When it comes to the feud between LCD HDTVs and Plasma HDTVs, Plasmas clearly have an edge over LCD HDTVs in terms of the deep black levels that they can produce. But now with the onset of LED LCD HDTVs, the edge Plasma HDTVs had over LCD HDTVs is fast diminishing. This is especially true with Samsung’s second generation LED HDTV, the Samsung LN55A950.
Design
In keeping with its trademark style, this HDTV comes with Samsung’s Touch of Color, wherein the black frame is accented with a gray hue. The frame around the screen is a bit wider than other models, but it is
Samsung LN55A950
made of clear glass giving it a hint of class. A set of touch-sensitive basic controls are found at the lower right of the HDTV and are almost completely invisible as to not distract you from your viewing experience. The menu system on this HDTV is simple and clear, making navigating quite enjoyable. The menu system also comes with a help guide to help you figure out the menu options available.
The remote control is neatly laid out with large buttons for easy navigation. Samsung also redesigned the four-way rocker by incorporating a jog wheel similar to that found on an IPod. This is a welcome addition to the remote but may sometimes get confusing. The remote control is also fully backlit for easy reading at night and equipped with a motion sensor that automatically turns on the backlight once you pick it up the remote. Though this is a handy feature, many would find it a bit too sensitive as it tends to turn on with the slightest hint of movement.
Screen/Picture Clarity
Equipped with LEDs instead of the traditional cold-cathode fluorescent lamps, the Samsung LN55A950 is able to produce deeper blacks through “local dimming”. Each company has their own methods of “local dimming”, and for Samsung it is the LED SmartLighting which produces deep blacks comparable to many Plasma HDTVs. In addition to the LED backlighting, the LN55A950 comes with LED Motion Plus and Auto Motion Plus to eliminate motion blur giving you smooth and clear images even during high speed chases.
The colors on this HDTV might be a bit off when using it right out of the box. Fortunately there are enough adjustable color options in the system menu to get the colors just right. When properly adjusted the colors are crisp and clear and the HDTV might just be mistaken for a Plasma HDTV. The only drawback to this HDTV is that the viewing angle is a bit too narrow as compared to the other models.
Features
The Samsung LN55A950 comes with all the connections you’ll ever need. There are 3 HDMI ports, 2 component ports, PC port, and an S-Video port at the rear of the HDTV. At the side you have an additional HDMI port, S-Video, composite connection, and a headphone jack, which many HDTVs lack and many users tend to look for. This HDTV also comes with an ethernet port and USB port to help you show off your photos, music and even videos. Samsung also sells the WIS08BG2X LinkStick which can connect this HDTV to your wireless router.
The LN55A950 also comes with preloaded content such as games, recipes, a slide show of pictures complete with background music, a children’s section(games, sing-alongs, and stories) and a fitness section. It is also possible to download new content from the Samsung website and play it on the HDTV using the USB port. Samsung also included a customizable overlay that displays news headlines, local weather, and stock market information all taken from the internet.
LED HDTVs are certainly becoming more and more popular these days. Indeed with their low power consumption and black levels comparable to Plasma HDTVs, LED HDTVs are on the rise. The only thing that is holding them back is their relatively high price compared to traditional LCD HDTVs and Plasma HDTVs. But that is fast becoming a thing of the past. So if you are looking for an LCD HDTV with very good colors, deep blacks, and impressive features, try the Samsung LN55A950 and you won’t be disappointed.
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