[octick]

Huge mental debate going on in my head.

TV use will be; 40% HD movies, 30% Xbox 360, 20% computer, 10% HD DirectTV (sports)

Room lighting is controlled and can stop glare during daylight.


PN50A650 is cheapest by $300-$600. Supposedly best picture over LCDs. Great for movies, gaming, and sports. Burn-In for gaming is minor issue but avoidable with taking breaks during gaming, break in of TV, and new technologies.


LN52A650 is mid-range. Incredible picture. In store, looks better than PN50A650, but probably due to lighting. Not sure if I like 120 hz as it gives an odd look to rapid motion. Something that might have to adjust to.


LNT5281F is most expensive. Great black levels and picture. Haven't seen it do sports or SD. Don't know if you will have blur effect without 120 hz. Is picture good enough for premium price? Unable to tell in store.


My biggest concerns are picture (off course), gaming delay, and motion blur.


TIA for all the help.

 

[xb1032]

You may want to check up on gaming lag as I've heard the Samsung LCDs have issues. I'm no expert though but I suggest asking in the Samsung LCD threads about this.


Also, be aware that the 81 is Samsung's last years models. The 950s are the replacements and from what I hear they are pretty good sets. You've not posted a price range but you might want to throw in the Pioneer 5020 into your list. Checkout forum sponsor pricing or Amazon and you'll see it's much cheaper than what BB might have them for.


Good luck!

 

[octick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by xb1032 /forum/post/15421366


You may want to check up on gaming lag as I've heard the Samsung LCDs have issues. I'm no expert though but I suggest asking in the Samsung LCD threads about this.


Also, be aware that the 81 is Samsung's last years models. The 950s are the replacements and from what I hear they are pretty good sets. You've not posted a price range but you might want to throw in the Pioneer 5020 into your list. Checkout forum sponsor pricing or Amazon and you'll see it's much cheaper than what BB might have them for.


Good luck!

PN50A650 for around $1500

PN52A650 for around $1800

LNT5281F for around $2100


I would love to have the 950, but for that size it is still $4k

The LNT5281F is last years model, but with many of the same features, for roughly half the price. However, the PN50A650 still might have a better picture with no lag and no blur.

 

[xb1032]



Quote:
Originally Posted by octick /forum/post/15422838


PN50A650 for around $1500

PN52A650 for around $1800

LNT5281F for around $2100


I would love to have the 950, but for that size it is still $4k

The LNT5281F is last years model, but with many of the same features, for roughly half the price. However, the PN50A650 still might have a better picture with no lag and no blur.

Yea those prices are a bit lower. I've not had much experience with those other than what I've seen in store and it doesn't seem like anyone is going to chime in so if I were you I'd ask in the 650 LCD and plasma threads and see if you get any takers. The 81s were initially exciting but it doesn't seem like they got that much love. I can't recall the posters name but someone bought the 71 (the 650 was the new model of the 71(I think his name was sharpjunkie??)) and a 81 and took them both home and ended up preferring the 81. He found that in many typical scenes that there wasn't a huge difference in black levels in the 71 over the 81 and chose the 71. To be clear though, there was much larger difference in price though so things may be different.


If you ask in the plasma forums they'll tell you to get the plasma and likewise in the LCD forums so you'll have to make your own call on which you prefer. I have heard that the black levels on the 650 LCD are actually a little better than Samsung's plasma but just be aware that LCDs have uneveness to the screen in low lighting and you can see what's called flashlighting and clouding. I've also heard that the Samsung plasmas can have issues with image retention as well so I suggest doing a little bit of research first and determine which one looks best to you.

 

[octick]

Thanks....I posted here because I thought I would get the favoritism of each forum for the respective TV.


My top choice has been the Plasma, but I have never seen a Plasma, other than the Kuro, in optimal lighting. It is the cheapest and supposedly represents the true look of the movie best.

 

[chadmak09]

Must you get a samsung??

 

[octick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by chadmak09 /forum/post/15425410


Must you get a samsung??

No, I just think Samsung for the price makes the best TVs.


I don't think you can get a better LCD for the price.

As for plasma, the 50 inch Panasonic 50PZ800u is definitely on my short list, but personally, I like the PN50A650 as it is a better deal.

 

[VarmintCong]

The 81F is gorgeous - hard to see them demo'd - the one time I saw it playing Pirates Blu-Ray I was blown away - it made the XBR4 playing the same disc look rather bad.


The owner's thread seems to love the TV. Too many questions for me to get one (gaming? blur? 24p?) - so I got the 650 LCD instead.


Any way you could stretch the budget to a Pioneer 5020? That's what I'd get.

 

[oldcband]



Quote:
Originally Posted by octick /forum/post/15426056


no, i just think samsung for the price makes the best tvs.


I don't think you can get a better lcd for the price.

As for plasma, the 50 inch panasonic 50pz800u is definitely on my short list, but personally, i like the pn50a650 as it is a better deal.

Plasmas don't look good during daytime operation. Just need a TV at night get the plasma for all times of the day get an LCD.

Best bang for your buck. LN-52a650.


Reflections a problem? LN-52a630.

 

[chadmak09]



Quote:
Originally Posted by VarmintCong /forum/post/15427054


The 81F is gorgeous - hard to see them demo'd - the one time I saw it playing Pirates Blu-Ray I was blown away - it made the XBR4 playing the same disc look rather bad.


The owner's thread seems to love the TV. Too many questions for me to get one (gaming? blur? 24p?) - so I got the 650 LCD instead.


Any way you could stretch the budget to a Pioneer 5020? That's what I'd get.

Yes, the 81f is nice.

But I agree, stretch the budget a little and get the 5020.


It will definitly give you the best overall picture.

That is, unless you are putting the TV on the patio/sunroom/showroom, using it as a computer monitor, or you preferr a Dynamic/vivid overbrightened inaccurate and "poppy" picture.

 

[octick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by chadmak09 /forum/post/15427900


Yes, the 81f is nice.

But I agree, stretch the budget a little and get the 5020.


It will definitly give you the best overall picture.

That is, unless you are putting the TV on the patio/sunroom/showroom, using it as a computer monitor, or you preferr a Dynamic/vivid overbrightened inaccurate and "poppy" picture.

The room only has 1 window, and I plan to control the light for 90% of the viewing. The other 10% will not have direct sunlight just ambient light in the room. It is to be used for optimal viewing situations. (AKA a husband/daddy relax room.)


To be honest, I really wanted to be under $2k. The reason I ask about the 81F is it is so close, so hard to find, and such a good deal, I wanted to see if it was worth stepping over the self-established line in the dirt to get. Stretching 35% over budget for the Pioneer might be a hard sell in these times. This is why I was thinking PN50A650 for best picture for price.


As I said, I have not seen a Plasma (other than Kuro) in perfect lighting to see how it compares to the very good picture of the LN52A650 which looks awesome calibrated. I have seen the 81F next to the Kuro. Uncalibrated, it looked awesome. Blacks were not as good as the Kuro, but for the price, I will take the visible difference in contrast. The LG 47" lg47lg90 LED looked incredible too. I had never seen that TV either and great price for features.

 

[xb1032]



Quote:
Originally Posted by octick /forum/post/15430735


The room only has 1 window, and I plan to control the light for 90% of the viewing. The other 10% will not have direct sunlight just ambient light in the room. It is to be used for optimal viewing situations. (AKA a husband/daddy relax room.)


To be honest, I really wanted to be under $2k. The reason I ask about the 81F is it is so close, so hard to find, and such a good deal, I wanted to see if it was worth stepping over the self-established line in the dirt to get. Stretching 35% over budget for the Pioneer might be a hard sell in these times. This is why I was thinking PN50A650 for best picture for price.


As I said, I have not seen a Plasma (other than Kuro) in perfect lighting to see how it compares to the very good picture of the LN52A650 which looks awesome calibrated. I have seen the 81F next to the Kuro. Uncalibrated, it looked awesome. Blacks were not as good as the Kuro, but for the price, I will take the visible difference in contrast. The LG 47" lg47lg90 LED looked incredible too. I had never seen that TV either and great price for features.

If I were you I wouldn't get the Kuro (and that is coming from one who owns one and loves them). Many around here (and I can't say I haven't done this before either) post our thoughts to people's screen names and have no idea of their current financial situation or for that matter how important a TV is to them since we are pretty much blinded by our obsession

.


Having said that if you think you'll be keeping your TV for years to come and you won't be hurting yourself financially then the 81 might be for you. However, I do believe TV prices will keep coming down and will get better each year so it might be worth it to spend less now and count that $300-$600 you save now to go towards something else in a matter of years and who knows, that $600 might pay for 1/2 a new TV in two years. I got my mom a great deal on an open box Panny plasma in the spring of 06 for $1900 and todays version is selling for $700-$800.

Here are some differences in general you'll have between LCD and plasma:


1. LCD is brighter. If you calibrate the TVs for standard living rooms lighting and maximum black levels the difference won't be nearly as obvious as it is in the store.


2. LCD has brighter whites which will give you an overall brighter picture (most noticable in bright scenes).


3. If you like motion interpolation, then the LCDs have this and it will give you a more video type look. It's cool at first but it will make movies look fake.


4. Both Sammy LCDs I believe have better black levels than the Sammy plasma. From what I've heard other say, last years Sammy delivered about the same black levels as the 81 in many scenes but the 650 should be a step up over the 71. The 81 has dimming zones so on certain scenes it will look great (however it will crush low level detail).


5. As far as shadow details I know the Pioneers do better than the LCDs but I don't know how the Sammy plasmas do so I can't really comment on this. LCDs do in general lack behind plasma with shadow detail (I'm referring to dark scenes).


6. Plasma will have better uniformity and even colors from corner to corner. You won't see it from in store viewing, but when you get an LCD home and watch in low lighting you'll see light leakage in the corners or sides of the screen. The amount will vary from TV to TV. You may also see clouding as well.


7. Off angle viewing is going to be better on the plasma. Depending on your setup this may not even be a consideration as I used to be into microdisplays which we a step behind those Sammy LCDs and I was never really worried about this.


There's a few things to consider and hopefully it's helpful.

 

[octick]

Personally, I don't like the motion interpolation. It makes it look odd.


I just want a great picture for Blu-ray and games primarily.


As far as I have read, and I have read a lot, Plasma is best for both. Yet, I have never seen it for myself other than on the Pioneers which are spectacular looking. I do love the pop or window appearance of the Samsung 650, 750, 850. I just haven't seen the same window effect on anything other the Samsung LCDs and Pioneers in optimal conditions.


My settings on my SXRD are more calibrated towards a plasma set as I rarely use vivid. So, I would believe LCD with the light bleeding would probably be to vivid and annoying to me in a darkened room.

 

[mikeyraw]

have you considered then panasonic 50pz85u? deeper blacks then the sammy, but the colors arent as accurate, im sure theyre good enough for the average person to not even notice

 

[octick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyraw /forum/post/15455467


have you considered then panasonic 50pz85u? deeper blacks then the sammy, but the colors arent as accurate, im sure theyre good enough for the average person to not even notice

I actually haven't considered the 80u or the 85u as I wanted more HDMIs and they supposedly lack proper color even with calibration. I do like how the 85u has a RGB input as I must have that. I did consider the 850u, but from all the reviews, I crossed it off my short list in favor of the 800u as the picture is suppose to be better out of the box, as good calibrated, and at a cheaper price.


From all my understandings, the superior adjustment abilities from the Samsung, it can produce better true colors than all the Panasonics. The Pannys are more vivid and washed out. And from what I have seen, I agree. The Panny's post better blacks, but I don't want to forget about color accuracy either when picking a TV. This is why I have the Sammy as my top Plasma because of the calibration ability, color authenticity, and price for features. I am still torn considering all the great reviews for the 800u with the incredible blacks it produces.


Do you know if the 85 or 850 have the 24p flickering that plagues the 800u?

 

[mikeyraw]



Quote:
Originally Posted by octick /forum/post/15456688


I actually haven't considered the 80u or the 85u as I wanted more HDMIs and they supposedly lack proper color even with calibration. I do like how the 85u has a RGB input as I must have that. I did consider the 850u, but from all the reviews, I crossed it off my short list in favor of the 800u as the picture is suppose to be better out of the box, as good calibrated, and at a cheaper price.


From all my understandings, the superior adjustment abilities from the Samsung, it can produce better true colors than all the Panasonics. The Pannys are more vivid and washed out. And from what I have seen, I agree. The Panny's post better blacks, but I don't want to forget about color accuracy either when picking a TV. This is why I have the Sammy as my top Plasma because of the calibration ability, color authenticity, and price for features. I am still torn considering all the great reviews for the 800u with the incredible blacks it produces.


Do you know if the 85 or 850 have the 24p flickering that plagues the 800u?

yeah some people say they get it, some dont....it varies by the set, as no 2 are the same.....but the 85u is a beautiful set, most people who dont own one will say the colors aren't that great, but when you have it in your home, the colors are terrific, i dont own one, but i know someone who does, and his set looks great, and the black level on the 800 and 850u are the same as the 85u...granted the 85u doesnt have the amount of tweaking options of the sammy, the panny is the better tv, but thats just my opinion.....the samsung doesnt offer a 24p option, so with both sets the 3:2 pulldown would be your best bet....the average person would be thrilled with both, so whatever your decision, congrats, you will be getting a great tv.......you cant judge a tv by what you see at the store, they mostly look nothing like that at home........believe me when i say the set isnt "washed out"

 

[HomieDaClown]

Go with either the 800u or the PN50A650. The 85u has slightly better blacks but it also has a red push that you can't get rid of and you'll also be stuck using Cinema mode since it's the most accurate. Google, PN50A650 vs TH-50PZ85u. I'm sure you'll find some nice info.

 

[octick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by HomieDaClown /forum/post/15469525


Go with either the 800u or the PN50A650. The 85u has slightly better blacks but it also has a red push that you can't get rid of and you'll also be stuck using Cinema mode since it's the most accurate. Google, PN50A650 vs TH-50PZ85u. I'm sure you'll find some nice info.

Yeah, I have read the comparison that gave the PN50A650 the win. So many options....maybe I should just wait to see what CES has in store.

Or not...at least, I am hoping it will drive down prices until Super Bowl weekend.

 

[mikeyraw]



Quote:
Originally Posted by HomieDaClown /forum/post/15469525


Go with either the 800u or the PN50A650. The 85u has slightly better blacks but it also has a red push that you can't get rid of and you'll also be stuck using Cinema mode since it's the most accurate. Google, PN50A650 vs TH-50PZ85u. I'm sure you'll find some nice info.

rubbish, have you seen one? this "red push" is NOWHERE near what people say....and "stuck' using cinema? why wouldnt you use the mode that looks the best? by the way. i DONT own one, before people start saying in biased

 

[tqn]



Quote:
Originally Posted by octick /forum/post/15405932


Huge mental debate going on in my head.

TV use will be; 40% HD movies, 30% Xbox 360, 20% computer, 10% HD DirectTV (sports)

Room lighting is controlled and can stop glare during daylight.


PN50A650 is cheapest by $300-$600. Supposedly best picture over LCDs. Great for movies, gaming, and sports. Burn-In for gaming is minor issue but avoidable with taking breaks during gaming, break in of TV, and new technologies.


LN52A650 is mid-range. Incredible picture. In store, looks better than PN50A650, but probably due to lighting. Not sure if I like 120 hz as it gives an odd look to rapid motion. Something that might have to adjust to.


LNT5281F is most expensive. Great black levels and picture. Haven't seen it do sports or SD. Don't know if you will have blur effect without 120 hz. Is picture good enough for premium price? Unable to tell in store.


My biggest concerns are picture (off course), gaming delay, and motion blur.


TIA for all the help.

I own the PN50A650. Regarding gaming delay, there is a moderate amount...I measured 64 ms. It's noticeable in some games (platformers, baseball) but not so much in others (FPS). Subjectively, it has much less input lag than my friend's Sony XBR 4 with motion interpolation (turning off motion interpolation leads to a blur-fest).