Samsung LNT4661F 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV by Samsung
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Digital camera reviews of Samsung LNT4661F 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Digital camera Review: 60" Mitsubishi projection to Samsung 46" LCD
Summary: 5 Stars
TIME FOR A NEW BIG-SCREEN
My 60" Mitsubishi rear projection began to show signs of impending failure (blue gun slow to align after power up) and so began the search for a replacement.
The research began with reading everything about the differences in LCD, Plasma and DLP. Due to the size of the old TV the initial thought was to go with DLP. The equivalent size of a 60" (4:3) TV is 73.4" (16:9). DLPs are typically less expensive per inch than the other two technoligies. However, the DLP was scratched from listfor two reasons: the required replacement of the bulb and reluctantly deciding to go smaller.
PLASMA OR LCD
Plasma took the led over LCD during the next phase of research. Again, the size (at around 55") was less expensive than similar sized LCD screens. Reading more about the Plasma it was evident they were prone to "wash-out" if viewed in a sunlit room. This would be an issue in my case. Besides, the shiny glass surface on the Plasma could also be a distraction. The old rear projection had an anti-glare screen on it. Therefore, due to the washout and reflection issues Plasma took a step back.
LCD
Now time to research LCD. It appeared Plasma had an edge when it came to contrast. The Plasma blacks were blacker and whites were whiter. However, LCDs are catching up. So, the contrast ratio became a major specification for each TV being sized up. At the time of this study 15000:1 was as good as it got. Most were still 10000:1. These specs were roughly the same as those on the Plasmas. I was also concerned about the refresh rate. The faster the better, especially for what I would be viewing mostly---football.
There were not many affordable 55" LCDs. So, due to my budget constraints LCDs in the 46" to 50" range were the target. Sam's Club, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, and Circuit City were visited to view the host of 46-50 inch LCDs. Suprisingly there were very few 50" LCDs. So, 46-47 inch LCD became the best bet. The size was also best suited for the space and budget.
When viewing LCD TVs in person it was quite easy to see which ones were better than others. I had the store staff put on ESPN so I could compare the graphics between the TVs. It also had the side benefit of seeing fast video and how the TV would respond. It quickly became obvious to my eyes that the Samsung and the Sony were tops. However, the price of the Samsung was superior.
SAMSUNG WINS OUT
Once the first cut was complete, I looked up the most recent reviews in Consumer Reports. What do you know---the 4665F was number one! Of course, their top three were probably all basically winners. It was just nice to validate the research against Consumer Reports.
It should be noted that I never intended to use the TVs speakers. Instead I use a separate sound system. So, if sound of the TV is an issue I have nothing to add. It was never a consideration for me. Although it could be for you.
So, I narrowed the choice down to the Samsung 4665F LCD and began looking for the best price. I was hopeful that there would be a big sale before the 2007 Christmas season---there wasn't. I had already heard that the big "after Christmas" and "before Super Bowl" sales were not to be repeated like in early 2007. Still I held out hope.
The best price was found on Amazon.com. It was only about $20 less than Circuit City. However, shipping was free and there would be no sales tax (another $82). So, I waited to see if the price would drop after Christmas.
While I waited my father-in-law and I visited Circuit City to help him in buying a smaller (40") LCD. During our visit we noticed a major difference between the 4665F and the 4661F: The 4665F has a much shinnier screen than the 4661F. So, after much debate I decided to save another $100 by going with the 4661F versus the 4665F. (Since then the prices of both have increased.)
The day after Christmas I pulled the trigger and bought the 4661F from Amazon.com. Although very Internet savvy and an eBay consumer, I had never purchased anything so expensive and fragile from an Internet store. So, I was more than a little apprehensive. I read the reviews about Amazon and about the shipper (Eagle Global). I read them all (187 total). The good and the bad. I held my breath.
HDMI VS COMPONENT CABLES
While I waited for the TV to arrive I researched the difference between HDMI and Component video and their associated cables. The comparison is very similar to LCD versus Plasma. The advantage between the two depends. I ordered both cables to compare them myself. At the time I had priced them out locally: $49.99 for HDMI and $19.99 for Component. However, Amazon had the HDMI for $0.23. (Yes, 23 cents!) Of course, there was $4.95 shipping, but it was worth the risk to save so much. The Component cable on Amazon was only $12.00. Both cables arrived before the TV. Both cables were 6 feet cables with gold plated connectors.
Unfortunately, my cable company had a major run on HD boxes before Christmas, so when I took my digital cable box in to trade it for an HD one, I was disappointed to hear I would have to wait for at least two weeks! That two weeks turned into four! So, I knew I would have to hook up my LCD to an inferior cable box.
SHIPPING
The day finally came! The delivery company (Eagle Global) called to set up a time to deliver the TV. They brought it in, helped my unload it from the box, allowed me to power it up and hook up my Sony Handycam to test the video. It all looked fine. Granted, it was only composite video not HD.
I hooked up the TV to my existing non-HD cable box via the RF connector knowing the signal would be sub-par until I could get the HD box. I attached my VCR via a composite cable---again knowing this signal would also be less than wonderful (but would carry the closed captioning I used when my father-in-law visits, as does the RF signal.) My DVD/CD combo is old and not HD either, but it did have component video out. So, I used my new component cable to hook up the DVD player to the TV.
Of course, the signals were less than impressive in their analog state, but that was to be expected and the HD experience I would have later would make me appreciate the difference. However, the DVD signal was digital, even though it is not 1080p it still looked outstanding. I plan on adding an upconverter DVD to play old DVDs. I'm looking the Oppo 980 it even comes with a HDMI cable (more to follow after I get it).
CALIBRATION
I decided to align the TV to the CNET calibration codes, but those numbers just didn't work for me. Most likely due to my lighting situation in the room or not being HD. So, I reset all the settings to the factory ones, and adjusted only the contrast and back light settings. I used the calibration program found on the Disney "Toy Story" DVD to adjust the contrast. I centered the backlighting at 5. I noticed for my room "movie" mode works best, since I normally only watch TV in the early evening. I expect the "standard" mode my work well during daytime watching.
ZOOM FEATURE
The zoom functions of the TV are great. I can avoid "burn-in" (2 hours of the same graphics on the screen) by simply pressing the "psize" button until I cycle through the 6 various zoom setting until I find the best one for the show I'm watching. I can even move the screen up or down. Again, this is all without HD cable.
HIGH DEFINITION
Since my local cable company could not provide a HD box, I decided to hook-up my existing cable directly to my TV and let the TV program the channels. It took about 30 minutes, but all the local HD channels were found and look amazing!!!
The day finally arrived when my HD cable box was installed. WOW!!!! I'm glad I was able to see the difference between the signals. Our area gets 22 HD channels including fortunately the ones I normally watch (NFL on FoxHD, CBSHD, NBCHD, HISTHD, and HGTVHD). The color from our cable company is different between their HD signal and the standard signal. The yellows and reds are pure on HD while on the SD channels they are less than perfect. So, obviously when you adjust your TV use the channels you'll watch most.
While viewing the AFC Championship game during the day (in the brighest conditions for the room) the TV performed as advertised. There was very little, if any, washout. The TV was barely affected by the bright lighting conditions. Also, the windows were not visible as a reflection on the screen at all. (The 4665F would have been noticable and problematic.)
I don't have the Oppo yet, but when I get it I'll let you know how it goes. I'm expecting to be Wow'd again!!!
SUMMARY
I took my time and did my research. I viewed all the TVs in person. I asked the salesmen questions. I was able to view the differences from various video signal sources. I am more than happy and very content on my purchase. Additionally, I chose NOT to get the extended warranty. I'm hopeful the manufacturer's one year warranty won't even be needed, but according many of the reviews it's on-site if it's needed.
If you're concerned about ordering such an expensive item from the Internet, rest assured. It you're worried about the shipper, don't be. We use them at work to ship all over the World. They may not be UPS or FedEx, but I was very happy with them.
THANKS AND HAPPY HUNTING
Finally, I am extremely grateful for all the reviews posted---both good and bad---they helped me and my decision. I hope my experience has helped you and your decision.
-Dave
Digital camera Review: 72 hours from clicking "buy now" to install complete!
Summary: 1 Stars
Loved it for 18 months, then the black shadows started showing up.
You'll get flickering and horizontal lines that disappear after some warm-up.
But, the warm-up time keeps getting longer and longer.
Paid $99 to find out that it will cost $1100 to replace the panel.
You probably can't find this model anymore, but avoid if you do!
Digital camera Review: A must buy. Especially for gamers. *Update*
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not an expert when it comes to tv's but this one sure beat the others when it comes to picture quality. When I started looking for a tv for our living room I went to Circuit City and Best Buy to compare prices and to compare the tv's side by side since you really can't do that online. My original choice was Sony since their reputation is pretty well known. I ended up taking a look at Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, Sharp and Samsung and was blown away by the picture quality of the Samsung. I hadn't even read the reviews as yet. I was even ready to plop down the $2500+ that Circuit City wanted until my husband suggested doing online pricing. We found it sooo much cheaper ($800) at Amazon. Once delivered, the service was great by the way, and hooked up I was once again amazed at how clean and clear the pictures were. I subscribe to digital cable which makes the picture experience even more breathtaking. There is no glare and once hooked up to the Playstation 3 via HDMI and the XBox 360 via component cable, the gaming experience is to die for in Game Mode. I highly recommend this LCD to anyone.
This is the update of my TV. I'n now giving it a 3 instead of a 5 star rating. I've posted the pics. TV is not even a month old and already the TV has dead pixels running from the top of the screen to the bottom, practically dividing the TV in half. I've contacted Samsung and they sent their repair man out to look at the TV. He claims that it's the panel and it needs to be replaced and it would take about 2 weeks to get the panel. After waiting for him to contact me with an update I contacted Samsung again to be told that it can't be replaced but instead they will be replacing it with their newer 2008 model, the LN46A550. I'm going to give them a chance with their newer model and hopefully everything will work out with that one. I'll review that one when I get it, according to them in about another 21 days.
Digital camera Review: A wonderful buy
Summary: 5 Stars
Delivery included the set up and was excellent The picture is tremendous with the extra HD cable on the HD channels. There's no need for extra sound system. The color is brilliant.Digital camera Review: A+
Summary: 5 Stars
You can't go wrong with this choise of lcd.Big bang for your bucks.Blu-ray useing Monster HDMI 700's is the setup.Good luck making your choise.