40XBR4 v Sammy 4671

[Grisle]

Okay I prefer the XBR4 series, but I don't really want to spent too much so I was wondering which one would be a better buy. I've seen both for around the same price before, but right now CC has the 40XBR4 for $1999 which I can use a coupon for that will eliminate the tax. Amazon has had the 4671 for $1999 and I'm sure it will be there again shortly. Being that they're the same price at times should I go with the Better series imo albeit a smaller one? You're help and input is very much appreciated.

[Bunke101]

They are both great TV's but in my opinion the glossy screen looks bad. CNET has reviewed the xbr4 as the best lcd and next was the Samsung 81 series which is more than 1999.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6485_7-...1.html?tag=dir

[cartier]

I too like the XBR4 and tend to prefer Sony over Samsung. Although technically speaking they are very similar. It is a tough choice but only you can determine your own utility from each option. I also logged on to consumer reports and while the 40XBR4 is not in their rankings (I assume because they did not test it), both Sony and Samsung score at the top among all size categories. In the 46in category the 4671 (77pts) is ranked 3rd behind the 46xbr5 (80pts) and the 4661 (79pts). Both Sony and Samsung tv offerings where scored equally well in reliability and are among the best, only Panasonic scored better but there are no Panasonic tvs listed in the rankings. I can't tell you which to buy but either way it will be a great TV. Good luck.

[actionhank]

Bigger is better, get the Samsung

[Grisle]

Originally Posted by actionhank

Bigger is better, get the Samsung

I don't believe that's always the case, but in this case they are very close which is why I'm wondering if the size will make a difference. My wife and I live in a small space right now so maybe even having a smaller TV will be better...if I don't spend too much right now I'll be able to upgrade to a much bigger set when we get a bigger place. Thanks for all the input thus far.

[JasonR]

6 inches is not that much. They have two very different looking pictures, even though the specs are close. I think it is a matter of preference. I would go in store and compare them both. Myself, I prefer the Sony.

[cking2729]

I have the Sammy 4671F and absolutely love it. I stood in CC for 2.5 hours staring at every TV in the place. I had narrowed it down to the 4671F, 46XBR4 and a 52" Sharp.

I was initially concerned about the 71F's glossy screen, mostly because of the CNET review and a lot of people posting apprehensive comments about it. Take it from me, anyone who says the glossy screen is troublesome is full of crap. My 4671F is perpendicular to a 10 foot west facing solid glass patio door and ambient light from outside, or inside for that matter, is a total non-issue. The glossy screen layer is actually plastic, and you will be hard pressed to find any lighting scenario that is going to take away from the TV viewing experience.

It was a hard choice for me since both the XBR4 and 4671 are so comparable in about every specification, but I personally preferred the glossy piano black design of the Sammy and the swiveling base. Also, the more reading and toying I have done, I prefer the Sammy's menu and setting layout. I tinker with my settings based on what I'm watching, and the 4671F's functionality in this respect is among the best I have ever dealt with. After a good calibration, I was absolutely blown away by the gaming and Blu-Ray experience of my PS3. Even my overly compressed Suddenlink HD stations look more brilliant than ever.

Like many will point out, it truly comes down to personal preference. But I will vouch first hand that the Sammy is an extremely solid set, and its beautiful design makes the perfect center piece in my living room. It may be cheaper elsewhere, but everything + the $2499 price at CC sealed the deal for me.

Good luck in your search.

[Grisle]

So the glosy screen is a non-issue in your opinion cking...that's good to hear. My wife is the one who is against glossy screens...I myself can handle them. I have checked both screens out extensively over the last few months and I've also made up quite a few threads here about my search. I just can't seem to make up my mind. Does CC have a 30 day policy where I can try it out and if I don't like it I can take it back? Also will they price match a sale should it go lower before Super Bowl? I'm having a real tough time just going for it.

[daisuke149]

Originally Posted by cking2729

I have the Sammy 4671F and absolutely love it. I stood in CC for 2.5 hours staring at every TV in the place. I had narrowed it down to the 4671F, 46XBR4 and a 52" Sharp.

I was initially concerned about the 71F's glossy screen, mostly because of the CNET review and a lot of people posting apprehensive comments about it. Take it from me, anyone who says the glossy screen is troublesome is full of crap. My 4671F is perpendicular to a 10 foot west facing solid glass patio door and ambient light from outside, or inside for that matter, is a total non-issue. The glossy screen layer is actually plastic, and you will be hard pressed to find any lighting scenario that is going to take away from the TV viewing experience.

It was a hard choice for me since both the XBR4 and 4671 are so comparable in about every specification, but I personally preferred the glossy piano black design of the Sammy and the swiveling base. Also, the more reading and toying I have done, I prefer the Sammy's menu and setting layout. I tinker with my settings based on what I'm watching, and the 4671F's functionality in this respect is among the best I have ever dealt with. After a good calibration, I was absolutely blown away by the gaming and Blu-Ray experience of my PS3. Even my overly compressed Suddenlink HD stations look more brilliant than ever.

Like many will point out, it truly comes down to personal preference. But I will vouch first hand that the Sammy is an extremely solid set, and its beautiful design makes the perfect center piece in my living room. It may be cheaper elsewhere, but everything + the $2499 price at CC sealed the deal for me.

Good luck in your search.

good to know im full of crap.

but having sold these 2. and set them up myself side by side. the glossy screen can be an issue. sure it ownt be for everyone but why take the chance, especially when the xbr4 is a better picture anyway, regardless of the possible glare.

Btw to the OP. why are u comparing CC prices to amazon prices. if u look at online only sources then the 46xbr4 will be around the same price as the 4671f.

[cking2729]

Originally Posted by Grisle

So the glosy screen is a non-issue in your opinion cking...that's good to hear. My wife is the one who is against glossy screens...I myself can handle them. I have checked both screens out extensively over the last few months and I've also made up quite a few threads here about my search. I just can't seem to make up my mind. Does CC have a 30 day policy where I can try it out and if I don't like it I can take it back? Also will they price match a sale should it go lower before Super Bowl? I'm having a real tough time just going for it.

You have a 30 day return policy at CC. You also have a 60 day price match guarantee that guarantees if the price drops at CC or with any local competitor within the first 30 days, you get 110% of the difference. For the next 30 days, you get 100% of the difference. It was pretty sweet because I actually paid $2899 in store and within a few days it dropped to $2399. So I got $550 + the applicable tax refunded.

Needless to say, you will find a better deal on Amazon, but my personal preference is to go into the store, stare for a while, confer with the salespeople, and walk out with a new TV. For me, the $100ish saved at Amazon isn't worth the wait, and definitely not worth the hassle of having to ship it back if there are problems.

Like I said, it's just personal preference and good luck with your choice. I think you'll be happy with the 4671f. Let me know if you get it and I can give you some calibration settings to try out.

[cking2729]

Originally Posted by daisuke149

especially when the xbr4 is a better picture anyway, regardless of the possible glare.

To each his own. To state the XBR4 has superior picture quality is entirely subjective. Which set has the PQ advantage is definitely in the eye of the beholder. If you doubt that, go check out the 100+ threads on home theatre enthusiast forums debating between the two. Technically, on post-calibration tests, the deviation of green colors between the two sets varies by .013/.006, with blue colors varying by.003/.009. The Sony has the edge in this respect, but the difference is virtually negligible since it's undistinguishable by the naked eye. In the same respect, the Sony fails on converting 1080i film resolution at 24fps, where the Samsung passes. At the end of the day, if you can see a difference between the two properly calibrated sets displaying a Blu-Ray at 1080p24, you either have a case of fanboy bias or insane Superman vision.

The choice for many, including myself, comes down to design and picture adjustments/settings. In my opinion, the picture adjustments and menus on the Sony are dense and clunky. The Samsung is glossy and looks like a shiny piece of black hard candy, which I particularly like. I wanted something to be the centerpiece of my setup. If you have a room with spotlights shining on the screen, yes your picture will be washed out. If you are in a room where you can control ambient light, the gloss is a total non-issue. In my experience, if it's not shining bright directly on the screen, it's not a problem.

I've said it 3 times now: it's all subjective. My advice to the original poster is to go stare at the sets side by side for several hours and determine which is the best for his taste and setup.

[vektar]

I have a XBR4 and i love it but here you have to pick between a 40" and a 46" id go for the sammy like people are saying its almost the same TV. Go with the bigger one, and I feel the Samsung has slightly better motion enhancement and better colors then the XBR4, The glossy frame was my only issue with it so yeah get a bigger screen for the same TV at the same price. I don’t think you’ll regret it

[ibskiing]

Sorry to hijact this thread with a little different question; however, I'm a new subsciber and it wouldn't let me start my own thread.

I am basically looking for the best TV to hook up with a PS3 that is less than 40" in width (space restrictions).

I have been looking at the 40" XBR and Samsung 4071 & 4069. Unfortunately because of the side speakers the XBR and 4071 are too wide for my room (both are 43.7" in width). So I'm trying to decide between the Samsung 4069 (39") or the Sharp 37" Aquas 4080p. I haven't actually seen the 4069 in person, but assume it is very similar to the 4071.

What are your thoughts? Are there some other choices I should look at? While it will be mostly used for gaming or blueray movies, we do watch program (HD & SD) through Dish network.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by cking2729

To each his own. To state the XBR4 has superior picture quality is entirely subjective. Which set has the PQ advantage is definitely in the eye of the beholder. If you doubt that, go check out the 100+ threads on home theatre enthusiast forums debating between the two. Technically, on post-calibration tests, the deviation of green colors between the two sets varies by .013/.006, with blue colors varying by.003/.009. The Sony has the edge in this respect, but the difference is virtually negligible since it's undistinguishable by the naked eye. In the same respect, the Sony fails on converting 1080i film resolution at 24fps, where the Samsung passes. At the end of the day, if you can see a difference between the two properly calibrated sets displaying a Blu-Ray at 1080p24, you either have a case of fanboy bias or insane Superman vision.

The choice for many, including myself, comes down to design and picture adjustments/settings. In my opinion, the picture adjustments and menus on the Sony are dense and clunky. The Samsung is glossy and looks like a shiny piece of black hard candy, which I particularly like. I wanted something to be the centerpiece of my setup. If you have a room with spotlights shining on the screen, yes your picture will be washed out. If you are in a room where you can control ambient light, the gloss is a total non-issue. In my experience, if it's not shining bright directly on the screen, it's not a problem.

I've said it 3 times now: it's all subjective. My advice to the original poster is to go stare at the sets side by side for several hours and determine which is the best for his taste and setup.

Yes, I agree. What "looks" good is always going to be subjective. Anyone who says this looks better than that, especially with such marginal variances in this specific case, is speaking from a very narrow minded aspect. You cannot force such a subjective standard as a general opinion and sound rational.

If you like something and that is your opinion, then that is what's good for you. But you cannot expect others to agree with you all the time when they are afforded the same objective and subjective outlook on things that you are. Because you bought a product and spent money on a product doesn't give you allowances to "expect" anyone to agree with you or your opinions of said product. You can be happy with your purchase and still give unbiased opinions of other still great products.

I always have to chuckle at those that think, because they spent a chunk of change on something and it's theirs, that everyone should fall inline with their philosophies. Buck up and realize, people, it's ok to say someone else has a great product, even if you didn't purchase that brand. Yours still is going to be wonderful in your eyes.

[cking2729]

Originally Posted by ibskiing

Sorry to hijact this thread with a little different question; however, I'm a new subsciber and it wouldn't let me start my own thread.

I am basically looking for the best TV to hook up with a PS3 that is less than 40" in width (space restrictions).

I have been looking at the 40" XBR and Samsung 4071 & 4069. Unfortunately because of the side speakers the XBR and 4071 are too wide for my room (both are 43.7" in width). So I'm trying to decide between the Samsung 4069 (39") or the Sharp 37" Aquas 4080p. I haven't actually seen the 4069 in person, but assume it is very similar to the 4071.

What are your thoughts? Are there some other choices I should look at? While it will be mostly used for gaming or blueray movies, we do watch program (HD & SD) through Dish network.

I have had a Sharp 32" for the last two years and recently upgraded to a Sammy. My Sharp 32" has been a highly reliable TV and I personally like their designs/features, as well as the competitive prices. However, Sharp has always had a lot of issues that keep them from being a "top dog" in LCD world. Their new model TVs are ridden with the same exact issues that my 2 year old Aquos had. Vertical bars (especially noticable on PS3), bad black levels, etc. Therefore, when it was time to upgrade, I went to Samsung. If price is an issue, I'd recommend Sharp above other brands. If not, go with a Sammy or Sony in any LCD scenario.

[ibskiing]

Cking,
I really liked how the 4071 looked at CC, in reviewing the specs it looks like the 4069 s/b very similar. I believe the 4069 is matte vs. glossy screen, but has a little less contrast ratio (20K to 1 vs. 25K to 1). I saw you have a PS3 60 gig (that is the same one I have), how do the games look with your Samsung? What 120 hz setting do you use with the PS3? Have you had any triple vision problems on fast motion viewing (read about this on the 120 hz at another website). Thanks for your reponse.

P.S. Go Tech, I am also Texas Tech alumni!!!!!!

[crunchywyte]

Originally Posted by Grisle

Okay I prefer the XBR4 series, but I don't really want to spent too much so I was wondering which one would be a better buy. I've seen both for around the same price before, but right now CC has the 40XBR4 for $1999 which I can use a coupon for that will eliminate the tax. Amazon has had the 4671 for $1999 and I'm sure it will be there again shortly. Being that they're the same price at times should I go with the Better series imo albeit a smaller one? You're help and input is very much appreciated.

I don't know about the Samsung, but the XBR4 will play blu-rays at 24p, if the Samsung does not, then the decision ends there get the xbr4, if you need any kind of assurance, then go to best buy and check out the 40" xbr4 playing the blu-ray promo disc....just my .02

[yspkrk]

Originally Posted by actionhank

Bigger is better, get the Samsung

Amen.

[Mr. Joshua]

Originally Posted by cking2729

To each his own. To state the XBR4 has superior picture quality is entirely subjective. Which set has the PQ advantage is definitely in the eye of the beholder. If you doubt that, go check out the 100+ threads on home theatre enthusiast forums debating between the two. Technically, on post-calibration tests, the deviation of green colors between the two sets varies by .013/.006, with blue colors varying by.003/.009. The Sony has the edge in this respect, but the difference is virtually negligible since it's undistinguishable by the naked eye. In the same respect, the Sony fails on converting 1080i film resolution at 24fps, where the Samsung passes. At the end of the day, if you can see a difference between the two properly calibrated sets displaying a Blu-Ray at 1080p24, you either have a case of fanboy bias or insane Superman vision.

The choice for many, including myself, comes down to design and picture adjustments/settings. In my opinion, the picture adjustments and menus on the Sony are dense and clunky. The Samsung is glossy and looks like a shiny piece of black hard candy, which I particularly like. I wanted something to be the centerpiece of my setup. If you have a room with spotlights shining on the screen, yes your picture will be washed out. If you are in a room where you can control ambient light, the gloss is a total non-issue. In my experience, if it's not shining bright directly on the screen, it's not a problem.

I've said it 3 times now: it's all subjective. My advice to the original poster is to go stare at the sets side by side for several hours and determine which is the best for his taste and setup.

I have the 46" Samsung. I was looking at the 46" XBR4 and went with the Samsung 71 series. I love the look of the Samsung over the Sony. The picture quality in my opinion is better than the Sony. I have always purchased Sony until now, and actually the Samsung was cheaper. I agree with the post above and the glossy finish goes well with the PS3. The glossy finish does not interfere with my tv viewing.

[vektar]

Like I siad before I have the XBR4 and love it but go with the sammy 46" its a lot more for you buck there.