Black Friday HDTV "specials": How do they compare to standard models?

Many of you have asked us how "special" derivative TVs differ from the standard models in a manufacturer's line.

Generally, these sets are made to hit specific retail price points during promotional shopping periods. They allow bigger-name companies to compete on price with lesser-known secondary or tertiary TV brands. Because the derivative sets are lower-priced, they typically have lower specs and lack some features found on standard models.

Panasonic, for example, is offering a 50-inch 720p plasma, the TH-50PE8U, at Best Buy and Kmart. Compared to the standard TH-50PX80, the set has a lower claimed contrast ratio—10,000:1, instead of 15,000:1— and one less HDMI input (there's no front HDMI input as there is on the 50PX80). There are also slight cosmetic differences.

Samsung has several special models—A300-, A400- and A500-series sets—that are widely available this week. These sets also have lower claimed contrast ratios, fewer HDMI inputs, and fewer features than its regular line. For example, a new 40-inch 1080p LCD, the LN40A500, has joined the standard LN40A550 model at some retailers. Compared to the regular model, the A500 has a lower contrast ratio (20,000:1, instead of 30,000:1), only one HDMI input (the A550 has two), and no S-video input (it does have a PC input, which isn't included on the A550). It also lacks a picture-in-picture and WiseLink Pro (for accessing photos and music stored on a removable flash drive) features, and weighs 15 pounds less.

Derivative models typically sell for at least a few hundred dollars less than standard models, but in this season of ultimate volatility, it's hard to pin down pricing. We can't comment specifically on the performance of derivative models because we test standard products that are available widely, and not limited to specific promotional periods or retailers. However, you can use our Ratings of LCD and plasma TVs (available to subscribers) to see how similar sets from these manufacturers have performed.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[Frank]

I bought the Samsung LN40A500 on Black Friday 2008 at Sears for $800 and I must say it is far and away the best flat screen television I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. That includes sets that are 2 and 3 times more expensice. It is probably the best purchase I have ever made when you consider cost vs. quality.

[Dave]

There is a big difference between a digital signal and HDTV. Confusing the two just adds confusion to the analog/ digital switch. Your average cable/ satellite provider already compensates for the digital/ analog )which is only an issue now for those using an antenna). You need an HDTV only to see programs in the highest definition available, regardless of how you are receiving the signal.

[everett whitney]

A ..ps .. to Sensible buyer -" Never buy a HDTV ?"

In the vast majority of TV markets now already, the local cable companies are "switching" more & more channels away from the basic cable offerings .. also perfectly allowable under federal guidelines!

Very soon - Long Before 2012 - most will find their previously favorite channels "gone" - only to be available after they subscribe to digital + a mandatory set top !

[everett whitney]

TO: sensible buyer - " Why ever buy HDTV ..?"

NO, you are misinformed - the federal rules do NOT require the cable companies to perform the digital-analog conversion at their end at all !

Most have already started to require digital set top boxes at each non-digital set in the home, albeit "free" for now.

And, certainly at the 2012 cable analog cut-off, each / every analog TV Will require a cable set top box, for a fee as well as another for the digital subscription!

Lastly, you are depriving your home of some of the most spectacular HD quality broadcasts in Travel Programing, great Live-from-Lincoln Center broadcasts via the Dolby Sound, the up-coming Rose Parade on News Years , etc., by Not buying a new Top Tier HDTV. These were sold at only $699 last Friday.

[sensible buyer]

Buy a new HDTV? Why would I want to? Where's the incentive in that when my cable provider will automatically convert the digital signals to work on our current tv? No need to change to HDTV since the federal mandate requires the conversion to be done at the cable provider source. Seems like "bargains" for hdtvs aren't a bargain after all.

[Richard Ryan]

Excellent post. I am looking at the Samsung LN46A550 and was baffled that Sears, Best Buy, etc. all are listing the LN46A500 in their ads.

Thanks!