Rating: - Samsung 450 series - GREAT TV
After much research online for a Samsung model, I purchased the Samsung LN32A450 today at Best Buy. I had planned to buy the LN32A330 (the object of my research) but when I saw the difference in the two - I decided to get the 450. My main reasons were - the connections on the side of the tv, rather than in back, (I use wireless headphones at night when the grandchildren spend the night) and, the speakers being on the bottom, rather than on the sides of the set. My tv is in my bedroom and is set into a shelf in my closet - great way to hide it when not in use! So, the side speakers were a problem.
I am seriously considering taking back the one I bought today and re-ordering it from Amazon. I paid $699 plus $57. tax (Florida) at Best Buy. I can buy it now from Amazon for $599!!!! - FREE S&H and NO tax - a savings of $156.00. That's well worth the effort to return it and reorder.
My son hooked this up for me but I could easily have done it myself. It's easy to set up right out of the box and only weighs abt. 40 lbs. I've read some complaints about the "Surround Sound" not being of a good quality - but I can tell you - this is NOT the case. The sound is great, especially in a room like a bedroom - it sounds remarkable.
Another reason I decided to buy this model rather than the 330 model- is the 10,000:1 contrast ratio vs 8,000 on the 330. The black contrast on this set is amazing. I am having some problems adjusting the picture quality due to my particular situation. I have TIVO hooked up through DirectTV. This does NOT work well. It appears that I am going to have to lose 1 1/2 years (prepaid!!) of my Tivo service and go with a DirectTV HD receiver in order to get the quality picture this set can deliver. I'm wasting it by having it run through a Tivo receiver as there is no way to get a quality picture this way. Live and learn!!!!
The overall appearance of this set is slick and modern. Another thing, by having the speakers on the bottom - this set is not nearly as wide as the 330 model (less 3 inches) The stand is a nice size without being too large - just a very good looking set. I've been driving myself crazy trying to adjust the picture quality tonight - and am going to just STOP until I get the DirectTV receiver. I'm sure I won't have a problem once that is in place.
The remote is nice enough - though not backlit, which I do prefer- it's well organized and easy to find what you need. The Menu is simple and easy to access and is well explained, both onscreen and in the manual. Some reviewers have advised against using the "Dynamic" setting, but I found the picture too dark and difficult to adjust without using this option - this is a matter of personal taste I suppose.
I highly recommend this particular Samsung model - especially at Amazon's price. You definitely will not be disappointed in this set - both of the Samsung models I researched rated very high with reviewers so I had no hesitation in buying the 450, even though I had not specifically researched this particular model. After purchasing it today, I searched everywhere and it cannot be found any cheaper than today's price of $599 on Amazon- as I said, I paid $699 and plan to return it tomorrow for the $156 savings - that will buy a lot of DVD's!!! So, buy this one with confidence and don't hesitate to order online. Amazon has wonderful customer service and according to many, many reviewers, their delivery service for these sets is top of the line.
Rating: - Audio Out not good
I just set up my LN32A450 and the major down side it that the Audio Out can not be controlled from the remote. Thus if you use another audio system volume and mute to not work from the remote. This is a major pain and a surprise since the Audio Out was controllable from the remote with the 12 year old tube TV that the Samsung replaced.
In addition, I rate the picture quality only good. However, I'll give it pass for now since I only have standard cable, no digital converter box, no HDMI cables and have not tried DVDs or HD as yet.
Rating: - Excellent quality/value - but only with Samsung screen
Pros: Excellent picture quality for the price. It handles 480i/p resolution sources very well, and HD sources even better (with cables of corresponding quality). You will have to pay quite a bit more to find a better picture.
Cons: There is no excuse for such miserable speakers on a product costing hundreds of $. You will definitely want to use external speakers.
Summary: At this size and price level (and point in time), you will not find another TV that is overall superior to the A450. Everything about it is very good to excellent (except the internal speakers). In the store, I thought maybe 32" was a bit small, but in my living room, I find it entirely sufficient. 37" would also be fine, but 40" would be overkill IMHO. I only sit 8' from the TV and am glad I didn't spend more for a larger screen. If you also don't sit very far from the TV, save yourself the money for a larger screen and spend it on high quality cables. You will not be disappointed! HOWEVER, this TV only excels with the Samsung screen. Samsung is also using cheaper quality screens from two other manufactures in at least the A450 and A550 and selling them as the same model for the same price, although there is a huge difference in screen quality! Look for the S, A, or C at the beginning of the version# on the back of the panel (please refer to my response to a user review of the 46A550 for more info: [...]. Only the S panels are made by Samsung. The A and C panels made by AU Optronics and Chi Mei Optoelectronics respectively are not worth the money. Buyer beware!
Rating: - Want the Samsung TV? Here's how to get it for five bucks
Christmas is coming so save your cash! Why purchase something you can get for five bucks.
Go to gifts4xmas.co.cc and sign up. Complete ONE offer - I would recommend Netflix
All companies are well known so there is no risk involved- give it a go! I got my Samsung TV and many other things this way, so don't miss out.
I was a sceptic once but now I am SO glad I gave it a chance.
- 
- 
-