Showing posts with label 50 inch plasma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 50 inch plasma. Show all posts

2/21/2012

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with THX Display Certification Review

LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with THX Display Certification
Average Reviews:

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The LG 50PS60 is my first flat panel TV purchase. I'm very happy with it. I don't use the THX Cinema setting, instead I've modified the standard setting to my liking - though black is not as black as when it is off. I can't seem to achieve that, but as a novice I'm not sure if that's a reasonable goal.
One small nit - sometimes I find the TV has changed itself from the standard setting to something else, like THX or Vivid. I think this happens if I toggle around too much in the TV menu, but I'm not sure what triggers this changing.
This TV has an auto-brightness feature that evaluates the room brightness and adjusts the picture accordingly. Lower brightness reduces power consumption on a plasma. This TV does have a more glossy screen than some other manufacturers. We watch TV in the evening, in a moderately dark room - but even with a lights on I can't say I've ever been aware of reflections in the screen. So for me, no biggie.
I'm driving this display with a DirecTV HD DVR and a Panasonic DVD recorder/player, both via HDMI. I'm surprised and pleased how good the DVD looks. BlueRay is on the wish list for now. DirecTV 1080i and 720p content looks great.
Yesterday my family viewed my daughter's jpg pictures of her trip to Greece on the 50PS60 via the USB jack and built-in picture viewing software. The pictures looked outstanding, and the large screen is perfect for group viewing. You can even add a music file to play while viewing pictures! All I need now is for the TV to serve chips and beer.
I bought my 50PS60 from Amazon partner OneCall, which shipped within 24 hours from Washington state. They had strapped it upright on a long pallet, with two shockwatch stickers attached. Perfect condition. OneCall is an authorized dealer so I was able to take advantage of the LG [...] on this unit, which made selecting this unit a no brainer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with THX Display Certification

THX display certification sets this series apart. 50" PDP 1080P HDTV, 1920 x 1080 Resolution, THX Display Certified, 600Hz Sub Field Driving, 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 1,500 cd/m2 Brightness, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM - 1 Tuner, Dual XD Engine, SRS TruSurround XT, 4 HDMI input

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12/12/2011

LG 50PQ30 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

LG 50PQ30 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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Pros: Rich, vibrant colors; full complement of inputs; extensive color calibration and menu system; inky plasma blacks
Cons: Ineffective anti-reflective coating; basic remote; jerky motion on panning
Summary: This year's bargain plasmas - the Samsung 50PNB450, Panasonic TC-P50X1, and the LG 50PQ30 here - can all be found for around the same price. Each set has its strengths and weaknesses, but in my opinion this LG set comes out the strongest of the pack to be the best big-screen value in 2009.
This set looks great. The swivel stand is a gentle oval in front but tapered in the back to allow you to push it close to a wall - thoughtful. All the inputs are well labeled and easy to find, and LG includes a full batch of cable ties and routes for your convenience - thoughtful. There's also a handy microfiber cloth to polish the shiny bezel - thoughtful. Out of the box, it's a great experience.
Once plugged in to an HD source (I have a Scientific Atlanta HD cable box, a XBox 360, and a Samsung BD-P1600 Blu Ray player), the colors in Standard mode are much better than on the Panasonic plasma I also own. LG generously included two "expert" modes which allow full tuning of each color channel as well as adjustments for greyscale, gamma, etc - this set easily bests the competition from Panasonic and Samsung, with the added bonus that 95% of viewers will plug it in, think it looks great, and never touch any of that stuff. There are energy saving modes which dim the set according to prevailing light conditions as well, and the set automatically turns off if there's no signal.
I will add that this set does not buzz, or at least buzzes much less than my Panasonic plasma. I can hear the Panasonic from my seating position of 10 feet away, but only if I rest my head on the LG do I hear anything. This feels like a better constructed all-around package than this year's Panasonics.
The speakers are nicely hidden underneath the set, and LG includes several sound enhancement modes, two of which - the ClearVoice and auto-volume - are actually useful. It's more than enough for late-night viewing when we let the receiver rest and relax.
There is very little sign of image retention on this set. The only time I've seen it is from the bright white and red menus of the Netflix interface via Samsung's blu-ray player. It went away after a quick white wash. The set has a pixel orbiter which should mean no worries whatsoever with regards to burn in as long as you don't leave a DVD menu up all day.
As for the reflections, I think it's a combination of a coating less effective than Panasonic's as well as this just being one humongous piece of glass. It's easy to live with as long as you make sure there are no lights or windows within the same line of sight of you and the set (the swivel base is very helpful in minimizing reflections as well).
Once the movies get rolling, it's clear you've made a good decision. The set's pixel grid and screen-door effect are, of course, visible within 3 feet, but once you sit back 5 or more feet it disappears and you're left with a sharp, lifelike, colorful window onto the world. It's a marvelous set, the best I've ever seen in my house and I've paid over $2000 (34" CRT HDTV) for TVs before. Blacks are black, whites are white, and everything else is right.
It's hard to go wrong at this price with any of this year's sets, but the LG is the most stylish and best-priced of the lot. Given its natural color, solid build quality, full feature set, and fantastic image quality, the set recommends itself. Buy with confidence.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG 50PQ30 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

THX display certification sets this series apart. 50" PDP HDTV, 1365 x 768 Resolution, 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 1,500:1 cd/m2 Brightness, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM - 1 Tuner, SRS TruSurroundXT, 3 HDMI input. USB 2.0.

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10/18/2011

LG 50PK950 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

LG 50PK950 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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As for most people who looked at the LG PK950, I was also torn between the Panasonic G25/G20 vs LG PK950/PK990. All reviews were in favor of the G25 for better blacks and picture quality. The PK950 had better aesthetic design, response times and less phosphor trails for gaming. In the end chose PK950 for flicker-free viewing. The protective glass was also a factor since my daughter broke our LCD TV with a marvelously aimed Wii controller and our 2 year old son used to doodle directly on said LCD screen.
PICTURE QUALITY: I went to Frys in Sunnyvale, CA where they had both side-by-side. Since the demo mode on both TVs were set to vivid, the G25 had a bit higher contrast(brighter) so I switch both to Cinema(54" G25)/THX Cinema(60" PK950) mode . This made it easier to compare picture quality (if remote not available, access picture menu from left side of TVs). The G25 seems to have better accuracy on colors but was a little dull. The PK950 had more pop color wise but was a tad reddish. The G25 had more details on the shadows but wasn't sure if it really had better black levels or if the brightness was just set higher(better shadow detail). So I switched the PK950 from THX Cinema mode to THX Bright mode. The PK950 now had similar levels of shadow detail and now was able to do a better evaluation. Both TVs had similar picture quality with these settings except that the PK950 was a bit reddish (not so bad and I was able to get calibration to get it fixed) but seems to have a better response time to fast motion scenes. Black levels were the same as far as I can tell. According to a [...] review, both the G25 and PK950 had the same black levels. For 3 non-consecutive days, I evaluated both TVs for 2-3hrs at a time and was at first going for the G25 for better color accuracy. What swayed me towards the PK950 was the G25 flickering while watching some DiscoveryHD channel scenes which wasn't exhibited in the PK950. I just couldn't get used to it. I went to some forums like [...] and confirmed that it wasn't just me seeing it. Having owned the PK950 for 3 days, I can say that I'm very happy with the black levels and the picture quality and now calibrated using the settings in the [...] pk950 review ([...]). I had to use the PC and some XBOX360 1080p games with black icons /scenes to properly evaluate the black level and I can confidently say the black levels are way better than most LCDs and other plasmas. G25 most likely has better blacks but potentially may have the floating black problems but maybe not. The PK950 also came without any dead pixels and had no visible problems with color accuracy including reddish tint using [...] calibration. The PK750 and PK950 also have an undefeatable sharpening/image processing (except if you label HDMI as PC and viewing 1080p content), but I don't even notice it so if you're not aware of it then the better. A firmware update is suppose to be in the works (see [...])
REFLECTIONS: If reflections are a concern as with all plasmas, I watch with all windows and 2 glass sliding doors open without shutters during day time. There are reflections from the glass doors. My viewing distance was from 10-12ft radius around the living room with the content viewable from all angles including retained black levels to 25-30ft away from the dining room. There are no reflections from the dining room where the sliding glass doors are situated but see some reflections in the living room from the glass doors. I guess I'm used to some reflections on glass panels like on a MacBook Pro so I don't mind much. Depending on angles where you sit like sitting from an angle behind the source of the reflection, removes some to all. I do think the TruBlack filter helps a bit but they need more work for daytime viewing. Nighttime is a different story. Even with all lights turned I don't see any reflections. Friends and family who came over 2 nights ago during a party at night (all lights on) thought we had a new slim LED LCD TV. When I told them it was a Plasma, they commented how there weren't any reflections at all and impressed with inherent brightness and color accuracy. No comments made on black levels and I forgot to ask. Overall, if you can control ambient lighting during daytime, you won't have anything to worry about with the PK950. At Frys, the G25 handled the reflections better.
IMAGE RETENTION: The PK950 still has image retention while playing some XBOX 360 games with static images (HUDs/icons) for 2+ hours but temporary. It's not something to worry about because they quickly disappear and that was when I wasn't using the "Orbiter" screen saver. Plasmas tend to get better with image retention after some break-in (100+ hours???). With Orbiter in place, haven't seen any image retention for now. By the way, the Panasonic 50" G25 (not the 54") in Frys Sunnyvale, CA has a permanent image retention on the upper right of the TV. Watch when you have a white background on the Panny 50" G25. This is why I didn't even consider image retention on the LG PK950 as a problem since all plasmas are susceptible even Panasonic's it seems.
GAMING: I played some XBOX 360 games on the PK950 including Super Street Fighter 4 and Modern Warfare 2 and I can say the input lag is hardly noticeable. I can still pull off Street Fighter moves without any timing adjustments. Online gaming had a more profound effect on my timings even on an LCD HDTV. The good news is that phosphor trails is hardly there in the PK950 compared to other plasmas ([...]). Modern Warfare 2 displayed a bit during a dark scene with some white 3D objects displaying some phosphor trails during a fast pan in any direction but hardly noticeable. Response times while playing Modern Warfare 2 is fast and you don't get that artificial motion processing you get with LCDs (my opinion). The Game picture mode seems to be the perfect AV mode for playing. THX Cinema and THX Cinema Bright dulls most colors but the deep blacks are retained in the Game AV mode anyway especially with black icons/HUDs. The [...] calibration seems to be ok for gaming as well.
WIDGETS: Only YouTube was compatible with the magic remote. Yahoo TV Widgets, Netflix, Vudu, and Twitter needs the regular remote for typing letters, numbers, and characters. It is a chore using the regular remote and prefer the magic remote like on the Wii to use the onscreen UI keyboard. The Yahoo TV Widgets is a bit slow and needs some improvements like caching maybe to lessen load times or that PK950 just doesn't have enough oomph. I'm used to the regular remote navigation with the ROKU Netflix box so it's not really a surprise how slow going it can be, but wished LG allowed third party keyboard/mouse to be supported. Waiting for Skype app since the LG AN-VC100 Video Call Camera is now available. LG hope you're reading this, keyboard/mouse support please for Skype chat and app usability. Haven't used Flicker and Picasa much. I wish Yahoo TV Widgets have more than 15 apps and had an IM widget. PK950 also come with free games and a Calendar. LG please add the ability to sync Outlook and Google Mail calendar with notifications...it'd the be one of the most used apps on the PK950 if implemented. You can't use THX Cinema, Expert isf, and other AV modes while using widgets but can still use regular Cinema, Sport, Standard, Vivid, etc and can change some color settings including brightness and contrast.
WIRED and WIRELESS: I tried both WIRED and the free WIRELESS dongle connections and didn't have any problems to setup. I only have a G router but was able to stream Netflix and Vudu in convincing full HD.
INPUT CONNECTIONS: PK950 can detect new connections like USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and Component or if the device connected to the input is turned on. It doesn't automatically switch and a confirmation box first asks the user whether to continue or not. PK950 is not 3D ready as far as I can tell.
MEDIA: LG has the best UI of all TVs I've seen in my opinion. It's easy to navigate through the menus. This is also true with their DLNA/USB media feature and the UI leaves you with a good experience even it is sometimes slow. Pictures, music, and videos in different encodings loaded without any problems. Even some big encoded HD videos that don't play properly in iPhones, Android, WM play just fine. Unlike widgets, you can change to THX Cinema AV mode, Expert isf mode, etc...
OVERALL: I recommend the 50PK950 to anyone shopping for a Plasma TV. My experience so far is great and have no regrets choosing the LG PK950 over the Panasonic G25.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG 50PK950 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

The ultimate in LG plasma displays is now available with the InfiniaTM PK950. Truly a marvel in plasma display design, it offers groundbreaking design elements, smart innovations like the anti-glare TruBlack Filter, THX certification and the wonders of broadband TV. Imagine anything you might want in a plasma display and it's been made a reality with the PK950.

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10/07/2011

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P50S1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P50S1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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The value you get for the price of this tv is second to none. I just recently put this tv in my house replacing an old rear projection tv and i am amazed at its color accuracy. I did find my self making a few tweeks from the factory settings but once you get it to where you like the picture you'll fall in love. Sports and movies shine on this set. I preferred the plasma over the lcd because the movement on the tv was much more natural than the 120hz lcd displays. I sell T.V.s at sears and after being around both for a while I find the plasma image much easier and natural to look at. I chose Panasonic because they seem to have mastered the plasma technology and even a Samsung rep told me that he preferred Panasonic's plasma to Samsungs plasma. I will admit to liking some of the new Sony's coming out and the new LED tv is really cool but you cant touch those televisions at this price point. I kind of wish I had waited for the G10 seeing as it came in at such a close price difference but I cant complain I love this tv and it is a few hundred dollars cheaper. I should also note that the anti-glare filter works really well I wouldn't be worried about glare issues. If anyone got through this review my advice to you is to buy this or the step up G10.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P50S1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

50" Plasma, 1080p, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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9/24/2011

Samsung Factory Refurbished LN52B610A5FXZA 52" 1080p LCD HD TV Review

Samsung Factory Refurbished LN52B610A5FXZA 52 1080p LCD HD TV
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I priced these every where and this is the best price in town. Love the TV and the picture is great

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Imagine watching your favorite movies and TV shows on this 52" LCD TV.You'll see captivating images full of realism in stunning 1080p high definition.And thanks to the 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio black tones and shadows are more defined.Plus Auto Motion Plus 120Hz and a 4ms response time keep action scenes running smoothly.With our exclusive Touch of Color design, the LN52b610 HDTV is the perfect addition to every space. * LCD 120Hz:Yes * Native Resolution:1080p * Audio Sound Effect System:SRS TruSurround HD * Sound Output(RMS):10wx2 * Input Output:HDMIx4 (3 rear, 1 side) * Composite (AV):2 (1 rear/ 1 side shared) * Component:2 (rear) * USB:1 (side) * PC input (D-sub):Yes * Game Mode:Yes * HDMI-CEC:Yes * Wide Color Enhancer:Yes * USB 2.0 (MPEG Support):Yes * Touch of Color:Yes * USB 2.0 (Movie,JPEG):Yes (JPEG) * System:Tuners Built-in * Net Dimension: 50.2" x 34.1" x 12.1" * Net Weight: 68.6 lbs * Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measurements are approximate.

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8/31/2011

Samsung PN50A760 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with Red Touch of Color Review

Samsung PN50A760 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with Red Touch of Color
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I was originally going to buy a Kuro 50 inch plasma after looking at all the online reviews from many different sites. The Samsung 650 was also ranked very high, but there were some small negatives about the tv (some glare issues primarily) that had me holding off for the Kuro. Amazon originally had the Kuro for about 2k, but I didn't pull the trigger quick enough, and then it went away, and I couldn't find it anywhere for under $2,500.
I wasn't sure if I was going to go ahead and buy the 650 when I looked on Amazon one day and saw the new 50 inch 760 on sale for $1,599.00. After reading some professional reviews on this product (there wasn't a whole lot due to how new it was), I decided that this was an upgrade from the slightly older model, and decided to pull the trigger. Best decision I could have made! Not sure if experts still rank the Kuro higher than this television, but if they do, the Kuro must be out of this world, because this Samsung is UNBELIEVABLE. This is my first plasma tv purchase, and I was used to watching television on a 36" Panasonic traditional tv, but after seeing the picture on the Samung, I was blown away. Watching sports on tv makes you feel as if you are at the event. The color is amazing, the tv looks nice, and the swivel on the stand allows me to turn the tv to face me when my wife isn't around. It even makes bad movies good (think Spiderman 3), awful movie, but awesome special effects in high def! I think the sound was decent as well, but it didn't have enough booming bass for me, so with the money I saved over the Kuro, I purchased a Denon soundbar to go along with the plasma to add better surround sound and booming bass. Now wherever I am seated in the room, I can turn my components to face me and enjoy a pretty good surround sound system. If you don't want to add a surround sound system, this tv handled sound well, but as I say I was really looking for more booming bass when I watched movies. It would have been great if there was a way to add a subwoofer directly to this television, something the Kuro has, but not the Samsung.
There is a teeny glare on the OUTSIDE edge of the television on the part that is not actually the screen(not sure why Samsung made it almost a mirror like edge), but nothing that is too distracting, and I got used to it pretty quickly. I have this in my living room which gets very little light when the shades are closed, but even with lights on, or during the day, the glare issue on this tv is not noticeable. I was a little leary given past Samsung reviews, but I can tell you that if possible glare is holding you back from buying this tv, don't think twice about it...not an issue. Also, you can watch this tv from anywhere in the room and see it clearly. The controls on the remote are extremely functionable, and everything is VERY easy to setup and tweak.
The other part of this purchase that is EXTREMELY important, and should be emphasized, is the process of buying DIRECTLY through Amazon.com. As long it is directly through Amazon.com (and not through an affiliate), shipping is included in the price, and the company handling the deliveries is TOP NOTCH. When I initially looked around for purchase possibilities, the thing that bothered me was that most companies had a policy where they would deliver the plasma to your front door only. You had to open the box, make sure that it worked, and then sign for it. If there was any type of problem, some would tell you to refuse delivery, and others would tell you that you had to get it fixed through the warranty process! The last thing I wanted to do was to get a defective set, and then have to get someone here to fix it! When I went with Amazon.com, the company delivering for them brought the plasma into my house, took it out of the box, put it on the open table, hooked it up, put batteries in the remote, setup the initial configuration, and made sure that it was working fine BEFORE I signed for it. This piece of mind often called "white glove service" elsewhere costing anywhere from $100 - $150 additional dollars was ABSOLUTELY free with Amazon.com. I can't stress enough how important this was. I had read about this service beforehand, and it was a primary reason (along with cost) as to why I was pretty much holding off until I found the right television on Amazon. This service alone made my purchase through Amazon.com worth the price over other services, but the price was also also at the lower range of ANYWHERE else. A friend of mine owns an electronics store, and told me point blank that he doesn't understand how Amazon.com can price merchandise the way they do it, but he had heard good things about them, and although it would hurt him by recommending Amazon.com, he told me to buy from them if the price was right.
I highly recommend this television as well as purchasing from Amazon.com. The final way you know how happy I am with this purchase is to keep the following in mind....I RARELY spend the time to enter reviews after purchases, but I was so happy with this purchase, that I couldn't wait to share my experience with everyone on Amazon.com

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung PN50A760 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Enjoy premium plasma HDTV viewing, with an elegant style to match. Samsung’s exclusive Touch of Color™ design accents the top and bottom edges of the bezel with a unique red tone. Our 50-inch plasma screen offers full HD 1080p resolution, Ultra FilterBright™ glare reduction, and an astounding 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, for incredibly lifelike images and bold colors. Dither noise on Samsung’s 7 Series Plasma TV’s isdramatically reduced so that you can enjoy pristine, realistic dark tones and images. Plus, when connected to your home network enjoy access to a computer via DLNA networking and with the InfoLink feature; enjoy RSS web content from USA Today.

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8/17/2011

Samsung PN50A400 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung PN50A400 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
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I bought this tv for $800 and couldn't be happier. Sure it's 720p and not 1080p, but for this cheap I couldn't be happier with 50 inches of HD television. You really don't give up that much resolution at 50 inches anyway.
Picture looks great, I have HD cable, Xbox 360, and Bluray player hooked up to it, and I love it. I have not seen any signs of the screen door effect.
What is bad about this tv? Well they skimped on the inputs. There are no front, or side panel inputs. On the back there are two HDMI inputs and two progressive inputs....ZERO RCA inputs. If you have RCA (like an old VCR or Tivo) then you use up one of the progressive inputs. Also there are ZERO optical audio inputs. There is an optical audio output so you can pass the HDMI sound to your surround sound receiver.
This tv has some feature to make the blacks darker, I think it does it by turning off the pixels all together. The only time you notice it is if the show you are watching fades to black, then it looks like the tv is completely turned off. At this point the tv would "freak out" and switch between the tv's black and off really dark black. I was able to get the tv to stop doing this when I calibrated my contrast and brightness settings. Would have been nice if Samsung offered a setting for the tv not to do this.
I have noticed some very slight image burn in after playing games, but it goes away quickly. After some research I found this is normal for Plasma's during the first 150-200 hours of use. I left my tv on for 24 hours on a cable channel, and already I've found that it's happening less frequently. I am a big gamer, and put in a few hours on the Xbox every night, the tv is brand new, and there are ZERO permanent burn ins, but I still wanted to mention it. Just don't leave a still image on for hours and hours during the first few months of use.
Overall I'm really happy with this tv. 50 inches is huge in my living room, and the color, contrast, and resolution is really nice. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles, doesn't have the 120hz, or contrast and picture you could get for another $1,000-$2,000 but at this price it's a great tv.
UPDATE: I've found a bad issue with this tv, that seems to be a problem with many tv's. If you send your signal to the tv through HDMI, and then out of the tv using the optical digital audio out, it will not pass 5.1 surround sound onto your receiver. From what I can gather it's a DRM issue. This is really lame, because the receiver I had did not have any HDMI inputs, to use as a pass through to the tv.
What you have to do then is have HDMI go to the tv, as well as optical audio from your Xbox/Bluray Player/Tivo HD go to your surround sound receiver. The other option if your receiver does have HDMI inputs is to run the HDMI from your Xbox/Bluray/Tivo to the receiver, then another HDMI from the receiver to the tv.
Again, the tv will not pass 5.1 surround sound to your receiver from HDMI inputs. It turns it into 2 channel stereo. It will pass 5.1 surround sound if you get your HD signal directly from over the air or cable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung PN50A400 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Samsung presents the next level of plasma HDTV technology and design. A 50-inch screen offers crisp, bold images and colors, thanks to 720p resolution. Select Game mode with the touch of a button for advanced video-game action; the ACE Silhouette Editor™ eliminates visual "noise” from the deepest dark tones. SRS TruSurround XT™ offers natural, lifelike HD sound. Connect all your peripherals with ease, courtesy of 2 HDMI inputs.

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8/08/2011

Samsung HPT5054 50-Inch Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung HPT5054 50-Inch Plasma HDTV
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The samsung 5054 is great to look at and the picture is excellent at 720p. You would be hard pressed to discern a difference over the 1080p HDTV's. But, the HDMI input suffers from random audio drop off. Samsung offers no explanation, other than to blame the Cable box or the HDMI cables. You are watching a program and suddenly, no audio. You must turn the TV off and the sound does come back. Samsung says to bypass the HDMI and use the component inputs.Sort of like saying, just use the low speed on the wipers since the high speed does not work. Anyway, if HDMI is important to you, do not buy this TV. If you do not mind using low tech and cumbersome component cables, it will serve you fine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HPT5054 50-Inch Plasma HDTV

Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4254 50-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company'slatest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery).Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
While the HP-T5054 Samsung's entry level 50-inch 720p plasma for 2007, it differs from the step-up HP-T5064 only in the cosmetic design, and the lack of a USB2.0 connection. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you want a USB connction for playing photo files or MP3s, check out the HPT4264.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitationof PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
Composite video input: 1 (side)
Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
RF input: 2 (rear)

What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.

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7/31/2011

Samsung PN50A550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung PN50A550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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This is my second review for this panel! The first one was lost! (Frustrating it was!!!)
First off Amazon has kept their promise with their Post-Order Price Guarantee. Delivery was prompt and the white glove delivery people were like, "This is the best condition a tv box has ever came through their shipping company". They did like Amazon said...they'll bring it in, unpack it, set it up where you want it and take the box away! One of the many reasons why I shop from Amazon!Anyways, the plasma panel, PN50A550 is as good as I thought it was. Being a techie, I tested this thing to its full potential for a couple of weeks and I have to say that I am really impressed with the capabilities of this plasma! There are lots of great things about this plasma and I will address some questions that people have had with plasmas and this particular model...and from its predecessor, the 5084.
Color and black levels:
The factory settings are almost OK if you don't know how to calibrate plasmas of this caliber. But if you can calibrate it yourself or spend money to get a pro to do it then PLEASE do so! Each source has its own independent set of Dynamic/Standard/Movie settings... which is great because each source has a different video quality feed. You must remember to calibrate it via the room type you have. So for bright rooms I used Dynamic (remembering to turn off any dynamic contrast settings that will lessen the performance of this plasma). I used Dynamic for daytime because I can utilize the DNIe+ option. For dark/dim lighting, I calibrated it using the Movie setting. After spending a good time on 3 sources (DVD, CABLE HD and the Wii) the video feed is mesmerizing! I tested the settings with 300, The Incredibles and Die Hard, each movie for its different characteristics. Remember not to use any dynamic contrasting when you calibrate, no need for it....ask any pro! (btw...don't use any of the E-Mode settings)
Buzzing:
There was an issue with some 5084's having a loud buzzing sound. As of my unit, the A550 has no LOUD buzz. It has a normal, very minute buzz that you cant even here unless your ear is to the back panel.
Heat:
This model is a LOT cooler to touch than the 5084. I read it's because of the better placement of the inner "guts". I have touched the sides and the top. Of course the top is the hottest spot but this thing doesn't emit as much heat as the 5084. That's a plus! Less heat = less energy.
Burn In/ Image Retention / Ghost images:
I have TRIED to produce burn in images with the A550(remember that I have calibrated settings and not factory)...and it's really hard. The anti-burn in settings that come with this plasma works wonders and has options to if you did have burn in, you can get rid of it. But use your head, if your have dynamic settings on and your brightness level is 55+....you're probably are going to get burn-in. There are so many ways to avoid it.
Speakers:
I only heard the speakers when I first turned on the A550. The Samsung chime tuned its way letting me know its presence. After that, I turned them off and used my amplifier to produce the sound to outboard speakers. The only reason there are speakers on plasmas/ LCDs this size is because the consumer does not invest in a home theatre system right away. I always thought....BIG pictures need BIG sound. All in all, this is a wonderful plasma. I even think in some ways it is better than the highly praised Kuro. I am very impressed with what this plasma has to offer and I love the way it has that "WOW!" factor when people see it for the first time. I'd have to say SD channels aren't the best but they are ok for what they are. People ask me all the time why I chose plasma over LCD? Look at one side by side and tell me which one you want to invest your money into....plasma all the way. . Update:
I finally used the Wiselink! I connected both a Fujifilm Finepix F50fd 12MP Digital Camera with 3 x Optical Image Stabilization and a Sony Alpha A100 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only). It recognized both and I got to show off some pics from various shoots I did over the weekend! Never knew how great something looked at "poster" image sizes!!! The A550 is GREAT!
My friend brought over his new toy, the Apple MacBook Pro MB133LL/A 15.4" Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive), and we hooked it up! It was one thing to show off the new mac book pro....but on the 50incher...oh my god it was awesome! PLUS PLUS PLUS!!!!Update #2,
Since my last update and review, I have moved to a newer and bigger house. I'm not sure if it was for us or just to make room for this plasma panel!
The A550 is now mounted usingPeerless Universal Tilt Wall Mount for 37"- 60" Flat Panel Screen with one Touch Tilt. I waited and waited and waited to purchase a PS3 for it's Blu-Ray purposes. Playing games on it is a plus too, but I mainly got it to watch movies on. Why not just get a Blu-ray player? Functionality. The PS3 allows me to have a media center and it allows me to stream movies/pictures/music directly from my PC/Laptop via TVersity.
The A550 has withstood many nights of watching hdtv, 1080p movies(finally) and gaming. My wife can even operate the thing now without me worrying about her ghosting anything on the screen. And if there are any, the "side scrolling" feature eliminates it. I have also bought a Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote. The Wife got aggravated with all the remotes I had. Now with one programmed click, it turns on the A550, the receiver and the set-top box in one infrared sweep!
Did I mention yet that I still LOVE this thing?
Update #3,
I have meaning to update this again when the new 120hz LCDs hit the scene. Friends and Amazonians alike have asked me how do the newer LCDs compare to the A550/plasmas in general. Well, 120hz was introduced in LCDs to address the motion blur due to a slower refresh rate(hockey pucks, footballs, explosions, etc...don't look natural enough and sometimes pixelated). With that said, how do the newer 120hz compare to my A550? Even though the 120hz LCDs have improved, it still doesn't compare to this plasma. If you want the whole package, get the A550! Awesome color, black levels, no motion blur, contrast ratio is great. LCD's native contrast ratio is around 2000~15000:1 with a Dynamic 100,000:1...remembering dynamic is not what you want to go by when measuring contrast levels.
Another thing, I have updated the software to the PN50A550. It's really easy to do. You go to www.samsung.com, you find the PN50A550 and download the updates. Took me less than 5 mins to do!
I can not believe it will be a year on April 4th that I have had this panel. I enjoy it everyday...STILL!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung PN50A550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Infuse your home entertainment with full high-definition 1080p resolution for the clearest picture and the most amazing details. FilterBright(TM) assures you see nothing but the brightest color on your screen. Take your home entertainment experience to the next level with the SAMSUNG PN50A550 plasma HDTV.

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7/23/2011

Samsung PN50B860 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung PN50B860 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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Well, I did not buy this TV from Amazon but found an authorized online retailer that had a fantastic price with free shipping. Let me tell you, I researched televisions for about three months straight. I had been debating between the Samsung LN52B750 LCD, which had a razor sharp picture and at the time was priced right. Aesthetically, it was a beautiful television in just about every way. My biggest hang up was that certain movies and shows looked too realistic (distracting) and not movie like, especially when watching animated films or TV shows and even with the 240Mhz refresh rate for motion, the motion in fast scenes felt a bit off or distracting. The picture was/is extremely bright and the features hit the sweet spot.
I had also been comparing the LN52B750 with several different plasma televisions, mostly from Samsung, several Panasonic Plasmas that were/are highly rated from several review websites and the Pioneer Kuro Plasmas. So, I read all of the reviews I could find on about 10 televisions total that were highly rated or new to the market for 2009. My buddy has the 50" Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD which I might add, has a beautiful picture! It is almost unmatched. Then I went to BestBuy and directly compared several lower model number Samsung plasmas and LCDs and the Panasonic TC-P50G10 50" plasma. I honestly do not see what the big deal about the TC-P50G10 TV is. The picture is okay, it even looked okay playing a Blu-ray movie, but I was not impressed. The picture was a bit green, the casing of the TV was not the most eye pleasing design and that huge Panasonic logo on the front "chin" with a grey back ground was not appealing to me. I also compared several LG Plasmas and LCD TV's for 2009 and the new Toshiba Regzas (nice picture for the price I have to admit).
Ultimately, it came down to comparing the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD to the Samsung PN50B850 (which has one feature less than the PN50B860 Samsung, as no one had a PN50B860 on display that I could find) and was amazed at how awesome the picture detail, flesh tones, natural colors, fast motion, contrast, brightness and motion was on the two Plasma televisions. They are very comparable and I consider them dead on as competitors. I ended up choosing the Samsung PN50B860 having seen the PN50B850 in person at BestBuy. The PN50B860 has the Cinema Smooth feature which the PN50B850 does not. I got it for under $2k with free shipping online with the optional 802.11N wireless Samsung Linkstick (WIS09ABGN) for less than $60.
The picture on the Samsung PN50B860 is phenomenal. Not only is the picture on this TV one of the best I've seen after months of extreme research, I got the best price on it and it cost less than the Pioneer and the Samsung LN52B750!!! I've been watching Blu-ray movies on it via my Sony PS3 gaming console for the last few days through HDMI. Movies like Hellboy II and Casino Royale are stunning and unbelievable on this set!!! Motion resolution/rendering is phenomenal. I recommend it over the Pioneer Kuro because I think it is a bit superior in quality (build and picture), features, aesthetic and Energy Star rating. It's SUPER THIN! You would not be sorry for purchasing this set! It's simply stunning. The remote is surprisingly nice as well. I'm not a huge fan of Samsung's remote controls or TV interfaces (Sony and LG rule when it comes to remote control design an TV interfaces) but I'm happy with the one that came with the TV.
Audio is very acceptable in my book on this television. It's not super loud and robust but what television is, but for a small condo or apartment, it's perfect and very usable and enjoyable! The picture from the digital TV tuner for Over-The-Air broadcasts is pretty impressive as well.
Get it! You won't regret it! As for the other review regarding the buzzing...mine does not buzz at all. I'm guessing the person must be at a high altitude or may have received a bad set but this TV is pretty much flawless.
20091223 Update - Well, I have had this television for a while and I've had numerous friends asking for my opinion of televisions. They ask whether they should choose LCD, LED LCD or Plasma. I actually like all three technologies, but I have to admit I still prefer Plasma. This TV puts out a bit of heat I noticed but it is not that big of a deal. I still very much love this television and at it's current price is one of the BEST televisions on the market. Still have never heard a buzzing issue that others have talked about in this forum.
One Cool thing...Get the 802.11n Wireless Adapter. I was on travel for a while, came home and turned the TV on and I received an update notification on the screen from Samsung. I went to Samsung's support website to look for the update and it had not been posted yet. I have to say, I really like this feature of updating firmware automatically over the internet ON my television. I've also downloaded a few Blockbuster video's on this TV over the Adapter and it's a pretty pleasant experience.
In the end...no regrets on buying this TV. It's beautiful, functional, thin and the picture is literally just phenomenal.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung PN50B860 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Samsung’s new 8 Series plasma flat panel HDTV represent our finest innovations in design and performance. Samsung’s 8 Series E-Panel technology combined with our Ultra FilterBrightTM Plus technology provides a stunning high contrast picture even in brighter rooms. It’s not just the images on screen that capture your attention – the Ultra Slim cabinet is only 1.2” deep and gives you added versatility with its stylish vibe. The new Medi@2.0 connectivity package offers customizable online content via user-friendly “widgets,” networking capability via the DLNA standard, and playback of your camera and camcorder via USB 2.0. Add 4 advanced HDMI inputs that feature Samsung’s Anynet+ (CEC standard) technology making system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation. If you’re looking for the best Full 1080p performance and advanced connectivity, Samsung’s new 8 series plasma HDTVs are designed with this in mind.

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6/26/2011

Panasonic TC-P50U2 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic TC-P50U2 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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Just picked up my second Panasonic plasma and couldn't be happier. This TV has great picture and just enough bells and whistles for my needs: 3 HDMI inputs and an SD card reader for viewing photos. This TV does not have anti-reflective glare (not needed in a dark home theater room), USB ports (who cares), LAN connection (I already have streaming Netflix through Roku and Wii), 3D capable (I personally don't want that, you may), or a fourth HDMI input (don't need it, you may). The picture is identical to any other model in the series, just significantly less expensive because it omits the aforementioned features. So just decide what inputs you need and pay for the model that provides just that and nothing extra. I have had my 42 inch for three years and it is perfect and I expect the same quality and reliability out of this one too!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-P50U2 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Building on its award-winning 2009 Plasma line, Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TC-P50U2 Plasma HDTV features a full HD 1080p resolution, 900 TV lines of moving picture resolution, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity. This and other models in the U2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. And you'll get a long Plasma panel life of up to 100,000 hours--more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day--before the brightness of the panel decreases to half.

Key Features Panasonic's VIERA U2 series Plasma HDTV.

VIERA Image Viewer: View full-HD images with the integrated SD card slot, enabling you to view JPEG photos captured from your digital camera or camcorder on the big screen. Navigate your images via an easy-to-use thumbnail display.


Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic U2 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

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6/12/2011

Samsung PN50C490 50" 720p 3D Plasma TV, E3 Panel Technology, Hyper Fast 0.001 ms Response Time, Game Mode, 3 HDMI 1.4, 600Hz Subfield Motion, & More. Kit Includes 2 Free Pairs of 3D glasses (battery type). Review

Samsung PN50C490 50 720p 3D Plasma TV, E3 Panel Technology, Hyper Fast 0.001 ms Response Time, Game Mode, 3 HDMI 1.4, 600Hz Subfield Motion, and More. Kit Includes 2 Free Pairs of 3D glasses (battery type).
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A 50" 3D TV with 2 sets of glasses and free shipping for less than $1k? And it's not some cheap knock-off brand? You're not dreaming. Get this TV already. It has 2D to 3D conversion and the full 3D is jaw-dropping. A fantastic picture, full of color. I have purchased 2 1080p Samsung TVs in the past few years and have no complaints about the quality of this 720p. I am once again completely satisfied with Samsung.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung PN50C490 50" 720p 3D Plasma TV, E3 Panel Technology, Hyper Fast 0.001 ms Response Time, Game Mode, 3 HDMI 1.4, 600Hz Subfield Motion, & More. Kit Includes 2 Free Pairs of 3D glasses (battery type).

Product Description: The Samsung C490 Plasma HDTV lets you discover the world of immersive 3D entertainment, with the bold clarity and contrast of plasma. Innovative ClearImage Panel technology lets you enjoy watching from any angle by reducing visual blurring and distortion commonly associated with conventional plasma TVs. An incredible 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast ratio offers outstanding, crisp definitionbetween light and dark tones. The ConnectShare Movie feature gives you USB 2.0 capabilities for quick and easy access for watching movies or videos from a flash drive. Just as impressive, the C490 Plasma exceeds ENERGY STAR standards, which reduces power consumtion and your utility bills. All this in Samsung's signature blue Touch of Color design at the bottom of the bezel that sets a new TV standard inmodern elegance and affordability. Product Specifications:E3-Panel single-filter design: Delivers improved performance in the areas of color saturation, contrast and energy efficiency.600Hz Subfield Motion: Offers crisp, clear Plasma HD action in every frame.2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast ratio: An unparalleled Dynamic Contrast ratio brings together the deepest blacks and brightest whites.Response time: A fast .001ms response time optimizes fast motion video content.Built-in digital tuner: No external box needed.Exceeds ENERGY STAR standards: Energy saving, up to 43% less than our similar 2009 Plasma TV in standard mode.Touch of Color: Exclusive Touch of Color design combines texture and color that can complement any room.3D: Samsung 3D technology makes images leap off the screen so you feel like you're a part of the action. Sync up with our Samsung Blu-ray player to experience movies in 3D on your TV and enjoy more TV broadcasts in stunning 3D,coming soon.Clear Image Panel: Samsung's new single-filter clear panel design eliminates the off-angle reflections that cause picture blurring of images and details. Images and text look great straight o...

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6/02/2011

Samsung PN50B560 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung PN50B560 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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I already knew I wanted Plasma over LCD. So I spent weeks reading reviews and comparing specs of everything from Panasonic G15/G10 & S1 to Samsungs B650, B560, and B550. I came to the conclusion that Samsung has better color accuracy and Panasonic has better black levels. However, Panasonic also has better customer service and a lower percentage of TV's with issues. There has been numerous reports of the Samsung 2009 B series Plasma's having a "buzzing" issue. While they scared me a little, I decided that the TV for me was the Samsung PN50B560.
If you are comparing Samsungs, the B560 has the Crystal Full HD Engine with Cinema Smooth, while the B550 does not. The B650 also has Crystal Full HD Engine with Cinema Smooth, but an with an added feature, an ethernet port for using widgets, like weather, sports, stocks, etc... Something I've read is very slow and not very impressive. The 650 also has the red touch of color bezel. The 550 and 560 both have charcoal blended in, which I preferred.
I am pleased with the colors and black levels of this TV. I also have a Panasonic 50PX80U and I can't tell much of a difference. Physically, the TV is also very attractive, much nicer than Panasonic, and the swivel stand is also nice to have.
Defending the common CONS:
Buzz: My TV does not buzz
Speakers: They sound fine, my Panasonic sounds slightly better. But speakers in flat panel TV's are not going to be impressive, I think people just expect to much out of them.
Glare: Yes, there will be some glare, its a Plasma. However, compared to other Plasma's I looked at in the store, it's not a big difference. I didn't make it a factor.
In summary, if you are on a budget, I recommend the Samsung B560 or B550. If you can spare an extra few hundred more, go with a Panasonic G15 or G10. When it comes down to it, you'll be happy with any of these choices, unless you are a videophile, you'll never notice the difference.

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Samsung’s new PN50B560 plasma flat panel HDTV redefines our commitment to design, performance, and cost of ownership. Its 50 inches of 1080p Full HD picture performance makes it the perfect living room centerpiece. The attractive Touch of ColorTM design adds a subtle clear-to-charcoal gray accent to the set’s bezel. Enjoy brilliant, film-like images in Full HD resolution. Samsung’s breakthrough mega dynamic contrast ratio offers a more accurate color tonal range, deeper blacks and shadow details. The new E-Panel technology featuring our innovative FilterBrightTMtechnology reduces glare in brighter rooms and our advanced Crystal Full HD Engine expands the picture viewing experience with less power consumption. Add 4 advanced HDMI inputs that feature Samsung’s Anynet+ (CEC standard) technology making system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation. Experience Full 1080p performance on Samsung’s new B560 series plasma HDTVs that are easy on the environment and easy on the wallet.

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5/29/2011

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you're in the market for a HDTV then the Samsung PN50B650 is worth a second look. Externally, the attractive Touch of Color design incorporated into the clear beveled edged glass exudes sophistication and class. Internally, the Crystal Full HD Engine and Samsung's e-panel technology translates into a blur free clear vibrant picture perfect for sports and movies alike.
Truthfully I started off in the HDTV market looking for a 52" LCD panel with 1080p and 120hz specs. After a month of searching I realized that a name brand set with the above specs was out of my budget. I wasn't considering a plasma because I thought it was outdated technology, fear of image retention (IR), cost of operation, and plasma's heavier weight difference. However, as I researched more into plasmas I learned that my fears were they themselves outdated. Plasma was not outdated technology, many companies were still pouring money into plasma R&D. IR for sure is still a concern but with some simple basic precautions and use of the built in pixel shifting option, IR has become a very minor concern. This set is also Energy Star compliant using 40% less power than prior years plasmas (as per Samsung's website) and comparable to LCDs of similar size. As for weight, I wasn't too concerned because my set wasn't going on a wall. Regardless, the weight difference to a LCD is only about 15 lbs or so. Also, this set comes with an attractive stand that allows the TV to rotate for optimal viewing.
The cons I have so far are: Even with the FilterBright technology incorporated into the screen, glare is still a factor. I have my set in a room with no curtains but no direct sunlight and find myself changing the brightness control at times during daylight use. While the Media 2.0 is a fantastic feature (and the reason why I highly recommend this set over the B550 for a few extra $) it can be slow at times. Lastly, the speakers on this TV are marginal. Not bad in loudness but definitely no mid range or bass as one would expect. You will eventually need something externally powered.
I will not bore you with pros and cons of this set's internal specs, you can interpret them anyway you want but for a non HDTV expert that was merely trying to get the best value for the money, with great picture quality and technology (e.g. Cinema Smooth 24p frame rate), in an attractive looking TV, this Samsung was a clear choice for me. Lastly, the other plasma I was considering was the Panasonic G10. It has slightly better reviews but esthetically IMO the Samsung was a clear winner. For the non HDTV expert like myself, the image quality differences were unnoticeable. On a side note, as the post above had mentioned, standard def cable channels are pretty darn good on this set compared to my old 37" LCD.
*I do not have the buzz or the pinkish hues some others claim on their sets.
Update: After 7 months of use, my Samsung tv is is still going strong with no issues. Picture quality is still bright and vivid. I have either found the most balanced setting for day and night time use or my eyes have gotten used to this set because I longer find myself adjusting the picture settings. Burn in is not an issue and its not even on my mind (although I do not play video games on it).
Its great having a tv with online capabilities. While I don't personally find myself using the "widgets" very often, I do appreciate the no hassle automatic software updates to the tv. The two widgets I do use on occasion are the Amazon Video on Demand and the Blockbuster Video on Demand. Either of these two features allow one to watch HD or regular quality movies streamed from their respective providers at about $3-$5 a movie for a 24 hr rental period. Not bad when I don't want to drive to the rental store. Other noteable widgets available are Twitter, YouTube, Ebay and flickr. The tv's speakers are adequate for everyday use but for movies and sporting events an externally powered speakers are advised. I use a Sony sound bar that looks and sounds great with this set. My electric bill has increased about $10 per month. The set is on for 10 plus hours a day.

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Samsung's new PN50B650 plasma flat panel HDTV exemplifies the design and performance refinements for those with discerning tastes and a passion for innovation. Picture your favorite room filled with 50 inches of 1080p Full HD picture performance artistically accented in a new Touch of ColorTM design. Samsung's 6 Series E-Panel technology delivers improvements with our Ultra FiterBrightTM technology that further reduces glare in brighter rooms and our advanced Crystal Full HD Engine expands the picture viewing experience with less power consumption. The new Medi@2.0 connectivity package offers customizable online content via user-friendly 'widgets,' networking capability via the DLNA standard, and playback of your camera and camcorder via USB 2.0. Add 4 advanced HDMI inputs that feature Samsung's Anynet+ (CEC standard) technology making system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation. Experience Full 1080p performance and advanced connectivity on Samsung's new B650 series plasma HDTVs that are designed to meet higher pride of ownership expectations and lower the cost of ownership.

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5/23/2011

Panasonic TC-P50C2 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic TC-P50C2 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had this TV almost a week and like it more everyday.
Bought it from Best Buy for $680 with free delivery and set up.
When the delivery guys set it up, thye told me that in order to get
the picture that I saw in the showroom, that I had to switch out
my Direct TV receiver and dish to HD. Called Direct TV and had the HD
dish and receiver installed. Boy, what a difference. I can't get
over how great the picture is, and you can't beat the price. I played
BB against HHGregg, and they both fell over each other trying to get the sale.
It listed for $800 at both places, but I got it for $680. I've read about
buzzing noise complaints, but I have not had this problem. This is the 2010
version of this model. I'm a happy camper.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-P50C2 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Offering excellent picture performance, Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TC-P50C2 Plasma HDTV features a 720p high-definition resolution and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity. This and other models in the C2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. And you'll get a long Plasma panel life of up to 100,000 hours--more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day--before the brightness of the panel decreases to half.

Key Features Panasonic's VIERA C2 series Plasma HDTV.

Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic C2 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

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5/13/2011

LG 50PJ350 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

LG 50PJ350 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
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I've only had this a few days so there's a lot I've yet to adjust to, but I wanted to write up some quick notes for anyone interested in this set.
- Well, it's October 2010 and I've had it for a few months so am offering some updates.
#1 Overall, I like it a lot. I use it for my standard def ancient Replay DVR, Wii, PS3 and computer.
- Still like it a lot. The Replay DVR is history, replaced by a newer EyeTV that records HiDef over air channels. The standard def picture is growing more and more quaint. Where I have the option I'll watch the better HiDef picture. I use it via my computer almost exclusively with a browser window open and a TV window playing.
- Video game picture quality is ridiculously awesome. No pixel blur that I can detect. When I had my Sony DLP set I would get headaches playing certain 1st person shooters, that hasn't happened with this tv.
#2 The remote is a lot better than I'd hoped for. It could be heftier with a better balance, but LG has taken pains not to put more on it than you need.
- I take it back. The arrow buttons (">", "

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If you think plasma means a bulky frame or power inefficiency, take a second look at the 50-inch LG 50PJ350 720p Plasma HDTV, which features a TruSlim Frame that helps trim away distraction without compromising screen size. Other features include 600Hz Sub Field Driving for elimination of motion blur, a mega contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, three HDMI ports, and the capability to play MP3 audio files and JPEG photo slideshows from a USB drive.

Key Features
Key Specifications

LG 2010 HDTV Comparison

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5/08/2011

LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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This is one of the Best TVs available on the market, especially considering it's price. I've had this TV for about a week now and have nothing major to complain. I was nervous getting a plasma TV due issues like glare, buzz, weight, form factor, ghosting, burn-in etc. But this TV proved to live out most of the disadvantages of plasmas.
Pros:
1. Color Accuracy - Color accuracy great without even tweaking any calibration settings. I like the THX cinema mode the best.
2. Slick - The TV has a slim form factor and the uniform glass top (Bezel does not pop out of the screen). We absolutely love it's looks.
3. DLNA - This is the first TV I owned with DLNA capability. I installed the Nero Home media essentials that came with this TV, on my laptop and I was able to watch photos and videos that are on my laptop, in no time. The video quality also feels upscaled and close to HD.
4. Plug and Play USB - I connected my USB hard drive and instantly there is a prompt on the TV to play videos, music and photos.
5. Netcast and Widgets - The TV comes with Netflix, Youtube, Vudu, Picasa widgets and it also supports the Yahoo widget gallery. I haven't yet tried Netflix or Vudu. But Youtube and Picasa were really good. The picture quality of the youtube videos was not great, but it really is a matter of the video itself, but not the TV. Yahoo widgets were good too. I especially use the Twitter widget a lot.
6. Games - The TV came with some games pre-installed. I haven't explored this feature much. But I tried Sudoku and it was simple to use.
7. No Buzz - Since I read in one of the earlier reviews about the buzz sound, I tried hard to hear it from my typical viewing distance (about 10ft) and I heard nothing.
8. Ease of use - The menus and features are very easy to navigate and operate.
9. Remote - The remote is really slick and with big keys and very easy to operate. Also has decent short cuts to most of the frequently used features.
Cons:
1. Black Levels - Black levels are not as dark as I'd hoped for, in a Plasma. In fact in some cases I tend to think they are not even on par with some of the latest better performing Sony and Samsung LCDs. I was a little disappointed with this. But hey, you get what you pay for..!
2. Glare - Like any other plasma TV, this TV produces a bit of glare. But this is much better compared to a lot of other plasmas I've seen and in most cases you wouldn't really notice it unless you are looking for it.
3. PIP/POP - I'd hoped that a 2010 TV comes with the basic PIP/POP features. But seems like this TV does not have it. It's not a deal breaker for me though.
4. Zoom - The picture zoom feature is a little cumbersome.
5. Typing - Netcast widgets use the number pad for typing. But Yahoo widgets (twitter) rely on the visual keyboard and entering each alphabet takes a lot of strokes. I wish LG offered a remote with QWERTY keyboard, something similar to the one that comes with Vizio VF552XVT.
6. Video format compatibility - I tried playing several videos of different formats - divx, divx HD, mpeg, mp4, wmv, avi etc. It was able to handle all formats. But within a given format some videos were not recognized (videos that I have are, even though of the same format, are different in bit rate, compression, resolution etc). Sometimes it does not recognize the audio. I wish LG comes up with a firmware update to expand it's support.
One feature I haven't tried is the wireless connectivity. This TV is both WiFi ready and Wireless 1080p ready. But both of these optional accessories which I do not currently have.
I haven't played around with a lot of picture settings yet (Mostly, because I didn't need to). But as I explore more, I shall come back to update this post.
This may not be the best TV on market. But for a little over 1000 bucks, you can not go wrong with this TV, especially if you are not a videophile and picky about deep black levels.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Setting a new standard in picture quality, the 50-inch LG INFINIA 50PK750 1080p Plasma HDTV features THX Display Certification, 600Hz Sub-Field Driving, a protective Skin Glass, Dual XD Engine, and a TruBlack Filter to provide superior picture quality in a bright room. It also comes with LG's NetCast, enabling you to access to TV shows, movies and more, streamed directly from the Internet to your television screen.
The 600Hz Sub-Field Driving improves moving picture response time using a 10 sub-field per frame driving process for a clearer picture. The Protective Skin Glass system reduces the gap between the outer glass and filter by 70 percent, virtually eliminating double imaging and helping to reduce glare. And LG's exclusive Dual XD Engine facilitates up-conversion of standard definition content to near high-definition quality, so you can enjoy improved image quality with everything you watch.
Passing more than 30 rigorous tests, this LG INFINIA Plasma TV achieved picture quality worthy of THX Display Certification--the industry standard for having the correct gamma, luminance, and color temperature. This certification demonstrates that this HDTV can recreate the cinema experience at home, making the picture resemble movie theatre quality.
Other features include an incredible 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more stunning colors and deeper blacks, two USB ports for connecting external drives for playing back MP3 audio, JPEG photo and DivX HD video files, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, and four HDMI inputs.

NetCast Entertainment Access NetCast Entertainment Access brings the best Internet services direct to your TV--no computer required. Instantly access movies and TV shows, news and weather and the world's largest library of HD movies in 1080p. (Note: Internet connection & subscriptions required and sold separately.)


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