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Sony v. Samsung LCD TVs

post #1 of 11
6/4/08 at 2:50pm
Thread Starter 
I have recently started a search for a flat-screen HDTV. Based upon my research, I am focused on Sony and Samsung. The TV will be mounted on a wall unit 5 feet wide. The viewing area is roughly 9.5 feet away. There are two south-facing windows directly behind the viewing area. I live on the second floor of an apartment building. There is a five-story apartment building across the alleyway and a tree growing underneath the windows. In short, the apartment gets sunlight, but not a ton. I will use the TV primarily to watch sports and movies, with some light gaming (possibly Wii).

Based upon these specifications, what size and model TV do you recommend? A lot of the B&Ms I visited recommended the Sony XBR4/5, but that may be because it's the most expensive model. I am particularly interested in any thoughts on the XBR vs. the Samsung LNA650/750 and the new Sony W- and Z-series. I thought that the glare issue would eliminate the Samsung from contention, but I have been reading conflicting accounts on how serious a problem that is. My apartment is clearly not going to be as bright as the average TV showroom.

Thanks in advance.
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post #2 of 11
6/4/08 at 3:02pm
I'm not familiar with the specific models you mention.

But I've purchased Sony products many time in the past and found that while they may be a little better than the competition, they are not worth the premium that you pay.

Sony products are sort of a "Kiton " of electronics . Very good stuff but not worth an exorbitant premium. I've heard good things about Samsung too.

In short, if cost/quality ratio is not important, go with the Sony.

If cost/quality ratio is a consideration go with the Samsung.
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post #3 of 11
6/4/08 at 3:10pm
^

I agree, as the owner of several Sony items, they tend to be more about style, with substance only equal to some of the competition. There price premiums are not always worth it. I suggest you check out the ratings from www.cnet.com, as well as what owners are saying about both sets on AVforum.
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post #4 of 11
6/4/08 at 4:59pm
i'd go with the Samsung. i've purchased two in the past year and they're great (40" and 26").

also, i don't remember where i read this (might have been an online A/V forum), but supposedly, the same factory makes the LCD screens for both Sony and Samsung. yep, do a Google search for "sony samsung lcd same factory"

-Jeff
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post #5 of 11
6/4/08 at 5:37pm
I have the Sony Bravia X and its pretty good, I would say better that the last samsung I had but it was alot more money.

Checkout the new Toshiba range, replaced a broken samsung (pro evo xbox controller incident...lol) with the Toshiba Rezga and I think for the same money it rains on the samsung.

The contrast ratio on the Toshiba is 50,000:1 ?? not sure how they did this but the colours are excellent.
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post #6 of 11
6/4/08 at 6:11pm
I recently purchased the Samsung LN-46A650. I did a lot of research prior to making the purchase. At the store (Tweeter), I compared it next to the Sony 46 XBR5. Both very nice TV's but I thought the picture on the Samsung was better. The samsung as a more reflective screen, however I have it set in a room with a lot of sunlight and have no issues with glare. I purchased a Samsung blu-ray with it and the video and audio are amazing. I have no regrets at all with this purchase. Another plus was that I got the Samsung for about $800 cheaper than the Sony.
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post #7 of 11
6/4/08 at 6:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikej77 View Post
I recently purchased the Samsung LN-46A650. I did a lot of research prior to making the purchase. At the store (Tweeter), I compared it next to the Sony 46 XBR5. Both very nice TV's but I thought the picture on the Samsung was better. The samsung as a more reflective screen, however I have it set in a room with a lot of sunlight and have no issues with glare. I purchased a Samsung blu-ray with it and the video and audio are amazing. I have no regrets at all with this purchase. Another plus was that I got the Samsung for about $800 cheaper than the Sony.
Thanks. My observations are that reflections from the Samsung are noticeable in scenes with lots of black, not that noticeable in other scenes. Did you have a good experience with Tweeter? I am leaning toward buying from them because they are currently offering free installation with purchase.
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post #8 of 11
6/4/08 at 7:11pm
Well, with Tweeter, they are an authorized service company for Samsung. So if something goes wrong and you call Samsung, they will probably send someone from Tweeter. As for the glare, I really don't notice it even with scenes that have a lot of black. Also, the black levels are amazing on this TV. Don't forget to buy a couple of HDMI cables for hooking up components. I wouldn't waste your money on the expensive $100 monster cable brand though. I got mine at monoprice.com and they were only about $5 each. I use one for the blu-ray but Verizon provided one with the FIOS when I had it installed. And the FIOS service, especially the HD channels are great on the TV.
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post #9 of 11
6/5/08 at 11:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikej77 View Post
Well, with Tweeter, they are an authorized service company for Samsung. So if something goes wrong and you call Samsung, they will probably send someone from Tweeter. As for the glare, I really don't notice it even with scenes that have a lot of black. Also, the black levels are amazing on this TV. Don't forget to buy a couple of HDMI cables for hooking up components. I wouldn't waste your money on the expensive $100 monster cable brand though. I got mine at monoprice.com and they were only about $5 each. I use one for the blu-ray but Verizon provided one with the FIOS when I had it installed. And the FIOS service, especially the HD channels are great on the TV.
Sadly, Verizon FIOS is unavailable in my area, so I'm stuck with Comcast.

Did you look into the 46A750? I understand that it's pretty similar to the 650, with a slightly better sound system and media connectivity. Most reviews I've read have put the 650/750 above the XBR, so I'm definitely going to give it a closer look. Plus, I can get a 52" 650 for the same price as a 46" XBR5.
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post #10 of 11
6/5/08 at 12:51pm
Just based solely on picture quality, I prefer the Samsung. Sony isn't bad, but after looking at all the various models, the Samsung was the only one that made me do a double-take when I first saw it with a Blu-Ray movie.
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post #11 of 11
6/5/08 at 1:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser View Post
Sadly, Verizon FIOS is unavailable in my area, so I'm stuck with Comcast.

Did you look into the 46A750? I understand that it's pretty similar to the 650, with a slightly better sound system and media connectivity. Most reviews I've read have put the 650/750 above the XBR, so I'm definitely going to give it a closer look. Plus, I can get a 52" 650 for the same price as a 46" XBR5.

I did look at the 750, very close in price range, however I have a surround sound so the extra money was not worth it for me. Another point of comparison is the Sony XBR has a lot more front space because of the wide bezel. The Samsung is pretty thin all around so it can fit more easily into smaller entertainment centers. Not a big deal if you are wall mounting though.
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