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Using a DVR from my cable network, Grande, I am unable to enable or disable the closed caption option using either the remote that comes with the TV or the remote with the cable box. I have to use the controls on the box for this function. Otherwise, the Samsung is great.Also, I have bought items from other companies because Amazon does not have telephone service for orders. I like to buy on the phone rather than on the net.
I had reservations about ordering a 52" LCD Television off the internet. The nice woman on the other line confirmed my address and scheduled a date and time for delivery.That Friday, a friendly driver showed up, unloaded the TV, and brought it right into my place. pray it doesn't start raining, bring it home and have someone help to unload it. The TV was perfect. In the "old days", you go the electronics store then begrudgingly call a friend who has a pickup and ask to borrow it for a few hours. You and the salesman throw the TV in the back, strap it down. I'll admit. The driver happily opened the box for me and we made sure everything was A-OK.
The gloss black frame looks traditional and is non-intrusive. Being somewhat cautious, I asked if I could inspect the TV. I would never recommend a silver or "stainless" frame for a TV--black is the only way to go. After deciding on this model, I placed the order. My biggest concern was shipping. not a scratch.The TV itself is, of course - excellent.
Whew.Not the case with Amazon.I was amazed at how wonderful the entire transaction took place. A few days later, I received a pleasant call from a freight company in my nearest metro, Cleveland, OH. Blacks are deep and colors are bright and vibrant. I will definitely recommend friends and family get their next TV from Amazon, and make it a Samsung.
Next - which LCD model. After viewing and playing with the 52A550 at a local Fry's store, I decided I wasn't willing to spend another $400-500 for the 630 or 650 (I spent the money I "saved" towards speakers instead). Not sure what I'm going to do with the extra Blu-Ray player yet, but it'll come in handy as a second player or as a good XMas present.Overall I'm pleased with this TV. This is my 2nd TV purchase from Amazon, both have been good experiences.In the end, having paid $1580 for this 550 PLUS getting a FREE Samsung BDP-1500 Bluray player, I feel like I got a solid deal. It seems that the 5ms panel of the 550 really helps with concerns about motion blur. I need to work out good calibration settings that work better with my AT&T TV service.
In the end, all of the pro/con arguments about 60hz vs 120hz sets didn't sway me towards the 630/650. Delivery from Amazon was stellar. I really don't notice any concerning/annoying issues with motion blur myself. With a desired budget of $2k or less however, the 860/950's were out of the question. I have found however that while using these same settings when playing recorded HD content from my ATT cable service, the content comes across too dark.
That left the 550 vs the 650 or 630. For LCD's, Samsung seems to have the best overall quality for the money right now. White glove service brought in the tv, unpacked it, placed it on my TV stand and powered it up to confirm it had a picure - it was much as I expected and more than what you get from most online retailers. Concerns about possible screen burn in, and higher heat/power consumption pushed me away from plasma. I've never had to figure out and use different settings for games, movies, tv content before.but once I work them all out properly, it'll be no big deal. For starters, I really don't like the red touch of color on the 650. Sure, come 3-4 months from now the 630 will probably be the same price I paid for the 550 but thats the way things go when it comes to electronics purchases. The picture of this 550 is pretty stellar overall.
I did a lot of studying of HDTV's before settling on this LN52A550. It came in 2 days - a happy surprise. The closest thing to instant gratification (without having to pay sales tax or shipping). ($200 off Samsung BDP-1500 deal). Using the best calibration settings as defined by users on AVSForum, this TV looks STUNNING while playing blu-ray movies on my PS3. I'm sure this 550 will provide me with years of enjoyable performance, without breaking the bank. If money was no object, I would have bought the Samsung 52A860 or 950 in a heartbeat. I am giving it 5 stars because the Samsung 550 is still one of the best 52" HDTV's avaliable today for the money.
Lastly, I prefer matte screens over reflective ones.I am running this TV paired with an Onkyo 705 and PS3. Standard definition tv looks pretty good as well. After about 2 weeks; thus far I can safely report there is no buyers remorse. Good product.
It fits the family's needs. The driver wasn't willing to help unpack and I wasn't ready to unpack by myself. She thought the call was from a telemarketer so she hung up and the caller never made an attempt to leave a return call number. All was well though.Likes:- Great picture quality- 52 inch fits nicely in the family room- Reduced glare compared to 650 model- Clear picture even from a 1080p up scaling cheapy DVD player via HDMI- Can act as a terrific 1980x1080 computer monitor. However, I had to track down the delivery company via the web search to arrange the delivery. Their initial attempt to arrange a date/time with my wife wasn't clear. I had the TV for about one month now. So I signed off before checking for damages inside.
Of course this would be the same with any other HDTV- only 3 HDMI.( Not enough for HD Cable box, Game Console, DVD player, HardDisk based HD media player)Recommended extras:HDMI cable (about 11 dollars via Amazon with shipping) - Mediabridge Ultra-High Speed HDMI Cable - 6ft - Version 1.3b1080p upscaling DVD player. It's a two man job unless you're willing to lay the box down and possibly risk a potential damage to the screen. ( *hilips models do a great job for the price: forty to sixty)Black TV stand - I bought a cheapy (again) from B*st B*uy for about 98 bucks. The delivery man just put the box in the house and waited for me to sign off. Although I found other Internet vendors with lower price, I chose Amazon for its return policy.The 4/5 star is due to service quality, not on the product.The delivery arrived two days before the scheduled date. Though you need a VGA cable and a PC sound cable- Swirling base allows me to enjoy the full dynamic picture range from various positions- easy and quick way to change the common settingsDislikes:- Sometimes while watching a football game in HD, fast movement comes out as a bit jagged.
Furthermore, the "white glove" service didn't mean much. I had to sign off before I could unpack. This is the only time I wish I had a 120Hz model like A650.- Like any other LCD TV's, when watching the TV from an angle, the dynamic contrast is lessened.- TV sound is acceptable, but I think you may need at least a subwoofer speaker connected to audio out to enjoy a movie, if the movie includes explosive sounds.- watching non-HD cable channels. 48 inch stand works well
No sales tax and free shipping. Great t.v. Excellent price. Very pleased with purchase. Hundreds cheaper than any stores I went to, including COSTCO.
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