Samsung LN46A550 46-inch LCD TV

It’s really hard to dislike the Samsung LN46A550 LCD HDTV. It’s not the perfect set and its not even the cheapest, but with its overall impact, it’s hard to find any fault in it. Tests done with the LN46A550 revealed promising features. Its over-the-air tests though, lack detail, but only the slightest and its not even noticeable.

Image quality tests done to this set also produced excellent results. It was compared to other televisions of the same size and the LN46A550 gave exemplary results.

Aside from that, the Samsung LN46A550 is wonderfully easy to use. The icon-based on-screen menus are clear and easy to read, with an explanation at the bottom of the screen of what each item does. A separate tools button on the remote control acts the same way Windows’ right-click mouse button does, bringing up a handy selection of options appropriate for the current input.

Another neat feature: When turning on a connected device, like a DVD player, the TV automatically switches the input to that source.

Another thing that is worth mentioning is its remote control. The backlit remote control’s large, color-coded buttons benefit users of all ages. Buttons are easier to look for and feels good in the palm.

Still, the remote isn’t perfect. It lacks a dedicated PiP button, so you have to access Picture-in-Picture through the menus. And finally the remote isn’t programmable, which means that you can’t use it to control your DVD player or VCR unless the device uses Samsung’s proprietary Anynet technology, which is based on HDMI’s Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) channel.

The set’s audio quality is fine for talk shows and sitcoms, but it hardly qualifies as exceptional. To handle high-end sound reproduction, you’ll want a real surround-sound stereo unit.

With the LN46A550’s features, you can view pictures and listen to music. Easy-access inputs on the side include HDMI, S-Video, and USB. The set swivels on its stand for odd-angle viewing and for easy access to the back.

Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.com
http://www.crutchfield.com