Black Level/Contrast: Black registered a very impressive .06 average luminance in our contrast ratio test. It's impressive and inky and you notice it with almost all content. The Pioneer KURO blacks were world renowned, but this is close. Post calibration ANSI checkerboard contrast measured one of the best recent results at a heroic 425:1.
Dark Shadow Detail: Though blacks are intense, dark shadow detail was not impaired by oversaturation – an excellent result with all content.
Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Flesh tones are natural and err on the saturated side as does all color information. Colors are vibrant and lively.
Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: Perfect result here.
Aesthetic Considerations: A slight drawback to the B550 might be its somewhat 2008 looks. The bezel is too wide for my taste at 2.5 inches on the sides and bottom and oddly out of balance 2.25" on the top. Other drawbacks are a good bit of glare from both the wide frame and the overlay screen. This screen though is part of the reason for those excellent blacks so give it a pass. A couple of positives are the slight 3" depth of the TV which makes it great for wall mounting. And if you choose to place it on a table instead, you'll be pleased with the side to side swivel table top stand..
Energy: The TV received the energy star rating. The power consumption rating is 440 watts.