Friday, August 21, 2009

Samsung LN52A650 LCD HDTV

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color


Product Description

Get innovative HD design and performance on a brilliant 52-inch LCD screen. The Samsung 52" LCD HDTV has superior picture quality with a unique bezel design. The Touch of Color accents the top and bottom edges of the bezel with a unique amber tone. Full 1080p HD resolution and 50,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio offer stunning image detail and vivid colors. Auto Motion Plus 120Hz and Ultra Clear Panel technology work together to offer the smoothest motion and boldest bright and dark tones. Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp - Provides colors in your picture that were not available before Fast 4ms response time minimizes blurring of moving video Widescreen NTSC/ATSC Tuners with Clear QAM Ultra clear panel enhances contrast and reduces reflection Viewing Angle - 178 x 178 Degrees DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that is closer to film Auto volume leveler Audio amplifier - Watts per channel - 10 Watts x 2 channels to bottom downfiring speakers SRS TruSurround XT sound delivers virtual surround using built-in speakers 4 HDMI, 2 Component video, RF antenna inputs S-video, A/V, PC inputs Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection Headphone output HDMI-CEC allows peripherals to be controlled by remote control Stereo broadcast reception (MTS & SAP) with 181 channels Picture-in-Picture V-Chip Auto wall mount compatible - 3-dimensional operation via TV's control Swivel stand Wheel key remote control English, Spanish & French on-screen displays Variable sleep timer Dimensions - without stand - 50.2 x 31.7 x 4.1; with stand - 50.2 x 34.1 x 12.8 Weight - without stand - 64.6 lbs.; with stand - 76.7lbs.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #2765 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Model: LN-52A650
  • Dimensions: 31.70" h x 4.10" w x 50.20" l, 66.40 pounds
  • Display size: 52

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 and rich 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?

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
  • 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

(updated) Thoughts After 1 Year of Use5
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.

JUNE 7, 2009 UPDATE: Still going strong after 1 year. Absolutely no problems with the TV. Best purchase I ever made. Everyone who has seen it can hardly believe the picture quality. I get positive comments all the time.

Beautiful TV! From the picture to the bezel, just perfect.5
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!

My research concludes this is #1 - Auto-off Problem Resolved5
I've been doing the research and visiting the brick and mortar locations and I've concluded the Samsung features are the best on the market currently. I've been concerned about the auto shut-off problem I've been reading. I called Samsung Customer Support and was told it is not an issue but they didn't mention the firmware update which is indeed posted on their Web site today. Go to the Samsung Web site and look under "SUPPORT/NEWS & ALERTS" - A650 Series LCD TV Auto Off Firmware Update. A small number of Samsung A650 series LCD TVs turn off automatically. The following models are affected:

* LN40A650A1F
* LN46A650A1F
* LN52A650A1F

Samsung has released a firmware update that fixes the problem. If you have one of these models, Samsung recommends that you install this firmware update on your TV, even if you are not experiencing the auto off problem. If you have a USB memory drive, you can download the firmware from our website. For complete instructions on downloading and installing the firmware update, go to [...]. If you do not have a USB memory drive, Samsung can send you a drive containing the firmware. To have a copy of the firmware sent to you, call Samsung Customer Care at 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864). Have your model and serial numbers on hand when you call.


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