Samsung LN37A550 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV front display
I looked around for several months, and found the Samsung LN37A550 to be comparable to both the Sharp Aquos LC37D64U 37-Inch LCD HDTV 1080p and Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-37XBR6 37-Inch LCD HDTV 1080p models.
When I got the Samsung, it had a lower price than the Sharp and Sony. I will compare the three LCD screens using MY comparison criteria.
Picture Quality.
Remember, each maker has its own way to measure Contrast Ratio, Frame Refresh Rate, and Response Time. So direct comparisons may not be appropriate. But, I did see each LCD screen in a couple of different stores. To my eyes, there is little difference between these models in picture brightness and blurring.
The Numbers.
Samsung – 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; 5 ms response time; 60 hZ refresh rate.
Sharp – 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; 6 ms response time; 60 hZ refresh rate.
Sony – 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; unpublished response time; 120 hZ refresh rate.
Comparing the Image.
Sony has the advantage when it comes to refresh rate. I watched the Sony LCD in the store. It was BluRay with the 120 hZ setting. On a 46 inch screen, it looked AWESOME.
Some complain about a “soap-opera” effect with Sony.
On a bigger 50+ inch screen, your eye will notice blurring on the screen. For a 37-inch screen, I have not noticed blurring on my 60 hZ model.
HD Inputs.
The Sony, Samsung, and Sharp have Digital Audio outputs, S-video/composite video inputs, and stereo audio inputs.
Samsung: 3 HDMI Inputs version 1.3 (2 in rear, 1 on side); 1 USB input (JPGs and MP3s); 2 component video inputs; 1 PC input.
Sharp: 2 HDMI Inputs (no version number); 2 component video inputs; 1 PC input. Has side inputs.
Sony: 4 HDMI Inputs (3 in rear, 1 on side; no version number); 2 component video inputs; 1 PC input.
Sound.
Many complain about Samsung’s sound quality (the speakers sound “tinny”). I use a surround sound system, so this may be an issue for you. My goal for the TV was picture, not sound.
The Sharp model sound complaints don’t seem quite as motivated as those for Samsung.
Size.
If you plan to get a 37-inch LCD, you might consider the Toshiba REGZA 40RF350U Super Narrow 40-Inch LCD HDTV 1080p Super Narrow Bezel. It is only 36.77 inches wide. I can’t recommend it one way or the other. But, the Toshiba LCDs I HAVE seen did not compare to the 3 LCD TVs for picture quality.
Samsung: 36.1 inches wide; 40 pounds w/stand (32 pounds without)
Sharp: 35 and 23/64″ wide; 45 pounds w/stand (39 without)
Sony: 36.3 inches wide; 47 pounds w/stand (40 without)
Warranty.
All 3 LCD TVs have 1 year parts and 1 year labor manufacturer warranties.
Other features.
Each offers their own graphics processing engine. Each claims to be the greatest thing ever.
With Sony, if you buy other Sony components, you can control everything from the one Sony remote. Samsung and Sharp may offer this too. But, usually you need all the components to be from the same maker if you want the remote to control them all.
Is It Worth Getting?
I feel certain you will be pleased with any of these 3 LCDs. It just depends on brand loyalty, pricing sensitivity, and how you feel about sound.
For me, the Samsung LN37A550 LCD has made me quite happy to recommend it.