Looking at "LN55B650" (Thoughts/Suggestions?)

[Westifire]

Well, my Sammy "HL-S4266W" went out and I'll be getting the parts to fix it but will be giving it my parents. (Really, just an excuse for me to get a new one.)

But anyways, I was looking at the LN55B650

Seen it at Best Buy and loved it. How is this TV? I just want some thoughts on this set or even suggestions on others.

For help with suggestions:
I do A LOT of gaming. 360, PS3 & Wii all will be hooked up to it. BDs from my PS3 so I want 1080p. Also want (need?) 120hz for sports as ESPN is always on.
I also wouldn't mind it being a bit smaller (still over 50") for cheaper.

[forestlite]

I too am looking for a new HDTV and saw this one at Best Buy. Have you seen the LED sets also from Samsung? I am seriously tempted by the UN55B7100 model.

[Westifire]

Originally Posted by forestlite

Have you seen the LED sets also from Samsung? I am seriously tempted by the UN55B7100 model.

Trust me, that's the first thing I looked at when I went browsing. But I really can't justify spending the extra cash for an LED.

OT: I overheard a conversation between co-workers about these TVs. They were both talking about it but had no idea. One was saying L-E-D while the other was saying "lead". It was hilarious! They thought these were two different things.

[forestlite]

Originally Posted by Westifire

Trust me, that's the first thing I looked at when I went browsing. But I really can't justify spending the extra cash for an LED.

OT: I overheard a conversation between co-workers about these TVs. They were both talking about it but had no idea. One was saying L-E-D while the other was saying "lead". It was hilarious! They thought these were two different things.

I know what you mean, we're talking an extra grand for the back lighting! I saw the picture on display and it was beautiful, but I wonder how much better it is than a standard LCD. I wish they had the sets side by side for comparison. Part of me wants to bite the bullet and pick up the LED model just because I hope to have this next set for 4-5 years and want the newest technology. Of course, a year from now this new technology will be way much cheaper as the next new thing comes along!

[Eppidemic]

Hey there. I can say that my ln32b650(32") is fantastic. I don't have a ton of experiance with TV's but I love this LCD. I use it for pc and 360 gaming and will be hooking up my blu-ray player soon.

The best way I can explain is that I traided in my 3007wfp for the b650 cause I needed to play xbox on it, and I will say that I feel like I upgraded for gaming in general.

So hope this helps. All I can say is I really lke my TV.

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by forestlite

I know what you mean, we're talking an extra grand for the back lighting! I saw the picture on display and it was beautiful, but I wonder how much better it is than a standard LCD. I wish they had the sets side by side for comparison. Part of me wants to bite the bullet and pick up the LED model just because I hope to have this next set for 4-5 years and want the newest technology. Of course, a year from now this new technology will be way much cheaper as the next new thing comes along!

The Sammy B-series LED is edge-lit, not local dimming. not worth getting over standard CCFL backlighting IMO. I actully think the standard backlighting produces a deeper black level than edge-lit LEDs............better viewing angles too......

[gblaue]

Originally Posted by dereksworl

The Sammy B-series LED is edge-lit, not local dimming. not worth getting over standard CCFL backlighting IMO. I actully think the standard backlighting produces a deeper black level than edge-lit LEDs............better viewing angles too......

If you want LED backlighting and are willing to spend some $$$, I just bought a Samsung LN55A950 for $3300 at BB 2 weeks ago. Simply put..... Outstanding!

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by Westifire

Well, my Sammy "HL-S4266W" went out and I'll be getting the parts to fix it but will be giving it my parents. (Really, just an excuse for me to get a new one.)

But anyways, I was looking at the LN55B650

Seen it at Best Buy and loved it. How is this TV? I just want some thoughts on this set or even suggestions on others.

For help with suggestions:
I do A LOT of gaming. 360, PS3 & Wii all will be hooked up to it. BDs from my PS3 so I want 1080p. Also want (need?) 120hz for sports as ESPN is always on.
I also wouldn't mind it being a bit smaller (still over 50") for cheaper.

I compared this set to a Samsung 8000 series right beside it. I personally don't think the premium for LED backlighting is worth it. Just my opinion, but the the B650 produces better blacks than last year's A650 and the uniformity is much better. In fact it has better uniformity than any LED based sets I've looked at. Off-axis viewing is better than the LED based sets too.

True, the LED based sets have better blacks, but the difference is not much and you will be hard pressed to see the difference in most viewing. If you are even slightly off-axis blacks begin to wash out pretty fast on LED based sets. If you regularly sit off to the side then this may be a big problem for you. If money is no object then by all means go with the an LED set, but if value is more important the B650 is excellent. Just my two cents.