When it comes to HDTVs, two factors are often considered before others: how thin is it, and how big is it. "Thin is in, but wider is better" might sound like a contradiction, but as the sets get wider, the price goes up considerably. This is notable with Samsung's 52-inch LN52A550 LCD HDTV, which is about $1,000 more than the 46-inch model. Are those six inches worth $1000?

Picture-wise, we can't argue. This set does offer a very good picture, and with a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 we found the LN52A550 to have adequate black levels and fairly accurate colors. The set does need a little bit of adjusting out of the box to get the full experience, but there are myriad quick adjustment modes. You can get it out of the box and enjoy its full performance capabilities in no time flat.

And with a 52-inch set, it's hard to have bad seat in the room. However, we did find the extreme off-angle viewing of the LN52A550 to be a little underwhelming. The color distorts a bit at extreme angles, but this is generally true of a lot of LCD sets. We did find the A550 Series to do a commendable job with tackling ambient light, and this is a set that can easily stand up to direct light and even take on a sunny day without the need to lower the blinds. As this is LCD technology, there is also no reason to fear burn-in or other static images.

As with other models in the A550 line, the LN52A550 is a full HD 1080p set with a native resolution of 1,920x1,080. Every pixel of 1080i and 1080p source material can thus be displayed. The set upconverts 720p HD and standard definition content accordingly. Generally, the larger the screen size the worse standard definition sources can look, but this year's line really does a fine job with the conversion. Additionally, multiple aspect ratios will allow you to stretch or zoom as you see fit.

While not the top of the line models, the A550 series does include a reasonable amount of A/V connections to satisfy most users, including a total of three HDMI inputs. We liked that the set includes a side mounted HDMI input, but would have preferred this to be the fourth of such inputs, and limiting it to three with a side one is a bit lacking. For the price, however, we can't complain too much, especially as this set also includes two rear component inputs along with S-Video, composite and RF, as well as side S-Video, composite and a headphone jack. We especially like the inclusion of the headphone output, even on larger sized panels, as it makes watching TV later at night that much easier.

We did think the built-in 10-watt stereo speakers to be a little underpowered for a set this size. This may be the industry standard, but with a 52-inch set we'd hope for a little more output. The speaker bar is located under the screen, and it supports SRS TurSurround XT to simulate the multi-channel experience. For a set this large we would certainly expect this to be used with a true surround sound system for the ultimate cinematic experience.

The benefit of speaker bars with sets this size is that it helps present a very clear and streamlined appearance, and the Samsung LN52A550 fits that bill. It has a thin bezel design, with those easy to access side A/V connections, and at less than four and a half inches deep it is a very sleek set. Considering that it can be found for well under the list price, this is a set that is sure to turn heads.

Pros: Good price, full 1080p model, good contrast ratio
Cons: Underpowered speakers, only three HDMI inputs including side input

Warranty
1 year, limited, parts and labor