So when I received this model TV I was anticpating an amazing experience with my first High Definition television. At first I was blown away by the picture. But then, when I started to watch a movie at night when the room was dark, I noticed that the clear beveled edge glass of the frame was reflecting light back at me and it was very distracting.

I found that if I shifted myself higher in my seat by as little as a few inches, the reflection at the top disappeared. But I still saw the reflection on the sides. But do I have to sit at a perfect angle and location in the room to fully enjoy a not so cheap TV?

I called Samsung technical support and the person I spoke to said that yes, they were aware of this problem but that it was not a large enough concern to them to change the design to correct.

They recommended that I consider exchanging the 750 for the 650 series whose only difference was a few features as the 650 does not have this design flaw.

So while the picture is fantastic, I can hardly rate this TV very highly when I have to put black tape around the glass frame to hide the reflections.

1. LNxxa750 vs LNxxa650

I spent some time drooling over the LN52a650 until I came across LN52a750. I searched and searched to see if there was a performance difference between the two sets. I finally found someone with some knowledge and indeed the 750′s use a different (more powerful) internal processor than the a650′s. For how incredibly small the price difference is between the 650 and 750 I’m surprised people still shop the 650. Not to mention the regal-looking bezel on the 750, the woofer for those without a home theater system, and some other minor goodies. Bottom line, if you’re flip-flopping between the two – stop. Just buy 750.

2. What size? 52, 46, or even 40?

Of course I wanted the largest size I could get. HD is a whole new ball game, and even a 52″ model is not as big as it sounds. In fact after having this for a couple weeks now I am beyond relieved I didn’t buy a smaller size. (I typically sit about 7 feet from the screen.). Please take my word on this. You will never regret buying too big. Unless you’re in a tiny dorm room, the 52″ will not overpower you. If you buy a smaller size just be warned you will be longing for the 52 before too long.

3. Samsung or Sony 41 series?

I went to 3 different big box stores to compare side by side. The picture on the 750 just blows away anything else in these stores. It’s amazing how two sets with similar specs can have such different displays. The gloss finish just has the colors and contrast jumping off the screen. Sony makes solid products in general, but so does Samsung. It took only a matter of seconds to realize that the Sony 41 series has a boring picture compared to the 750.

4. Plasma or LCD?

With the glossy screen and various black adjustments in the menu, you’re getting the best of both worlds with the 750. It has contrast like that of a higher end plasma, but also performs beautifully in a well lit room. Plasmas are just plain dim and dull. With how bright and vivid the 750′s screen is, I have not had any issues with reflections. If you look at the models offered by most companies, it’s clear that plasma is dying just as DLP is.

5. The “halo effect”

Non-existant. I’ve watched HD cable, games, and blu-rays in a pitch black room and cannot see the supposed halo that some people are whining about. In fact, I’m almost disappointed because I wanted to see what the hubbub was all about. Apparently Samsung has eliminated this.

6. Amazon or a partner seller?

Local big box stores sell this unit for (including tax) anywhere from $500 – $800+ more. Insane. I knew I’d be ordering it from Amazon. But sometimes the partner sellers are cheaper…what to do. It just so happened that the day I ordered it Amazon had the lowest price. But had they not, I still would have paid the extra small price difference to get it from Amazon. I have no experience with the partner sellers but felt I’d have more recourse with Amazon if a problem occurred.

7. Gaming performance

I also bought a PS3 and Xbox 360 at the same time. Both are stunning, and nope, no input lag on either system using very inexpensive HDMI 1.3 cables. (However, I’ve read of people’s feedback on the a650 where they have experienced lag. This is where the superior processor of the 750 comes in). I’ve played fast-paced shooters, racing, and adventure games with no lag issues. I may have had a minor lag issue with SOF on the 360 but that could just be the game. Games on the 52a750 will have you hypnotized, especially if it’s your first foray into HD.

8. Sound

Could care less. I’m using a home theater system, but with the 750′s woofer I’m sure the sound is good/great for a flat panel unit.

9. Light and glare from the glossy finish

Has not been an issue for me. At all.

10. Final thoughts

Comcast HD (via Motorola box), PS3 Blu-Ray, PS3 games, Xbox 360 games all look incredible. I sometimes watch content that I’d otherwise be bored with just because of the gorgeous picture. Plasma has nothing on the a750 and gaming is lag-free via HDMI. Buy this TV and your friends (especially those owning plasmas) will be envious if not outright jealous.