Samsung LN52A550 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Other products by Samsung

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 49.9 x 4.3 x 31.1 inches ; 59.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 89 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B001415EMI
• Item model number: LN-52A550
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (253 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,807 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 14, 2008

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description--March 24, 2008
Samsung's 550 Series is a perfect  way to step up to Full HD 1080presolution. A fast 5 ms response rate produces smooth-motion scenes for sports and action movies, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1 makes for deep blacks and crisp lines (15,000:1 in 32-inch and 37-inch models).  Superb connectivity and networking  with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) means these HDTVs play well with all of your other electronics. Easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through the side-mounted USB 2.0, turn your LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect your MP3 player for a dynamic audio experience.

Key Features

• New -- 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 15,000:1 on 2007 models (15,000 on 32-inch and 37-inch models) (Learn more)
  
• New -- Fast 5ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
• Full 1080p HD (Learn more)
• 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (Learn more)
  
• 3 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant (Learn more)
• 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
• DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance (Learn more)
  
• Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more)
• Wide Color Enhancer technology and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) 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 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.
• 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 6: 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, AutoMotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion, 4ms response time, Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel, Clear Panel, Ethernet port with Infolink free RSS feeds, 4 HDMI 1.3 ports, Sports and Game modes, Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia
• 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-Compatible: for better interoperability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers

• Step Up Features
  

• Series 6: 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, AutoMotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion, 4ms response time, Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel, Clear Panel, Ethernet port with Infolink free RSS feeds, 4 HDMI 1.3 ports, Sports and Game modes, Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia
• 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-Compatible: for better interoperability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers
• Series 8: super-slim 1.9-inch thick profile

What size TV should you get?

Learn More

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Full HD 1080P

Full HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HDTVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable. Samsung’s 1080p panel uses a new high-speed liquid crystal to cut response time to 4ms. The fast response time, coupled with Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120Hz motion blur reduction technology dramatically reduces motion blur and judder.

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30,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio/500 nit Brightness

30,000:1 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.

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Digital Natural Image Engine

DNIe The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine. This exclusive Samsung technology dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, white balance and reduces.

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Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Fluorescent 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 back lights 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.

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Connectivity

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 HDMI-CEC 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 3 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) version 1.3: (2 rear/1 side) Component video: 2 rear (Y, Pb, Pr) Composite inputs: 1 rear (shared with component) / 1 side S-Video: 1 side PC input: 1 rear Wiselink (USB 2.0) RF antenna inputs Headphone jack: side

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Super Patterned Vertical Alignment

Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel provides a 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes

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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 sound stage 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.

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Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

Product Description
Why settle for anything less than top-of-the-line picture quality? With the Samsung LN52A550 high-definition TV you get the total package: a 52? wide screen with 1080p HD resolution, crystal-clear sound, and advanced features like wide color enhancer that are guaranteed to give you the full high-definition experience. With 3 HDMI inputs, connecting to all your peripherals is a snap. Enjoy crystal-clear, lifelike HD sound, with SRS TruSurround XT. Hook up your MP3 player or digital camera via the Wiselink USB 2.0 connection. A versatile user interface lets you scroll through playlists and pictures. Experience the next generation of HD television in all its glory. Widescreen NTSC/ATSC Tuners with Clear QAM Viewing Angle - 178º x 178º DNIe (Digital Natural Image Engine) delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that is closer to film Watts per channel - 10W x 2 SRS TruSurround XT sound Bottom speakers 3 HDMI, 2 Component video, RF antenna inputs S-video, Composite, PC input 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 Swivel stand English, Spanish & French on-screen displays Variable sleep timer Dimensions - without stand - 49.9 x 31.1 x 4.3; with stand - 49.9 x 33.7 x 12.8 Weight - without stand - 59.3 lbs.; with stand - 71.2 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

151 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seriously Consider This Samsung 52" TV, July 9, 2008

By	Samsung Fan (Philly) - See all my reviews

I have had my TV for nearly a month now and I love it. I am coming from a 27" CRT TV, so of course, I'm going to be impressed. However, here are a few things I would like to pass along to those of you in the market for a new flat panel TV:

* LCD versus Plasma:
If you are having a hard time deciding between LCD and plasma, LCD has nearly caught up with plasma in terms of being the better flat panel TV. You still pay a bit more for a comprable LCD though. If you are hooking up a PC to your TV, will be pausing live TV, or anything else that keeps the picture still for a while, definitely consider an LCD as plasmas still have their problems with ghosting. I was in a Circuit City recently and looked at a new plasma TV with all the "anti burn-in" technologies built in. After accidently leaving an image on the screen for 4 hours, there was obvious "burn-in" on the screen.

* Screen Size:
I originally started looking at 42" TVs, but realized that the picture quality is so good on HDTVs that you can buy a much larger TV even if your seating distance is only a few feet away. So, I limited my search to the 46" - 52" range. Another factor to consider is whether or not you want to spend extra for a 1080p set or settle for 720p. Most experts will say that you can't notice the difference between the two in a set smaller than 50". So, you may want to save the money and go with 720p. Also, I was worried if my TV would look too "big" in my family room, but trust me, it looks great. I'm so used to the screen size now that anything smaller just doesn't look as nice anymore.

* HD and SD Channel Quality
The HD channels look fantastic. I have an HD package with Dish Network and all of the HD channels are incredibly clear. The SD channels are certainly bearable, but a big step down from watching SD channels on my 27" CRT TV (in terms of picture clarity).

* PIP
This feature will not work for most people as you must have an analog signal. Those of you with digital cable or satellite TV will not be able to use it. For everyone else, it seems like it would be ok.

* Sound
I didn't have as big of a complaint as everyone else did. I could hear everything loud and clear. I will soon be hooking it up to a home theatre system to improve the sound, but as for basic TV speakers, they seemed ok to me.

* Price
If you are considering a TV purchase, buying from Amazon is a must. They typically have the lowest price (much lower than big box stores) and you don't have to pay S/H or taxes. The customer service was excellent any time I contacted them with regards to receiving a price adjustment. The delivery service was good too.

* Picture Settings
Most people will complain about the "Dynamic" mode of the TV saying that this is what the big box electronic stores use to make the picture look brighter, sharper, etc. This is true, but keep in mind that if you want to use the DNIe (Samsung's picture enhancing engine), you will need to use "Dynamic". I'm still figuring out if DNIe is worth having on, but what I did was set my "Dynamic" settings to be very similar to the "Standard" settings. This way the screen isn't so bright. As for the rest of the picture quality settings, I left most of them the same except for a few minor adjustments for my personal liking.

* No Auto-Motion
This was definitely a struggle for me. Do I buy a 46" 6 series to get Auto-Motion or a 52" 5 series? I've seen fast moving action scenes in both sports and movies and you can at times pick up some jutter (especially when the background is also moving). If you are really picky, consider getting Auto-Motion (which you can set to off, low, etc), but for most people the 5 series with out Auto-Motion is fine. I don't really notice anything most of the time unless I am really looking for it.

* Bonus
Since you've taken the time to read my long review, here is a little bonus. After you buy this TV (or any Samsung), register it online and they will give you an additional 3 free months of product warranty.

Happy Shopping!

116 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GETTING BETTER SOUND, April 29, 2008

By	Christopher Nickels (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

From the AVS Forums. These sound settings will bring your sound to life.

"Official LNXXA550 Calibration/Settings Thread"

A lot of people have used these audio settings and reported dramatic improvements:

Mode: Custom
SRS TruSurround XT: On
Auto Volume: On
TV Speaker: On

(# of clicks):
Balance: 0
100Hz: 8 clicks right
300Hz: 8 left
1kHz: 4 left
3kHz: 3 right
10kHz: 5 right

Turn it up and enjoy the ride. . .Great Pic and more than adequate basic sound!

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Value, June 4, 2008

By	Secret Santa - See all my reviews

A while ago I got a Philips 52PFL7422 LCD from Costco. I couldn't get the Philips to look right, even after adjustments using DVE, so decided to return it and get a different brand / model.

After some research and in-store comparisons, I decided to get the Samsung LN 52A550. I checked Amazon and the price was less than I paid for the Philips, and I trusted Amazon, being a satisfied customer of theirs for years.

From the start the Samsung was MUCH better than my previous set. It had none of the issues I had with the Philips. I was surprised how well the colors and black levels looked before I did any tweaking. Wanting to get the best picture I could, I set all the enhancements off and used DVE (Digital Video Essentials) to fine-tune the set. The result was a great picture, not overblown like store displays, but not dim or washed out either.

To summarize, here is my opinion of the pros and cons of this set.

Pros:
1. Great contrast - adjusted backlight, contrast and brightness so the blacks look great and whites are not blown out. A really nice, not-too-bright, natural looking image.
2. Great Color temperature and Tint
3. Menus are well organized and VERY comprehensive - many advanced adjustments are available without entering special service menus.
4. USB photo and music interface was nice and menus were comprehensive.
5. Clean-looking frame and pedestal.
6. Noise Reduction and Dynamic Contrast modes, when needed, offer subtle enhancements without degrading the image.
7. Great HD quality from Blu-Ray/PS3. Games and Blu-Rays look fantastic. Even older non-HD DVD's look very good.
8. Great HD and Good SD quality from Cable Box (after adjusting the factory default contrast down to mid-60's, sharpness down to around 0, edge enhancement off).
9. Good quality from Wii and Playstation 2 - contrast, etc. settings similar to Cable Box. The games looked surprisingly good even though they are 480i or 480p. Be sure to not ovewrdrive contrast or sharpness. Use backlight to brighten if necessary.
10. HP Laptop (with NVidia graphics) connected via HDMI looked great. TV displayed various resolutions properly without chopping off the top or sides.
11. Low glare screen. Not as matte as some others, but definitely not high gloss like other Samsung LCD's. This was a must-have for me due to the bright room where the TV is installed.
12. Very good off-center viewing angles. - MUCH better than my previous LCD set.
13. Remote has good-sized buttons and a backlight.

Cons:
1. Sound is hollow unless you perform some adjustments (see AVS Forums for suggested settings). Not really a factor for me since I connect up to an external stereo system anyway.

Didn't Try:
1. VGA/PC Video input.
2. Digital sound outputs.
3. Composite video input.

All-in-all I am very happy with the purchase and with Amazon shipping and customer service.