Hi,

I'm looking for some help deciding between two Samsung TVs similarly priced, UN55B8000 and PN58B850. I know one is plasma while the other is LCD, but I'm looking for the best TV regardless of technology type.

I've been impressed with both TVs individually but not been able to see them in a direct comparison. Picture Quality is the most important characteristic since I have a external sound system and all my sources are routed through my onkyo 875 TX-SR875 receiver resulting in one HDMI connection to the TV. My usage will be with a PS3 (video games and blu rays), cable, and some computer usage via netflix, hulu and boxee.

In summary, I'm looking for opinions and suggestions regarding which TVs has a best picture, the UN55B8000 or PN58B850, for my usage. Thanks in advance.

I think that's an easy call the Plasma, the LCD/led is edge lit I believe and won't give you good over all pic compared to the Plasma. The plasma is 3 inches bigger 300 hundred cheaper and will give you a better pic overall. just my 2cents

Agreed--image quality should be better for the plasma. This would include horizontal viewing angle and black levels. This is particularly true with calibration.

I purchased a Sammy UN55B8000 after a lot of thinking and looking. I was tempted at the heavily discounted KUROS at BestBuy, but finaly decided on the UN55B8000 mostly because of the additional $400 Fry's took off the already discounted sale price and the fact that our family room is on the bright side during the day.

Aftet 1 week of viewing DirecTV HD programming, Blue Rays (on the Sammy BD1600 player that was thrown in free), off air HD programming, all I can say is WOW! What an awesome picture.

I calibrated w/Digital Video Essentials BD and found that changes to the movie settings were minimal. Upon starting, it took a firmware update via the internet connection.

I looked at live programs and screen test patterns on the DVE disk and could not see, nor find darkening of the edges. I have a solid beautiful picture, day or night!

I am most amazed when watching a 2.35:1 movie at night with the lights off. You only see the picture. The black top & bottom lines created by letterboxing dissapear in the darkness.

I thought my old Sony KDF-50XBR800 (calibrated) looked good, was I surprised with the Sammy!

I know many consider the KUROs the best TV out there, and they may be right, but I tell you, I do not regret purchasing the Sammy at all. Considering all the improvements the manufacturers have made, I would venture to say, any of the high end models out there today, will perform incredibly well!

Loving watching my new TV!

For what it is worth, I just saw these two TVs side by side in HHGregg. I liked the PN58B860 better. It had a much richer picture (deeper, more vivid colors). The UN55B8000 did have a brighter screen but the colors seemed washed out when compared to plasma TV.

I am yet to find a store that has properly calibrated sets!

I am yet to find a store that has properly calibrated sets!

Agree, neither were calibrated. I even asked the sales rep and he said they were both on the vibrant setting ( or something). That said it is the best I have to go on. Where have you found both sets calibrated for comparison?