Samsung PN64E533 for $1399 at Costco

This TV is essentially the same as the 51e530 at a larger size. 2 HDMI inputs and no 3D or smart TV features.

One nice feature is that it is very slim - looks about the thickness of an edge-lit LED set.

I picked one up at Costco for $1399 and got it hooked up yesterday. Lots of picture tweaking options available and I am still trying to get the perfect picture, but overall I am very happy. This is replacing a 50 inch G10 series Panasonic from 2009 for me. It doesn't have the THX mode or support for 1080p/24, which the Panny has. I found I didn't need these features for my viewing anyway and prefer the larger screen. The black levels are on par with the G10.

I don't think this TV is as nice as the Panasonic ST50 series, but it's nearly $800 cheaper and a pretty sweet set. I'll see how it holds up.

Just ordered one from Amazon, delivery Thursday. Hoping it suffices, I don't care anything about 3d or a "smart" tv. Just wanting great color/black levels/clarity and low reflection. Upgrading from a 56" Samsung dlp, which I think already has a great picture.

Can we get an update with your experience with the tv? How is the picture clarity and how is it when viewing during the day? Thanks.

Ordered through Amazon, $1498 w/2% back. Got it yesterday, initial impression are just OK but this is my first plasma and I'm still tweaking it. I am coming from a 6 year old 56" Samsung 1080p DLP. I can tell a difference in the picture now after tweaking but its not substantial...I was hoping there would be a big difference.

Any advice/suggestions will be appreciated by this plasma noob!

Thanks for this but thats a little basic specs. And the e533 did come with a swivel stand. Did you by chance see any reviews or comparisons by an actual owner?

The TV has essentially the same picture as the E550 but without the 3D or smart TV features. Also only has 2 HDMI inputs.

Picture tweaking options are plentiful and black levels are deep. Compared to the Panasonic ST50, however, they are not quiet as inky. Color is rich and realistic and very adjustable. The panel is fairly reflective, definitely more reflective than the Panasonic ST50. The sharpness setting (edge enhancement) is set too high at default but can easily be reduced to provide a more natural picture. No blurring with action sequences when watching football, but I don't have it connected to a 1080p/24 source to test ability to properly handle film based material. According to CNET, the 550 model handles 24p well (has a 96 Hz refresh rate), but they did not evaluate the 533.

At this price, the set is really geared toward those who want a basic large HDTV with the advantages of plasma - perfect uniformity and deep blacks. It's a great TV for a man cave or a family room. It's not as nice as my Kuro from 2007, but it beats the Panasonic G10 I bought in 2009 hands down. For the price, it's a steal.

Hope that helps.

Edit 12/18/2012 - I see now that the stand is a swivel stand.
Edited by mghotbi - 12/18/12 at 10:46am

I agree with your points. Though I ordered mine from Amazon and it came with a swivel stand....

You may be right about the stand. I have it wall-mounted.

Have you taken the time to calibrate it to its best? I've never owned a plasma and have done what I think looks best, I'll update my posts when I get home. Any way you could post the settings/calibration that you are using. I'd like to compare...I feel like I am not quite at its peak but don't know where to go next. Thanks.

I used the calibration setting for the E550 that are posted on the CNET site. Here's the link. Essentially the same panel as the E533 except the 3D.

Samsung PN51E550 picture settings - CNET HDTV picture settings Forums
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-19410_102-571511/samsung-pn51e550-picture-settings/

Awesome, thanks! I'll have to try it when I get home. I thought the panel was more in line with the E530 as opposed to the E550 so this is good to know.

In your experience why is it always recommended to turn sharpness down to 0?

I see Costco still has it as of 12/20 for $1,399.00. Can someone recommend a good wall mount system. I would like it to be able to swivel the tv on an angle if possible. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

It comes with a swivel stand, but if you just wanna mount I looked at lots on amazon. Looks like a good wall mount that can swivel goes for $65-$80. I

My local Costco now has it for $1250. Awful tempting at that price. The other 65" sets I've been considering are at least $2000. Granted the pic quality and features aren't up to high end level, but that's a great price.

I saw the $1250 price today as well. My location had at least 4 in stock, I may get one.

ETA: I ended up ordering a Panasonic TC-P55GT50 from Amazon for $1250 with a price match to Paul's TV.
Edited by BroncoAZ - 1/20/13 at 8:04am

I'd be snatching it up for $1250, bought mine for $1497 from Amazon about a month ago and am very pleased. Yes there is a buzz and the screen is reflective, but the picture looks great and you'd have to spend $500 to get a comparable plasma at this size.

Costco rocks. Purchased my set on 12/20 at 1400, got a price adjustment for 1250 plus tax. $163.50 in my pocket.

Was looking to purchase this set on Sunday, 1/19/13 before the two games, any update to picture quality, thanks.

Now at $1049 after $200 manufacturer's instant rebate.
Bought mine last week at $1249, going back tonight with my receipt for a price adjustment.

Image quality is outstanding.

Just saw this at $1049 at my local costco. Almost bought another one! Outstanding price for a TV of this quality.

Whatever you do get the extra 3 years warranty from Costco. Having been a Samsung owner in the past (and currently) trust me.. You'll need it.

I was at my Costco tonight in Manahawkin, NJ and the price is $1050.00, they had about 8 sitting on the floor.
The extra 3yr warranty is only $100.00 more and is from Square Trade.
Think I will be truckin one home tomorrow.

Any of you guys have burn in issues?
What did you do for the burn in period?

Could someone tell me the box dimension of this? I don't suppose it will fit in back of a Camry?

The box dimensions are 64"l x 40" h x 17"w.

I measured them last night for the same reason.

If it doesn't fit in your Camry, and have a Home Depot nearby, you can rent a truck there very reasonably.

I did it a few years ago to get my lawn tractor home.

LOL....I couldn't even fit a 55 inch in the back of a pathfinder.

You want to transport them upright in the normal viewing position and want them to be secure without the chance for tipping over and possibly being damaged.

Heed hodge827's advice and get one of the flat bed home depot trucks, unless you have a friend with a pickup truck or VAN or large SUV (expedition, armada, etc). and strap it down securely.

In our area, the home depot trucks rent for $20 for the first 75 minutes.

At Costco they had some of the the boxes lying on their sides as well as upright.

Is it bad to store them that way?

I have a Volvo 240 DL Wagon and will have to lay the box on it's side to get it home.

Bad idea?

Plasma should always be kept upright and not laid down.