Samsung LN52A650

New -- 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models

New -- Blazing 4ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal

New -- Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel with infused color creates an ultra-sleek shape and appearance

New -- InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port

New -- 4 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models

New -- Sports and Game modes boost on-screen performance and interaction with the latest gaming systems

New -- Side-mounted USB 2.0 port: connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system.

New -- Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter (sold separately) for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia

Full 1080p HD

Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion

178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment

Better clear panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors

Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more)

Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range

Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources

V-Chip system1 allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.

Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.

Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.

Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV's remote control; no external IR receiver required.

Swivel stand included

1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.

Product Dimensions: 34.1 x 50.2 x 12.8 inches (H x W x D)

Product Weight: 76.7 pounds

Display Size: 52 inches

HDTV Compatible: Yes

Speakers Included: 2

Samsung's Series 6 marks the first appearance of TOC (Touch of Color) design in the 2008 LCD HDTV line-up. Inspired by designs from the automotive and fashion industries, Samsung's unique unique Transparent and Opaque Color molding process creates a clean, smooth finish infused with a hint of a translucent color during the manufacturing process for an ultra-sleek appearance.

Up-to-the-minute access to weather, news, sports and stock information is just a cable and a click away through the HDTV's Ethernet port and new InfoLink RSS service. An all-new user interface with digital contents management guide provides intuitive navigation and access to both internal and external content.

This technology doubles the frame rate from 60 to 120 frames per second (120Hz LCD panel) without repeating the same image to make more frames. Instead, the TV intelligently calculates the 'middle' image between frame A and frame B and inserts it in between (Auto Motion Plus 120Hz processor), making a fluid transition from one frame to the next.

Samsung enhances the clarity of select LCD HDTVs by replacing the light-diffusing plastic face of traditional LCD HDTVs with a natural black panel with a clear anti-glare shield. Reduced reflection of external light creates a new dimension in image clarity, highlighting black and darkened areas, enabling vibrant, more compelling colors and a brighter, clearer picture. Black will never again appear grayish. Black details will show in vivid black even in dark scenes.

The latest version of Samsung's breakthrough super clear panel technology makes colors appear more vibrant and blacks even deeper than ever. Enhanced films reduce glare and optimize off-angle viewing.

To make the Series 6 a true entertainment hub for any home, Samsung has incorporated advanced HD connectivity and networking capabilities that expand the HDTV's functionality. A wide variety of multimedia devices can be connected to the set through any one of the four Simplay compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs (including one on the side), and the handy HDMICEC feature lets you control all your CEC-enabled peripherals using just one remote.

Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the 2 rear connections and use the side-mounted input for cameras, camcorders, and laptops. HDMI is the best performing interface for displaying an HD source on an HDTV.

Once connected, users can easily access device menus and manage and display content through the newly redesigned Wheel Key Remote control and the HDTV's sophisticated content management interface.

All Connections

* HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface version 1.3): 4 (3 rear/1 side)
* Ethernet port
* Component video: 2 (Y, Pb, Pr)
* S-Video input: 1 side/1 rear
* A/V inputs: 1 side/1 rear
* PC Inpuy (D-Sub): 1
* RF antenna inputs: 2
* HDMI-CEC
* Premium audio: Improved sound quality with dedicated low-range speaker system
* Headphone jack

Thoughts after 1 month use

When I purchased this TV from Amazon.com I had already decided on this Samsung 52" series and was trying to decide between the 650 and the 750. At the time there was a small price difference between the two on Amazon.com. I ended up choosing the 650 because I was placing the TV inside a nook that had limited space.

The 650 has a less bulky frame around the LCD screen and therefore it was only 50.2 inches wide as compared to the 750 which is 52" wide. Both screens have the exact same visual display area. Beyond trying to accommodate my limited space, I felt that the smaller frame looked nicer on the TV than the larger frame.

The other reason I chose the 650 is that it can swivel on the base, whereas the 750 is fixed on its base. Because I have placed the TV in a nook, this swivel feature has come in very handy as I have had to get behind it from time to time to plug in cords, etc.

I have read a lot about screen reflection and was bracing myself for a potentially unpleasant experience during daytime viewing, especially since the room the TV is in has windows all the way across two walls and is full of sunlight daily. I'm happy to report that screen reflection is absolutely no problem. The TV that I was replacing with the Samsung LCD was an older 32" Panasonic Panablack analog TV with the glass screen, which had a lot of reflection. As a point of reference, the Samsung has about 20% of the screen reflection of my old TV (judging from when the TV is off). When the TV is on, the Samsung has about 5% of screen reflection compared with what I used to have with my old TV, which may be due to the incredible brightness of the display.

I spent a number of months on this decision and I feel like I hit a home run with this purchase. Samsung has certainly exceeded my expectations with this model and I have been very satisfied with my first experience of buying a TV online from Amazon.com.

DEC 20, 2008 UPDATE: I've now owned the TV for more than 6 months. No regrets. The TV has survived well in a family with 5 kids under age 10. It's taken some direct hits to the screen with toys thrown by a 2-year-old but any marks on the screen easily rubbed off. It still looks just like the day I first got it and runs perfectly. I'm very happy with this purchase.
- JDC, Utah, United States

Beautiful TV! From the picture to the bezel, just perfect.

I've had this TV since very early March. I've watched HD, SD and Blu-Ray and can not find a flaw. The 650 handles motion extremely well to where blurring and other artifacts are vitually non-existant. The AMP is a very cool feature that brings a realism to film making it seem more life-like, or as if it were originally shot on HD Video. Some have said this gives off a "soap opera" effect. I can see that description, but to me it makes film based DVD's and movies look more like your watching a real-life play, viewing it through a window. It's a very cool effect!

I understand people's concern's with the glossy screens found on plasma and some LCD's. This screen is slightly less reflective than Samsung's 71 series but can still be a problem for some. It would be nice if there was an easy solution for this but there's not. Sony and other makers use a matte type of screen that certainly helps or eliminates the problem but introduces other negatives. I find colors and blacks just don't "pop" on matte screens and tend to wash out more for off-angle viewing. The 650 has a picture with great depth and color from any angle, greatly adding to the immersion effect.

Much talk has been about the TOC bezel. I think Samsung has hit it out of the park with this. I absolutely love the red. I think it adds just a touch of class. It sets this tv apart from all others(though the picture quality already does this) while still being very subtle and retaining the ability to blend in with any decor. Most people who've come to my home do not even notice the red until I point it out. I'm a little tired of every set looking the same with either a piano black bezel or flat black. This is a very welcome change.

I like many other suffered the shut-off issue. As has been mentioned it appears Samsung has fixed the issue with a firmware update. I've updated the FW and so far so good. It was annoying but not a huge deal to me. Samsung should be commended for how quickly they addressed the issue. I received several calls from upper level officials that were very concerned with my problem. I've never had this level of service from any other manufacturer. Well done Samsung! A side effect of the FW update is that the AMP processing received a boost. Before the FW update I usually had AMP on low at all times and would occasionally put it on High. Now, I still use it at the low setting most times but will put it on Medium occasionaly, and find the High setting a bit much for me. I can put it on High without most of the annoying artifacts people have desribed the 71 series has, which is nice, nut the actual effect is bit much for me.

Overall, this is best the LCD on the market. I can't see Sony or any of the other manufactures making a better TV this year. They may match it perhaps, but certainly won't surpass it. For those that were on the fence waiting to buy until the shut-off issue was fixed, your wait is over. Buy with complete confidence and enjoy one of the best TV's out there!
- Scomel, Greensboro, NC

Great TV, awesome looks

It's a really nice and stylish looking TV. The red color that is so bright on the product's pictures is only a shade of dark cherry red that is visible only under bright light. This reddish shadow looks incredibly cool! Totally different than the product photos. If you have modern home, this is the set to have. Forget that Sony with that horrible aluminum things around it!
The set has not turned itself off yet as other users reported, so maybe it was a bad batch they got. The picture is amazing, best I've seen so far (with 50,000:1 contrast ratio it better be good!). It has RGB input for PC, but also you can configure HDMI input #2 to be a PC input (for DVI equipped video cards). I didn't know about it, and tried to run my PC through other HDMI ports that I didn't set to be PC inputs. The result was .... TV quality picture with PC screen, all clipped, blurry text, etc. Pretty awful. Then I set the HDMI #2 input to be PC input, hooked my PC to it, and suddenly I was starring with my jaw wide open at the most sharp LCD PC screen ever! Text is razor sharp!! Also the color saturation and all got set to the correct PC colors, and not the TV colors. Run a photo slide show (no, not THAT photos, lol) on this and you will start dating that machine, it's so freakin' hot!
- Mr Cool, Arlington, VA

Believe all the hype

Like many of you, I did a great amount of research and "eye-tests" at local shops. I had a 50" Sony rear-projection set (720p/1080i) that had service me well for 3 years. I thought the picture quality was pretty damn good on this set, and wasn't sure if upgrading to a newer TV was worth it, or if it was even going to look better. But after a week of putting this Samsung through its paces, my conclusion is that its worth every dime!

I didn't realize how much better my blurays could look with this set. The color, depth, clarity of this set is unreal. Its susbstantially brighter and crisper than my Sony. You really have to see this set in acion to appreciate it. Specifications don't mean anything if the picure isn't perfect. You know those bluray demo kiosks inside Best Buy? My picure looks like that, but better. I'm just blown away with the level of improvement over my Sony. Its makes my investment in the PS3 just that much more worth it.

This is a general statement, but these days, most TV's will give you a pretty good-looking picture (especially with HD sources). Heck, my Sony TV still looks great (even though its been moved to the bedroom). However, this Samsung 650 is a few notches above the others.

Bottom line: Picture quality that rivals/exceeds Sony XBR, but priced like a 2nd tier brand (Philips, Toshiba, Sharp). Buy it! No regrets!
- J. Yun, Bothell, WA