Friday, August 14, 2009

Samsung LN46A650 LCD HDTV

Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN46A650 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color


Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Ships from and sold by Electronics Expo

Average customer review:

Product Description

Home-theater has moved up a notch and Samsung's LN46A650 moves you up to the next levels of television performance. With full 1920x1080 resolution, this LCD TV will deliver HDTV up to 1080p resolution for the best in high definition. SAMSUNG has reinvented their traditional LCD bezel and gave it a stylish, unique new look with an exclusive Touch of Color. This truly exceptional TV also includes the new InfoLink RSS feature that lets you enjoy instant access to news, weather, sports and stock information. And action scenes have never looked so real with Auto Motion Plus 120Hz and Ultra Clear Panel technology. With too many features to list, the LN46A650, with its actual 45.9" (diagonal) widescreen, becomes a striking centerpiece to your home-theater system. InfoLink RSS feature gathers up-to-the-minute content from USA Today and displays it on your screen ATSC Digital TV tuning and QAM ENERGY STAR compliant Sound effect system produces virtual-surround sound with the left and right speakers using SRS TruSurround XT / 10 Watts x 2 channels Unit Dimensions - 44.5 x 28.1 x 3.7 without stand; 44.5 x 30.5 x 11.0 with included stand Set weight without stand - 49.2 lbs; Set weight with stand - 58.6 lbs

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #2455 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Model: LN46A650
  • Dimensions: 28.10" h x 3.70" w x 44.50" l, 49.20 pounds
  • Display size: 46

Features

  • Touch of Color Bezel
  • Full HD 1080p Resolution
  • 120Hz Auto Motion Plus
  • 4 HDMI Inputs
  • Super Clear Panel

Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description
Samsung adds a Touch of Color to a blazing-fast 4ms response time andrich connectivity features to redefine the role HDTVs play in the home with its forward-looking Series 6 (A650) and Series 7 (A750) LCD HDTVs. Utilizing the award-winning technologies found in all Samsung HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 HDTVs deliver unparalleled picture quality and enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities that create a true entertainment hub for any home. Series 7 takes networking and multimedia management to a whole new level. Consumers can easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through a side-mounted USB 2.0, turning their LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect their MP3 players for a dynamic audio experience.

lifestyleKey Features

  • New -- 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • 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 (Learn more)
  • New -- InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port (Learn more)
  • New -- 4 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • 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 (Learn more)
  • Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion (Learn more)
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (Learn more)
  • Better clear panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors (Learn more)
  • Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more)
  • Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range (Learn more)
  • 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.

Step-Up Features


  • Series 7: Internal flash memory (1GB) with pre-loaded interactive content such as cooking recipes, children's entertainment, HD artwork and more, Integrated woofer for an enhanced audio experience, DLNA-Compatibility for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers (Learn more)
  • Series 8: super-slim 1.9-inch thick profile
  • Comparison of Features for various Samsung LCD HDTV models
  • What size TV should you get?

50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio/500 nit Brightness


25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio will give you a picture better than you ever thought possible, with whiter whites, blacker blacks and a nearly infinite subtlety of gradations in between. As two of the most important determining factors in overall picture quality, contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this latest generation LCD panel. Samsung’s new LCD TV’s give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever.

Audio Features

TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.

SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.

TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.

Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.

Which Samsung LCD HDTV is Right for You?


Series 3

Look at Series 3 LCD HDTVs
19- and 22-inch Models
  • 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 8 ms response time
  • HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant
  • PC Input port
  • 2 Hidden 3-watt speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio
  • Wide Color Enhancer technology and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) offer a wider color range
  • V-Chip system 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.
  • 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
26-inch Model Adds
  • 2 HDMI 1.3 ports
  • 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5-watt speakers
32-, 37- and 40-inch Models Add
  • 8,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 6 ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
  • Swivel stand included

Series 4 Adds

Look at Series 4 LCD HDTVs
  • 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • Third HDMI 1.3 port (3 total, 2 rear/1 side)
  • A/V inputs: 1 rear/ 1 side
  • DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance

Series 5 Adds

Look at Series 5 LCD HDTVs
  • 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • AutoMotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion
  • 4ms response time
  • Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel
  • Ethernet port with Infolink free RSS feeds
  • 4 HDMI 1.3 ports
  • Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia

Series 6 Adds

Look at Series 6 LCD HDTVs
19- and 22-inch Models
  • New -- Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel with infused color creates an ultra-sleek shape and appearance
  • 720p HD
  • 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 8 ms response time
  • HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant
  • Component and PC Input
  • Stereo Speakers (3 Watts per channel)with SRS TruSurround XT audio
  • Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range
  • 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.
  • Rear-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.
32-inch Model Adds
  • Full 1080p HD
  • 15,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5 ms response time
  • New -- InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
  • 4 HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • 2 Component inputs
  • Wiselink
  • Wheel Key Remote
  • Ultra Clear Panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors
  • Hidden, downward-firing speakers
  • Entertainment, Sports and Game modes boost on-screen performance and interaction with the latest gaming systems
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources
40-, 46-, and 52-inch Models Add
  • New -- 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models
  • New -- 4 ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
  • Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion

Series 7 Adds

Look at Series 7 LCD HDTVs
  • Full 1080p HD
  • up to 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5 ms response time
  • USB 2.0 port: connect devices directly to your HDTV--view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system

Series 8 Adds

Look at Series 8 LCD HDTVs
Series 8: super-slim 1.9-inch thick profile

Series 9 Adds

Look at Series 8 LCD HDTVs
Coming Late 2009


Customer Reviews

Simply Amazing5
I just got my TV last Friday and it is everything that I have expected. Unlike the first reviewer on this site, I have not experienced the overheating issues (fingers crossed). If you read his review he did admit the TV was great until that started happening. I just hope I don't get the same issue.

On to my review:
I spent over a year and a half researching flat panels. I came close to purchasing a Samsung 71F series, but when the salesman told me that new 2008 models were coming out in March, I decided to hold and do more research on those models. I almost purchased the 5 series, but when I found out that it does not have 120hz refresher rate, I decided to research the 6 series and ended buying the 46A650.

I briefly looked at the 7 series, but when I found out the only difference between the two was that the 7 series has a USB port for your MP3 player and 1 GB of cache, I figured it was not for me. I use a dock connected to my receiver when I play my MP3, so to me that was a useless function to fork over extra $$$ for. In addition, I have a PS3 so I don't really need the 1GB of cache to use the TV as a multimedia center. If you don't have a PS3 and plan to use your TV to view pictures and play music then the 7 series might be for you.


Pros:
I have the 46" and I was amazed at how light it was. I was able to pick it up by myself and put it on the stand. The red is absolutely amazing. That's the favorite thing my Fiancée likes about this TV. Personally, I like the red because it is very subtle and goes great with our family room.

The first night we got it we watched the movie Ratatouille on Blu-Ray Disc. Let me tell you after watching the movie my jaw was sore because I think I spent more than 3/4ths of the movie with my jaw open from the amazing picture. The picture was so clear and concise that we paused it and we were able to even see the little freckles on the mice throughout the movie, including the separate hairs.

As I said earlier I play video games with my PS3, so the 120 hz refresher rate was critical to have. MLB the Show 08 is insane. Just looking at the players faces and even the fans blew me away. My brother has a 46" inch Vizio 1080P and he recommended it to me saying that there is not much difference from the two so I am better off saving. Let me tell you, he is absolutely wrong. I've watched his Vizio and to be honest, it can't even hold the jockstrap of the 46A650 if it was a male. There is a big difference believe me. The only TV that could probably match-up to this one is the XBR Bravia with 120HZ. That would've been what I would have purchased if I had not gotten this one. Up until now, I have absolutely no regrets.

The reason I researched for over a year and a half is because I wanted to get a TV that if something new came on the market a few months later, I would not regret my purchase. I feel very strongly that I will not regret this purchase down the line.

I love having 4 HDMI inputs. This was very important for my purchase also, since I have separate HDMI components. The TV also has an ethernet port, so I have it plugged into the internet. I can get weather, news and stock quotes through it. I'll admit, I haven't used it much, but it's nice to know, I can check the temperature at the touch of the button.

The blacks on this TV are awesome and I can have my curtain open on my huge family room window and I can see the tv clearly during the day. I love the TruSurround feature, since right now I only have two speakers and a subwoofer. This feature is meant to improve the sound quality for people who use two speaker systems. I plan to get a surround sound system eventually, but it's going to be a while. That's where this tool comes in handy

The screen is glossy, but I don't have an issue with it. I like the glossy look and besides, it is meant to make the colors more vibrant and intense. I've played with the different viewing modes, but actually, I like standard the best. The movie mode is a little too dark for me and the game one is a little too bright. Standard mode is my desired preference.

The remote is oddly shaped and takes a while to get used to. It also has an ipod like scroll. Some people complain that it is an ugly remote. This is ridiculous; I'm sorry, but I did not purchase this TV for its remote. Anyway, I'm planning on upgrading to an RF Logitech remote this summer anyway.

Cons:

The TV is so good that on the tv stations with weak signals, you can see the weakness of the signal. On some you could see the lines and imperfections, due to having a weak signal. That is only a with a few channels. It's a negative, but that's what you get when the picture is very detailed; You will not only get the good qualities, but the bad also, if the signal is not strong. Regardless, that issue will be moot next year when the tv stations will be required to broadcast by digital signal.

Another issue is, that when you turn it on it takes about 3-4 seconds to pick up my digital cable signal from my DVR box. In addition when you switch between sources it takes around the same amount of time to pick up the signal. I'm impatient, which is a negative quality of mine. In our household, it seems like it is an issue only with me, since it does not bother my fiancee at all or any of our friends. Maybe it would not be a con if I was not so stupidly impatient.

Those are really the only two issues I have with the TV and to me they are very minor ones. I just pray I don't start getting the issues, the first reviewer experienced.

Overall:

I am very happy with my purchase. I am very satisfied and do not feel guilty or have any regrets about making this purchase. Up until now, I feel this TV is worth every penny I paid for it. I'll be updating my review as I learn more about this TV. I hope my review helped you, even if it was only a tad bit helpful, before making your investment on a flat panel television. Good luck with your search.

About time, Or so I thought.5
:: It seems the Shut off Issue has been corrected on my set!!::


Prior to picking this TV up I had 2 of the 71 series televisions. Both of them had problems concerning a flicker as well as a some dim pixel clusters under the screen. I still had my last 71 under the 30 day policy so i returned it for this years new model: the 650A.

The Tv itself is beautiful. The hint of red is very subdued yet adds a nice touch when you get up close. A warning about the screen, it is glossy. If your room is well lit and you get distracted by reflections, this is not for you. The benefit of the glossy screen is more vibrant colors and contrast. SO for most its worth the glare to have a beautiful picture when you close the blinds. Though in daylight I don't have a problem at all watching it, but its optimal in dark.

The remote is interesting. It has an Ipod inspired turn wheel in the middle of the remote that is super touchy. It takes some getting used to but its kind of cool. The source input is now a drop down menu where you directly choose the input rather than cycling through them one by one. It also has a motion sensor in it, when activated, auto turns the light on in the remote when its moved. People complain that its an ugly remote, but seriously, its a remote. You dont stare at it like the TV's picture.

Speaking of which the picture is where the tv truly shines. Vibrant colors, amazing detail, inky blacks. This is the LCD I have been waiting for. Bluray= amazing.

So the TV is very similar to the 71 except 3 new modes which are called "Entertainment Modes" These are Pre-calibrated from the factory and you cannot adjust the picture at all.
1. Sports mode: For high speed sports. This mode is a lot brighter than the others and is designed for faced paced imagery.
2.Game: This is for games obviously. The AMP feature is toned down but the Video Processor is turned up for a smoother game play. Colors are less vibrant than sports, but just a tad.
3. Cinema Mode: Intended for film and is a darker more film like picture. AMP is functioning at normal capacity. Some think this is to dark but I really think its Ideal.

The best part about the Entertainment modes: No judder or stutter and TBE is fairly gone from the 71 series. These modes are amazing and should be the only modes used on the tv for smooth performance.

You can read about more of the features but So far this TV has been exactly what I have been waiting for. There have been quite a few reports of random restarts, I have yet to have any. If this is a widespread problem it will be patched on the older models and will come out of the factory with the fix installed. Samsung tvs have had this problem before and it was fixed last time. I have no worries. (And it just restarted, hooray)


Amazing picture, but surprised by some missing features5
I want to say first off that I also experienced the bug where the TV unexpectedly turns itself off, but after I installed the firmware upgrade that Samsung posted on 4/5 the problem has gone away.

I agree with the other reviewers that the picture is AMAZING. I am also happy to see that Samsung has added a 4th HDMI port. I was initially concerned that the "Touch Of Color" might clash with my decor, but it is very subtle especially if you mount the TV inside a cabinet. The "Infolink" feature is cute and easy to set up, but I don't see it as being extremely useful.

Now for some caveats. I purchased this TV right after setting up an LNT4661F for my inlaws, and I was quite surprised to realize that the A650 is missing several features from the 4661F, despite the A650 costing $650 more. For starters, the A650 does not have a rear S-video port (only one S-vide port on the side). This is probably not a big deal for most people, but if you are using a VCR or older cable box, etc. you will have a cable plugged into the side of the TV. Also there is only one composite port on the back of the TV, plus one more on the side. If you want to switch between three composite input surveillance cams, etc. you're out of luck. More of a concern to me was that the A650 has only 1 antenna input versus 2 on the 4661F. That means with the A650 you can't plug in both an antenna and a cable input. I guess Samsung figures everyone is using a set top box so they cut corners there.

By far my biggest complaint is with the Remote control. Again unlike the 4661F, the A650 does NOT have a universal remote! It's essentially a TV-only remote, although it CAN control Samsung "Anynet+" components connected via HDMI. This seems like a big step backwards and bothers me more than the other features that were removed. Also the remote is not described on the Samsung website so I had no way of knowing that the remote had been "de-improved". I agree with other reviewers that the navigation wheel is horrible ... it spins freely which makes it practically useless ... you spin the dial to make your selection, then as you move your finger to press the enter button inside the scroll wheel, the wheel moves and you select the wrong value. You have to wonder "what were they thinking?". I've seen Happy Meal toys with better tactile feedback!

Despite my criticisms and annoyance that some features have been removed, I still rated this TV as 5 stars because in my book, picture quality is by far the biggest consideration and it looks great to me. Also the aesthetics are very nice and the new features such as 4th HDMI and Infolink make up for the removed features and poor remote control.

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