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3.0 stars
"Picture needs improvement."
Pros: Beautiful set design.
Cons: Motion blur (despite 120Hz) and grainy picture.
Summary: I have been comparing the Sony KDL-52XBR5 with the Samsung LN52A750, and have been for about the last 2 months. (I'm sure the local stores aren't pleased with my analysis paralysis.)
Anyway, I have read all of the consumer reviews for the Sony, but there are few to none to read for the Samsung. Everyone who bought the Sony describes it as the best thing that has ever happened to TV and they all boast about how happy they are with the picture quality. I don't know if these are written by actual customers who have viewed both sets, but I wanted to offer my take for anyone willing to listen.
I just can't get myself to buy either one quite yet, and I want to tell you why. Hopefully this will help someone else to pull the trigger on their purchase in a more timely fashion than I have been able to do.
First, I'll start with the Sony. It's absolutely beautiful! The set design is awesome and it would look great hanging on my wall. My problem is that the picture is grainy as hell. I watched a program on discovery in HD using direct TV as the source. There was a big and very noticeable problem on the Sony when looking at edge detail on an airplane/ultralight. I was standing with my head @ 12 ft. from the TV (yes, I actually brought my tape measure) and it was impossible not to notice this.. even at that distance. I asked the sales guy if this is something that you just get used to. His reply was that if you see it now and it bothers you, you will continue to see it and be bothered by it @ home. Next was hockey on the Sony...un-watchable. Instant headache. The puck was a blur. Then finally, blu-ray. The picture was so good on this that I thought I was going to fall into the TV. It was stunning.
Now for the Samsung. The TV is not as visually appealing. The TOC (touch of color) is the lamest attempt I have ever seen to make a TV look more fashionable. I don't know if this comes in other colors,...but red??? What the hell is that about?
I found the picture on the Samsung to be hands down better. No comparison. No blur and no grain on the same HD source/channel. I don't get it though! They both have 120Hz refresh, so what gives? I asked the sale advisor about this. He said that the Samsung's screen is coated with something that makes motion look more real. I thought the picture was flawless on this set.
So what's the big deal then right? Just buy the Samsung and shut up, right?
Wrong! Whatever material is used to coat the Samsung screen, it makes the screen have a glossy appearance. This is could be a HUGE problem in a room with windows (like mine). Once I became aware of the neon "Stereo" sign reflected in the set, I could no longer focus on the picture. I could even see myself and the salesman standing there too. If you have a room with windows, you need to be aware of this.
Take a small pen-light or flashlight and point it at the screen. If it reflects the light, like the Samsung does (the Sony hardly does), you may have a problem in a well lit room.
So what do I do? I want to fall in love with a TV like the other people who review, but I just can?t. You have to take the room into account as well. I would have bought the Samsung yesterday if I didn?t have to research room darkening blinds. On second though, maybe I?ll just leave that to the wife.
For pure picture quality, it?s the Samsung for me. I just don?t know if it will work in this room.
