The Samsung LCD Series: What's in a Name?

Samsung HDTVs regularly top the list of most popular sets, probably because of their combination of high-class quality and middle-class price tag. You'll have to look pretty hard to tell the difference in picture quality between a Samsung LCD and a pricier Sony Bravia. So, if you want a top of the line LCD but a Bravia just might break the bank, a Samsung may be your best bet.

But what's the difference between the models? The product names will give you a clue. Every Samsung LCD HDTV has a name like "LN-S4696D" or "LN-T4061F". The main division is between the LN-S and LN-T sets. The LN-T series is the newer series, with a slightly different type of screen, generally higher contrast ratios and more options for picture quality in each size. The LN-Ts also have a glossy piano black finish on the frame, while the LN-Ss have a flat black frame.

The next element of the name is the first two numbers, designating the size. The LN-T4061F is 40 inches, the LN-T4661F is 46 inches, and so on. Simple.

The next two numbers designate the specific model of TV within each size, and correspond to the quality, number of features, and price. As an example, here is a comparison of the different models within the 40 inch LN-T category:

As you can see, the higher the numbers in the name, the better TV you get, and the more you pay. And finally, sets with an H at the end have 720p resolution, while ones with an F have 1080p. Almost everything else is the same for all five of these sets, like an 8ms response time, a PC input port, and all the standard accessories.

The latest addition to Samsung's lineup is the 81 series. As of August 2007, the only size available is the 52 inch size, but more will follow soon. The 81 series features a new display technology called 120Hz frame rate, which doubles the speed at which images are displayed. It will make sports and fast action scenes appear smoother, and remove the uneven appearance of some movies.

Learn more about 120Hz and the Samsung 81 series at the FlatHDTV Blog.