does anyone prefer glossy screens over matte?

Not all glossy screens are created equal. Glossy gray you typically find on the plasma sets are no match if you compare the Samsung glossy and black filter they use on their LCDs. In a room with limited light and northern exposure my LN55C650 is pure perfection but for the the viewing angles, which is not a problem as the set is for my personal use only with me being on the TV's center line. I admit I was against the glossy sets and I was wrong.

When I purchased my last LCD about 3 1/2 yars ago I avoided them at all cost (and glossy bezels too - even worse if you ask me). This time however, there was hardly anything that didn't have both a glossy screen and glossy bezel and my LED had both. That went back and I now have a plasma - and a matte bezel. The glossy screen does add a little contrast and depth to the picture and in my room I have no direct light do reflections are not an issue.

Black levels and picture quality on a mid level plasma (which is what the c650 is in the Samsung LCD lineup)are better in general and don't have the off angle issues and typically have a more pleasant picture in a moderately lit room. Most professional reviewers and calibrators concur.

He said LN55C650; L = LCD, also 55" is LCD only, and C650 is LCD only, in '10.

I know it's an LCD and my post wasn't worded properly as my intent was to say that the c650 is a mid level set. I'll correct my post so there won't be any confusion as to what I was saying. Thanks for the heads up.

Obviously Apple likes glossy screens and actually you answered your own question.

What you are seeing is better contrast.

can't stand glossy screens.

As one who was in the anti-gloss camp, I can tell you that if the anti-reflective coating is done right - and Samsung got it right - absent any direct sources of light such as windows or lamps reflecting from the screen, the glossy screen is no problem. Given the choice I would probably opt for the semi-gloss but some sets such as 55 and up in the Samsung line up just aren't available in the semi-gloss version.

Bottom line: if you can control the active sources of light or white objects that may be exposed to them, you will be OK. Keep in mind that the semi-gloss screens do not give you full immunity in this regard. In my specific case, I wanted the highest CR, the CCFL and 55 inches in the same set, which was LN55C650. It also happens to be glossy - without any negatives in my setup.