Samsung LCD vs. Panasonic Plasma  

You can get the 58pz800u for ~$2500.

I got the 650 cause the 800U was like $300 more, and they seemed a wash. 650 looks better with Blu-Rays, but has motion issues with some content. 650 also does true 24p, without the flicker of the 800U.

At the same price though, I'd probably get the 800U.

get the Panny

I was a former 650 owner myself. After getting the Kuro, the 650 doesn't come anywhere close to its performance by a longshot. I saw the Panny as well, and it is also quite awesome and breathtaking as well, easily destroys any of the Sammy LCDs i've used.

Having seen the 50" Panny Plasma and compared to my own 46A650 LCD, I'd say both would be great. I find the "plasma destroys" commentary is overblown and contrary to that sentiment, the best LCDs are damn good TVs from what I have witnessed. I've noticed no distracting blur on my set once I learned how to tame AMP. The Samsung has a glossy screen that will produce some mirrored glare depending on your lighting but the trade-off is the best non LED LCD black levels. As far as performance goes- you should be satisfied with both. The Samsung has nice features too like a news ticker, stock tracker and weather info. I find them useful in the morning before I run out for work. I almost got the Samsung PN50A650 plasma but 46" was a big as I needed for my viewing environment I liked the livelier picture a little bit more with the LCD.

Totally agree. I was a HUGE LCD guy. I never thought I would of bought a plasma, but now having the 850U in my home, I am in AWE. I compared it to all LCD's on the market, and I think the Panny has a better overall picture. The only LCD that I think looks great is the XBR8 and It is certainlly not worth the $$$.

I'll be jumping ship from my 120hz LCD soon to get a plasma.

I wouldn't do it. Samsung LCD's have surpassed most plasma. You might get better blacks with the Kuro, but your whites will be inferior to the best LCD's.

As for Panny, the blacks are not better than top LCD's from Sony and Samsung.

you're hopelessly conflicted. or in need of an edit.

LOL. Give me a break!.

I have a samsung 52850 lcd and my buddy has a 50in panny plasma and they both look great to me, but if I could go back I would still buy my samsung all over again. To me the over all picture in the samsung is just better.

Wow! You guys are making this tough! Seems to be people in both camps.

I am trying to make a similar decision but between smaller sets:

Samsung LN40A630 or Panasonic TH42PZ80U

As far as I can tell here is what I am seeing as differences:

1. Price: Seeing the Panny for around $200 less ($1200 vs $1000)

2. Size: Extra 2" with the Panny

3. Image Quality:
a. Contrast Ratio: Sounds like they are comparable? Thoughts? Some are saying whites better on Sam, blacks on Pan?
b. Motion Blur: In general I know plasma better here, but the 630 is a 120Hz unit, does that bring it to same level as the Pan?
c. Overall Color, sharpness: Would appreciate any comments here!
d. Video Noise: Saw another thread mention a "video noise" problem on plasmas in general, and the panny's in specific - was referred to as "dithering"

All in all these both seem like great HDTVs, and I was ready to go with the Samsung until I noticed the lower price/larger size on the Pan and read a few reviews saying plasma at this size can outperform LCD, esp with motion blur (definitely an issue for me).

I'll go with the 58" Panasonic. Quality matters but they are fairly close, depending who you ask .

Otherwise, I dunno. Too hard.

Total agree.

No I think Auditor is dead serious.

Samsung has better blacks and contrast.

Not to mention lighting conditions where plasma really has issues.

Some things you can always count on: X-mas and Auditor over hyping Samsungs. Dude, come clean, you work for Sammy right?

Lightening conditions? Do you own a plasma? That argument is non existent anymore. I can't even begin to tell you how BRIGHT my Panny is. I came from a XBR5 LCD and I can assure you my Panny is extremely bright and I have NO issues with it in a VERY WELL lit room. Seriously. I never thought Plasma's could pull it off, but TRUST me, they do. I have to tone down my brightness levels more than half way! I've researched all LCD TV's. I've compared ALL LCD and Plasma's. I was an LCD guy and was planning on buying another one. Except for maybe the XBR8 (which is NOT worth the price tag and has an overall better pic than any Samsung), they still cannot compete with the over all picture quality you get from a Plasma and neither the Sony or the Sammy warrants the price tag. I still say my Panny picture quality is better than LCD out there. Yes, the blacks are very good on both the XBR8 and 950, but again, I'm talking about overall picture quality, which still goes to Plasma's.

Dear lord...

Stay in the shallow end of the electronic pool will ya?!?!

As you know, I was the same way. I hated Plasma's. I dogged them out all the time. I swore they gave me headaches. I even was convinced my XBR5 overall was a better than the Kuro. Boy was I wrong. You simply cannot appreciate how good they are until you have them in your home. I NEVER EVER thought in a million years, I'd own one. But you opened my eyes and told me to give it a shot. I'm still hugging and kissing the TV to this very day. (Hell, I'd make love to it if I could)

Hell, I'd marry my Japanese (kuro) sweetie if it was legal. As for making love to it? There is a way, and breaking her in takes on a whole new meaning...I'll PM you. Just be gentle and it only hurts her the first time.

They're both good TVs.
If you've demo'd both and don't have a preference, just get the cheaper one.

This whole sub-forum is just the same old same old.

I think there are quite a few here who really need to get a life. Or at least expand their interests.

b. The 120Hz isn't a necessary feature for plasma, it's already better with respect to motion issues. That feature is something that was added to LCDs to improve one of it's areas of deficit & help narrow the gap with plasmas. Does this feature put them on equal footing? Some say no, some say yes (or at least close enough). For the average consumer, it's probably close enough.

c. Color will be impressive on either one, especially if this will be your first HDTV. Though I think plasma provides more depth, complexity or dimensionality when it comes to displaying colors. Sharpness - LCD will probably appear sharper in many circumstances though some would argue it's an artificial kind of hyper-sharpness which isn't very accurate to the content being displayed. I'll admit, I like it.

d. My sense from previous readings of these forums is that LCD is generally better in this respect. Fewer issues along these lines though some are only viewable on plasma at closer distances. It really depends on your tolerance for the specific kinds of noise/artifacting. Some don't notice or aren't bothered, others get driven to distraction.

Based upon what you've told us so far, seems like the Panasonic plasma would be better for you. Then again, I don't know how many light sources you have to potentially reflect in your room and how much control you have over them. If you do have issues there, then that might be a pt. in favor of making the LCD choice.

And then we have Rammitinski who, like clockwork, can be counted on to drop in on various threads to offer the same 'this topic has been talked to death, you people need to move on and get a life' post. I guess none of use are immune from endlessly repeating ourselves in one way or another.

That's true, but since you're looking at Sammy LCDs make sure it's not one with the reflective screen that adds more depth or you're defeating the purpose of buying LCD because of glare

... oh yes. forgot about that.

Yeah, I know - maybe I'm wrong expecting the discussions around here to get and stay above the "Yo' Mama" level. Pardon me on that one.

Hi Folks

Please continue here

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=767932

This is where all LCD vs. plasma chat belongs

Thank you !

w