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Samsung LN40B650

*Est. $1,190

Reviewed November 2009
Samsung LN40B650

Best value among 40-inch LCD TVs

pros
  • Good value
  • Good picture quality
  • Good energy efficiency
  • Lots of features
cons
  • Reflective screen
  • Not the deepest blacks available
  • Color accuracy is not perfect
  • Not everyone likes the Touch of Color bezel
 
 
 
 

Though experts note some picture defects with Samsung's LNB650 series of LCD TVs, including the 40-inch LN40B650 Samsung LCD TV, most quickly add that these TVs outperform most other LCD TVs at or near their price. The blacks on this TV are commendable, reviewers say, though some other sets offer blacks that are deeper still. Colors are also very strong, though not quite perfect. The lineup of features is impressive and includes a 120 Hz refresh rate, anti-judder circuitry, web connectivity and loads of picture controls. Energy efficiency is a plus, but the highly reflective screen (for an LCD TV) is a drawback for most. Opinions are split on the red-tinged Touch of Color bezel. Other available sizes are the 55-inch Samsung LN55B650 (*Est. $2,310), 46-inch Samsung LN46B650 (*Est. $1,450), 37-inch Samsung LN37B650 (*Est. $1,025) and 32-inch LN32B650 (*Est. $890). The 40-inch SSamsung LN40B750 (*Est. $1,460) offers similar features, but ups the refresh rate to 240 Hz. A grey Touch of Color bezel draws much more favorable reactions than the red bezel used in the past. According to reports, picture quality is a hair better.

We found feedback on the Samsung LNB650 series of LCD TVs at a number of sources. TelevisionInfo.com has the most comprehensive report on the 40-inch Samsung LN40B650, though the minute details might be overkill for the less technically sophisticated. CNET also provides coverage that might be more accessible for many readers. ConsumerReports.org includes the 37-inch Samsung LN37B650 in its latest update, but details on its performance are limited. Owner feedback can be found at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com.

     
 
image
Samsung LN55B650 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $2,799.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Samsung LN46B650 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,899.00 $1,407.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Samsung LN37B650 37-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,149.00 $982.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Samsung LN32B650 32-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $999.00 $827.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Samsung LN40B750 40-Inch 1080p 240 Hz LCD HDTV with Charcoal Grey Touch of Color
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $1,799.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
QVCQVC rated 4.50 (6314 reviews)6314 store reviewsIn Stock. QVC has a Hassle-Free, 30-Day Return Policy. See site for details.$1,249.96
Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 2.50 (176 reviews)176 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$1,099.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. TelevisionInfo.com

TelevisionInfo.com reviews the 40-inch Samsung LN40B650 in a report that's long and packed with tons of technical data -- perhaps too much for some potential buyers. Still, ratings are provided, comparisons are made, and conclusions are clearly stated. Some negatives are noted, such as a reflective screen, but those are outweighed by solid blacks and good -- though not perfect -- color performance.

Review: Samsung LN40B650 LCD HDTV Review, Alfredo Padilla, May 8, 2009

2. CNET

CNET's evaluation of the LN40B650 is based on its review of the larger LN46B650, but David Katzmaier says that specifications -- other than screen size -- are identical, and performance should be as well. He has numerous complaints, including a reflective screen and black levels that don't quite live up to Samsung's better models. He also says that he's not a fan of the red-tinged bezel. However, he also adds that the LN40B650 still outperforms most other available LCD TVs.

Review: Samsung LN40B650, David Katzmaier, June 26, 2009

3. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org includes the 37-inch Samsung LN37B650 among the LCD TVs tested for the current listing. Although competent testing is performed, it's not extensively detailed. Opinions and conclusions are offered, but the discussion falls short of what can be found at more informative sites like CNET and TelevisionInfo.com.

Review: LCD TVs, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

4. Amazon.com

Over 30 owners weigh in on the 40-inch Samsung LN40B650 here, giving the TV a very high composite rating. Most owners award the TV with a rating of five out of five stars and say that picture quality is very good. The only completely negative review deals with a customer service issue regarding an apparently defective TV.

Review: Samsung LN40B650, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. BestBuy.com

Nearly as many owners post comments about the 40-inch Samsung LN40B650 as at Amazon.com, and with a similar pattern of satisfaction. Positives and negatives differ in the eyes of different reviewers, but all but one says that they would recommend the TV to a friend.

Review: Samsung LN40B650, Contributors to BestBuy.com

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