Samsung entry-level LCDs hit the matte

The 720p LNA450P series has matte screens...

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung's flat-panel LCD introductions at CES 2008 comprise four series of televisions, namely the entry-level 4 (720p) and 5 (1080p) series models and the higher-end 6 and 7 series displays. One of the major differences between the two groups of two series is that the screens of the entry-level models have a matte finish, while the screens of the more expensive models use the same kind of shiny screen--albeit an updated version--that we complained about with last year's LN-T4665F and other high-end models.

Aside from the screen, the Samsung press release mentions a 178-degree viewing angle (the same as last year's models, for what it's worth), hidden speakers, a side-mounted HDMI port, and a redesigned remote that includes "hot keys" that allow one-button access to different video sources.

The 720p native resolution (technically 1366x768) resolution 4 series includes the 19-inch LN19A450P, the 22-inch LN22A450P, the 26-inch LN26A450P, the 32-inch LN32A450P, the 37-inch LN37A450P, and the 40-inch LN19A450P.

The 1080p (1920x1080) resolution 5 series adds touch-sensitive controls on the cabinet, three total HDMI inputs (one on the side), and a side-mounted USB 2.0 port. It includes the 32-inch LN32A550P, the 40-inch LN40A550P, the 46-inch LN46A550P, the 52-inch LN52A550P.

Samsung did not confirm pricing for any of these models at press time but did say they will ship in March 2008.

...as does the 1080p LNA550P series

(Credit: Samsung)