Samsung LN40A550

The 5 series of LCD televisions are part of Samsung's 2008 line of sets and are their entry level offering for 1080p native resolution. More information found on the Samsung 5 Series report. This TV has an MSRP of $1299.99, but can be found for less than $800 as of late 2008. Look to the Samsung 6 Series for 120 Hz.

Where to Buy

Samsung LN40A550P 6
MSRP $1,299.99
Release date March, 2008
Brand Samsung
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Pros & Cons8
Reviews2
Details
Buy It1
Competitors14
Comments1
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
2 reviews
83
negative
mixed
positive
2 positive
0 mixed
0 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
1080p
+2agreedisagree

•
good variety of inputs - including dedicated PC input
+2agreedisagree

•
affordable
+2agreedisagree

•
attractive, thin bezel
+2agreedisagree

•
good contrast and response time
+1agreedisagree

•
available for a good price
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
not 120 Hz - look to 6 Series for that feature
+1agreedisagree

•
doesn't use the "Clear View" panel as the higher end 6 and 7 Series Samsungs
+1agreedisagree


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Details

Specs

  • 40" screen
  • 1080p native resolution
  • 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5ms response time
  • Inputs: 3xHDMI 1.3, 2xComponent, 2xComposite, 1xS-Video, 1xVGA

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This report was started March 17, 2008 at 3:03 pm by Omar
with the last edit occurring December 26, 2008 at 11:01 am by Erik
This page has been viewed 7797 times, with 51 edits by 4 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Samsung LN40A550

• Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

• LN40A550 40" LCD TV

UPC: 036725228177

EAN: 036725228177

MPN: LN-40A550

Competitors

Samsung LN40A550 is ranked 1st among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Televisions »
JVC LT-42X579

JVC LT-42X579

MSRP  $1,699.95    Released  April, 2008

The 579 X-Series is JVC's least expensive line of LCD televisions that falls in the mid-range of other manufacturers with a 1080p native resolution. For more information refer to the full 579 Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution 13,000:1 contrast ratio 6.5ms response time 500 cd/m2 brightness 10-bit image processor USB port ATSC/QAM tuners...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (2 votes)
vote Samsung LN40A550 50% vs. vote JVC LT-42X579 50%
Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100

Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100

MSRP  $1,199.99    Released  June, 2008
Pros
  • full 1080p, 10-bit pannel, good amount of inputs
  • perfect for those who have a smaller house or room and do not need a 50" TV
  • a quality second or third TV for a bedroom
  • Great tv for gamers.
Cons
  • space and bottom bar make TV look bulky
ProSCORE
3 reviews
78
Vote! (2 votes)
vote Samsung LN40A550 50% vs. vote Sony Bravia KDL-40S4100 50%
Sony Bravia KDL-40V4100

Sony Bravia KDL-40V4100

MSRP  $1,499.00    Released  April, 2008

The V-series is Sony's entry-level 1080p LCD television for 2008 and replace the V2500 series of 2007. For more information refer to the Sony V4100 Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution USB port for accessing digital content Bravia Engine 8-bit panel Bravia-Sync Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, 2xComponent, Composite

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (2 votes)
vote Samsung LN40A550 50% vs. vote Sony Bravia KDL-40V4100 50%
Toshiba REGZA 40RV525

Toshiba REGZA 40RV525

MSRP  $999.00    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • affordable
  • 1080p
  • good variety of inputs
Cons
  • Some display inputs/picture scaling settings are unpolished. Visible digital noise on the edges of settings "Native" and "4:3 HD"
  • Noticeable motion judder sometimes when using noise reduction settings
  • "Game Mode" doesn't appear to change anything, and actually reduced the number of picture options you are able to tweak on the TV - tested with XBOX 360 Elite over HDMI
ProSCORE
2 reviews
60
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Samsung LN40A550   vs. vote Toshiba REGZA 40RV525  
Samsung LN40A530

Samsung LN40A530

MSRP  $1,199.00    Released  May, 2008
Pros
  • 1080p
  • good contrast ratio and fast response time
  • good input options
  • affordable
ProSCORE
1 review
100
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Samsung LN40A550   vs. vote Samsung LN40A530  
Philips 42PFL5603D/27

Philips 42PFL5603D/27

MSRP  $1,399.00    Released  April, 2008
Pros
  • 1080p, fast 5ms response time
  • better sound system than most TVs
  • good amount of inputs despite not having a VGA input for computers
Cons
  • lower than average contrast ratio
ProSCORE
1 review
75
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Philips 42PFL5603D/27 0%
Philips 42PFL3603D/27

Philips 42PFL3603D/27

MSRP  $1,300.00    Released  April, 2004
Pros
  • attractive bezel and stand
  • 1080p
  • inexpensive for a 1080p 42" TV
  • fast response time and brightness value
Cons
  • no PC VGA input
ProSCORE
1 review
80
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Philips 42PFL3603D/27 0%
Westinghouse VK-42F240S

Westinghouse VK-42F240S

MSRP  $1,149.00    Released  May, 2008
Pros
  • 2x15w speakers deliver good sound
  • 4 HDMI, 2 Component
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Lower contrast ratio and lighter blacks than many competitors
  • Fairly bland design, although looks better in person
  • large bezel
ProSCORE
3 reviews
62
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Westinghouse VK-42F240S 0%
Westinghouse VK-42F130S

Westinghouse VK-42F130S

MSRP  $1,149.00    Released  May, 2008

The VK Series is Westinghouse's entry level line of 1080p LCD televisions introduced in 2008. For more information refer to the full Westinghouse VK Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution  6.5ms response time 10-watt speakers Inputs: 2xHDMI, 2xComponent, 1xVGA, 1xS-Video, 1xComposite Outputs: 1xRCA, 1xSPDIF Optical

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Westinghouse VK-42F130S 0%
Westinghouse VK-40F530S

Westinghouse VK-40F530S

MSRP  $1,099.00    Released  May, 2008

The VK Series is Westinghouse's entry level line of 1080p LCD televisions introduced in 2008. For more information refer to the full Westinghouse VK Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution  6.5ms response time 10-watt speakers Inputs: 2xHDMI, 2xComponent, 1xVGA, 1xS-Video, 1xComposite Outputs: 1xRCA, 1xSPDIF Optical

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Westinghouse VK-40F530S 0%
JVC LT-42P789

JVC LT-42P789

MSRP  $1,599.95    Released  March, 2008

The LT-42P789 is a 1080p native resolution LCD television by JVC that adds a built-in iPod doc to access digital media directly from the TV itself. For more information refer to the full JVC P Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution 13,000:1 contrast ratio 6.5ms response time 500 cd/m2 brightness 10-bit image processor USB port...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote JVC LT-42P789 0%
Sharp AQUOS LC-42D64U

Sharp AQUOS LC-42D64U

MSRP  $1,500.00    Released  September, 2007

The D64U Series is Sharp's least expensive line of LCD televisions that offer a 1080p native resolution. For more information refer to the full Sharp AQUOS D64U Series report. Specs 1080p native resolution. 2,000:1 static contrast ratio, 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio 4 ms response time 450 cd/m2 brightness Inputs: HDMI x 3, Component x 2,...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Sharp AQUOS LC-42D64U 0%
LG 42LG50

LG 42LG50

MSRP  $1,799.95    Released  March, 2008
Pros
  • 1080p, fast 5ms response time
  • includes a good variety of inputs
  • attractive bezel
  • Good price for performance
Cons
  • poor contrast ratio
  • No PIP
ProSCORE
4 reviews
95
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote LG 42LG50 0%
Toshiba Regza 42RV530U

Toshiba Regza 42RV530U

MSRP  $1,499.99    Released  March, 2008
Pros
  • affordable
  • 8-bit panel, 14-bit processor
  • dynamic backlight
  • good variety of inputs
ProSCORE
1 review
100
Vote! (1 vote)
vote Samsung LN40A550 100% vs. vote Toshiba Regza 42RV530U 0%

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Comments

1.  avatar Erik said:

They've got this TV at Futureshop in Canada for $799 for a Boxing Day sale. They list the model number as LN40A500, but I believe it's the same as the 550. Can anyone confirm this?
Dec 26, 2008 10:57am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Erik

avatar
December 26, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
71
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
2 cons

Pros

  • 1080p
  • good variety of inputs - including dedicated PC input
  • affordable
  • attractive, thin bezel
  • available for a good price

Cons

  • not 120 Hz - look to 6 Series for that feature
  • doesn't use the "Clear View" panel as the higher end 6 and 7 Series Samsungs

Comments

"They've got this TV at Futureshop in Canada for $799 for a Boxing Day sale. They list the model number as LN40A500, but I believe it's the same as the 550. Can anyone confirm this?"
Did you find this review helpful?
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 / 
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Yale

avatar
November 21, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • 1080p
  • good variety of inputs - including dedicated PC input
  • affordable
  • attractive, thin bezel
  • good contrast and response time

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
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This product is also known as:

LN, 40, A, 550, LN40, 40A, A550, LN40A, 40A550, LN40A550