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Panasonic or Samsung Plasma?

aphex

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
So I think i've narrowed my TV choice down to the following three models;

(All 50" 1080p Plasmas)

Panasonic TC-P50S1 - $1299
Panasonic TC-P50G10 - $1439
Samsung PN50B550 - $1349

The two Panasonics are almost the same TV, with the G10 adding a few more manual controls and the THX picture mode. The B550 on the other hand has the wife's vote as it looks considerably better when its off (I actually do agree with her on this one, the Samsung has considerably more style to it while the Panasonic leaves a bit to be desired).

I've seen all three in person and to be honest, they ALL look great IMO in the limited viewing environment's i've used them in.

Which would you get?

EDIT: Ended up with the Samsung PN50B650 for $1250 ($1399 - 10% coupon).
 
Last year I would have said Panasonic hands down. This year Sammy has definitely leveled the playing field, but I think that price on the S1 makes it a hard panel to shoot down. The big addition to the G10 is the THX mode and it is reported to have better blacks, so you need to decide if the 140 bucks is worth blacks/THX. On the other hand, 50 bucks gets you the better color accuracy which Samsung plasmas are known for, and I think the 550/S1 have pretty similar blacks overall.
 
I'm going through the same choice. I'm caught between the 50" G10 and the PN50A760. Costco doesn't sell the Samsung anymore, so perhaps my choice is already made...
 
Originally posted by: Tiamat
I'm going through the same choice. I'm caught between the 50" G10 and the PN50A760. Costco doesn't sell the Samsung anymore, so perhaps my choice is already made...
Click to expand...

For you, G10 in a heartbeat. Whenever I look a TV's the year over year improvement I am always impressed. I would definitely not buy a 2008 when 2009's are already popping up with great deals.
 
Originally posted by: krotchy
Originally posted by: Tiamat
I'm going through the same choice. I'm caught between the 50" G10 and the PN50A760. Costco doesn't sell the Samsung anymore, so perhaps my choice is already made...
Click to expand...

For you, G10 in a heartbeat. Whenever I look a TV's the year over year improvement I am always impressed. I would definitely not buy a 2008 when 2009's are already popping up with great deals.
Click to expand...

I'm coming from a 37" Westinghouse LCD so they all look good 🙂 I'll keep the G10 at the front of my list. I'm working on purchasing room acoustical treatments first 😛
 
Originally posted by: manimal
The G10 is priced right for what you get thats for sure. Now I know the new B850s are priced alot higher but they are amazing if you havent seen them yet. Show the wife how thin the new 850s are.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...&cp=1&id=1218076082586

I bet you could offer 1899 for one at BB right now for that TV since everyone is hurtin for sales.
Click to expand...

Well the 850 sure is nice, but I'm not too concerned with thinness as its going to be sitting on a AV Console. My wife just really doesn't like how the Panny looks, and I can't say I disagree though my primary concern is PQ.
 
Originally posted by: manimal
If it makes the wife happy the PN550 wouldnt be that big of a step down.
Click to expand...

It is still step down though, and it is noticeable, IMO. If PQ is the primary concern, the Panny wins.
 
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: manimal
If it makes the wife happy the PN550 wouldnt be that big of a step down.
Click to expand...

It is still step down though, and it is noticeable, IMO. If PQ is the primary concern, the Panny wins.
Click to expand...

Is it through? I haven't seen any in depth reviews of the 09 sammys yet, just what my eye was telling me in the bad environment of the store. To my eyes, the Sammy looked every bit as good as the S1, with the Sammy seemingly having more vibrant colors and the Panny a bit sharper.
 
Originally posted by: aphex
Originally posted by: Muadib
Originally posted by: manimal
If it makes the wife happy the PN550 wouldnt be that big of a step down.
Click to expand...

It is still step down though, and it is noticeable, IMO. If PQ is the primary concern, the Panny wins.
Click to expand...

Is it through? I haven't seen any in depth reviews of the 09 sammys yet, just what my eye was telling me in the bad environment of the store. To my eyes, the Sammy looked every bit as good as the S1, with the Sammy seemingly having more vibrant colors and the Panny a bit sharper.
Click to expand...

That's why I added IMO. That's how it looks to me. I'm guessing you have a few weeks before you see any reviews.
 
Panasonic TC-P50S1
$1,225.46 shipped at 6ave with code AFL5.

I purchased a 42" Panasonic plasma from them during their BF sale. No problems with free delivery. Did not get white glove delivery but delivery dudes unboxed it, and checked it out.
 
Originally posted by: MadScientist
Panasonic TC-P50S1
$1,225.46 shipped at 6ave with code AFL5.

I purchased a 42" Panasonic plasma from them during their BF sale. No problems with free delivery. Did not get white glove delivery but delivery dudes unboxed it, and checked it out.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up, but I'm sticking with local after my DLP fiasco. 3 years no interest + relatively cheap 4 year warranty that covers burn in and IR ($259) at best buy, I'm willing to spend a little more.

Good to know the price keeps dropping fast on the S1 though 🙂
 
So BB has the Samsung PN50B650 on sale this week for $1399 and my local BB will let me stack a 10% off coupon on top ($1260 + tax OTD)

Should I jump?
 
Samsung picked up a lot of engineers that were let go from Sony. They are investing heavily into display technology (well, everything actually) so I am not surprised at the leap.
 
So I ended up getting the PN50B650 last night, should be delivered tomorrow (providing they can schedule a delivery that fits my schedule)

Yea!!!

Thanks for the help everyone!
 
Originally posted by: aphex
So I ended up getting the PN50B650 last night, should be delivered tomorrow (providing they can schedule a delivery that fits my schedule)

Yea!!!

Thanks for the help everyone!
Click to expand...

Very nice man.
 
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