Sorry for making another of of these. I have narrowed it down to these 3. I have seen only 2 of them in person and really couldn't tell any difference quality wise. This really boils down to the little things, and unfortunately, I am not a "TV guy" so I would appreciate everyone's who knows about this sort of thing giving me their thoughts/opinions. #1 Samsung UN55C7000 (2010 model) $1,485.00 shipped. Specifications: Screen size: 55" class (54.6", measured diagonally) edge-lit LED LCD display / Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution Aspect ratio: Widescreen 16:9 Progressive features: 3D-ready / Skype compatible / 240Hz Clear Motion rate / Internet@TV Best video inputs: 4 rear HDMI v1.3 inputs Other inputs: 2 rear USB ports / 1 rear component-video in / 1 rear PC in / 1 rear Ethernet in / 1 RF Audio enhancements: SRS TheaterSound / Dolby Digital decoding / dts decoding Built-in speakers: 15W x 2-channels Mounting options: Swivel stand included / VESA 400mm x 400mm wall-mounting compatible 3D-ready with built-in wireless transmitter / Wireless shutter glasses sold separately (special 3D video content required) Internet@TV widgets for BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, AccuWeather, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, Vudu, and more / Separate internet connection required Skype picture-in-picture video calls (separate internet connection required) Audio output: 1 rear optical digital audio out Efficiency: Exceeds ENERGY STAR 4.0 standards by up to 57% / Light Sensor panel-brightness optimization Panel response time: Less than 4 ms BD Wise automatic picture adjustment Built-in digital tuner Ultra Slim design Mystic Earth Touch of Color bezel with chrome trim AllShare streaming from your PC ConnectShare Movie fast connection to digital cameras and thumbdrives Game Mode picture and sound optimization Wide Color Enhancer Ultra Clear Panel Note: 3D Active Glasses sold separately Dimensions: 50.5" W x 30.0" H x 1.0" D, without stand / 50.5" W x 32.9" H x 12.0" D, with stand Weight: 48.9 lbs, without stand / 54.0 lbs, with stand #2 Samsung UN55D7000 (2011 model) $1734 shipped Specifications: Screen Size: 55" (54.6" diagonal) Aspect ratio: 16:9, 1920 x 1080p Progressive features: micro-dimming LED, DLNA, 3D, Samsung SmartTV Inputs: 4 HDMI v.1.4 (best audio/video connection) / 3 USB 2.0 / PC input / component video / composite video / component audio / optical digital audio / PC audio Audio enhancement: Dolby Digital Plus / SRS TheatreSound HD Built-in speakers: 15W x 2 Mounting options: swivel pedestal stand / wall-mountable Remote control: QWERTY remote 3D capable (requires 3D glasses, sold separately) Built-in Wi-Fi DLNA compatible Samsung SmartTV apps, media hub, and web browser ConnectShare USB Skype on Samsung TV Ultra Clear Panel Wide Color Enhancer Plus Eco Sensor AutoMotion Plus 240Hz with Clear Motion Rate Dimensions: 48.8" W x 28.1" H x 1.2" D (w/out stand) / 48.8" W x 31.1" H x 12.2" D (w/stand) Weight: 35.5 lbs (w/out stand) / 41 lbs (w/stand) #3 Sonia Bravia 55NX720 $1526 shipped SONY KDL55NX720 Features: 3D LED HDTV with 2D to 3D Conversion True High Definition 1080p, 1920 x 1080 Resolution Infinite Dynamic Contrast Ratio Smooth motion clarity with MotionFlow XR 240 4 HDMI Connections (2 Side / 2 Bottom) Specifications: Screen size: 55" Aspect ratio: 16:9, 1920 x 1080 Viewing angle: 176° up/down/right/left Progressive features: 3D, 240Hz, presence sensor Inputs: 4 HDMI (best video/audio connection) / 3 composite video / 2 analog audio in / RF connection / D-Sub (PC) / PC HDMI / USB 2.0 / 3.5mm headphone / ethernet Outputs: digital audio / analog audio / headphone Audio enhancements: Dolby Digital, 5.1-channel audio out, sound booster, sound enhancer, 3 sound modes, audio return channel Built-in speakers: 2x 10W Mounting options: adjustable swivel and tilt stand / 300 x 300mm VESA compatible Remote control included X-Reality engine Bravia Internet Video Bravia Sync Energy saving features: dynamic backlight control / backlight off mode / presence sensor / auto shut-off Edge-lit LED backlighting Video features: 24p True Cinema / 3D comb filter / advanced contrast enhancer / Deep Color / intelligent image enhancer / 2D to 3D conversion Picture modes: Vivid, Standard, Photo-Vivid, Photo-Standard, Photo-Original, Photo-Custom, Cinema, Game-Standard, Game-Original, Graphics, Sports, Animation Convenience features: closed captions / on-screen TV guide / channel block / info banner / on-screen clock / PAP / sleep timer Wireless LAN capable DLNA compatible Skype Ready (requires Sony compact microphone/camera sold separately) Streaming options include: Qriocity, Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora Power requirements: AC 120V, 60Hz Dimensions: 50.5" W x 30.5" H x 1.13" D (w/out stand) / 50.5" W x 31.75" H x 12.25" D (w/stand) Weight: 50.9 lbs. (w/out stand) / 62.4 lbs. (w/stand) My thoughts: Based on all of the reviews, the majority seem to favor the picture on the Sony while the functions of the Samsung. I can afford the UN55D7000. I like the thin frame. Very clean look. Not sure of the $200 is worth it. $200 may not sound like much, but I am currently paying for my wife to go the Bauer School and my son to go to private school so my budget is tight and I can do a lot with that $200. Also, I care mainly about the picture. I could care less how it sounds as I will be using a 5.1 receiver system. Would appreciate any feedback some of you experts have.
which ones did you look at in person (I guess not the 2 year old one)? The Samsung models will look the most alike with such similar panels and processors. Obviously these are all Edge-lit without local dimming. Samsung uses their own PVA panel, Sony has a Sharp UV2A panel. Your prices seem a bit low, what kind of a retailer are you dealing with to get them? Make sure you can return AND you have full warranty in case you lose the panel lotto. Also the newer made stock will have the latest panel revisions. If I could only choose from these three and I didn't see any difference in the picture I would go with the Samsung UN55D7000. To be honest though I personally would dump the edge lit lcd, flashlighting, no dimming concept and get a Panasonic VIERA TC-P60ST30 60-Inch for $1,249.98 shipped from Amazon. 19% larger area, better picture, for $500 less? Sold.
After sleeping on it, I am nixing my 2nd option. $200 means too much to me right now. Leaning towards the Bravia because it is a newer model.
Just got home from Fry's as I wanted to view both the UN55D7900 and the 55NX720 in person before making a final call. Lo and behold, Fry's has the Sony Bravia 55NX720 on sale till Sunday for $1,099 plus tax!!! This is $500 cheaper than the best deal online which will give me extra $$$$ to get 3d glasses and maybe a 3d blu-ray player. I couldn't really tell a difference in the 2 pictures (I am currently rocking a 2001 model rear projection Samsung so everything looks better). I will say the Samsung is a much sleeker/prettier TV (not the picture) than the Sony. I just can't see the Samsung being $500 better at this point.
You say you have a lot of things to pay and want to save every $ possible, but now you want to invest the 500$ difference for 3d glasses and a 3d blu-ray player? Are these gimmicks really that important to you and worth all these bucks?
My 32" LCD Polaroid's sound quit working (5.5 years old). Should I: a) Buy a soundbar b) Sell the TV for what I can and buy another similar TV (Which basically means TVs < $300)
a)what kind of audio out do you have on the tv? do you know if it works? b)TVs are cheap now, you find a samsung 32in for about $300
The normal ones (red & white). I've never had it hooked up to any audio out. Always just used the built in speakers. Wal-Mart has a soundbar for between $50 - $60. Yeah, I know they are cheap. It is why I'm even considering it. Would have to find the right deal. Too bad it didn't crap out earlier or I would have gotten one from Target on BF.
