I am looking for a budget 50" plasma TV. My top two considerations are the Samsung 50B450 and the 2008 Panasonic 50PX80. I have ruled out the 2009 Panasonic 50X1 for three reasons. First I am unable to find a revised panel re:the CNET review of the 50X1. I contacted Panasonic and confirmed the revision has indeed took place in June 2009. Secondly the screen door effect appears more pronounced than the PX80. Thirdly SD picture looks worse than on the PX80. The Samsung 50B450 has a very nice picture on both HD & SD. I would say that the picture is better than on the Panasonic TV. My concerns with the 50B450 are the reliability and possible servicing issues versus the Panasonic PX80. The 50B450 Filter Bright screen is much more reflective than the PX80.

I live in Canada so the price of the PX80 is still $899 on clearance while the Samsung 50B450 is $1100. I was hoping to find a 50" PZ80 on clearance but no luck. Consider this at Costco.com the Panny 50PS14 is $999 and @ Costco.ca the Panny 50PS14 is $1899. Panasonic sells for a real premium in Canada while Samsung is much closer to com-probable US pricing. My only concern with Samsung is I would certainly buy an extended warranty at the time I purchase the TV so I would not have to deal with Samsung for repairs. On the other hand Panasonic has a solid reputation and I would have one year to purchase the Concierge extended warranty.

Other TVs I have considered are Sony 46V5100 @ $1399, Panasonic 46" S1 @ $1499, Samsung 50B540 @ $1499