Flat Panel TV

TV's: Get A Flat!

Flat Panel TVs, sometimes also called Flat Screen TVs are becoming more and more popular compared to older style Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs. This is because:

The quality of Flat Panel TVs is rapidly improving

The prices of Flat Panel TVs are rapidly decreasing

Flat Panel TVs are lighter and easier to move.

Larger screen size possibilities.

It is possible (though expensive) to wall-mount Flat Panel TVs like a picture. That looks cool!

The digital displays give very rich color.

The look of Flat Panel TVs is very modern

There is less distortion at the edges of Flat Panel TVs compared to CRT TVs.

However, there are still a few disadvantages compared to CRT TVs

Flat Panel TVs are somewhat more expensive.

Picture quality of Flat Panel TVs may not match the best CRT TVs.

Today, Flat Panel TVs come in two basic styles:

LCD TVs

Plasma TVs

These two will are discussed below.

Spotlight on Samsung: Amazon's Best Seller

Spotlight: Samsung 46" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Jan 2008: Most Popular TV Sold on Amazon

Samsung LNT4671F 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD TV

Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)

When the people speak you have to pay attention. As I write, this TV is currently Amazon's most popular and the reason is clear. It offers a 46 inch LCD screen, high definition AND 120 Hz for under $2,000. It has it all. Amazon customers give it a 5 star rating, showing that they are happy with their purchase. If you are looking into TVs right now, this is a good place to start.

Avg. Customer Rating:

WHICH IS BETTER: LCD or PLASMA?

That is a difficult question and open to debate. However, there are a few issues to consider:

Of these two, LCD TVs, though a little more expensive, are currently the most popular. This is mostly because there are fewer problems with 'burn-in'. Burn-in occurs when there is a static image, such as an off-the-air signal, is left on for a long time, typically 20 minutes or more. Plasma TVs are combating this, with 'screen saver' type technology, so it is rarely a problem. Plasma TV's major advantage is that the picture quality is thought to be slightly (not dramatically) better and they currently come in larger screen sizes.

What other things to think about?
Screen Size: Screen Size is mostly a matter of taste and space. Most people prefer bigger over smaller. If you are going for very large screen size, think plasma. In the bigger TV range, plasmas are currently less expensive and better.

Definition (720 vs 1080 pixel resolution): When you are buying a TV you will often see 1080p. This means that the TV is a 'higher definition' and thus better picture quality if you are receiving a high definition signal. Problem is that there is not much content which is available with 1080. Currently it is mostly about movies (if you have a high definition DVD player) and video games. But this is likely to change and slowly we will probably see more and higher definition content available. If you are looking for high definition (currently 1080p) think LCD. There are more high definition LCD's around. If you are interested in saving some money, forget the 1080 and opt for the less expensive 720.

120Hz or standard 60Hz: The 120Hz show smoother more realistic movement. In fast-action viewing, such as sports, many people claim that a 120Hz TV gives smoother more realistic image.

Samsung Flat Panel TVs

The majority of Amazon's 10 Best Selling Flat Panel TVs are manufactured by Samsung.

Find out why!

Samsung LCD TVs

Samsung is currently one of the leaders in Flat panel TVs. Below is a selection of Samsung LCD TVs on offer from Amazon.

NOTE: The Amazon price may be much lower than the list price, because there are rebates and discounts offered. Click the image for more information.

Samsung LN32B460 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $552.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $649.99
Used Price: $456.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Samsung LN40B550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Release Date: 03/10/2009

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $1,099.99
Used Price: $773.99

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Samsung LN26B360 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Release Date: 03/16/2009

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $419.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $459.99
Used Price:

Usually ships in 24 hours

Samsung LN32B550 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $899.99
Used Price: $602.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Samsung LN37B550 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $849.00 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $999.99
Used Price: $732.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Samsung Plasma TVs

Below is a selection of Samsung Plasma TVs on offer from Amazon.

NOTE: The Amazon price may be much lower than the list price, because there are rebates and discounts offered. Click the image for more information.