I've dug in the archives a lot but this is my first post so please excuse any ignorance or transgressions.
I'm in the market for a new TV and I've decided on plasma. I want maximum viewing angle because of the shape of the room (a bit wide and short), and I watch a good amount of sports to I want no motion blur (can't stand the SOE on LEDs). And I'm interested in a good picture, don't really care about bells and whistles. I have a roku for "smart" functions and I can get an hdmi switcher for multiple ports if needed.
But obviously I don't need to sell you all on why a plasma, so to the point:
I'm torn between the 60PB5600 and the PN51F5300.
I've read good feedback of the PN51F5300 on here, which is what drew me to it in the first place. But, the 60PB5600 is $60 cheaper and 9" bigger. So I guess I'm trying to figure out if the benefits of the extra 9" outweighs the superior quality of the Samsung. And the extra $60 could potentially cover a wall mount and/or hdmi switcher, or go toward a receiver. I am on a budget (hence this price range), but at the same time in the grand scheme of things obviously $60 isn't the end of the world.
My primary sitting spot is about 8 feet away from the screen. If I have a crowd (not very often) a few seating spots are about 6-7 feet away, and one more is about 11 feet away.
This is for a basement so there's not a whole lot of light - just recessed ceiling light and a smallish window on the same wall as the TV facing the same direction as the TV.
One more plus to the Samsung is it would be delivered, whereas I'd have to borrow a van (I assume, my car is a mazda 3 hatchback) to pick up the LG. Again obviously not the biggest worry - not too hard to borrow - but delivery is at least a bit appealing.
Also, should have added - watch a decent amount of sports (basketball mostly). Next would be movies and your typical premium cable tv shows. No gaming.
Thanks, I appreciate the response. So I take that to mean that the Samsung is just that much better of a machine that's it's worth the additional $200 over the LG? And/or that 60" is a big enough upgrade over 50" that it's worth the extra $110 when comparing the samsungs?
Also, looks like to get the 60f5300 at actually $699 (no tax) it'd have to be shipped from a retailer with no store presence here (B&H, Abt, etc.). Is that a concern at all? I feel a little uncertain about not having the option of return locally and having to pay to return ship if for some reason I do have to/want to return.
Also an unrelated, and possibly silly question - are there options for HDMI switchers that are compatible with wall mounts that don't look horrible and that don't require saying hiding them within the wall itself? I don't really want a box just hanging on the wall under the tv really, for example.
Ye, the 60F5300 would make this decision easy if you can swing it. Also, check Sears, Best Buy, HHGregg or any other local retailers by you. They might have some in stock.
If you need to order online, those places you listed are reputable but usually do not except returns once delivery is accepted.
Cool, thanks again. Best Buy does have local stock but that adds tax. So more like $250 for the extra 10 inches. Still, will definitely explore the feasibility of it based on the strong recommendation.
In the meantime say I can't swing the 60F5300 and it's gotta be either the 51F5300 or the 60PB5600. Any thoughts then? Leaning toward the quality of the Samsung over size since I basically will never be more than 8 feet from the screen and I'm not necessarily going for the totally immersive theater-like experience, but don't have enough info really about the LG to know just how much worse the picture is.
My guess is that size is more important than absolute quality. I would go with the LG (even over the Samsung 60" F5300). The 60F5300 is a PenTile display with reduced horizontal resolution and thus more readily observed Screen Door Effect. The PenTile thing makes what would be a no-brainer into somewhat more complicated calculation.
I would go with the LG (even over the Samsung 60" F5300). The 60F5300 is a PenTile display with reduced horizontal resolution and thus more readily observed Screen Door Effect. The PenTile thing makes what would be a no-brainer into somewhat more complicated calculation.
Do you own this set? I can't imagine it being an issue for anyone sitting 8'+ away. I can't make out pixels from more than 3-4' on mine. It's the biggest non issue of non issues.
You will seriously regret either option. This is the last chance to buy a plasma. OLED is still ridiculously expensive and lcd never overcame its issues. You will immediately wonder "what if" if you decide on either of these tvs. Once they're gone, they're gone. You'll either be stuck with the smaller tv or the bigger yet inferior picture. And you'll be waiting 3-5 years before you can get a 60" OLED for $700 (if it even comes down that low).
Yes, 50" 768p resolution plasmas are good. 1080p is better though. There is no question that a 1080p 60" plasma is better than PenTile 60" with reduced horizontal resolution, resolution wize. Good enough maybe...is the Samsung so much better in other categories to warrant it's recommendation even with clear disadvantage in resolution. IMO, no it is not. Is the Samsung PenTile 60" F5300 a good set, surely it is....just like the Samsung 51F4500...but I chose the 51F5300 over it.
Chiming in for the LG. For 9 more inches, and a controlled environment, you will be quite happy. It is well worth it and LG stock still seems to be good, so if you get a bad set, you can easily exchange it. Finding the Sammy, even the 51" is getting difficult.
Thanks for tracking that down. Certainly doesn't sound very impressive. I notice it's for the PB6600 rather than the PB5600 I'm looking it. Should I assume it's the same with the 5600 (is the 6600 version just the smart version with more inputs?)?
Should be little difference. The panel and electronics to drive it are probably the same just with an extra board or 2 for 3D processing and smart-wifi features.
Calibrated performance...
0.28 cd/m2 black level & 54 cd/m2 20% white level. Contrast ratio 193:1 Yikes!
I haven't measured my LG, but her numbers seem abnormally high. I'm not saying the LG has great ratios, but Cnet expected the tv to be on par with the last LG they reviewed, the PH6700. Numbers seems to be normalized. My thoughts are she got a bad panel...
I actually came here looking for advice on the 60PB5600 also. I was looking at the LED VIZIO E550i-B2 but the refresh rate seems to be an issue so I don't think I will go with it unless someone tells me otherwise. I have a 42" plasma now and love plasma so I'm not sure LED is a good idea for me. I sit about 10 feet away though so I need bigger and 55-60 is the size I'm looking for. The BP5600 sounds like it might be what I need. I don't watch in dark rooms often and usually just watch tv or sports so I'm guessing that the negatives won't show for me. I also would like to hook my PS4 up to it. Any advice on this or should I start my own thread?
I just picked up the pn60f5300 from Kmart for 699 - 10% cash back from shopdiscover which comes out to 630. If you have a Discover card, that's the route I would take.
I plan to go to Best Buy today in hopes of the Samsung being on display. If I like it then I will probably get it from B&H to avoid tax. B&H is reliable right? I see it used a lot.
They are both untreated glass, like a mirror. The LG will be more reflective because there are 2 panes of glass, while the Samsung only has 1 (the plasma panel is bonded to the outside glass).
I own 60f5300 get it ,the lg is inferiorand if its 3d the viewing angle will look bothering , where as f53000 will look flawless at every viewing angle . The f5300 has 2pt and 10pt white balance calibration , has gamma and grayscale is great out of box.
Finally GET the 60'' version You'll regret it not going bigger . I wanted 64f5300 but was sold out in my area . I seattled on pentile screen also the lg video processing is crappier then the samsung . Features or better picture quality ? I like picture quality over features
I had a 5300 A model, and the better black levels on the set compared to the LG plasmas is undeniable , I'll even give the the Samsung the nod for color accuracy, but found the pentile display and flicker to be a problem. I know it goes against all conventional wisdom, but the two LGs I've owned have better picture depth despite having less contrast. There's more than a few posts from Panasonic plasma owners who love these LG panels.
Funny how Samsung vs. LG has taken on religious overtones once reserved for other plasma brands... Sad that the other brands have left the plasma market!
I've never had a Sammy, but I've had two to three LG plasmas, depending on how you count them...
- the first was a 60PB6900 (SmartTV with 3D), and it arrived broken, so it doesn't really count as the seller replaced it with...
- the second 60PB6900 (obviously) and at ~480 hours, I love it, so much so that
- a third arrived yesterday, but this time, a 60PB5600 (Dell deal, no longer available)
What sold me on the second was that I contacted a nearby ISF calibrator about doing our 6900, only to find out he'd just bought one. I'd have lots more to say personally on that score, but he lives in Hamburg, NY, and so was buried under 80" of snow the week before our appointment. We're rescheduling after the first of the year.
He also owns several brands of flat panel display, and as a calibrator, sees more samples than any of us would. His comments on the LG 60PB5600/6600/6900 are interesting, and his opinion of Samsung panels somewhat unexpected. You might find them interesting....
I went to Best Buy to hope the Samsung was on display and the only plasma they had was a Samsung 720p. That's a shame. I wanted to see it first in case it had that pink look on it I read about or if it has a screen door effect. That's the only thing holding me up right now really.
I just bought the 5300 at BB tonight. I have to have it delivered because it wouldn't fit in my jeep. I got it for $699 and I will try and post my impressions when I get it.
The PN51F5300AFXZA is now $499 at Best Buy with free shipping. Extra $50 if you happen to have a 10% movers coupon.
I ended up going with the PN51F5300AFXZA, got it for $482 delivered. Checked out the 60" and could definitely noticed a screen door effect close up. Seemed most noticeable with large uniform sections of the same color (in this case big letters on the best buy demo reel). Might have been different if I hadn't been looking for it, but no turning back now. And with some of my seating at the lower end of the recommended seating distance for a 60" to begin with I decided in the end I felt more comfortable going with the 51" and putting the savings toward a receiver.
If you're still thinking the LG the 60PB5600 is $499 at Microcenter (at least my local one) right now if you have one of those nearby.
Wanted to say thanks again to everyone to who the time to provide insight on the thread. Much appreciated!
My situation is identical to OP's but I have already purchased on Cyber Monday HHGregg 60PB6650 ($756) that I have issues with and may consider returning. Option would be PN60F5350BFXZA ($700) @ Costco
My LG had developed some bad channels coming from a DTV HDMI connection. Bad meaning: enlarged, squiggly, streaked, etc., very hard to describe but not watchable. Very random also only 1 of several HBO channels I get also 3 consecutive local channels. Good channels stayed good but bad ones stayed bad. It seemed to self correct after turning off for about 4 hours. After turning back on the pics were all good and I got an On Screen Message that said "Firmware Updating". A second Update came an hour or so later. I don't if the rest or the Updates fixed the problem but it is gone for now...
60PB6650 Has great pics after running all night on HBO twice. Reflection is noticeable and somewhat bothersome. The Remote is not the best either as the buttons are squeezed too close together and a light is needed to operate it and then the light reflects off the screen.. bummer. Did I mention the PQ is very good. I'm upgrading from a 55" Sony DLP.
#1 Is Smart a major advantage? PN60F5350BFXZA from Costco is very tempting after reading this thread as well as many others on AV. The auto Firmware Update on LG was a pleasant surprise and a feature that I assume will NOT be present on the Sammy, correct? Is firmware update an issue to be concerned with? Smart TV with WiFi would seem to be a major advantage if updates are needed very often but I haven't read any comments on this issue.
#2 Which has the better Remote? I other concern/issue is the Remote control. Any comments on the LG remove vs Sammy Remote? Also LG sells an optional MAGIC REMOTE CONTROL WITH VOICE MATE™ FOR SELECT 2014 SMART TVS AN-MR500Smart for about $50. If Any owners would comment on that I would unit appreciate it.
#3 Is the Glare/reflection that I read is somewhat LESS of an issue with the Sammy. I hope to see the PN60F5350BFXZA soon at Costco and before my return option expires with HHGregg. If this was my only concern I would keep the LG as it isn't real bad but was non existent on my old Sony.
Thanks to OP and all who contributed to this very informative thread.
I've dug in the archives a lot but this is my first post so please excuse any ignorance or transgressions.
I'm in the market for a new TV and I've decided on plasma. I want maximum viewing angle because of the shape of the room (a bit wide and short), and I watch a good amount of sports to I want no motion blur (can't stand the SOE on LEDs). And I'm interested in a good picture, don't really care about bells and whistles. I have a roku for "smart" functions and I can get an hdmi switcher for multiple ports if needed.
But obviously I don't need to sell you all on why a plasma, so to the point:
I'm torn between the 60PB5600 and the PN51F5300.
I've read good feedback of the PN51F5300 on here, which is what drew me to it in the first place. But, the 60PB5600 is $60 cheaper and 9" bigger. So I guess I'm trying to figure out if the benefits of the extra 9" outweighs the superior quality of the Samsung. And the extra $60 could potentially cover a wall mount and/or hdmi switcher, or go toward a receiver. I am on a budget (hence this price range), but at the same time in the grand scheme of things obviously $60 isn't the end of the world.
My primary sitting spot is about 8 feet away from the screen. If I have a crowd (not very often) a few seating spots are about 6-7 feet away, and one more is about 11 feet away.
This is for a basement so there's not a whole lot of light - just recessed ceiling light and a smallish window on the same wall as the TV facing the same direction as the TV.
One more plus to the Samsung is it would be delivered, whereas I'd have to borrow a van (I assume, my car is a mazda 3 hatchback) to pick up the LG. Again obviously not the biggest worry - not too hard to borrow - but delivery is at least a bit appealing.
Samsung F5300 is on sale now at Best Buy for $499. Just bought one myself.
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