Big Picture Big Sound

While not all of the so-called "LED TVs" that Samsung has been touting this year have significant picture quality advantages over the competition, their top of the line A950 series of LED-lit LCD TVs, including the 55-inch LN55A950 do offer exceptional performance, courtesy of LED backlighting with local dimming technology and 120 Hz motion processing. We have the 46-inch version in our labs right now, and its black level performance exceeds anything we've seen before from an LCD TV.

And as technology marches onward, Samsung has already announced the replacement for the A950 series (namely the 8500 series of LED-lit LCD TVs), which means now is a great time to pick up last year's top of the line HDTV at nearly half off its list price.  Major differences in the 8500 series will include a thinner cabinet depth and 240 Hz processing (but don't look for big discounts on the 55-inch model's hefty $4500 price tag any time soon).   

Meanwhile, while supplies last, Best Buy has Samsung's LN55A950 55-inch LED-backlit LCD HDTV for just $2499.95 with free shipping (regular price $4799.99). 

UPDATE: Best Buy appears to be out of stock as they have removed the LN55A950 product page from their web site as of August 10.

Here's the link:

• Samsung 55" Class / 1080p / 120Hz / LCD HDTV - Black/Charcoal: $2499.98 while supplies last! 

If you've been waiting for a great deal on an LED/LCD HDTV with truly exceptional performance and high-end styling, your wait is over. 

To sweeten the deal even further, you can save an additional $100 if you buy it with Samsung's top of the line BD-P4600 1080p Blu-ray player (see above link for details).

Specifications from the Manufacturer (LN55A950):

• Screen Size: 55"
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen)
• Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels (1080p)
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
• Viewing Angle: 178 degrees vertical, 178 degrees horizontal
• Response Time: 4 microseconds
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz
• Inputs/Outputs: HDMI: 4; Component video: 2; Composite video: 2; S-Video: 1; VGA (PC input): 1; headphone output: 1; fiberoptic digital output: 1;
• Tuner: ATSC/NTSC
• PIP: Yes (PC input only)
• SRS TruSurround
• Game Mode
• Ultra Clear Panel
• Wide Color Enhancer
• DLNA: Yes
• Dimensions (WxHxD) with stand: 53.7" x 34.7" x 13.3"
• Dimensions (WxHxD) without stand: 53.7" x 32.3" x 4.4"
• Package size (WxHxD): 58.7" x 40.1" x 18.1"
• Weight with stand: 91.3 lbs
• Weight without stand: 80 lbs
• Package weight: 112 lbs
• MSRP: $4799.99