45.9" screen (measured diagonally) * widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels *
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Skeptical, but pleased with purchase
Comment: I was a bit skeptical about purchasing this TV based on some of the comments regarding consistency of panels from some of the other reviews. However, based on the overwhelming number of satisfied customers and positive comments I decided to take a chance. I was pleased to discover that the unit I received functions properly and produces clear pictures with a rich contrast between light and dark tones (despite the C panel marking).
The reviews posted by CNET also speak favorably of the features per dollar value of this TV. It's not the best HDTV out there, but it's not going to break the bank either. Based on what you get I was very happy with my purchase.
Note - I had also considered the LN46A650, but was concerned about the glare on the 650's high-polished screen surface. I'm pleased with the matte finish of the 550, which mutes light reflections much better.
Amazon did drop the price a bit since early Dec 08, but it was only a $25 difference - still well worth it.
OK, so now I'll throw away the shipping container and make it official - it's a keeper.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Good for movies, Bad for Football; I ended up returning the set
Comment: The primary reason I wanted to make the HD switch was for NFL football. But alas, this set simply didn't cut it for games. Everything looked GREAT on close up shots or still shots, but the second the action started or wider panned camera angles were used, the picture got really really grainy and blurry. Even my wife - definitely not snob on things like pixel resolution - walked in and noticed how lousy the game looked. Strangely it was particularly noticeable in game played on artificial/field turf (I'm no expert, but I'm guessing that material reflects more light and thus creates more detail for the pixels, whereas natural grass is more matte). I called DishNetwork to see if my signal was week, but was told everything was a-okay. Oh, and basketball also looked grainy too.
So, I exchanged it. I'm still looking for the replacement, but I'm probably going to go with a Plasma set. 120hz might help too, but I'm told that Plasma is the way to go for sports fans.
Other than that...
Pros:
- Great picture in less action oriented shots. We rented Dark Knight one evening on Video on Demand, and it really did look amazing in 1080. Wow.
- Amazon "white glove" was amazing. I had my doubts about buying a TV online, and they were great. Excellent service.
- Actually, I give BIG kudos to Amazon for being completely cool about my decision to return the TV. I made the call, and they sent somebody to my house within 48 hours. They boxed it up and took it away with no hassle. No restock fee, no questions. Very impressive. That earned my loyalty in a big way.
- The menu on this set is very well done, as is the TV form factor.
- Good remote.
Cons
- The serious blur/pixelation problems on sports that I outlined above.
- I personally would give this set relatively poor scores on black colors.
- The speakers were okay, but not great.
- The picture in standard def is pretty lousy. I was not impressed here.
Customer Rating: Summary: 1st flat screen
Comment: We did alot of product and user research before deciding on the Samsung 550 and just love it. We were actually looking at the 750 but after reading a customer review about the 550 and how its screen is practically glare-resistant, changed gears. Then we found the best price on Amazon and like other reviewers we were hesitant to buy a "big ticket" item on line but after reading about others' positive experiences and always having had good experiences w/Amazon's delivery, just did it. It arrived exactly when promised, the deliverer called ahead to schedule the delivery and they were flexible around our schedule. We are using the stand which is included as we prefer the swivel feature so we did not need installation. To set-up, the 550 is pretty close to plug & play. 5 stars for the product and to amazon!
Customer Rating: Summary: Good for the price
Comment: I work as a satellite TV tech. So, I view many TV's throughout the day. My impressions of this TV are based on comparisons to the many different models I've seen and used.
The GOOD:
Great bright colors. Does a decent job of handling motion blur. Decent feature set and menu. Attractive overall look and finish.
The BAD:
Voices are muffled and hard to understand with the built in speakers. The TV has glare as bad or worse than regular tube TV's. The TV's standard def. processing is pretty poor.
Overall the picture quality is what sold me. I play planet earth in 1080p on it all day long and it looks great. Football also looks really good. It's not a bad buy for the price, but for the budget concerned buyer there are other TV's in this size range for cheaper that work great as well.
Customer Rating: Summary: Great TV, best price, excellent service
Comment: I chose this TV because after extensive research on which 46" HDTV to buy I was thoroughly confused. I decided to leave the research to the experts and bought this TV because Consumer Reports rated it #1 among the 46" LCD's. Amazon offered the best price, by far. The delivery was super fast and easy to arrange. My husband is thrilled with his Christmas present. The picture is beautiful. This model has three HDMI inputs which makes hooking satellite, DVD player etc super easy. I am very satisfied with this purchase.
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