Samsung LN40A550

Summary: After much research, purchasing the LN-T4069F, returning the LN-T4069F, and determined to buy for the future, I happened upon this new model just introduced by Samsung. A month ago, I was insistent on purchasing a 120HZ, and without actually experiencing it, did so, much to my chagrin. The picture was jumpy, and the "aura" created by the technology disregards that sweet "space" between viewer and TV. I turned the 120HZ off most of the time, and, with no malice toward Samsung, the option is a huge waste of $500.00, unless you really like being on the set with the actors (try it and you'll see what I mean), or watch alot of sports. That said, I needed a 40" that would fit into a certain space (no side speakers) and I also came to realize that a higher contrast ratio and response time were probably the most important factors contributing to a bright, smooth, beautiful picture. (I had the opportunity to compare one of Samsung's 10,000:1 CR right next to a 30,000:1 at the store...whew!) Granted, "contrast ratio" is different numbers to different manufacturers, but when Samsung ups the ante and raises the price a bit, it's worth it(the higher end LN40A650 has even more CR and RT, but was over my price cap, has that ghastly 120HZ option, and a distracting reddish border running the top and bottom bezel of the frame itself). As for the 5mS response time, I haven't really deciphered it yet, and it's close enough to the 4mS that will probably be industry standard before long. Lastly, I would suspect (I'm not a tech) that Samsung's DNIe engine is responsible for the upconversion of the standard definition TV signal, that creates a really rich, HD-like SD picture.