Covering all the HD bases
With the conversion to digital television coming June 12, 2009, more and more television programming will be offered in high definition. It only makes sense to invest in a TV that can display the best of HD. With the Series 5 LN52A550, you get the features that will make the most of your viewing experience. The native 1080p resolution is the highest currently available. A 30,000:1 contrast ratio and 500nit brightness give the kind of depth and richness you need for a realistic picture. A fast 5ms response time minimizes blurring of fast-motion video. Entertainment modes allow customized picture settings optimized for different content (sports, movies, gaming). And handy features like Picture-in-Picture, sound leveler (keeping audio volume consistent during channel changes), and the V-Chip system (allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs) give you the kind of control you want over your entertainment.
DNIe it all you want, Samsung just looks better
So what is the Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe), and why does it matter? DNIe is innovative technology that delivers a crisp, lifelike picture that more closely resembles the look of film regardless of the input signals used. Five image processors and a six-times density enhancer ensure the best picture from any source. Plug in your standard DVD player, and the television will increase the quality of the picture. This technology guarantees the truest colors and highest contrast, while virtually eliminating digital artifacts.
The connections you need
In this day of rapidly advancing TV technology, you need to be ready for anything the broadcasters and movie makers throw at you. The Samsung LN52A550 is there for you with the kind of connections that will make sure you're "in" for the long haul. With one HDMI input on the side and two in the back, you can add as many high definition peripherals as you need. Got a gaming system? Connect it to the side. HD cable or satellite? One of the back hookups is perfect, just as it is for a Blu-ray disc player or your receiver. In case you still prefer the standard DVD player or even VCR, the LN52A550 offers component, S-video, and composite inputs as well. Wiselink® lets you easily hook up your MP3 player or digital camera to your TV with the USB 2.0 connection. A simple user interface lets you scroll through and view play lists and pictures. You can zoom, rotate or play photo slide shows and even add music. With this TV, your bases are covered.
Sounds good, too
Picture is only half of the high definition experience. Sound makes it complete. If you don't have the full surround sound setup, you can still get a rich sound from the LN52A550 with its SRS TruSurround XT&trade. TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels.
Don't forget the cables!
If you are using a Blu-ray player, a receiver, or anything else that is capable of sending a high definition signal, don't forget to purchase the right cables. Many people don't realize what a significant difference the right cables make, and when they get their new high definition equipment home, they think the equipment itself is to blame when the picture or sound isn't as good as it should be. This is because most components (Blu-ray, receivers, etc) don't come with cables, so people often use whatever they have around the house, or buy cheap cables, thinking "it will do." Another reason people don't buy the right cables is because trying to figure out which cables you need can be daunting, and it's hard to know where to start. Our sales representatives are there to explain all your options, so you can make the best purchase and get the most out of your HDTV.
great picture when it works (April 04, 2010)
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Reviewed By: Jean - Spring Grove, MN
Really like the picture quality and the ease in which I can be connected to the computer for downloading movies. Best we have seen. The sound is not so great - have to adjust for each different channel. 14 months after buying TV had problems with the TV turning on when it did come on it screeched and had horizontal lines across the screen - service person came and replaced the whole inside of the TV - only thing that was the same was the frame and the stand. TV worked fine for a while, now 8 months later, the same thing is happening. I dont think I will go with another Samsung - Sony LCD we have is older and we have never had any problems with it whatsoever.
Samsung LN-40A550 (January 30, 2009)
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Reviewed By: Robert W. - Sudbury, Massachusetts
After going through another vendor and receiving a damaged and broken television, that arrived in a 16-wheel freight truck, 400 yds from my house in a restricted residentual area and wanted me to carry it home, I decided to go with Vanns.
My Samsung LN-40A550 is fantastic. The television was shipped DOUBLE BOXED and shipped Fed-ex ground. The driver delivered right to the door. The colors and clarity in the high definition is UNREAL. The television is hooked up to Verizon FIOS. I took a vacation day from work just so I could enjoy my first day of pure enjoyment in watching HD at its finest.
Great Picture, So So sound (October 20, 2008)
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Reviewed By: Corey B. - West Jordan, Utah
After a lot of research, I bought this TV and it came very quickly in about 3 days. Right out of the box the set up was incredibly easy and the picture is phenomenal. This is exactly the TV I was looking for. The only problem with the set was the speakers. the sound quality is not the best although I adjusted the sound to a very doable setting. I guess in this age of surround sound systems that this wont be a problem for most people. As far as picture quality goes, you could not do any better.
Excellent choice! Samsung is truly the BEST! (October 01, 2008)
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Reviewed By: Dean M. Huffman - Marion, Ohio
First of all, I did a ton of research for many months before purchasing this t.v. I have a subscription to consumer reports online. I also checked c-net.com, pcworld, and other rating and review websites. I checked out online retailers through the better business bureau, and through their ratings on websites like nextag.com.
Every single website that I went to recommended Samsung over every other brand. This particular brand was pointed out as being the best that money could buy in the price range that I was shopping. And this t.v. is everything that everyone said it would be and then much much more. I am extremely pleased with my purchase!
The picture is excellent. The sound quality is very good with just the speakers on the t.v. I have not hooked up my receiver and speakers to this t.v., yet, but with all the outlets available on this set, its going to be a breeze. I do have my dvd player and my vhs hooked up to it and it does nicely on upgrading my regular dvds to a much better quality then originally intended. A blu ray player is next on my list.
Price wise-I found one or two online retailers who where $20 to $30 less then Vanns. However, when examining their history and the comments left on other shopping search websites, Vanns was by far the best and had a preferred or excellent status with all of the shopping search websites. And there is a very good reason for that.
I had my t.v. in no time at all. It almost seemed as though I had paid extra for expedited delivery it got here so fast. And the shipping was absolutely free! The t.v. arrived in a large box. Their was a ton of bubble packing inside of the larger box between the actual box that held the t.v. Of course, Samsung had packed the t.v. well with styrofoam holders and another huge lot of bubble packing. There was absolutely no harm or damage done to the package and everything arrived in excellent condition. FedEx ground delivered it which is a service that other online retailer would charge more for. It did require a signature which was absolutely wonderful because I have made purchases of this dollar amount before from online retailers who did not ship with a signature required.
Even though this is the second flat screen lcd hdtv that our household has purchased from Vanns, I still did my homework, a ton of research, and checked out all ratings for this product and the retailer all over the web. Vanns won out hands down. I even went into the Big Box retailers and some small electronic stores to try to see if I could get a better price. No way. I dickered and dickered and they never came close to Vanns and wouldnt price match as their guarantees state.
The first t.v. we purchased was bought by my 21 year old son. He bought a 32 inch Samsung and has been thrilled with it. Now, I have one too, only mine is bigger. I debated on the size of the t.v. I wanted but I was also hindered by price as I only had so much to spend. I thought about a 52, 47, 46 or 42 with 40 being my last choice. After hitting the brick and mortar retailers and seeing the size of the bigger sets, I knew that a 40 would be all that I would want. I am not disappointed. Some of the rating websites tell you to buy a set based upon how far away you will be sitting when watching. Hog wash.
We have a 24 long t.v. room and you can see this 40 extremely well from one end to the other. I am very happy that I did not purchase a larger set.
I just cant say how much I appreciate Vanns and Samsung.
Thank you, Vanns and thank you Samsung!
Great TV (September 05, 2008)
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Reviewed By: Dave K. - Valrico, Florida
looked at a lot of LCDs and did a lot of research before buying this Samsung. I saw it at Costco and it was the best pictire -- hands down. I wanted a 32 with PIP and I am very happy with my choice. Almost waited for the 120 hz version but couldnt wait. Vanns delivered ahead of their promised delivery date and it was flawless out of the box.
Nice TV, Nice Vanns!! (August 24, 2008)
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Reviewed By: Minseong S. - Palisades park, New Jersey
Thanks Vanns!!
I could get this tv on the lowest price in the current market through Vanns.com.
this tv has essential parts to enjoying HD tech.
3HDMI, 5ms response time, 1080P resolution and other techs from samsung except 120Hz tech. but since the 120Hz tech was developed last year and still needs improvement, I dont need it and thats why I did not go up to samsungs high model 6 series. note! the only difference between 6 series and 5 series is 120Hz tech!! if youre planning to purchase LCD tv next year, then going to 120Hz one would be good choice, but not now. Also, if you think 52 is not enough and have enough money like 3000 bucks, then you better wait to next year. All majors like samsung, sony and LG start making 55 LCD.
But if you cannot wait and wanna save more than thousand bucks with give 3 up, just get it from Vanns!! you will smile whenever youre watching the TV.
Comparison Specifications
- 52" screen size (measured diagonally)
- 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
- 178° x 178° viewing angle
- 1080p progressive scanning
- 3 HDMI-CEC inputs (2 rear/1 side)
- 2 component inputs, S-video input, 2 composite inputs, PC input, USB 2.0 (Wiselink), RF antenna inputs
- Sound leveler
- 10W x 2 SRS TruSurround XT bottom speakers
- Auto wall mount compatible, swivel stand included
- Remote control included
Additional Specifications
- CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp)
- 30,000:1 contrast ratio
- Clear panel
- Wide color enhancer
- ATSC/QAM/NTSC integrated tuners
- Entertainment mode
- Picture-in-picture
- Smart user interface
Manufacturer Specifications
- V-Chip system
- Trilingual on-screen displays
- Variable sleep timer
- Headphone jack
- Dimensions without stand: 49.9" W x 31.1" H x 4.3" D
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions with stand: 49.2" W x 33.65" H x 12.44" D
- Weight: 59.3 lbs (71.2 lbs with stand)
Samsung LN-52A550 Warranty Details
1-year parts and labor