Cheap Plasmas: which one?

[GreenGhost]

I'm considering either the Panny TC=P42X1 or the Samsung PN42B450. About the same price ($637 at Newegg and $614 at Fry's). I tried to check them at a BestBuy, the Panny had yellowish whites, but I think there was a problem with the setup, so I cannot count it against it.

Anyone has compared these two?

What about their reliability records?

 

[PJABBER]

You are probably going to get quite a few more expert opinions on these specific models in the form of a head to head comparison from AVSForum.com

Based on reading some reviews on Amazon, I would give a slight edge to the Samsung.

For what it is worth, I decided on a 50" Samsung after comparing them with equivalent Panasonics. The Samsungs are more tweakable and can often be found a bit cheaper than the Panasonics. But, I don't think you will go wrong with either set.

You might check around to see if you can find a plasma with 1080P resolution for a few dollars more. When I was checking out 42" sets I saw a noticeable difference in picture quality with the higher resolutions when used with Blu-ray and HD-DVD. If these formats aren't important to you and/or you sit more than 9 feet from the TV, it will likely not make a difference to your viewing pleasure. My family and I sit close sometimes and are just getting into the high def DVDs and it was worth going with 1080p.

 

[mc866]

I'm enjoying my "cheap" panny plasma. I didn't compare to the samsung much so I couldn't tell you more about that. I did some research over at AVS and it seemed the consensus was that many people liked the pannys over the samsungs. In the end it's personal preference, good luck!

 

[Tiamat]

Pretty much a toss up.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

panny

 

[Exterous]

Originally posted by: mc866
I did some research over at AVS and it seemed the consensus was that many people liked the pannys over the samsungs. In the end it's personally preference, good luck!

I noticed this as well during my time as a TV installer. I will say Panasonics did tend to come with the worst calibration out of the box though. IIRC the reds were always way too low (Although they had one line where the reds were almost always too high. I think it was the PX800U). Samsungs tended to be better calibrated. That being said I would always recommend getting your Display calibrated. There are quite a few options out there from $24 up to hundreds of dollars depending on your disires and budget

 

[smitbret]

Traditionally, you'll get more accurate color from the Samsungs, but the Panansonics seem to have a much better track record for dealing with simple things like glare (always an issue with plasma). From what I've been reading, the Samsung Plasmas have jumped up a notch or two this year, though. If you think style points are important, then the Samsungs are a clear winner. Don't think you'd go wrong with either.

 

[GreenGhost]

I decided to go with the Samsung. Bought from Fry's on Friday and got it delivered on Saturday. Very happy with it. The speakers are somewhat weak, so they wil be complemented by some Polk bookshelf, which fit the room in the tv stand.

 

[richardycc]

Samsung has better plasma pic, but some of them make this annoying neon sign like buzzing noise..if your doesn't buzz, it's a keeper.

 

[Onita]

Today, you can get the 42s1 (which is 1080p, if you care, for $809.99 + tax, minus 8% bing and 10% sears card rebate. Great deals on the 46 and 50" too

 

[kalrith]

See this thread for some good info on the same topic.

 

[Icepick]

I compared these two side by side in the store (the 50" version) and purchased the Samsung. The Panasonic had more accurate color representation, but appeared grainy at 2-3 feet away. The Samsung's picture looked crisp and was brighter. I decided upon the smoothness of the Samsung's picture over the Panasonic.

Also, a major factor was the frame. The Panasonic has a red LED that stays lit while the TV is on. This probably wouldn't be noticed by most people, but I find it annoying. My eye keeps getting drawn to it while watching TV. Also, the Panasonic had a metallic accent stripe along the bottom of it which also bothered my. The Samsung's frame is solid black with no lights on it.

Another plus for the Samsung is that it has a VGA input built into it in case you ever decide to connect an HTPC or laptop to it.

 

[flexy]

I like my samsung plasma. Watch something like Star Wars EP I, and II and be blown away by the image quality.

 

[mmntech]

Check out my thread on this. My parents wanted one and ended up going with the Sammy. Excellent picture quality on it and it was quite a bit cheaper than the Panasonic. I can put up with the faint buzz it makes since my TV makes a high pitched whine when it heats up.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: GreenGhost
I decided to go with the Samsung. Bought from Fry's on Friday and got it delivered on Saturday. Very happy with it. The speakers are somewhat weak, so they wil be complemented by some Polk bookshelf, which fit the room in the tv stand.

It seems that this post went totally unnoticed.

Congrats on the new TV!