So i found the lg one around 1299, samsung 1370 and Panasonic around 1395 after cash back.

Which of these 50" Plasma are best value and PQ? Does all thise resit burn it? Which of thise has 24p cinema? Which one has best design?

I cant comment on the PS60 though I thought it looked good in the store. Considering that you are looking at the 50 inch, the Panasonic offers the best performance for the money. However, the 58" B550 is arguably a better buy than the 54" G10. Thats how close the B550 and the G10 are regarding PQ.

I just got the LG 50PS60 today and its PQ is fantastic, very clear picture with excellent colours and black level.

I would suggest either the LG or the Panasonic

Well, the B550 does not have the "Cinema Smooth" 24fps feature. You need to jump up the B560 for that. And from what I have seen, the price difference is 0-50 bucks depending on where you purchase.

And I have the Sammy 58B560 and thought it actually had a much better picture than the Panasonic "G" model I also looked at. The Panny just did not pop, it looked a bit washed out and the colors just didn't do it for me after playing around with it. The LG I have not seen, so I really cannot comment.

I compared the Panny and Samsung models in question side by side at Best Buy recently. I really wanted to like the Panasonic better, but I just couldn't find one thing about it I liked better. Of course this is in a brightly lit store, on uncalibrated sets. Neither set actually appeared to be in torch mode, but I a sure the settings were no optimal either.

To me the colors on the Samsung were more realistic and just a more dynamic picture. Black levels, were very similar on the two sets, and if anything black detail was a little better on the Samsung. The Samsung set was aeshteically (when turned off) much more stylish looking as well. The Samsungs also seem to run cooler and use less energy based on power ratings.

There are really no reviews of these models available so, I considered the 2008 models. Samsung, in 2008, had better color accuracy, more picture adjustment controls, and less picture artifacts. The 2008 Pannys had a little better black level. I assume this will be similar again this year.

Both of these were nice tv's but I bought the Samsung because I could not find one thing the Panny did better, which suprised me. That was not my expectation going in (except maybe on the color decoding). After a couple weeks I now have my Sammy broken in and calibrated, it looks awesome.

I believe that the price differences reflect to some extent the differences in quality. LG, is, I feel, something of a budget brand; Samsung is better, but Panasonic will generally give you the best build quality and perfoirmance. Remember, you get what you pay for!

I compared the Panny and Samsung models in question side by side at Best Buy recently. I really wanted to like the Panasonic better, but I just couldn't find one thing about it I liked better. Of course this is in a brightly lit store, on uncalibrated sets. Neither set actually appeared to be in torch mode, but I a sure the settings were no optimal either.

To me the colors on the Samsung were more realistic and just a more dynamic picture. Black levels, were very similar on the two sets, and if anything black detail was a little better on the Samsung. The Samsung set was aeshteically (when turned off) much more stylish looking as well. The Samsungs also seem to run cooler and use less energy based on power ratings.

There are really no reviews of these models available so, I considered the 2008 models. Samsung, in 2008, had better color accuracy, more picture adjustment controls, and less picture artifacts. The 2008 Pannys had a little better black level. I assume this will be similar again this year.

Both of these were nice tv's but I bought the Samsung because I could not find one thing the Panny did better, which suprised me. That was not my expectation going in (except maybe on the color decoding). After a couple weeks I now have my Sammy broken in and calibrated, it looks awesome.

Glad you're happy. Again, this is why I encourage people to actually go look at the TVs of interest and set aside preconceived notions.:cool:

Glad you're happy. Again, this is why I encourage people to actually go look at the TVs of interest and set aside preconceived notions.:cool:

But unfortunately, a well-lit store is not the best place to compare displays, especially black levels.

But unfortunately, a well-lit store is not the best place to compare displays, especially black levels.

That may or may not be true. However, all sets will be in the same environments with the same loop.

That may or may not be true. However, all sets will be in the same environments with the same loop.

True, but one could be in movie mode while the other is in standard mode. Unless you have access to both remotes and are allowed to change the settings, it is very hard to compare them in the store.

That may or may not be true. However, all sets will be in the same environments with the same loop.

In a well lit store, you just cannot compare black levels. The Samsung and Panny plasmas will look similar in a store, whereas in a dark room, the Panny blacks will look better. Even LCD blacks look good in a store. Unless you watch at home with all the lights on, store comparisons are very misleading. Having the same feeds does not make it a meaningful comparison.

True, but one could be in movie mode while the other is in standard mode. Unless you have access to both remotes and are allowed to change the settings, it is very hard to compare them in the store.

In addition, one display could get a direct cable connection, while another could be after 20 cable splits. You just don't know unless you look behind the displays.

I voted for the Samsung, seems the panny is popular though |: http://***************/9/P/i.jpghttp://***************/9/R/i.jpg

well I actually had the Sammy and Panny in my home at the same time and the G10 was the hands down winner
black level wasn't close Panasonic
whites were near perfect on the Panasonic a bit beige on the Samsung
shadow detail was clearly better on the Panasonic
I quickly returned the Samsung(it was also buzzing like a banshee)and have never looked back

After reading alvot on the forum I think the PQ on Panny and Sammy are close enough I wouldn't notice. I was looking at getting the 50G10. But I like the swivel stand on the Samsung. So now I'm looking the PN50B550.

In a well lit store, you just cannot compare black levels. The Samsung and Panny plasmas will look similar in a store, whereas in a dark room, the Panny blacks will look better. Even LCD blacks look good in a store. Unless you watch at home with all the lights on, store comparisons are very misleading. Having the same feeds does not make it a meaningful comparison.

Guys, black levels comprise one of numerous factors in PQ. I'm sure the Sammys will do fine in that criteria but a well lit environment is something many owners will experience under normal circumstances, ie daytime viewing.:cool:

Guys, black levels comprise one of numerous factors in PQ. I'm sure the Sammys will do fine in that criteria but a well lit environment is something many owners will experience under normal circumstances, ie daytime viewing.:cool:

Most people that have jobs don't watch much tv during the day except for weekends.

^ I'm like that....I watch TV from 7pm or later probably about 95% of my overall viewing time, at least....Same for the wife, and neither of us watch much TV or movies during the day on the weekend, so we don't really find ourselves watching in the daytime at all....


I vote for the 50g10...I love mine.

I think it all depends on what is most important when you are comparing the tvs. Ideally it would be nice to have the best of everything, but it ain't going to happen for only $1500 for a 50" plasma. All three of these are very nice tvs, although the Panasonic and Samsung stood apart IMO. If black levels are most important, the Panny is the best choice (this was not evident in the store, but based on 2008 reviews, likely will be the case in 2009 as well). If color accuracy is more important, then the Samsung is a better choice. Its not as if the Samsung has terrible black levels, as it is still very good when properly calibrated. And its not like the Panasonic color accuracy is that bad, because its really still pretty good.

I really can't say. I have been going back and forth between Panasonic and Samsung but I finally decided Panasonic. I think the Samsung has a little better picture and is a nicer looking television. However I didn't want to risk problems with buzzing, the pink bars with the the AR coating and the increase in likelihood of IR. I don't think it is likely any of them will be a problem, I just didn't want to risk it. The only big issue I have with the Panasonic is the 3D image effect from the reflection off of the thick glass. But this is mainly only at moderate to severe angles.

Most people that have jobs don't watch much tv during the day except for weekends.

um, i am a college professor, so i'm often home during the day, and even when i'm working, i often get home when there's plenty of light...besides, i don't always watch tv/movies or play video games in the dark, and i'm not the only one...

According to last years Samsung 450 model compared to the Panasonic Viera. The Samsung had very, very bright and popping colors with sharper image detail. The Panasonic may have had "a little" and I do mean "a little" better blacks (whoo, hoo!!!! *sarcasm*). IMO, the Panasonic didn't compare in PQ to any Samsung. I don't know if it's a Korea vs. Japanese thing, performance issues or what, but I just don't see the big deal people make over Panasonic. Especially if PQ is your main concern. I'm thinking it's durability?:confused: Listen I'm not an expert, but I will be viewing the Sammy B series 550 and the Panny S1 plasmas tommorrow. I've got a feeling the results will be the same as last year. Samsung with the trophy. Let you all know what I purchase.:D pEaCe!!!!!

How do the votes hold up when Amazon has the PN50B550 for $1199 w/ free shipping?

G10 ftw. If you were comparing the B650 with the G then my vote might have been cast differently. Either way you'll get a great set.

I voted G10...but I'm quite happy with my new Samsung 860...so far.

But unfortunately, a well-lit store is not the best place to compare displays, especially black levels.

I actually never watch TV or movies in absolute darkness so well-lit stores work great for me.

Anyways, I voted for the G10 even though I just bought a B650. I personally liked the aesthetics of the Samsung more and am more than happy with the picture quality (a week later and I'm still getting blown away everytime I watch it) but it seems like there are lots of people reporting problems with their Samsungs... thankfully mine has been perfect.

In all honesty the difference in picture quality between the two is in nit-pick territory, hence the heated debates here on AVS :P

G10, Iron man looks great on the Panny in Hi Def. :D

I voted G10...but I'm quite happy with my new Samsung 860...so far.


Even though you are staying with Samsung, you are a great endorsement for Panasonic. I've never met anyone that has had 5 panels replaced on a display and keeps buying Samsung panels. You are approaching cult status on AVS.

I'm so glad you put "so far' in your post. How long have you had the latest Samsung offering?

How do the votes hold up when Amazon has the PN50B550 for $1199 w/ free shipping?


The cheapest price doesn't mean it's the best deal.

According to last years Samsung 450 model compared to the Panasonic Viera. The Samsung had very, very bright and popping colors with sharper image detail. The Panasonic may have had "a little" and I do mean "a little" better blacks (whoo, hoo!!!! *sarcasm*). IMO, the Panasonic didn't compare in PQ to any Samsung. I don't know if it's a Korea vs. Japanese thing, performance issues or what, but I just don't see the big deal people make over Panasonic. Especially if PQ is your main concern. I'm thinking it's durability?:confused: Listen I'm not an expert, but I will be viewing the Sammy B series 550 and the Panny S1 plasmas tommorrow. I've got a feeling the results will be the same as last year. Samsung with the trophy. Let you all know what I purchase.:D pEaCe!!!!!

It's not a Korea vs Japanese thing, it's a reliability thing. Some people just don't like to keep returning displays hoping they might get a functional one. Samsung's give whole new meaning to the "pop" description. Been there, done that, no more Samsungs for me.

How do the votes hold up when Amazon has the PIITB50B550 for $1199 w/ free shipping?I wouldn't change my vote even if the PN50B550 was FREE w/ free shipping :D

I wouldn't change my vote even if the PN50B550 was FREE w/ free shipping :D

I see what you did there... PIITB, LOL. aware.

I recently bought a SAMSUNG Plasma PN50B540 (2009 model) .

I spent a great deal of time researching this model against competitors in its class especially by PANASONIC. Finally I found a store that had both the Panasonic 50' G10 model and the Samsung PN50B550 sitting right next to each other. I spent an hour fooling around and was most happy with the Samsung PQ, menus, aesthetics etc.

My concern was reliability in Samsung. My co-worker had a wonderful experience with in-home service by Panasonic and so I called Samsung support and found that THEY STILL honor the 2 year warranty on Samsung 2009 plasma models.

Got the B550 and while wiring up my devices couldn't get the Harman Kardon AVR to display the setup screens and I couldn't get the Cable box and plasma to talk using HDMI. After changing cables, switching to component, replacing the cable set box I got to level 2 samsung support (their level 1 was useless). Their technician was courteous, and after a number of attempts, he scheduled for someone to visit me at home and fix my problem. Later that day I replaced my cable box for the 2nd time and IT WORKED Switched the AVR cable to RCA video and that worked too
I was feeling even better knowing that Samsung were there to support me and accommodated me at home just like Panasonic WITHIN 48 HOURS.

I am a big fan of the Panasonic P50G10. It is a quality product.

That may or may not be true. However, all sets will be in the same environments with the same loop.

That's false. Sometimes there are SD feeds on displays that are right next to a display that has an HD feed. Happens a lot at Best Buy, even in the Magnolia section of the store.

I wouldn't change my vote even if the PN50B550 was FREE w/ free shipping :D

I couldn't agree with you more Randy

I'm curious to know what is the deciding factor for most people on what makes a better set.

I personally think whichever set can be calibrated closest to Rec 709 wins. And from what I've seen the Panasonic still loses to the Samsung. I think color accuracy is much more important the extreme black level. I do think Black level is important but not more then color accuracy. Video processing still a factor as well and they both do a good job. I think the Samsung will still win, I would probably go the PN50B650 though over the 550.