Is This Samsung Good?

[sfric]

I currently have a 42" Sharp LCD, which I really like but I want something bigger, without "breaking the bank". I have never owned a plasma so I don't know what to look for in terms of specs. With that said, how are the specs on this Samsung?

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C550-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3XO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Again, I realize it's not their top of the line but it's within my budget and I did see it at Best Buy and it seemed to have an excellent picture. Your feedback is appreciated.

[HD4ever]

Originally Posted by sfric

I currently have a 42" Sharp LCD, which I really like but I want something bigger, without "breaking the bank". I have never owned a plasma so I don't know what to look for in terms of specs. With that said, how are the specs on this Samsung?

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C550-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3XO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Again, I realize it's not their top of the line but it's within my budget and I did see it at Best Buy and it seemed to have an excellent picture. Your feedback is appreciated.

From one newbie to another your question is valid and for personal reasons I can understand your needing correct answers.

I can only speak from personal experience - a very short experience - unlike most here who have had good luck with plasmas.

Here's my story (take it or leave it): I bought a Samsung 63" Plasma at Amazon.com close to 3 months ago. A few weeks ago the TV died. The TV cost over $3,000 but included a 3D blu-ray player and 4 pairs of 3D glasses.

Anyway, I contacted Samsung. Samsung sent a local repair guy over to check it out. He first thought it was the power supply. He also wanted to take the tv to the shop. I said NO to that as I knew the warranty covered "in home" service. A week later he comes back with 2 boards (computer boards) that Samsung felt would fix the problem.
They didn't. Then a couple days ago he comes back again with 2 more boards. Still tv is dead.
Only thing left is the plasma display itself. Now remember this TV is less than 3 months old.

He told me he would contact Samsung to see about replacing the plasma display. OK, I was really pissed off. I called Samsung and the short of it was Samsung said they would send me a replacement TV. I told them I didn't want a refurbished TV. They told me it would NOT be refurbished. I should expect the TV within 10 to 12 business days. This was yesterday.

I have been told that the newer plasmas made today have a very short life expectancy. An unbelievably short life. It sounds insane but that's what I was told and by an employee of Samsung. She made it clear that this is not just a Samsung issue. She told me they are making the plasmas cheaper to boost sales which is resulting in very poor life span. She told me next time to go LED LCD. I've stated this in other threads on this site and the one response I got was not very helpful. The person didn't believe it for the reason I probably would not believe it if I was told this. The thing is this lady knows her stuff. She one of the "higher ups" at Samsung that authorized my replacement. I even asked her if I could pay another thousand or so to upgrade to an LCD LED and she told me that couldn't be done. That an equal replacement is the best Samsung can do.

So that's my story. Take from it what you will. Maybe my TV was a lemon. But then why would an employee knock down all new plasmas that company sells? It doesn't make much sense for her to lie to me. I really think something is going on in the manufacture of the newer plasmas. I checked online every place I could find that sold plasmas and led lcd tvs. And the big screen 3-D plasmas are dirt cheap everywhere compared to the costs of buying an LED LCD of the same size IF YOU CAN FIND ANY.

So why is this? And why is it that if you want a TV in 3D at least 50" you have only plasmas to choose from (mostly)?

I will tell you that this plasma was my first plasma ever and for the first 2 and 1/2 months the picture quality was the best I've seen...period. I couldn't have been happier until I heard a loud "click" and the TV picture died and as I type this I look over at it with its back to me (the way the service guy left it).

I know I'm about as bewildered, confused and downright pissed because I can't understand it. I'm pissed at myself for buying into this technology so soon. For me I can't afford to throw money away. I think the same holds true for most people. I can't advise you in any way and I still would not even without any negative experience. All I can say is be careful and play it safe. And I wish you good luck on whatever choice you make.

[slaughinghouse]

Today's plasmas are rated for a 100k hour half-life, which is easily 10 years. No truth at all to the short life expectancy.

Also, the profit margins on plasma's are the lowest between LCD,LED,etc. But they are the easiest to manufacture. I'd say she's at the very least stretching the truth. I'd also agree that the tv you got was a lemon. Exchange for the new one and you should be ok. Samsung makes good tv's (tho I prefer Panasonic). You should be fine after they send you a new one.

[slaughinghouse]

@OP,

You should be able to find a better deal than that. Here's one I found:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P...3662314&sr=1-2

$867.28 w/free Shipping

Here's a 54 inch for less than you'd pay for the Samsung. Free shipping on that one as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TC-P...3663225&sr=1-9

[tvine2000]

I understand how you must feel ,thats a lot of money down the tubes.I know id hit the roof. I don't know why someone at samsung high up or not would say such a dumb thing. But i have done a few searches on Plasma's and all of them said 10 years or more. I think once you get your tv replaced you''ll be fine. In most cases most electronic products fail in the first 3 months, so as someone else said you got a lemon. Relax

[JTStarkiller]

I just purchased this TV and am a bit underwhelmed. I got it for $850 at Best Buy, so it's damn cheap for a 50" plasma, but it's got a slight buzz (which varies from set to set), along with some horizontal lines on the top third of the screen. From what I've read, a few others are getting this problem as well.

Others on these boards are perfectly happy with it, so there's that. You might get a perfectly good one.

[Grif32]

Originally Posted by HD4ever

From one newbie to another your question is valid and for personal reasons I can understand your needing correct answers.

I can only speak from personal experience - a very short experience - unlike most here who have had good luck with plasmas.

Here's my story (take it or leave it): I bought a Samsung 63" Plasma at Amazon.com close to 3 months ago. A few weeks ago the TV died. The TV cost over $3,000 but included a 3D blu-ray player and 4 pairs of 3D glasses.

Anyway, I contacted Samsung. Samsung sent a local repair guy over to check it out. He first thought it was the power supply. He also wanted to take the tv to the shop. I said NO to that as I knew the warranty covered "in home" service. A week later he comes back with 2 boards (computer boards) that Samsung felt would fix the problem.
They didn't. Then a couple days ago he comes back again with 2 more boards. Still tv is dead.
Only thing left is the plasma display itself. Now remember this TV is less than 3 months old.

He told me he would contact Samsung to see about replacing the plasma display. OK, I was really pissed off. I called Samsung and the short of it was Samsung said they would send me a replacement TV. I told them I didn't want a refurbished TV. They told me it would NOT be refurbished. I should expect the TV within 10 to 12 business days. This was yesterday.

I have been told that the newer plasmas made today have a very short life expectancy. An unbelievably short life. It sounds insane but that's what I was told and by an employee of Samsung. She made it clear that this is not just a Samsung issue. She told me they are making the plasmas cheaper to boost sales which is resulting in very poor life span. She told me next time to go LED LCD. I've stated this in other threads on this site and the one response I got was not very helpful. The person didn't believe it for the reason I probably would not believe it if I was told this. The thing is this lady knows her stuff. She one of the "higher ups" at Samsung that authorized my replacement. I even asked her if I could pay another thousand or so to upgrade to an LCD LED and she told me that couldn't be done. That an equal replacement is the best Samsung can do.

So that's my story. Take from it what you will. Maybe my TV was a lemon. But then why would an employee knock down all new plasmas that company sells? It doesn't make much sense for her to lie to me. I really think something is going on in the manufacture of the newer plasmas. I checked online every place I could find that sold plasmas and led lcd tvs. And the big screen 3-D plasmas are dirt cheap everywhere compared to the costs of buying an LED LCD of the same size IF YOU CAN FIND ANY.

So why is this? And why is it that if you want a TV in 3D at least 50" you have only plasmas to choose from (mostly)?

I will tell you that this plasma was my first plasma ever and for the first 2 and 1/2 months the picture quality was the best I've seen...period. I couldn't have been happier until I heard a loud "click" and the TV picture died and as I type this I look over at it with its back to me (the way the service guy left it).

I know I'm about as bewildered, confused and downright pissed because I can't understand it. I'm pissed at myself for buying into this technology so soon. For me I can't afford to throw money away. I think the same holds true for most people. I can't advise you in any way and I still would not even without any negative experience. All I can say is be careful and play it safe. And I wish you good luck on whatever choice you make.

LOL, sorry but this is so far from the truth about Plasma's.. Sucks because it sounds like you got a lemmon but see what happens when you get your new one. Samsung makes good TV's but their customer service is just plain horrible.

That lady has no clue what she is talking about and spreading some serious lies. Plasmas will last just as long as LED/LCD TV's.

Sorry you are going through this but it doesn happen with all technology. Hopefully your new set will work out for you.

Good luck!!

[rick88]

I have had this set for two weeks now. I think it is a great bargain in a 50" plasma. If you get one that doesn't buzz terribly or have the horizontal line bleed issue, you will be rewarded with a set that has great black levels, nice colors, and a clean, sharp picture with a lot of depth. And the cabinet is very clean and sexy looking IMO.

My set buzzes minimally (you have to be within about 12" to hear it, even then its barely noticable). And I don't have the horizontal line bleed problem either.

There is one thing about this tv that almost made me return it until I figured it out. While watching HD channels from Time Warner, I noticed quite a bit of judder with fast camera panning, particularly sports. That is unacceptable to me. I played several Blu-Rays with fast action and camera panning, and there was zero judder. I did some research on the AVS forum and found out that the problem was likely that this sets internal scaler is not so good when viewing 720p/1080i cable/satellite programming.

My Denon AVR-3310 receiver has the same ABT video chip in it as my Oppo BDP-83, which is one of the best available. So I decided to let it handle the upscaling of the cable signal and voila, it eliminated most of the judder I was getting before. I still see it a little bit, but I can live with it now.

I have had this whole week off and I have watched many Blu-Ray movies, and I am really loving this set. I watched the extended cut of Avatar last night and was blown away by the picture. I used to have a Panasonic 42PX80U 720p set (that cost me $100 more three years ago), and this one is quite a bit better.

I say it is well worth looking into. If you happen to get a bad one, you can always take it back. I know mine's not going anywhere, barring any problems showing up.

[Trioxin]

Originally Posted by HD4ever

From one newbie to another your question is valid and for personal reasons I can understand your needing correct answers.

I can only speak from personal experience - a very short experience - unlike most here who have had good luck with plasmas.

Here's my story (take it or leave it): I bought a Samsung 63" Plasma at Amazon.com close to 3 months ago. A few weeks ago the TV died. The TV cost over $3,000 but included a 3D blu-ray player and 4 pairs of 3D glasses.

Anyway, I contacted Samsung. Samsung sent a local repair guy over to check it out. He first thought it was the power supply. He also wanted to take the tv to the shop. I said NO to that as I knew the warranty covered "in home" service. A week later he comes back with 2 boards (computer boards) that Samsung felt would fix the problem.
They didn't. Then a couple days ago he comes back again with 2 more boards. Still tv is dead.
Only thing left is the plasma display itself. Now remember this TV is less than 3 months old.

He told me he would contact Samsung to see about replacing the plasma display. OK, I was really pissed off. I called Samsung and the short of it was Samsung said they would send me a replacement TV. I told them I didn't want a refurbished TV. They told me it would NOT be refurbished. I should expect the TV within 10 to 12 business days. This was yesterday.

I have been told that the newer plasmas made today have a very short life expectancy. An unbelievably short life. It sounds insane but that's what I was told and by an employee of Samsung. She made it clear that this is not just a Samsung issue. She told me they are making the plasmas cheaper to boost sales which is resulting in very poor life span. She told me next time to go LED LCD. I've stated this in other threads on this site and the one response I got was not very helpful. The person didn't believe it for the reason I probably would not believe it if I was told this. The thing is this lady knows her stuff. She one of the "higher ups" at Samsung that authorized my replacement. I even asked her if I could pay another thousand or so to upgrade to an LCD LED and she told me that couldn't be done. That an equal replacement is the best Samsung can do.

So that's my story. Take from it what you will. Maybe my TV was a lemon. But then why would an employee knock down all new plasmas that company sells? It doesn't make much sense for her to lie to me. I really think something is going on in the manufacture of the newer plasmas. I checked online every place I could find that sold plasmas and led lcd tvs. And the big screen 3-D plasmas are dirt cheap everywhere compared to the costs of buying an LED LCD of the same size IF YOU CAN FIND ANY.

So why is this? And why is it that if you want a TV in 3D at least 50" you have only plasmas to choose from (mostly)?

I will tell you that this plasma was my first plasma ever and for the first 2 and 1/2 months the picture quality was the best I've seen...period. I couldn't have been happier until I heard a loud "click" and the TV picture died and as I type this I look over at it with its back to me (the way the service guy left it).

I know I'm about as bewildered, confused and downright pissed because I can't understand it. I'm pissed at myself for buying into this technology so soon. For me I can't afford to throw money away. I think the same holds true for most people. I can't advise you in any way and I still would not even without any negative experience. All I can say is be careful and play it safe. And I wish you good luck on whatever choice you make.

lol. Don't believe the hype. Samsungs customer service is handled by a call center in the midwest (or at least it was when I worked there) so the lady wasn't even a samsung employee. The same call center also handles a host of other companies (Hitachi, Sharp, Toshiba, and many others). Its staffed by social rejects, and clueless idiots that can't get any other job, so don't take what she said too seriously. Hell, Hitachi was the only company to provide a product room, so most of the employees have never even seen the products they are helping customers with.

As another poster mentioned, most units with a problem do tend to break down within the first few months. You just got a dud, and don't fret about what the lady said over the phone. The only real training she's had is making sure she gets as much personal information as possible, and making sure her calls stay under a time limit.

[Lucif3r]

I have zero issues with my Sammy, not even the buzz that so many warn about.

[bsuyeti29]

I bought the 63" 550, and then turned it into the 590 via the service menu, pretty easy to do. I watch a ton of sports, and play PS3 and so far have no issues, the TV is a brilliant bargin, 1080p 24fps great color! Are there better TV's oh heck yeah, I may kick myself for not getting the 8000 plasam but at more then twice the price sometimes you have to ask yourself is it twice the tv, I would say no, plus I am not into the whole 3-d thing it gives me headaches so thats a lot of money built into the price tag of the higher models as well. The buzzing is there, at times depending on where you are sitting you can hear it, but I only notice it in between commercials or when they cut to commercials, only because I know when to look for it, my wife even when I pointed it out said she barely noticed, but from the sounds of it on other posts, some TV's do have it worse then others. I did a firmware update and that really really seemed to help as well as with the 24fps playback.