Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Pros: Big picture, readable even in direct light

Cons: Slow warm up, attracts dust, remote compatibility, HDMI switching a bit slow

Overall: Outstanding value!

The TV I replaced with this was a 27" CRT, so I really don't have much to compare it with, but all I can say is WOW I can see faces, read the TV guide channel from across the room - a huge improvement, literally. I've not seen any HD format material on it yet, so I've no way to verify that except what I saw in the store on the 46" version of this set. They were showing a Bluray disc on it. I have only regular format cable and regular DVD material I've seen on it (oh, and a Wii using component inputs) and I can see details I've never seen before. We'll see what happens in Feb 09 when the formats switch.

OK, the cons - the CRT TV was pretty much instant on, instant off. This one blinks about 2 sec, plays a little sound, then about 8 sec later you get a "searching for signal" screen, then your show pops up about 2 sec later. Power off takes a bit less time, about 5 sec. The "auto" power save feature is pretty worthless as it is driven by the material played, not by the ambient light in the room - if they had a lux sensor on the tv then you might actually save some power when the room is dark. I've seen some folks complain about the screen as being too reflective. Yes, it is reflective, not exactly matte finish, but I've not seen any interference from light shining through the window about 10 feet away. The odd thing about the remote isn't the remote so much as it's compatibility with other remotes - I've tried setting up my DVD and DVR and receiver remote to operate it, and it is hit or miss whether I'll find a code that will not only turn the tv on and off (the ability to switch channels and the built in tuner are fairly useless for me since I have cable) but control the volume. That is, just about all of the codes will allow you to press the volume up or down one step, but if you hold the volume button in one direction or the other, you only get one step of movement from the TV. So you have to keep pushing the volume button. A bit annoying. Of course, this isn't an issue with the TV's remote, but it doesn't control any other components, so I rarely use it except to control the backlighting. Finally, it seems to be a bit "smart" in that it knows when I turn on the DVD player (which is piped into the HDMI2 port) and will switch to that signal from the cable signal (which is piped into the HDMI1 port). However, the source selection screen just sits there for about 30 sec before it goes away - a little too long if you ask me.

Growing weary of the upselling pressure at my local Best Buy, I walked out and decided to purchase this set from Amazon. My product decision was based on CNET and other reviews. The Amazon price was excellent as was the delivery service.

I want to add that I was concerned about the high gloss screen in my large-windowed family room but that hasn't been a problem, the brightness of the set makes the ambient light a non issue.

TV is wonderful - great picture right out of the box. Remote control needs improvement because the flywheel is difficult to maneuver. This is the best LCD you can buy for the money.

I must comment on the shipping company. The TV did arrive on the promised date but it would have been here days earlier if it had not been accidentally rerouted to a city hundreds of miles out of the way. One of the two guys that delivered it was a total jerk and acted like he was doing us a favor. The other man was nice though and they did set it up and made sure it worked before leaving. Also, do not rely on the tracking info on their website as it is not accurate and they are slow in updating. I saw that the TV went to the wrong city at about midnight and I decided to call them in the morning to find out what was going on. By that time the tracking had been deleted from the website (I think they tried to cover up their error).

Anyway, alls well that ends well and I love the new TV.

I ordered this TV and love it. However, this review about amazon not the TV because I am truly amazed at the level of service they provided (not to mention the most competitive price I found anywhere on-line or at stores).

I was a bit apprehensive purchasing such a big-ticket item on-line and almost every step of the way, I was waiting for the "problems" I might face (to compensate for the cost savings). My TV was not in stock but "no problem," it ended up arriving exactly when they said it would. While awaiting it's arrival, the TV went down in price. Again, "no problem," I called and not only did they take the difference off the price, the customer service rep told me that I should keep checking because the price guarantee was good for a month (and I'd get a refund every time it's reduced).

When my TV did arrive it was unpacked by the delivery guys who were careful and considerate. However, after the delivery company left, I couldn't find the manual that comes with the set (big problem). It may have been misplaced, it may have fallen out of the box before it arrived, or it may never have been in the box. I guess I'll never know and it really doesn't matter. What I do know is that when I called amazon they were very helpful, gave me instructions on how to find the manual on-line and then, sent me a 10% refund/discount on the TV to compensate for the inconvenience (not an insignificant amount to have taken off the price).

Since then I check amazon before I buy anything from anywhere else! (and by the way, I know this review sounds very "over the top" with compliments, but I swear I don't work for amazon or even know anyone who does)

Thoroughtly satisfied with this product. Having debated between the 46" and 52" - so glad I went with the 52" for the extra ~$200.
Every bead of sweat, every agonizing tear from the Olypmics has been displayed in crystal clarity.
The built in QAM-tuner saved me having to upgrade my Time Warner DVR box - so I can get HD channels without waiting for a new cable-box.

A buddy summed it up - it looks more real than reality! Worth every penny.

One slight negative - Amazon's shipping company CEVA - transcribed the wrong contact number for me (my contact number in my amazon profile was correct).
So when Amazon's shipping notice page said I had been contacted (when I had not) - I had to call Amazon to find CEVA's main number, then their shipping hub - and then arrange deliver myself. Apart from this minor delivery issue, still very happy!