Samsung LN52A850 LCD HDTV

Samsung LN52A850 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Product Description

Samsung's 850 Series has the Touch of Color design with a slim depth and narrow bezel and features a built-in tuner, full high definition 1080p resolution with Auto Motion Plus 120Hz. A fast 4 ms response rate with a Ultra Clear Panel produces smooth-motion scenes for sports and action movies and a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1 makes for deep blacks and crisp lines. Superb connectivity and networking with 4 HDMI 1.3 ports (3 rear/1 side). Turn your LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery and watch your favorite photos in a slide show and listen to your MP3's with WiseLink (USB 2.0). Samsung's InfoLink provides RSS feeds of customizable stock quotes, weather, and brief news articles.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7016 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: black/red
• Brand: Samsung
• Model: LN52A850
• Dimensions: 30.70" h x 49.70" w x 1.90" l, 59.10 pounds
• Display size: 52

Features

• Touch of Color, Samsung's unique manufacturing process accents the surrounding bezel with a stylish red tone
• HD-Grade pixel resolution: High-resolution pixel
• Auto Motion Plus 120 Hz Advanced
• 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• WiseLink Pro: For playing MP3, mpeg, and displaying JPEG files through the USB 2.0 connection on selected Samsung TVs

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Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
At only 1.9 inches thick, Samsung's striking new 850 series offers all of the features of the 750 Series models in an incredibly thin, sleek package. The Series 8 1080p LCD HDTVs have all of the features you'd expect from a top-of-the-line Samsung - superb image, a blazing-fast 4ms response time, 120Hz refresh rate with Automotion plus image interpolation technology for smooth fast motion, and rich interconnectivity, all wrapped in the stylish "TOC" color-infused bezel. 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.

Key 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
• New -- Internal flash memory (1GB) with pre-loaded interactive content such as cooking recipes, children's entertainment, HD artwork and more,
• New -- DLNA-Compatibility for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers (Learn more)
• New -- Super-Slim 1.9-inch depth
• 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 twin downward-firing 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.

50,000:1 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.

Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp

The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) has established the color standards all TVs in America try to meet. And typical LCD TVs only meet about 72% of this standard. Samsung LCD HDTVs use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp backlights to give you 92% coverage of the NTSC standard, ensuring truer, more breathlessly vivid colors. Samsung’s exclusive Wide Color Enhancer technology delivers more brilliant colors, even in bright areas of the picture where blues and greens are washed out on conventional screens. The system displays wider color reproduction, showing you truer colors – the fresh green of spring foliage, the intense blue of the summer sky.

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.

• Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
• TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
• The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

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

Customer Reviews

A Review for those of you who obsessivly research
So, if you're like me you research and research, obsess a bit, and then research some more before making a television purchase. So, I thought I would offer a few simple thoughts that might help. First this is an amazing television. The picture is simply amazing, the slim design is wonderful, and the remotes and features are very fun if not all that necessary. Here are some goodies to think about.

As you read on, you'll see that Amazon has pulled the various prices out of my review. Sorry about that, but I'm guessing this review will last a while and that prices always change. Anyway, the general gist is still there.

1. 120 LCD televisions (especially Samsung) are designed to give a 3D-ish effect. They do this through inserting extra film clips between the regular clips. This means that sports look AMAZING, but that movies look like you're watching stage theater. Truly, like it's live video. For some people this is amazing, for others it's completely horrible. I personally hate it. But don't worry. Simply turn the 120 htz off or switch the TV to "Game" setting and you'll have a traditional wonderful movie picture.

2. Is there a difference between the 650, 750, and 850? YES!! Your decision should really come between the 650 or the 850 if your focus is on the picture. If you feel that you want to consider sound as a big part of the package then the 750 should come into the mix too. The 650 and 750 have the same picture and the 750 has a bit more bass. However, the 850 has a higher grade of pixel and produces much deeper blacks and richer whites. You won't find this on the basic specs, but trust me...it's true. There is also some thoughts that the thinner design contributes to the higher black levels. However, looking at a 650 and 850 side by side is enough to easily see the difference. The 850 adds greater depth and detail to your picture. I think it's fully worth the difference in price.

3. The sound question: Consumer reports says that the 650 has "Very Good" sound and the 850 has "Good" sound. I think this hits it just right. The 650 has nice rich tones and you could easily get away with not having a big stereo system. THe 850 is nice too. Just lacking those rich tones. It sounds more like a regular television. Just fine, but you're not getting a "wowswer" effect. However, the 650 is not going to replace a nice surround sound system by any means. The 750 does have a nice bass speaker thrown in which surpasses both. However, my view is that you should focus on your picture when it comes to the television and then look at a surround system for sound. The 850 is just fine for regular TV and the 750 would be nice for a movie, but nothing compared to a good surround system. My advice, by the 850 and save up for a nice mid-range three to five hundred dollar surround sound system from Costco. You'll be blown away.

4. Ohhhh, but maybe a plasma. Yep, plasmas are nice. They glare a bit, but so does the 650-850 series. Plasmas are not as sharp and crisp, but have higher contrast. They won't give you that "stage" look though. I looked at a lot of plasmas and went with the 850. I thought it had wonderful contrast and still maintained those crisp features that are all part of the LCD experience. You'll pay more, so if you want to save 600 or so I might jump down to a Plasma. Fully reasonable choice. Not as good a picture in my mind, but very rich (too rich for me) colors.

5. Ok...maybe a Plasma then: Sure, if you do you might consider panasonic. I haven't researched them as much, but they process at a higher level 480 hrtz vs. the 180 hrtz that a Samsung processes at. Doesn't make a big difference, but Panasonic has been making plasmas a long time and brags about how strong the glass panal is on the front. Supposedly more "wii" safe. Granted no one is playing wii next to the 850. ;) Also important to know that burn in is never covered by a warranty. You should also know that the repair costs for a plasma tend to be twice that of an LCD. The average repair cost for a Samsung LCD is about [...] Plasma average 400-900. If you go plasma, you might want to consider that [...] extended warranty.

6. Be ready to tweak: All high level televisions, including Samsung are built to really dial in. You're going to love your picture out of the box, but if you are bothered by something mess around with all the settings. Kick back and say "I'm going to take an hour to just play with the picture settings." Different combination gets different results. Some increase a "real" look. Others soften. It's going to take some time to dial in. Enjoy it. You can always "reset" the picture if you get too far off.

7. White Glove: Let me save you some time. Amazon has the best deal. Truly. They deliver within a week or two, the guys set up the television wherever you want it, and they are outta there. You sign the papers, and hit power on the remote. They'll even take the box...but you might want to save it. 2% of Samsungs have a problem with clouding (whiteness on the screen in uneven patches) or something else. Watch your tv for a while, if you're in doubt Amazon is awesome about sending a replacement and they will (if asked) take and deliver on the same day. You only have 30 days though so watch that calendar.



7.5: The Jutters: So, you'll see characters jutter across the screen at times. You'll think "I just spent two grand on 120 hrtz to avoid this." Don't stress it. It's not the televisions fault. First, all big screens jutter. Plasmas do it, DLPs do it, and yet, LCDs are famous for it. Flip on a NBC HD game and you'll see nothing but perfection. Here's the deal. Jutters come from a few places. First, it happens on normal televisions too, but often the picture is so small we miss it. Next, the input has everything to do with it. Some DVDs, Blu-Rays, and television stations produce a signal that has a jutter to it. Once you know this little fact you can stop blaming the TV, and realize that on ANY set you'd be seeing that jutter. Funny thing, once you start looking for it you'll see it everywhere. I was jogging and noticed the goal post juttering on my track. Our eyes can only track so fast. ;) The other thing to note is that you're jumping up to a 52 inch television. The people on the screen can be one to two feet high! You're just going to have to process a lot of motion. It takes some time. After a bit, it doesn't even matter. Again, sit back and enjoy.

8. Random things I learned that you might want to know:

1. Go to best buy or someplace and look at the televisions. You need to see your choices. Have them reset the pictures so they are all on the same settings and look. That needs to be your biggest selling point. Then buy from Amazon. They might match, but Amazon has AMAZING customer service.

2. If you register your Samsung within a few weeks of delivery they will give you 3 extra months of warranty for free.

3. Prices jump around all the time. Haggle. Usually a television at this level should come with some sort of promo (150 off a blu-ray) or something of that nature. However, once you purchase from Amazon the largest fluctuation I've seen is 50.00. They are pretty steady. Best Buy and Circuit City will jump [...]

4. HDMI cords. You want a Version 1.3. Those are the highest grade available that what this TV supports. You have four inputs. I find the best configuration is xbox, blu-ray, ROKU (check it out at Netflix), and Cable into the TV, with a digital optical out from the tv to my sound system. VERY simple set up. Of course, choose the four devices that work best for you.

5. Cables: Amazon will offer you some HDMI cables at [...] a pop when you purchase your television. I might consider it. I purchased mine from Costco at 20 dollars a piece because they were gas filled and all super cool...did it make a difference. I don't know. But They were a nice tan color that doesn't stand out too much. I like that. DO NOT BUY ANY 70.00 HDMI cables. That's just a rip off. Save your [...].

6. I'm crazy about reading the manual. The biggest thing that popped out was the fact that the 850 screen must only be cleaned with water or LCD specific cleaners. The cabinet is water clean only. There are all sorts of other products out there that say they are safe...but why risk it right. So, keep that in mind.

7. The sand vs. the wall. Both are equally safe. The stand is very wide and strong on this TV. A wall mount MUST hit both studs. You will then have 4-6 of play to center your TV on sliders that are build into the stand. A plus is that the stand swivels and you don't see cords. A wall mount could get you...3-4 inches closer to the wall. It's a personal call, but make sure you've really found studs when mounting. Many older homes have lath and plaster or 1/4 layer of wood behind the drywall. This can give you a misreading on a stud finder and "could" cause a bad mount. You might be fine, you might not. IF you're worried higher someone that guarantees their work or just use the stand.

8. The FAN question: You'll read some reviews about fan noise and this TV. I haven't heard it yet, I'll keep you posted. It has a lot of venting so I would be surprised. If it does have a cooling fan I would be amazed to have it be louder than the television itself. I'll keep you posted.

9. Remote Control Block: You'll read that this television blocks a cable remote from working. This is no longer the case. New TV's aren't a problem and if it is, there is a firmware update that will fix the problem. Firmware is a file that you download from the Samsung website onto a little thumbdrive. This then pops into the back of your television. You then select "Software Update" in the settings menu on the TV and it updates itself. So no biggie.


The Wonderful World of Clouding: Ok, so you're going to read a lot about clouding and this TV. I have it on mine and here is the general story. When I first got the TV, I had significant clouding...enough that I was ready to return it. However, with use the clouding has been fading away and now it's only visible in a dark room with the backlight cranked up. There is some clouding in all LCD televisions. Again, can't have it all. However, you shouldn't be bothered by it. Upon a ton of obsessive research I came upon three possible things that cloud be the case if you experience this:

1. 1004 firmware. This is the most recent firmware upgrade to the TV. It fixes that remote problem I chatted about, but seems to cause clouding. Samsung knows and will eventually publish new firmware to fix the issue. This will be the case in a healthy normal TV, and responds poorly to the firmware upgrade. All new TVs will have it. How to find out? Go to setup, software upgrade, and then push the info button on your remote. A list of data will appear at the bottom of the screen. If 1004 is in the first line...there ya go.

2. Bad panel. It's always possible. It's a warranty issue. Have Samsung send a tech out.

3. You have a rare disease that I often suffer from call "It Must Be Perfect-itis." Some (a little) clouding is normal. Watch the TV for 15-20 hours and see if it's still a big deal. It will give the TV time to be in use for a bit and you can see if things even out.

However, don't settle. I'm concerned that mine might have a problem so a tech is coming out tomorrow. Samsung was very happy and helpful to do it, and it will be nice to have a professional set of eyes check it out.

**Note** Tech came out. Checked out the TV and sent some photos to Samsung. By the time he came out my TV had evened out to clouding that was within the normal range of the TV. I can only see it on a pitch black screen when I bob my head around for a bit. Truly, not a big deal. Took 20 hours to get it there. The TV tech said that LCDs do need some break in time. So if you have bad clouding, watch a lot of TV in those first 30 days and make sure that it evens out. It most likely will. Mine is great now and I'm fully fine with it. If the clouding returns, Samsung will fix.



Bottom Line: For LCD televisions this one is the best. No doubt. You have to pay some bank for it, but it's a great experience. If money is a big issue I would recommend checking out plasmas. You won't get the same level of sharpness or that 3D look in sports, but the contrast at a lower-quality LCD is just not worth it. Most of all when your television arrives, just sit back and enjoy it. Promise yourself you'll stop researching and checking deals. Pop some popcorn, grab a drink, and have fun. You made a great choice.


An XBR convert - but, one caution for Dish and Cable box users
This is an amazing set. For the past year I've been holding out for an XBR but recently the feature set in those sets isn't up to par with what it used to be. This TV has a nice balance of features (beyond just TV), a really nice picture and is very thin.

The DLNA is pretty cool. Right out of the box it found my laptop on the network and I could browse pictures and music it had - presumably because Vista and Windows Media have DLNA and 'serve' up content to whoever is on the network. Even more shocking was that it saw my 4-year old Sony Vaio that came with its own media server capabilities. The TV locked up (had to unplug it) when trying to view pictures, but music and some videos played just fine. I've not installed the software that Samsung supplies with the set - so it should get even better.

One word of CAUTION though. If you have a Dish receiver or Pioneer cable box, note that presently this set will likely interfere with your ability to make use of the remote controls for those units. Changing the IR channel on the Dish remote to 15 has been known to work.
Clouding issue on the 52" 850
The TV was fine for a couple of days but then yesterday night, I started noticing patches of light on various parts of the display that looked like 'clouds'. It was very noticeable in low-light situations which unfortunately I am in most of the time when watching tv. In the day-time, this issue is less noticeable. I've since contacted both Amazon and Samsung to try to resolve this problem and Samsung is going to send a tech out to take a look at the set to see if they can fix the issue first. It seems like this issue is more of a problem on the 650/750 series from what I researched and this is the reason why I opted to spend more money for the 850 but it's disappointing to have to go through the hassle of either getting this fixed or trying to return the tv, all within a narrow time period. Check CNET-Samsung forums for other users that have the clouding issue.