Samsung LN55B650 55"
Samsung is one of the leading DHTVs manufactures in the world right now and one of their mid range products available is the Samsung LN55B650. It’s a 55 inch LCD TV with high definition and an easy to use system, just what you’d want for entertainment. While all that sounds very nice, the TV does lack some major features to bring it to the top of our list.
The 650 Series is available from 65” down to 37” without losing any of the quality. There are a few smaller models but they only get up to 720p HD. The 55” monster we are reviewing though has full 1080p HD which has now become the standard in LCD TVs. It also includes a 120Hz refresh rate which tries to remove blur when watching quick movements in your favorite action flicks or sporting events. The major issue we ran into is the fact that this TV did not accomplish this task quite as well as some of the high end LCD TVS. The 100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and you get is about average but is nothing amazing when compared to the 200,000:1 ratio on our top ranked TV.
The LNB650 series has a very unique design. It has your typical piano black finish which is ideal for most rooms. However, Samsung decided to add a “Touch of Color” found in many other models from Samsung. These LCD TVs have been accented with red which seems a bit odd considering there aren’t very many, if any, other home theater devices that are red. However, if black and red is the designer look you want then this is your LCD TV. On a side note, the remote is designed very well. It has large back-lit buttons that are easy to differentiate and use. It does have a high gloss finish however and if you combine that with the fact that it’s black, you get fingerprints boldly distracting you after every time you touch the screen. If that doesn’t bother you though, then there are no worries.
This TV also comes with 4 HDMI ports so you can get the HD performance from your Blu-Ray player, HD cable or satellite receiver, your PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, as well as an AV receiver. If you haven’t made the upgrade to HDMI yet there are also composite and component ports that you can utilize. Aside from those you have USB and PC input (D-sub) that you can plug into and also an Ethernet port so you can take advantage of Samsungs Media 2.0 to access content via Yahoo and Flickr (Wi-Fi is available with an adapter for wireless access to the internet). Plug in a flash drive to one of the USB ports or remotely access your PC’s media files like music, video and photos and enjoy them on your LNB650 in HD through the built-in DLNA. This internet and PC connectivity is an added addition to the similar B640 series.
When it comes to support, Samsung has always provided its customers with a good set of options. You will be able to contact them via email, over the phone or by simply using their live chat feature. The one thing that is missing from their site is an online manual in case you lose the one that came with your LCD TV. While for most this may not be an issue, some may need it down the road.
Summary:
All in all this Energy Star qualified LCD TV is a great choice for anyone looking for mid range HDTV. There are cheaper TVs available out there but the Samsung LN55B650 is pleasing to the eye. If you’re willing to spend a few hundred extra dollars and can live with a few minor drawbacks, this LCD TV may work for you.