Samsung UN46D6400

Pros: Design of TV makes it look high-end for less the price of D7000. Excellent image quality. Off-angle viewing is not as bad as reported. Internet-ready. 3D capable. It's not that pricey, but do your research.

Cons: The Smart Hub is cluttered. Netflix app seems to flicker streamed movies alot when viewing. No built-in wifi. TV sound is adequate but not great. Customer service (Live Chat) is less informed with newer products. I called several times after opening my TV

Summary: Overall, the TV is a great performer. I must have calibrated it a few times before deciding on a setting that responds well in daylight and night time viewing. I have noticed that the black levels vary based on the source or broadcast of a particular program. For example, when using Netflix from Smart Hub (wired), I noticed flashlighting during a dark scene or on an all black screen. However, when using the Netflix app from my LG blu-ray player (wifi), I do not have flashlighting from the same movie, and I get a higher image quality, better sound, and no flicker when streaming.

The black levels watching a HD broadcast from cable are excellent. They are deep, inky and rarely do I notice light leakage at the corners. In most cases, I will notice that in SD viewing. HD quality does vary depending on the station and cable provider, however. For example, watching sports on ABC in HD is much better than watching sports on TNT. For some reason, TNT showed alot of judder and moderate HD quality when compared.

When I bought the TV it did not come with 3D glasses. However, three weeks later, Samsung decided to sell their TVs with 3D glasses. I was able to go back to the store (Sears) and literally 2 days before my 30 day store warranty expired, Sears - a participating store - provided me with two free 3D glasses. Although, I don't have a 3D blu-ray player, I was able to view 3D content from my cable provider and I am satisfied with the quality. Will need a 3D player to really appreciate the quality, I am sure.

TV sound is not a deal breaker as I have it connected to the home stereo. However, I did notice that the volume control on the TV's remote is disabled when using the external speaker setting on the TV. Therefore, in order to control TV volume through your home stereo, you'll have to use the receiver's remote. This is very annoying as my previous Sony analog TV allowed me to adjust it's volume using the TV remote through my home stereo. And apparently, my receiver is too old to be recognized by the cable provider (Time Warner) to program the settings in its remote.

Lastly, check prices for this TV as they're going down. But make sure as well to check specs for the D6400 series TVs, as they are not all the same. BJs, Costco, PC Richards and BestBuy D64xx series are different from Sears (or online stores) D6400 series. The other models are variations for that particular store. You will notice slight contrast ratio differences.

I only wish Samsung made this model as a 51". The jump from 46" to 55" seems a little steep in size and price, if I don't want to buy a 51" plasma. Not fair...but I understand Samsung's business decision to do so.