't know if this comes in other colors,...but red??? What the hell is that about?
I found the picture on the Samsung to be hands down better. No comparison. No blur and no grain on the same HD source/channel. I don't get it though! They both have 120Hz refresh, so what gives? I asked the sale advisor about this. He said that the Samsung's screen is coated with something that makes motion look more real. I thought the picture was flawless on this set.
So what's the big deal then right? Just buy the Samsung and shut up, right?
Wrong! Whatever material is used to coat the Samsung screen, it makes the screen have a glossy appearance. This is could be a HUGE problem in a room with windows (like mine). Once I became aware of the neon "Stereo" sign reflected in the set, I could no longer focus on the picture. I could even see myself and the salesman standing there too. If you have a room with windows, you need to be aware of this.
Take a small pen-light or flashlight and point it at the screen. If it reflects the light, like the Samsung does (the Sony hardly does), you may have a problem in a well lit room.
So what do I do? I want to fall in love with a TV like the other people who review, but I just can't. You have to take the room into account as well. I would have bought the Samsung yesterday if I didn't have to research room darkening blinds. On second though, maybe I'll just leave that to the wife.
For pure picture quality, it's the Samsung for me. I just don't know if it will work in this room.
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by calcarine_sulcus (see profile) -
May 4, 2008
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular The Best of the Best
After researching and viewing content on several LCDs from numerous manufacturers, I cut it down to the Samsung 71 series ...
After researching and viewing content on several LCDs from numerous manufacturers, I cut it down to the Samsung 71 series LCD until the LN52A750 came out and beat it (if someone is going to beat your product, best that it's you). The 71 series is excellent but the new 7 series just about perfects the 120Hz technology feature, and so I bought this bad boy right away. There's a lot said about this feature, including on CNET, as to whether it is good or bad. It's really as simple as this? 120Hz adds a new element to TVs, almost giving life-like depth perception to 1080i or better video content. 120Hz has even been described by some as the "new" 1080p, and it really does add that much quality to video. Some argue things like it robs you of "director's intent" in certain movies, shows, etc. But it's as simple as - so what, if you don't want to use it, turn it off when you want and use it for content where it is ideal, like sports, gaming and some movies, etc. The 7 series truly does the best job at 120Hz of ANY LCD on the market today, and I can't see it getting much better (next step would be to actually do 3D HDTVs). Some also have criticized a red border around the TV but, it is hardly even noticeable. In fact, everyone who's seen the TV in my house hasn't even noticed it - until I told them it was there and then they still didn't care that it was there. The picture quality is superior overall. This is an excellent TV. The only gripe I have about it so far is the sound. The speakers are in the back and so the sound comes across a bit hallow, despite my repeated attempts to compensate for it by trying to customize the equalizer. Still, this is just minor to me since, if I really want to hear good sound, I'd turn on 5.1 audio. This is the best LCD HDTV available, and the fact I got it brand new for $2,600 at a local large retailer made it even sweeter.
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by mouseclick (see profile) -
May 14, 2008
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 out of 10 - Good Great picture, but a few glaring flaws keep it from being the best.
I recently got Sharp to refund me the purchase price of my 52" 62U (banding) after three sets. So I ...
I recently got Sharp to refund me the purchase price of my 52" 62U (banding) after three sets. So I narrowed my search down to the Samsung 650, 750, or the Panasonic 800U with THX certification. I finally decided on the Samsung 750 because I play a lot of Madden and was worried about burn in. I took it home, hooked it up, and was amazed by the picture clarity, superb motion, and color accuracy. This TV also has a lot of nice features (my wife and her girlfriend oohed and aahed over the recipes and artwork). I think the design of the TV is cool and the red border is not nearly as pronounced on this set as the 650. However...I had read on AVS forum about the so called Purple Haze some of these sets have. As long as I was sitting on my couch directly in front of the set, deep beautiful blacks; however, as soon as I moved slightly off center (I'm not talking 180 degrees, more like 75), the blacks turn purple. The further off center, the more purple. I put in Revenge of the Sith, with dark space scenes and was really disappointed. Space should be black, not purple. I took that set back immediately and picked up another. Got it home, same problem. In addition, I noticed that the very edges of the bezel are at a 45 degree angle and reflect portions of the screen back to you which is quite distracting. I believe some call this the "halo" effect. What is wrong with Samsung? Couldn't they see this problem in testing. All that would be necessary to fix it is to paint the inside edge of the bezel so that it would not allow light to pass through. Also, the screen is very glossy. When the screen is black/purple its like looking into a mirror. Despite the great picture (from dead on) I would not recommend this TV unless they change the name to Vizio and lower the price 1,500. I'm going back to CC today to buy the Panasonic 800U.
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by Tovarisht (see profile) -
June 10, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Realest picture ever!
I have ATT Uverse as my cable provider and the their HD picture looks so true on my new LN52A750. ...
I have ATT Uverse as my cable provider and the their HD picture looks so true on my new LN52A750. I checked out the LN52A650 as well before settling on the 750 series. My wife and I thought that the picture quality of 750 was a tad bit better.
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by yosonu (see profile) -
July 4, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Exception TV, hard to believe it's not plasma, 120 Hz
The 120 Hz refresh allow 5:5 pull down for blu-ray rather then 3:2. This allows movies that are ...
The 120 Hz refresh allow 5:5 pull down for blu-ray rather then 3:2. This allows movies that are shot at 24 fps to be seen as intended.
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by harrisek (see profile) -
May 26, 2008