Samsung LNT4661 or LNT4665?? Which is better for me? Please Help

Ehh, those were last year's models. The current model now is the LN46A550P, and you can find that for right around the same price, basically, and has some better features.

OK, sure, but the 550P doesn't have the glossy screen, yes?

I would prefer the glossy screen for the boost it gives colors and black levels.

Is there a new model that has the glossy screen?

To the OP, I'm also pretty sure the 65 has a higher contrast ratio (15K:1 vs. 10K:1) and 10-bit processing instead of 8-bit compared to the 61.

Actually a very popular online retailer (ama something ;-)) has the new model available for cheaper than the old one.

Yes, but the one with the glossy screen is rather pricey, tho. It's the LN46A650A, if you don't mind that annoying burgundy bezel...and the annoying "reset" bug where it turns itself off and on again at any random time.

I'd wait for Samsung to work out some bugs on that A650 before doing anything with that model.

So basically, if I want the glossy screen, I have to go with last year's 665, correct? I'm looking for a set for the bedroom and would prefer to spend less than $1,500.

Ehh, yes, the 4665 is glossy, whereas 4661 is matte.

Granted, I don't own either set--and I'm actually looking at the 40" versions--but if I were you, I'd go with the 65. The screen makes the image look that much better to me. Then just manage the light coming into your room. Who knows, it may not trouble you anyway.

the 46a550 is basically the same price as last years models if you look in the right places. also it is a mix between the matte and glossy screen, and has a higher contrast ratio of 30000:1

kolgar, take a look at the 550 before you go with the 65. i would be surprised if you don't think the PQ on the 550 is noticably better.

dipset, the glare is comparable to plasma screens. it's glossy for an LCD. really wouldn't bother you unless you had direct light hitting the screen

under $1600, but the fact that there have been several problems with the 61/65 series (read the owners thread) and relatively no problems with the 5 series, makes up any price difference for me.

if you really want to get a 61 or 65 though, it sounds like you should go with the 61. the 65 has the clearer picture, but if you are this worried about the glare i'm afraid you would consider it a problem when you got the 65 in your house whether or not it realistically was a problem or not.

just go with the 61 and you'll have no glare issue to worry about.

Thanks. This is the kind of stuff I need to hear. I've been researching pretty intensely for the past week but haven't gotten a lot of good advice.

This helps.

Yes, and some major online retailer was selling the 550 for well within your budget range for a while, it's up today, tho, but probably may go south of that price tag into the holiday season, I have a hunch...

umm.... have you ever seen the sunset on the ocean? j/k just look at your current tv. if you see any light reflections at all, you might not want to consider the 65. it's basically like a mirror.

Do you expect the 550s to take a big price dive in the next several months?

I was an early adopter of a 61" Samsung DLP a few years ago, and while I love the set, it dropped a thousand dollars in no time.

glad to hear it. i was in a similar situation trying to decide between the 61/65. and then i saw the 550. not only did it just look better to me, it has better stats (see contrast ratio and response time) and with all the problems i've read about on the 61/65, i've yet to see any on the 550. got my 46a550 in a couple days ago and it looks great by the way. COD4 at 1080p on my xbox 360 is unbelievable!

Yes, and I'm hoping that their higher-end model will be at a better price point by the fall, too. That along with being more stable. Seeing that higher price tag and all those problems associated with the A650 model has me wincing up the wazoo now. Well, not gonna mention prices, obviously, but if it were at a more reasonable price point, I'd definitely look into the A650 just because it has AMP/120Hz, and extra connectivity, and glossier screen.

Fantastic. Sounds like a good bet going with the newer model. I play games a lot and the faster response time can't hurt.

My local CC has the set for about the same price as a certain major online retailer so that brings me closer to pulling the trigger. Will maybe step out sometime today to look at the set again in a few stores. Sure would be nice to bring one home this weekend!

Thanks for your help.


Bah! Buying an HDTV can be so painful. Since my 32" Sony CRT took a dump, I've been limping along with a 13" set in the bedroom. It's not easy! I think I'll get back to work here and see what I think at lunchtime.

edit: OK, I think I'm going to shelve this until the 40" 650 comes down. It's got the glossy screen, it's got a 50,000:1 contrast ratio, it's got extra connectivity and a faster response time. Search over, now the waiting begins.

I have the 65 and glare hasn't been a problem at all with this set. In fact, the glossy screen seems to enhance the picture quality.

What has degraded the picture quality however is the "flashlight" effect I noticed in the upper left hand corner. It shows up after the TV has been on for an hour or so. Not a huge deal but distacting at times until I learn to ignore it.

My advice--don't buy the 65 even if its on sale. But that's just from my individual experience.

A word to the wise: Do not always discard last year's models in favor of this year's models, specially with regards to Samsung LCD models. We all know that Samsung is habitually releasing "Beta" phase products into the CE market and using the end user as Guinea Pigs. Case in point, the 61/65 models used to have the HDMI drop out issues for about 3-4 month after their launch, the 69/71 models still have the TBE & stuttering issues, plus the new 650 having the "self-offing" bug. It seems that the 550 maybe the one worth considering, but then again, it is not "packed" with what some people consider as the "latest and the greatest".

To the OP: if you can still get a 61 at or below your designated $1300 target level, it is a heck of a TV. The 65 is also a great choice, if the reflectiveness does not bother you. If I were to buy a replacement Samsung for myself today, I'd still be looking at the 60Hz versions such as the 550 or the one which I would really want, the super expensive 81 series.

I have a 4665. Love it. I have no problems like HDMI drop out and handshake. As for the glare, it really isn't that bad but you have to decide for your self on that issue.