HDTV Reviews and Digest
Samsung PN58B550 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
- 58-inch high definition TV with 1080p resolution
- Four HDMI, two component, and one composite video input; two 15W bottom speakers and SRS TruSurround HD
- Samsung E-panel technology like Ultra FilterBright Plus, 600Hz Subfield Motion, .001 response time,
- Anynet+ technology makes system control of compatible A/V devices like a Blu-ray player or HTIB system a one-touch operation
- One-year parts and labor warranty
Samsung’s new PN58B550 plasma flat panel HDTV redefines our commitment to design, performance, and cost of ownership. Its 58 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 FilterBrightTM technology reduces glare in brighter rooms and delivers a better picture while using less energy. Add 4 advanced HDMI inputs that feature Samsung’s Anynet(tm)+ (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 B550 series plasma HDTVs that are easy on the environment and easy on the wallet.
- Samsungs FilterBright glare minimizer
- New 600Hz subfield motion technology
- 1080 Full HD motion
- Mega dynamic contrast ratio
- .001ms response time
* Green design lead-free components * Samsungs Game Mode * Watts per channel: 15W x 2 (30 watts total) * SRS TruSurround HD * 4 HDMI with Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)(3 rear/1 side) * USB (1 rear) for picture viewing * Component Video (2 rear) * Composite Video (1 side) * RGB (1 rear) * Net Dimensions (w/o stand): 55.8″ x 34.1″ x 2.9″ * Net Weights (w/o stand): 84.7 lbs. * Net Dimensions (w/ stand): 55.8″ x 36.4″ x 13.2″ * Net Weights (w/ stand): 99.9 lbs. * Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measurements are approximate.
List Price: $ 2,299.99
Price:
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Great Picture…loud buzz.,
This is a great TV that has fantastic picture quality. However, there is a moderately loud buzz that comes from the power units behind the panel. At first it didn’t bother me that much. But over time it became increasingly noticeable and annoying. I called Amazon and told them that I’d like to return it. Before I could, they asked if I would have Samsung take a look at it. Not only did Samsung look it…they actually replaced the entire plasma panel (which includes the power units). Unfortunately, this did not fix the buzz…it actually became a little bit worse. So I am returning the tv and buying the Samsung LN555B650 LCD instead. I’ve always been a plasma guy…but it seems that the larger screens all have this kind of buzz. Hopefully the LCD will be better!
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|one of the best in 58 inch plasmas,
I purchased this unit at HH Gregg for $1340 out of box special. Few small scratches especially on base which I do not use base and don’t watch the frame. I also had/have previously another Sammy and a Panny plasmas. I also own 2 flat panel LCD’s. You can get super deals on these last year models and the difference between older A and newer B models is not worth over a $1000 to me maybe to you. They had this and the Panny 58″ (TH-58PZ800U) side by side along with the newer B model. They were hooked up to same source, inputs and this beat the Pannys picture by a smidge. Better blacks much better contrast. Both sets were set to same pix setting. I’always preferred the Pannys but it appears Samsung has caught up and surpassed the Pannys. The B model also displayed looked a tad better side by side but I don’t believe you would be able to tell the difference if you saw one then the other. I Also have an older Panny 42″ and this set is equal to the Panny if not a little better. The Sammy has much more controls for adjusting pix sound off air tv etc. If you get your signal Off Air for HDTV then the Samsung has a much better ATSC tuner. It will pick up stations and lock them in that the Panny doesn’t even see.
The pix from Blu Ray is awesome one of the best I’ve seen to date. The Satellite HD from Dish Net also excellent just a tad softer then over air sources. Off Air HDTV is just a notch under Blu Ray but very close. Cable HD very good also but varies a good bit on different channels. Now for upgraded SD off air varies widely from very good to just good on some of the older movies and sub channels. This also depends on the channel if it is a sub channel 1 or 2 or 3 they get worse the more they have. The main channel example (19-1) SD looks very good. 19-2 still good 19-3 (much less bandwidth) looks like an old news reel footage. Still not bad considering they were originally shot to display on at best a 25 inch TV.
Some have reported a loud buzzing sound. I have not had this problem. This unit does have fans and if hooked up inproperly (ground loop problems) maybe subject to AC hum from different video sources. All plasmas’s make a slight noise but I don’t think you going to be watching silent movies. I’m not saying that this is the problem which others who wrote about this but there’s no loud buzzing from this or others I’ve seen. The above maybe the reason some complain about buzzing sound. Different sets can perform differently. My Panny doesn’t like a bad ground loop but still displays a good picture and it’s quiet but the Sammy seems to be a little bit more particular in this area.
Summary – Sammy PQ HD off air (antenna) or Sat excellent picture Blu Ray totally awesome.
PQ SD off air or sat (dish net)excellent to very good(unless on a third or more sub channel off air only).
Cable excellent to acceptable depending on source and cable company. You probably have to try it on your cable system and see if you can live with it. Channel to channel seems to very on some systems.IMO Comcast (MUS fibernet city owned cable company)seems to be much better then Charter. These are the only 3 in this area that I have compared.
Sound is good nothing to write home about but you’ll probably want a good surround system with a pix this big to get a theater like experience.
I’d recommend this set especially at some of the prices it is presently going for. You will not be dissappointed with the PQ from this unit. Below is a list of the models I considered and the reason I choose differently. MY take in ( ) for what it’s worth and reason ruled out.
LG 60 inch Plasma 60PS60(excellent choice very high marks – price could not get a good deal $2200 +)I really liked this set PQ very close.
Panny 58 inch plasma TH-58PZ800U(excellent choice best deal I could find $1700 – price not an issue Pix Quality/featurers just a tad less then Sammy.
Sammy LED/LCD 55 inch UN55B6000 ( appears to be excellent choice). This set had great blacks contrast etc. The best I ever seen for a LCD but a tad cartoon-ish look. You will have to play with settings to get a film like picture. Price was main reason for not purchasing this one. $2900 + for 55 inch. Smaller pix models maybe worth a look. This is a LCD side lite by LED not a true LED or OLED still a few years out.
Pioneer 60 inch. If money grows on trees for you or is not an issue this set has the BEST picture flat out! The only reason to rule out this set is price. Best I could do even on a refurb was well in the low $3000 mark. I may have even pulled the trigger for this one but was concerned Pioneer is getting out of the TV business. Parts and service down the road may become an issue and at this price I don’t want to send to scrap yard for quit a while. OLED in about 5+ years ( maybe less) may make all these look bad and that’s a lot of green for just a few years.
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|Very happy with this purchase!!,
When I ordered this from Amazon I was slightly apprehensive. There were not many reviews here or anywhere for that matter. I waited 3 weeks to do my review so I could get used to the TV.
I had read about “pink” whites and “buzzing” from the unit on other Samsung plasmas (this one included). I don’t know but I can only speak for myself and I have NO BUZZING sound coming from the unit. I have had my kids and the wifey listen intently and they concur. Whites are WHITE! Amazing Picture! I love this TV (I’m sure I’ll say this again).
I was also concerned about the possibility of permanent image retention (IR). This can be a problem with plasmas. I have referred to a popular audio/video forum for guidence on the correct settings for “Break-in” of the screen. Which is apparently important. Basically for the first 100/200 hours (some disagreement there) you must lower the brightness & contrast and some other settings which should help, in the long run, from getting “Permanent” IR or “burn-in. I have seen some very minor temporary IR but it doesn’t last. I have even played games for a couple of hours (the big taboo for Plasmas) and no problem. Mostly what I have noticed is an IR of the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen after watching a movie. Now this is not real strong or anything like that but it is slightly visible and goes away quickly. The TV has a screen scan that you can run to get rid of IR. It scans white then progressively to black. Bottom Line: IR not an issue!
Screen is highly customizable for those who really want to fine tune the image. The picture is perfect! Blu-ray is shocking, it is so clear. TV is an excellent size. A real monster. The TOC frame is beautiful. The clear glass stand (yes, glass) is SO cool. A beauty on & off.
The white glove delivery was outstanding for me. Great delivery guys! Delivery was just a pleasure in every way. On time, courteous, and thorough.
My family LOVES this TV. I LOVE this TV. Friends LOVE this TV. I hope your experience is as good as mine! Buy this TV!!!
June 30, 2009:
Returning for an update. I find it quite odd to hear folks talking about the “Buzz”. I don’t doubt them but my neighbor bought this same TV since I bought mine and…. NO BUZZ at all. The two of us have visited a few brick and morter electronics stores before he bought his to find the elusive “Buzz”. We could not find a TV with one? Wish I could hear what it sounds like. He loves the TV! Yes, an amazing picture. Later.
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