Samsung LN52650 vs PN50A550

iserum · 12-04-2008, 09:32 PM

i was looking at two sets side by fed by HDMI at CC, to be honest the LCD looked so good against plasma (i am talking about image details), the black levels were so good i had to see closely where black bars are, on plasma the black bars were not completely black. the plasma which was close in PQ is much more expensive. i am surprised to see this. the price of A550 is around $1800 for 52 inch and with black level so close or better than plasma, no screen reflections, a lighter LCD (52 inch samsung around 60 lbs as compared to 50 inch plasma aroung 85 lbs) is much better with no burn in potential less energy consmption. The black level and picture details on SONY and SAMSUNG are far better with any models watch out plasma.

Amount of picture setting that SAMSUNG offers in their sets is very helpfull, in order to get those level on a panasonic ,plasmas it has to be 850u series which are well over $2000 price point. this is where plasma is loosing price advantage over LCD, plasma real price advantage is 50 inch but there is lot of MPEG noise i have seen on Panasonic 50PX80U (inaccurate color associated with this model as mentioned by Cnet) and to lesser extent on Samsung 720p 50 inch model (very accurate color with so so balck level).

Loves2Watch · 12-04-2008, 09:46 PM

Now, you know, you can't compare black levels between a LCD and plasma in a store with all of that high intensity lighting. Shame on you

iserum · 12-04-2008, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Now, you know, you can't compare black levels between a LCD and plasma in a store with all of that high intensity lighting. Shame on you

the store lighting was very dim much like home condition, that is why i wrote the whole story. Also to make a point that most people make a decision make on store display. Even though all the professional reviews praise plasma black levels (need to get high end plasmas to get the best details). i personally wanted to get a plasma to replace my 46 inch LCD set but now i have second thoughts.

I am skeptical about plsamas long term reliability as there are many people complained about panasonic plasma failing (red blinking light failure) failure range is from immediate to 3 years, i don't want to buy 5 year warranty to watch TV, it is absurd from these manufacturers to say the 100,000 planel life when their power supply is failing much much earlier. google with panasonic red light failure to find the complaints, some people will argue it is less than 5 percent but the numbers are higher, the cost of repairs is more than $1k in most cases, it is hapenning in every model panasonic has produced in last 3-4 years and people who bought plasma three years ago at least paid at leask 3-4 K for 42 to 50 inch model, there are not happy with this failure.

Loves2Watch · 12-05-2008, 08:18 AM

I don't know where you are getting your failure rate info from but I work in the industry and haven't seen what you are saying from the sales/return side nor the repair side.

In any case, the many people I know and associate with that do have plasma TV's have not had problems (except in one case and it was promptly repaired) in 4 years of ownership. Also as each new generation arrives the quality gets better and the bugs worked out. I am very pleased with mine as is everyone I know.

Even if you were in a store with dimmed lighting, it is still a store and the lighting in no way resembles what is in your home.

Plasma delivers a superior picture. Pioneer, Panasonic and Samsung all make very good TV's using plasma technology.

Rick-F · 12-05-2008, 08:45 AM

There is little doubt that the black level on the Samsung LCDs is about as good as it gets in the LCD arena. It is my opinion that had you been watching both units with a 1080P source in home-like lighting situation, with both sets properly adjusted-- you would have liked the Samsung plasma better.

It is not a lot better, because both are fine pictures.

When you consider the LCD is 2" Larger, it is lighter, it cost less, and uses less power-- well it seems like a good pick -- you really won't notice it has a picture not quite as good as the plasma-- because you won't have one next to to compare.

Black level on the Samsung plasma is not as dark as Panasonic or Pioneer. However, color accuracy on the Sammy beats both the others-- and video processing is slightly better than Panasonic. Conclusion-- best plasma picture belongs to Pioneer, followed very, very closely by Samsung & Panasonic. Panasonic has been building plasmas for quite a few years and have a fine reputation (except for one generation of "weak power supplies")-- Samsung is somewhat "new" to plasma and does not yet have that established reliability factor shared by Pio & Panny. Yet picture quality and price make them very, very attractive.

Yes, Panasonic had a power supply problem. I have an older 50" Panny plasma (PX50) and have never had one single problem with it (and it has been moved, by truck, five times)-- I think today's units are just as reliable. I hope the new larger Sammy plasma serves me as well.

**PFC5** · 12-05-2008, 01:01 PM

These stores use Sodium lamps to like the stores and I don't know any home owner who uses such lamps in their homes.

I have tried to compare LCD vs plasma in stores and even stores that have dimmer lights and it maybe those sodium lamps in the store that hide the poorer viewing angles and black levels on the LCDs, but in a home the same LCD display becomes much more noticeable. I can NEVER see these issues any where near as much in the store, but once home they are there. This is after calibrating the displays as well.

I purposely tied to see the issues that my first LCD had in my home with the second LCD I bought in the store but I just couldn't see more than slight traces, but when I got it home I could see them in that new one. Now that I have the plasma in the same lighting the difference in black levels and viewing angles is startling.

Many people will not have the two technologies in their home to compare like I do so they will not see this if they buy an LCD so it can be a case of what you don't know won't hurt you, but I wanted to relay my experience with HOME LIGHTING which is completely different than the store lighting and that changes how this displays look. Plasma improves in home lighting for me, and LCDs look worse in home lighting. I suspect that is part of the reason LCDs have become so popular because of how they look in store lighting over home lighting.

iserum · 12-05-2008, 07:22 PM

here is the thread on AVS regarding panasonic plasma failures, my concern is that new models should not have same failures which were present in three years old model.

http://www./avs-vb/showthread.php?t=...turning&page=6

simon123 · 01-29-2009, 02:18 PM

post 3

daleb · 01-29-2009, 02:27 PM

Some just like the look of LCD, and the best ones look very good. If you are not much into the film experience, the differences are small.
But with 'theater' lighting, and a good BlueRay transfer, plasma has a definite edge.
Same goes for some of the better movies and series in HD on broadcast too.

12-04-2008, 09:32 PM	#1
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,885	Samsung LN52650 vs PN50A550 i was looking at two sets side by fed by HDMI at CC, to be honest the LCD looked so good against plasma (i am talking about image details), the black levels were so good i had to see closely where black bars are, on plasma the black bars were not completely black. the plasma which was close in PQ is much more expensive. i am surprised to see this. the price of A550 is around $1800 for 52 inch and with black level so close or better than plasma, no screen reflections, a lighter LCD (52 inch samsung around 60 lbs as compared to 50 inch plasma aroung 85 lbs) is much better with no burn in potential less energy consmption. The black level and picture details on SONY and SAMSUNG are far better with any models watch out plasma. Amount of picture setting that SAMSUNG offers in their sets is very helpfull, in order to get those level on a panasonic ,plasmas it has to be 850u series which are well over $2000 price point. this is where plasma is loosing price advantage over LCD, plasma real price advantage is 50 inch but there is lot of MPEG noise i have seen on Panasonic 50PX80U (inaccurate color associated with this model as mentioned by Cnet) and to lesser extent on Samsung 720p 50 inch model (very accurate color with so so balck level). __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A1/Tivo HD SAMSUNG LNT-4661F/ Pioneer BDP-51FD/Dell XPS, Nvidia 9500 GT SONY BRAVIA 40V2500/40 GB PS3, WII, Intel Core 2 Duo with Nvidia 6800 Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Harmony Remote One Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40 Last edited by iserum; 12-04-2008 at 10:07 PM.

12-04-2008, 09:46 PM	#2
Loves2Watch Live and Breathe HD Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lost Causes, NM Posts: 11,334	Now, you know, you can't compare black levels between a LCD and plasma in a store with all of that high intensity lighting. Shame on you __________________ Anthem, Conrad Johnson, Dish Network/JVC, Dynaudio, Infinity, Integra, JL Audio, Klipsch, Magnepan, Marantz, Martin Logan, Onkyo, Oppo, Outlaw Audio, Panasonic, Paradigm, REL, Sumiko, SVSound, and Toshiba are the brands equipment I currently use. I have owned/used and tested equipment made by just about any manufacturer you can name.

12-05-2008, 08:18 AM	#4
Loves2Watch Live and Breathe HD Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lost Causes, NM Posts: 11,334	I don't know where you are getting your failure rate info from but I work in the industry and haven't seen what you are saying from the sales/return side nor the repair side. In any case, the many people I know and associate with that do have plasma TV's have not had problems (except in one case and it was promptly repaired) in 4 years of ownership. Also as each new generation arrives the quality gets better and the bugs worked out. I am very pleased with mine as is everyone I know. Even if you were in a store with dimmed lighting, it is still a store and the lighting in no way resembles what is in your home. Plasma delivers a superior picture. Pioneer, Panasonic and Samsung all make very good TV's using plasma technology. __________________ Anthem, Conrad Johnson, Dish Network/JVC, Dynaudio, Infinity, Integra, JL Audio, Klipsch, Magnepan, Marantz, Martin Logan, Onkyo, Oppo, Outlaw Audio, Panasonic, Paradigm, REL, Sumiko, SVSound, and Toshiba are the brands equipment I currently use. I have owned/used and tested equipment made by just about any manufacturer you can name.

12-05-2008, 08:45 AM	#5
Rick-F 58" & 50" PDP / 2 32" LCD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,423	There is little doubt that the black level on the Samsung LCDs is about as good as it gets in the LCD arena. It is my opinion that had you been watching both units with a 1080P source in home-like lighting situation, with both sets properly adjusted-- you would have liked the Samsung plasma better. It is not a lot better, because both are fine pictures. When you consider the LCD is 2" Larger, it is lighter, it cost less, and uses less power-- well it seems like a good pick -- you really won't notice it has a picture not quite as good as the plasma-- because you won't have one next to to compare. Black level on the Samsung plasma is not as dark as Panasonic or Pioneer. However, color accuracy on the Sammy beats both the others-- and video processing is slightly better than Panasonic. Conclusion-- best plasma picture belongs to Pioneer, followed very, very closely by Samsung & Panasonic. Panasonic has been building plasmas for quite a few years and have a fine reputation (except for one generation of "weak power supplies")-- Samsung is somewhat "new" to plasma and does not yet have that established reliability factor shared by Pio & Panny. Yet picture quality and price make them very, very attractive. Yes, Panasonic had a power supply problem. I have an older 50" Panny plasma (PX50) and have never had one single problem with it (and it has been moved, by truck, five times)-- I think today's units are just as reliable. I hope the new larger Sammy plasma serves me as well. Last edited by Rick-F; 12-05-2008 at 08:53 AM.

12-05-2008, 01:01 PM	#6
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 24,868	These stores use Sodium lamps to like the stores and I don't know any home owner who uses such lamps in their homes. I have tried to compare LCD vs plasma in stores and even stores that have dimmer lights and it maybe those sodium lamps in the store that hide the poorer viewing angles and black levels on the LCDs, but in a home the same LCD display becomes much more noticeable. I can NEVER see these issues any where near as much in the store, but once home they are there. This is after calibrating the displays as well. I purposely tied to see the issues that my first LCD had in my home with the second LCD I bought in the store but I just couldn't see more than slight traces, but when I got it home I could see them in that new one. Now that I have the plasma in the same lighting the difference in black levels and viewing angles is startling. Many people will not have the two technologies in their home to compare like I do so they will not see this if they buy an LCD so it can be a case of what you don't know won't hurt you, but I wanted to relay my experience with HOME LIGHTING which is completely different than the store lighting and that changes how this displays look. Plasma improves in home lighting for me, and LCDs look worse in home lighting. I suspect that is part of the reason LCDs have become so popular because of how they look in store lighting over home lighting. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma Settings RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

12-05-2008, 07:22 PM	#7
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,885	here is the thread on AVS regarding panasonic plasma failures, my concern is that new models should not have same failures which were present in three years old model. http://www./avs-vb/showthread.php?t=...turning&page=6 __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A1/Tivo HD SAMSUNG LNT-4661F/ Pioneer BDP-51FD/Dell XPS, Nvidia 9500 GT SONY BRAVIA 40V2500/40 GB PS3, WII, Intel Core 2 Duo with Nvidia 6800 Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Harmony Remote One Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40

01-29-2009, 02:18 PM	#8
simon123 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 12	post 3

01-29-2009, 02:27 PM	#9
daleb High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 6,717	Some just like the look of LCD, and the best ones look very good. If you are not much into the film experience, the differences are small. But with 'theater' lighting, and a good BlueRay transfer, plasma has a definite edge. Same goes for some of the better movies and series in HD on broadcast too. __________________ Samsung PN50A650 plasma, Arcam AVR350, Dali Ikon6 (Vokal2&OnWalls), Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX sub, Anti-Mode 8033B, Oppo Digital BDP-83, Polk XM Tuner, Furman Elite power conditioner

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