So a couple weeks ago we went out and got a Sony KDL52V4100 -- it cost us $1800, and came with a Blu-Ray DVD player. But when we got it into our place, it looked like it was too big for our living room/dining room area, and started to look at some smaller TVs. We found a Samsung LN46A550 available for $1132, with a $200 gift certificate to nflshop.com. Subtracting those, and adding the $300 the Blue-Ray would probably cost us, that's $1232. We figure that going down from 52" to 46" is not much of a difference in terms of "wow factor" for us, since we had a 27" before. Also, the 46" has a slightly higher contrast ratio, and a swivel, which will be nice because then we can put it in different places, and move it around depending on what room we're in.

So we made the call to return the TV, saving over $550 for just 6 inches. They're supposed to bring the new TV and take the old one back tomorrow, but we got a call saying they'll give us $250 if we keep the big TV -- so now the decision is a little harder.

Anyone have any thoughts? Here's a link to the two TV's we're looking at:

Compare Sony Bravia KDL-52V4100 to most popular products - CNET Reviews. (http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/sony-bravia-kdl-52v4100/4540-6482_7-32815335.html?rid=32815337&rid=32887597&rid=32815338&tag=contentBody;compare)

The Samsung appears to be more versatile for you and I love my own Samsung. I'd go with that one personally.

We have a Sony 50" in our main room and just bought the LN36A450 for our bedroom. Obviously, a model down from yours but we've been very pleased with Samsung. Of course, we've been very pleased with our Sony as well.

As far as the size of the TV, I think only you can make that call. I don't think you're going to go wrong with either brand as those would be the only two brands of TVs I'd buy at this point.

We love our Sony Bravia XBR4 52" LCD. I'd stick with that one personally.

I like the samsung much more out of those two models. Gotta watch tho that they can actually get you a samsung as last years models are getting scarce.

Why do you like it more?

We love our Sony Bravia XBR4 52" LCD. I'd stick with that one personally.

The XBR4 is much much better than the V4100 series. 120hz and the bravia pro engine vs 60hz and the bravia standard engine.

I just bought the Samsung 550 37" model, and I love it. The Super Bowl looked great on it.

Why do you like it more?

Brighter more vivid color. Better black levels. Better style IMO.

The 200 dollar NFL promo ended on the 31st I think tho. I like both TVs but I would buy the samsung if I was choosing

If you have a sears nearby the 52v4100 and the 52a550 should be side by side so you can make your own comparison.

I have the same size Samsung, but the 650. It and I get along very, very well.

I would also check and see how much more it would be to jump to the 46a630 or 650. Both of those models have the 120hz processing

Brighter more vivid color. Better black levels. Better style IMO.

The 200 dollar NFL promo ended on the 31st I think tho. I like both TVs but I would buy the samsung if I was choosing

If you have a sears nearby the 52v4100 and the 52a550 should be side by side so you can make your own comparison.

Thanks, that helps a lot! We actually made the exchange on the 31st and got the receipt e-mailed to us so we should still be able to get the $200 giftcard.

We did check the TVs out in the same store and they both looked great. I think we pretty much didn't want to make a stupid decision and throw away a seemingly good deal for the Sony if there was something much better about it.

Oh yeah, and we checked out some 120hz and 60hz side by side and couldn't see any difference at all during a basketball game, so decided it wasn't worth it.

Thanks for the advice, all. We got the delivery delayed until Tuesday, so we still have a little more time to decide. We're definitely leaning toward the Samsung, but we're also thinking the $200 NFL Shop gift card is not really the same as $200 cash, and when you look at it that way, the prices aren't that different. I think now our only worry is that we'll be used to the 52" and think the 46" is smaller because of it.

I have the same size Samsung, but the 650. It and I get along very, very well.

Ditto! Just got mine last week. LOVE IT!!!

Thanks for the advice, all. We got the delivery delayed until Tuesday, so we still have a little more time to decide. We're definitely leaning toward the Samsung, but we're also thinking the $200 NFL Shop gift card is not really the same as $200 cash, and when you look at it that way, the prices aren't that different. I think now our only worry is that we'll be used to the 52" and think the 46" is smaller because of it.

If you got the 52V and a blu ray for 1550 you did well. Turn the brightness down on the 52 and it will be significantly less fatigue-ing. They also do make an aftermarket swivel base you can get for the Sony. I think its made by permeire mounts and is around 100

Not a Polaroid. It'll eventually die like mine did today. It was 2 years old, so whatever, but..how weird is that?

And apparently, I wasn't the only one. lol

Amazon.com: Polaroid FLM-323B - 32" LCD TV - 720p - HDTV: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-FLM-323B-LCD-720p-HDTV/dp/B000I5ZC8M)

I ordered a Sharp Aquous 37" today cause I had some extra cash and got a solid deal. At 2 years my Olevia is probably due to die any day. The offbrand LCDs are too unpredictable.

Well, now we've rearranged the room a little, and we're thinking this TV might work after all. Before we had the TV on the short wall, with the dining room table at the opposite end, and the couch in the middle of the room, facing the TV. We moved the couch so that it's at the middle of the long wall (we might move it a few inches here or there when we're done) and it's looking like we don't need a swivel to see it. When the couch was directly facing the TV, the picture looked really huge and everyone's faces were all up in our grill, but with the couch to the side, it's not really like that. Plus, the distance between the dining room table and the TV is more than the recommended max distance for the 46" -- I'm figuring it will still look fine, but it's something to think about, I guess.

Brighter more vivid color. Better black levels. Better style IMO.



This is funny, because that's the same reason the guy at the store said he liked the Sony -- but we've heard they have some kind of deal with Sony, so they probably push their stuff more.