/* Google Analytics */ /* Google Analytics end */ CRUNCHY: Samsung Series 5 LCDTV

Samsung Series 5 LCDTV

I am currently scouting and shopping around for a Full HD LCDTV. One model/brand that caught my attention is the Samsung LN32A550 32-inch 1080p LCD HDTV. Seems like a good buy without the frills.

Samsung recently released the Series 5,6 and 7 which are all Full HD LCDTV's. Some extra features are missing on the Series 5 compared to Series 6. One of them is 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion, I'd rather not have this feature as it makes motion on TV look fake.
Samsung LCDTV
Higher contrast ratio on the Series 6, even the non-Full HD LCDTV contrast is good enough for me, so I am not worried about this. Better response time on the Series 6, just a difference of 1ms response time compared to the Series 5, doesn't bother me. Ethernet port and extra HDMI port - won't be needing this. The glossy matte screen helps in reducing reflections when watched under brighter surroundings.

Remember, Series 5 32" have lower contrast ratio than Series 5 40" and above.

Let's look at the Series 5 specs:
  • Fast 5ms response time
  • 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio(for 40" and above); 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio ( for 32" )
  • Full 1080p HD
  • 178-degree viewing angle
  • 3 HDMI 1.3 ports
  • USB 2.0 port
  • DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP)
  • Auto wall mount compatible
  • Swivel stand
In Malaysia - update :

A chap at the Samsung showroom in Midvalley Gardens, said that the samsung series 5 LCDTV 32” would have a retail price of RM2400 or RM2500 ( RM is Ringgit Malaysia ). This price range is much lower than the price quoted in the Edge Malaysia magazine which stated a recommended retail price of RM3799 for the 32”. Now who is right? Maybe that guy just wants me to hold my money, so I'd wait for it's official release instead of placing my money on other brands. Well, he added that the branch in KLCC have the Series 5 on display.

Let's wait and see.

Malaysia update ( 29/05/08 )
Samsung Malaysia's have added the latest LCDTV's on their website check it out! The model being sold here in Malaysia is LA32A550P1R. I'm guessing LN in the model name stands for North American market, and LA is for Asia.

Malaysia update ( 08/10/08 )
The price for this model ( LA32A550P1R ) has dropped to about RM 2300.

The price for the same model LN32A550 on Amazon.com has dropped too.

13 comments:

  1. Dear Blogger may i know where i can get this 32" series 5 for rm2300 in malaysia?

    The best I've seen is rm2399 and in all the shops it's still very expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Market price is about RM23xx++ . There was a shop selling them for RM2300 in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, that's the cheapest i've seen for this model.

    If someone is selling them for RM2399 i would still grab it. If i'm not mistaken it was about RM3k a few weeks ago.

    ReplyDelete
  3. and i thought HTKAKI(A forumer of lowyat.net) is selling it cheapest! Glad u posted it here.Was gonna grab it.But now i put it on hold.^_^ cheers

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Hafiz, if I remember correctly, htkaki's quote from lowyat forums is slightly more expensive, but I guess you could always bargain to get a better price.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi all,

    I am looking for a 32" LCD tv for my PS3,my budget is within RM 2k, which is why I targeted the Samsung Series 4,a dealer in Taipan quoted me the price of RM 1600 without the HDMI cable,I was wondering how much is the price of a Series 4 now and how much is it for a Series 5 coz if it is within my budget, then I might consider getting it.Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, I'd recommend getting the 5 series instead of the 4 series. Just top up a little, and you'll get Full HD. Although there are few games on the PS3 that supports 1080p natively now, but I bet it'll be a different story in the near future. So you wouldn't want to miss out on Full HD and get stuck with HD ( 720p ).

    ReplyDelete
  7. I see, thanks, but how much does a Series 5 cost?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Market price was hovering around RM23xx++ October last year(2008), that was the cheapest. I'm surprised that it's more expensive now. I think it's about RM25xx. Most probably, because of demand? MYR has weaken against the Korean Won, I don't know.

    ReplyDelete
  9. wow, the price increased? If that's the case then maybe I'd go for the Series 4, 1080p's difference can only be spotted when one is really upclose to the tv anyway...but thanks for the insight,it helped alot, by the way, may I please know what is the average price for a HDMI cable? All HDMI cables can be used to connect an LCD to a PS3 right? sorry...I am kinda slow when it comes to electronical stuff...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Watching a movie may not differ much. But if you have plans to hook it up to a PC, it makes a big difference.

    I'd say just skip the branded HDMI cables, anything below RM100(cost will depend on length) will do. Check out http://www.play-asia.com and look for 'HDMI Cable Deluxe Type'.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I see, thanks Crunchy, that was very informative,and no, I have no plans of hooking it up to a PC,but with such information, at least I will be much more prepared when I go shopping for a LCD tv later this month, thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You're welcome. Goodluck hunting for the LCDTV.

    ReplyDelete