Samsung Plasma Advice

[danmovie]

Hello,

I am interested in purchasing a new Samsung plasma and wanted some advice on which one to get.

Our TV, which we've had since 2005, is a Sony KP-46WT520 CRT rear projection. I am excited about an upgrade.

Well, we are hoping to build a new house in about 18ish months. At that time, I was thinking of having a dedicated large movie room with a projector and a 100" plus screen. We have six children (so far) and am very excited about having a great place to watch movies.

Anyway, so many of you guys talk about the superiority of plasma and I was thinking of getting one before they disappear for good.

It looks like the three models that I have to choose from are the 8500 series, the 5300 series, and the 64" H5000. Is this right? I saw something about a 5500 series, but it seems those are gone.

I was tempted to go for the 8500 series with its superior quality, but the price is significantly more expensive than the others. With the thought of getting a high-end projector in a couple of years, I am thinking of going with the 5300 series or H5000.

We watch almost no broadcast TV (we don't have cable), but watch a lot of movies, especially those from the 1920s - 1950s (though I enjoy many recent movies too). Smart TV options and connectivity mean virtually nothing to me.

What recommendations would you all make? What are the key differences between these three options in terms of picture quality? Also, how would the picture on one of these plasmas compare to a excellent projector that costs around $2500?

Thank you for thoughts.

[Mojavedxer]

The newer 60F5300 will most likely have the pink tint issues on the lower quarter of the screen. I notice it occasionally on a near white background scene or when I am using the onscreen guide on my cable box. Its a problem with the new TS02 panel. I am not sure if you can find a new one without the TS02 panel installed. It can be fixed on your own if your comfortable breaking your warranty and adjusting the VS trimpot on the back of the set. Once you get past this issue. The 60F5300 is incredible value for the price. Now the 8500 is in another league. It may be the last greatest 1080P screen of its time available right now without going into OLED territory. I would get one while they are still around if you can afford it.

[nst7]

MojaveDxer,

I am not familiar at all with that pink tint problem. I have the 51" version of what you have and it does not have that. I don't know if it was just certain models or what. I had never heard of that before now and had not seen it mentioned in any review. I am curious about it though.


To Danmovie,

I have the 51" size of the 5300 series, and it is absolutely spectacular. Jaw-droppingly good.

As far as the difference between the 5300 and 5500 models, they are identical in picture quality, but the 5500 adds Smart TV functions (which you said you don't care about) and also 3D capability (don't know if you care about that either). It looks like the 5500 adds a 3rd HDMI input as well (the 5300 has 2).

The H5000 appears to be a newer model. I'm not sure how the image quality compares, but part of the new features seem to be focused on sound processing (it has what appears to be a built in surround simulator. Not sure how effective that is through TV speakers).

As for the 8500, I have not been able to compare it side by side with the lower models, but I have looked at similar material played on it, as well as on the lower models.

Bottom line, I think you will be happy with the 5300 models. You will want to do some tweaking with the settings, as this is insanely bright straight out of the box. You can PM me and I can suggest the settings I use on mine.

Again, I love this TV and it looks fantastic. Keep in mind, as mentioned, there are only 2 HDMI inputs, so if you have several devices, hopefully you have an A/V receiver that you can plug everything into, and then just run one HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV.

If down the line you can get a projector, that is the ultimate way to watch movies. But in the meantime, you will enjoy this, and then when you get a projector, you can use this one as an alternate device for another room, perhaps.

[schan1269]

If you are around Wichita...there is a guy selling a Kuro 60" KRP600M for $2500.

[danmovie]

Thanks for the advice. I read somewhere about the differences between "A" and "B" models of the 5300. Does anyone know the difference?

Also, what are people's general thoughts on a Squaretrade warranty? I very, very rarely buy a warranty, but maybe this would be a good time to do so?

[erlinmeyer]

Samsung plasma one day sale at Best Buy

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-...&skuId=8175079