Sony KDL-40V300 vs Samsung LN40A550 In the market for my first HDTV and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Both seem to get good ratings, and both look great in the store. Any input would be appreciated. Sony KDL-40V300 vs Samsung LN40A550 In the market for my first HDTV and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Both seem to get good ratings, and both look great in the store. Any input... » Read More Sony KDL-40V300 vs Samsung LN40A550 In the market for my first HDTV and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Both seem to get good ratings, and both look great in the store. Any input would be appreciated. « Show Less
1458923
As we prepare to close out 2011, I'll say that I've had this set for 4 years without the least hint of a problem. I know the newer sets seem a lot cheaper, but Sony has cut corners by going from 10 to 8 color bands, reducing quality control, ordering more parts from China. The competition now is not only from Samsung but Vizio and LG, and unfortunately for a once-revered and trusted company like Sony, the consumer nowadays isn't all that impressed by better quality. He wants the biggest screen at the lowest price--period.
1458924
With my surround sound system (Panasonic, 5.1, 1000 watts) on, I've noticed a drastic increase in sound quality, it really makes a difference. The standard speakers on the TV are hardly audible in my opinion. Even on the analog stations, usually only two of the speakers on the surround sound system are putting out sound, it still makes a big difference though. The HD stations, which usually have 5.1 surround sound, are incredible. You should check out a surround sound system. Really makes a difference and complements the TV.
999448
I just bought my first HDTV - the Samsung LN37A550, for playing regular movies and my Xbox 360. I did a lot of research before making the commitment, and I decided on this Samsung because of the size (not too big for my living room), the price (just over $1,000 is a great deal) and the features (HDMI hookups, 1080p). Your PS3 outputs games at 1080p, so you should definitely look for that feature to get the most out of it - the PS3 will also play blu-ray movies at 1080p and upconvert regular movies to 1080p over HDMI cables. Look for a set that has a high contrast ratio (the higher the number the more colors will look vibrant and the blacks look darker) and a fast response time (in this case the lower the number the faster, so that games and fast action sequences appear smooth). Most importantly (I think) pick a size that seems right for the room in which you will use it. There's no point dropping $$$$ on a huge TV if you have a small room - HDTV is so much sharper than regular TV, you won't need a massive set to see the benefits. For a bedroom, consider getting something either 32" or 37". Check out the Sharp LC32D64U, the Sharp LC37D62U or the Samsung LN37A550 (the one I ended up buying) for some good models at this size range. Good luck!
2205127
It has been a month since I contacted Sony regarding the kdl-46vl150 shut off problem. I have been told that the replacement part is in indefinite back order and have been offered a replacement TV, model number kdl-46ex700. I have researched the model and its an up grade to the 150. Its not a 2011 model but considering that the 150 is a total LEMON I'm going with the exchange for the 700. And as Denyse stated document and nag nag nag.
354926
I just looked at both of these tvs (I too, don't know which one to buy) at Fry's. Side by side, same type of cable and both hooked to same bluray. I and my husband couldn't tell any difference except the 55" is bigger. At Best Buy they didn't have them side by side on the wall and it didn't look as if the 55" was that much bigger. But when both are at same level on a stand you could really tell the difference. The picture quality was the same to both of us. I asked the salesman and he said unless watching sports you would not be able to tell.
302407
I don't know how much help I can be but I'll give it a shot. I bought the Samsung because I own a Samsung LCD 46" bought in '08. I was quite happy with that TV so I stuck with the Samsung brand. I really think the 46" has a better picture than the 65" LED. Could be because of a consequential loss of picture clarity that comes with larger screen sizes. The UN65 has a dual core processor but if you're really into "smart," I recommend the quad core (more money of course). I subscribe to NFL game replays and they won't load well (and therefore can't view) with the dual core; I have to use my quad core computer. I think the UN has a really reasonable price, but you generally get what you pay for (as the old saying goes). Bottom line . . . I like the UN65 but, at the same time, I am a little disappointed. The only way you'll ever know is to look at them side-by-side and remember, showrooms do not have real-life broadcasts (in most instances) so when you get one home, your picture may not be a great as in the showroom. Hope this helps somewhat and good luck!
410290
Peter...Look at the current price fo the Samsung LN40A550 at Amazon. Includes free shipping...too. Ordered mine this morning.....expected delivery end of next week. Go for it !!!!O
1514948
hi, i have a similar size room, tried 26, 32 , and 37 inch. 32 is best. one thing not talked about often is, there's also a minimum viewing distance for these tvs, esp. 720p. any closer, you see the pixels, any noise in the image, etc. with a hq tv like samsung, sony, sharp, my experiments indicate for a 32" around 5 feet is about as close as i'd want to go. anything else, i'd have to go to 1080p (the sharp 32" aquos 1080p model is great up to 3 feet, but more $$). btw, right now you can pick up a samsung LN-T3242H at circuit city for $720 if you're a AAA member (you need to go to www.aaa.com/circuitcity to get a coupon code). this model is a level down from the 3253H but i picked one up yesterday and so far it seems pretty good to me. you can read about both models on amazon. good luck.
981060
Hey I know you guys posted a couple of weeks ago, but if it helps, I have owned both the 4065 and the new LN46A650. I can tell you that the picture quality on the new series is literally leaps and bounds above the older models. I personally think that the 650 series is one of the, if not the best available lcd tv on the market today. If you do not want to spend the extra money on the new series, the 4065 is much better than the 4061, has a better processor, higher contrast ratio, brighter screen for better color saturation, etc.
974043
I did a side by side comparison at Best Buy in their calibrated Magnolia center. They also had Samsung's flagship LED HDTV from 2013 right beside it (the one I originally intended to purchase.). There was no comparison, the VT just looked better in the dark room. Blacks were truly black with no noticeable light bleed like there was from the LED. The F8500 looked good as well, but the VT won me over. The white level is fine in my living room where I have it wall mounted. It's not in direct sunlight, but the overall picture quality is nice even in moderate lighting.
390352
I would say yes. I was in the exact same position just a short month ago and before that 2 years ago. My 1st purchase of an LCD was between a 37" and a 40". I went with the 40 and was very happy I did. When our 40" went into the bedroom and we were looking for a TV room replacement it was between the 46" and the 52". So we were looking at 6 more inches or a whole foot. You may not initially notice a big difference in the store because there are so many sets side by side, but when you get it home you'll really see how nice a large screen looks. (if you have the space) Now that we have a 52" I feel like a 60" would be just fine at my home. I ended up with a Samsung LN52A630. Its a very nice set with the 120HZ process rate and I got a very good deal on it. If I had not gotten a deal on the set and had to choose between a 46" with the 120HZ and a 52" without it,,, I'd go with the 52". I think you'll really like seeing a BIG impressive picture. Good luck.
471863
Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this would be helpful, thanks! Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this... » Read More Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this would be helpful, thanks! « Show Less
508472
I personally like the 50" Panasonic plasm. I have mostly looked at the 50PZ700u. I person I work with, who is a stickler for this kind of stuff, bought this TV and really has enjoyed it. According to him you really cant beat it without going up in price by a few thousand dollars. Just as a side note, best I can tell these couple of models use the same panel and just have a few minor differences. 50PZ700U - My preferred right now 50PZ750U - Same with some more plugs and color settings. Costs more as well. 50PZ77U - Not totally sure what the difference is, but it seems very similar.
535144
I like the Samsungs. We have had Sony Bravia, Sharp, and Samsung, and the Samsungs of recent years including the model 6350 are sharper in picture and we like the apps better, however, when buying a blue ray player we still stick with Sony, they load faster and have a better user friendly menu.
141794
Is anybody else getting dizzy from all of the TVs being offered (such as Samsung and Sony, with Sony's recently dropping its price on the Sony Bravia 55HX800 to $1,401)? I was set to pull the trigger on this one, and then Vizio came out with the XV554 and then Sony dropped its prices, and and and... . I read a lot of comparison reviews on http://www.televisioninfo.com/d/reviews which seems to do a pretty straight up job of reviewing TVs (although Sony's a big advertiser there, so I'm necessarily suspicious of just how much objectivity there is). Any thoughts on how to navigate this thicket?
981054
Not to hijack your thread but I'm kind of in the same situation. I want to get a TV for Bluray but am not sure to wait or buy now.Also, is the extra 150$ worth it from the 61 to 65 model? The only difference I can see is the 5,000 point difference in Contrast Ratio, is that worth the extra money?Thanks.
548186
My subjective opinion is based on a pretty simple observation. I've looked at and compared both sets at Sears and at Best Buy and the Samsung had the best picture quality by far. In fact at as little as 5 feet away I had a difficult time seeing any difference between the model in question and several other 1080p models hanging next to it. I know a lot depends upon the quality of video feed the stores are using for the demo models on display. This is only my opinion and I know that can vary greatly for the person to person. So, take it for what its worth. Hopefully others can add their observations to the discussion.
1272116
That clinches it. Amazon's good about accepting returns (I returned a Samsung late last year), but sounds like it's not worth the hassle this time. Thanks for confirming my choice. (I like Panasonic, too, but when I ask for a personal favorite from some of these sales guys who are around hundreds of TV sets every day, they almost always say Sony's the one.)