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Samsung LN40A550 vs LN40A650

post #1 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:10am
Thread Starter 
I cannot decide which is suited for my situation. The price is leaning me towards the 550 but I can afford the 650 and live off Top Ramen for a few months. My situation is...this is for my room. I have one window in my room an I often have my blinds shut since in the afternoon the light is to bright. I know the 550 has a semi matte vs the glossy 650. I also heard the 650 have better sound. I have a 500w 5.1 that will be hooked up but not used for watching everyday TV. Maybe for like when I order UFC, watch a movie and etc. I will use the TV's speakers about 95% of the time. This will be for watching movies on my PS3's Blu-Ray player (although I don't own any yet), TV in SD and HD (HD if I get Comcast or Direct TV), DVD's on a upconverter player and playing games on my PS3. Mainly for TV and PS3. Can I get some pros and cons of both the 550 vs the 650 series?
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post #2 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:15am
if bright light is going to be an issue then the 650 will be disturbing to watch after some time. If the blinds CAN be closed to shut out most/all of the light (and if you can pocket the price), I would recommend the 650 but 550 is always a great option as well.
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post #3 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:21am
Samsung A630 would be the matte version of A650 if glossy is a problem for you and you really want the AMP and 120Hz. A630 will be out next month.
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post #4 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:23am
I think the biggest difference will be the 120hz that the 650 has since I think that will affect game playing for you. If you want the best game playing experience, I think the 650 is the way to go. It will also make movies look better obviously.

If you'd rather pay extra for a better (near best) visual experience go for the 650. If you'd rather pay less but still get a great set, go for the 550.
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post #5 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:27am
Thread Starter 
So which one is better in low light and which one is better in lighted rooms? Does the game mode help on the 550? Also is it worth the extra $$$ to buy the extended warranty when ordering online?
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post #6 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:28am
If you can afford it, get the A650.
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post #7 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:30am
low light = glossy (i.e. a650)

bright light = matte (i.e. a550 or a630)
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post #8 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:33am
Thread Starter 
Ok. No one gave a response about the extended warranty. I plan on buying the LCD from Amazon.com.
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post #9 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:39am
Well, extended warranty on any such relatively large electronics investment will always impart a peace of mind. I would generally say go for it, but that may be my manager talking... =P
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post #10 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:46am
Thread Starter 
Ouch...with the extended warranty on the A650 brings it about ~$300 out my budget. I think if I want the warranty it'll have to be the A550. I'm now stuck in a dilemma.
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post #11 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirsaechao View Post

Ok. No one gave a response about the extended warranty. I plan on buying the LCD from Amazon.com.

How much extended warranty do you think you need? You already have 12-month from Samsung and if you register your new set from their website, you would get an extra 3 months. Meanwhile, if you purchase it with one of those major credit cards, your credit card company will give you an extra 12-month extended warranty for free. So, that would be 27 months altogether. Also, some credit card companies even sell you extended warranty for a great deal so check with your credit card company first.
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post #12 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirsaechao View Post

Ouch...with the extended warranty on the A650 brings it about ~$300 out my budget. I think if I want the warranty it'll have to be the A550. I'm now stuck in a dilemma.

Isn't your budget like $1300?

Check with Mack for extended warranty, http://www.mackcam.com/.
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post #13 of 44
7/25/08 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
Yes my budget is around $1300. With the extended warranty offered through Amazon for example a 3 year warranty it actually starts on the day the TV is bought. Not after the 12 months that Samsung already offers, so your really only getting 2 years.
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post #14 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:02am
Thread Starter 
Also, I don't plan on buying it with my credit card unless my debit card does the same. How can I find this out? I may also use either Google Checkout or PayPal, both are directly deducted from my bank account.
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post #15 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:04am
Why don't you check with Mack's from the link above to see if you would get a better deal for the extended warranty?
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post #16 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:05am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by taurus2007 View Post

Why don't you check with Mack's from the link above to see if you would get a better deal for the extended warranty?

So I can buy a TV elsewhere and buy Mack's warranty?
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post #17 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirsaechao View Post

So I can buy a TV elsewhere and buy Mack's warranty?

Yip.
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post #18 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:27am
Thread Starter 
Bump for move conviencing on why I should get the A650 at ~$300+ more vs the A550.
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post #19 of 44
7/25/08 at 8:34am
8 bit vs 10 bit panel.....That's the MAIN difference.
I thought the PQ between the A650 and A550 were not close. Even though the A550 was good the A650, I thought, was quite a bit better, clearer (sharper) and more vibrant.

But like I tell others, we all have different tastes, living conditions and budgets. Check them out side by side, ask to hook up a gaming system and bring some games. Don't be shy, they'll let you do it then decide from there. Your $$ your decision. Good luck....
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post #20 of 44
7/25/08 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
How much different will I tell between 8 bit vs 10 bit?
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post #21 of 44
7/25/08 at 9:59am
Looks like you are still debating between A550 and A650. Why don't you check them out in person and see how they look to you. Play with the settings in stores if you can get your hand on a remote control. Ask a salesperson to connect it to a Blu-ray player or something to test out the PQ.
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post #22 of 44
7/25/08 at 10:10am
Thread Starter 
You know what? This is my first LCD so I prolly can't notice the difference. I just don't want to regret anything.
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post #23 of 44
7/25/08 at 10:12am
Either model should be good but looks like almost everybody is going into 120Hz now. Heck, even Vizio is coming out with a 120Hz model soon. On the other hand, the next big thing, LED, is here.

If you plan to keep your tv for like 3-5 years, I think you should consider A650 instead of A550 but that is all up to you.
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post #24 of 44
7/25/08 at 10:19am
Thread Starter 
Your right. Just need to do more a in depth research on it hooked up to a PS3. Computer, I'm not to concern as I have a monitor for that... The only time I replace anything is when it is obsolete...then I pass it down to my siblings.
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post #25 of 44
7/25/08 at 10:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sirsaechao View Post

Your right. Just need to do more a in depth research on it hooked up to a PS3. Computer, I'm not to concern as I have a monitor for that... The only time I replace anything is when it is obsolete...then I pass it down to my siblings.

Online I have seen the A650 for around $1300 and the A550 for $1150. FWIW, $150 more I'd get the A650.

But to put your mind at ease, do what taurus said and check them out for yourself.....make sure you have dedicated feeds and the proper calibration settings for each (see threads for A650 and A550 calibrations) and go into the stores. PM if you have any questions....
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post #26 of 44
7/25/08 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 
Someone slap me please. I'm about to order it but I'm not getting the extended warranty...
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post #27 of 44
7/25/08 at 1:00pm
*slap* You're welcome

BTW, if you're getting it from Amazon...well, you really don't have to worry about warranties and such
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post #28 of 44
7/25/08 at 2:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth_Harrington View Post

*slap* You're welcome

BTW, if you're getting it from Amazon...well, you really don't have to worry about warranties and such

That is what I heard. If something is remotely wrong, then will send you a new one and packages the old one up when the new one arrives so you won't be out of a TV.
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post #29 of 44
7/25/08 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth_Harrington View Post

*slap* You're welcome

BTW, if you're getting it from Amazon...well, you really don't have to worry about warranties and such

dammit! You beat me to it lol. Anyways, a *slap* for good luck hehe

But yeah, amazon...
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post #30 of 44
7/25/08 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 
Kool beans on Amazon.
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