Another TV comparison thread

[HuskerGuy]

I'm picking a new TV on Monday to replace a DLP that I've had for the last two years or so. I've enjoyed the DLP, but it has had some issues recently that the warranty company can't fix so I'm getting a replacement.

After browsing the store where my replacement will come from, I've narrowed things down to these two TVs.

Samsung 50" plasma, PN50b650
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...?tag=mncol;lst

Panasonic 50" plasma, P50S1
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...?tag=mncol;lst

I'm leaning towards the Samsung, but want to hear some thoughts on the sets.

[darczap]

I would go with the Samsung, as it has a higher dynamic contrast ratio, an extra HDMI input, broadband connectivity, it looks nicer, and not sure if the Panny has a swivel stand.

[Blacklac]

I just went to check out some of these lower priced plasma's at Best Buy. I was suprised to see that I prefer the picture of Samsung over Panny. I went in thinking I would prefer Panny. Although they had crappy source material, I wish they would display with Bluray on.

Something about the Sammy's, they had more pop or something. Like the Panny's had this slight film over the picture. Hard to explain. Maybe Sammy's had a glass I prefer...?

[ack_bak]

I just went to check out some of these lower priced plasma's at Best Buy. I was suprised to see that I prefer the picture of Samsung over Panny. I went in thinking I would prefer Panny. Although they had crappy source material, I wish they would display with Bluray on.

Something about the Sammy's, they had more pop or something. Like the Panny's had this slight film over the picture. Hard to explain. Maybe Sammy's had a glass I prefer...?

I would be very reluctant to judge two displays against each other at Best Buy. I doubt either set was calibrated and who knows what settings were on or off, and their lighting conditions are usually less than ideal.

Personally, I prefer Panasonic over Samsung for plasma, but I never stacked these two sets up against each other. I have found Panasonic to have better customer service though.

Good luck OP.

[Blacklac]

I would be very reluctant to judge two displays against each other at Best Buy. I doubt either set was calibrated and who knows what settings were on or off, and their lighting conditions are usually less than ideal.

Personally, I prefer Panasonic over Samsung for plasma, but I never stacked these two sets up against each other. I have found Panasonic to have better customer service though.

Good luck OP.

I wasn't judging colors, blacks or white. Just how the TV's handled the lines, the pop or type of picture each display had and how the lettering/words look on each. About all I could judge in a store scenario. Store lighting shouldn't have any effect on that.

[HuskerGuy]

Thanks for the thoughts fellas, I ended up picking up the Samsung tonight. Sadly, I forgot about the recommendation that they be broken in.

Anyone have thoughts on this process? I've researched it tonight and as I understand it, it's best to break it in over at least 100 hours. I found my way to the link below which has a slideshow to assist with the break in process. It seems to be working well so far. I just downloaded it to a flash drive and the Samsung is continuously cycling through the images now.

http://www.eaprogramming.com/

[cleeve]

Hope you aren't having buzzing issues with your new Samsung. Their line of plasma's has been plagued with buzzing issues.

I like to break-in to 150 hours, but in reality a break in isn't totally necessary. As long as you avoid watching hours of material with static images and black bars for the first 150 hours or so you'll be fine. Samsung's are known for having more image retention than the average plasma, but are still very good at eliminating permanent burn-in.