Panasonic 50" Plasmas vs. Samsung 50" Plasmas - Opinions? - Blu-ray Forum

JJ · 02-09-2009, 04:03 AM

Especially, looking for owners of the TH-50PZ85U and the PN50A650 - these are the sets I'm interested in comparing.

Stats look similar, going to personally see them one of these days.

I've done all the reading and reviews, just wanting to hear from you chaps.

I cancelled my PZ85U order until I do more research. I realized I jumped the gun before my usual research process of electronics. I was highly upset when I realized this.

The 5020 is still an option, although it would require me to return my 32" Samsung bedroom TV. Which I would prefer not to.

Going 46" is also a consideration, but...I'd prefer the 50"!

Budget glimmers around $1,600; LCD is not an option. Dang research. Fun! The 46PZ800U also is tantalizing, but again, size...

saprano · 02-09-2009, 04:20 AM

Damn how could you for get that, now you wont have a tv for awile

why dont you save up a little more for the 5020? i dont think that tv needs any research at all.

Santeria · 02-09-2009, 04:22 AM

i have the 46pz80u, i heard there is no discernable difference between the 80u and 85u because there just arent service menus activated int he 80u's to give it the 10,000 more contrast.

read that on the 80/85u owners thread in avsforum..
but dont get 46... get 50

Sonny · 02-09-2009, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saprano

Damn how could you for get that, now you wont have a tv for awile

why dont you save up a little more for the 5020? i dont think that tv needs any research at all.

Agreed. The best is the best.

It's only a "smig" more

joegs300 · 02-09-2009, 06:48 AM

buy 4 42 inch plasmas and stack them to make a huge screen

[ ][ ]
[ ][ ]

like at the car shows or gaming expos.. haha. 85 owner chiming in. great set. not sure about the sammys, but the pannys are always great. +1

lewis77 · 02-09-2009, 06:56 AM

I worked (haha) at Circuit City in the home entertainment section. Inevitably, I got to stare at both those tv's plenty of times. I personally like the Panasonic (both 80 and 85) more than the Samsungs. I felt that the panasonics did a wonderful job reproducing a true black level. The Samsungs looked somewhat washed out. They also (and im not 100% sure if this was a problem with the tv or something other) seemed to flicker every once in a while (little white dots everywhere). Might have just been the sources hooked up to them but the Panasonics didn't do it and they were hooked up the same way and on the same channel. Anyway, both are great tv's. I'm sure you will be happy with whatever one you choose.

joegs300 · 02-09-2009, 07:03 AM

I hate that washed out look. If you REALLY want to see black.. turn your black level to Dark on your panny.. it looks so beautiful but the black crush is there. never seen black crush look so nice. =]

Sonny · 02-09-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joegs300

I hate that washed out look. If you REALLY want to see black.. turn your black level to Dark on your panny.. it looks so beautiful but the black crush is there. never seen black crush look so nice. =]

LOL ! Your right & that's some funny shiz.... I'd get the panny if I were the OP & choosing between the two.

SkillzthatKillz · 02-09-2009, 08:54 AM

get the panasonic or save up and get a pioneer, avoid samsung plasmas

joegs300 · 02-09-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny

LOL ! Your right & that's some funny shiz.... I'd get the panny if I were the OP & choosing between the two.

Sometimes I just leave it on Dark because it looks beautiful even though you lose detail. The picture so so freakin crisp...

sudbury78 · 02-09-2009, 03:26 PM

you cant really ask these kind of questions because samsung owners will give you reasons to buy that brand and Panny owners, that brand. All you can do is compare the two sets with the source on both and then make a decision. I own the 650 and love it. I had a 700u, Panny's previous model and loved that one as well. Good luck!

JJ · 02-09-2009, 03:42 PM

I would wait for the latest 09 Panasonic offerings, but can I really be TV-less until March/April/May/Summer?

*@&%*&%@#

I know, sud. I just wanted to hear some opinions from owners and/or people who have already compared.

joegs300 · 02-09-2009, 03:52 PM

Okay here is my honest opinion:

I had an LCD before I jumped to Plasma. I have a very dark room that only uses candles for light (unless I turn my lamp on to handle sales/trades, etc.). The Panny is beautiful in low to no light situations. Otherwise, I feel like it is too dark sometimes. It has the opposite effect as the "washed out look". To me, it has the "blacked-out" look where there is a dark film over the picture instead of a light film. I'm not sure if this is because my calibration is off (combination of DVE HD basics with AVS Forum users and blu-ray.com users and CNet and TVTweak...) or if thats just because the set is like that.

Colorwise, the picture is beautiful (especially in animated flicks.) I have never had a problem with fleshtones, and sometimes, the flesh can look too real where it looks like I am staring at the person through a window. It's kind of freaky to see all their wrinkles and facial hairs.

Calibration wise-- there are a lot of options you can use to help calibrate your TV to your liking. The Panny has great picture with WONDERFUL blacks. I have never seen a TV with blacks as deep as this TV. It truly is the ultimate black level.. It matches perfectly with the black on the black bars during widescreen viewing, during Dark setting on Darkness level.

Would I buy it again? I would. I would check out the Sammy too, to be unbiased. The Panna has a sterling reputation as great plasma makers. I am happy to have bought this because it has kind of quelched my need for constant TV upgrading (went through 3 TVs in less than a month trying to find the perfect one...)

Hope this helps. I know sometimes my posts can be stupid but I do try to help when I can.

P.S. If you are going to wait until the new line comes out, you might as well buy the TOP OF THE LINE Pioneer Kuro and Panny Plasma because those prices will be slashed all to hell. I would, shoot.

dobyblue · 02-09-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I would wait for the latest 09 Panasonic offerings, but can I really be TV-less until March/April/May/Summer?

Definitely! Just watch only movies you're keen on the sound and save the ones you're keen on the picture until you've got the new TV.

JJ · 02-09-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Definitely! Just watch only movies you're keen on the sound and save the ones you're keen on the picture until you've got the new TV.

But...but...there's so much to watch!

Although no lie, I am suddenly swinging in favor of the Kuro. I don't know. But it's so gorgeous.

JamesKurtovich · 02-09-2009, 05:17 PM

My 50-inch Samsung is amazing, even though it's limited to 720p. Can't wait to upgrade to 1080..

dobyblue · 02-09-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Although no lie, I am suddenly swinging in favor of the Kuro. I don't know. But it's so gorgeous.

Only a fool would recommend you don't try and get one.

xneox · 02-09-2009, 05:28 PM

Can't go wrong with the holy grail (Kuro).

My $0.02 regarding one certain talking point I read - I actually bought the TH-46PZ800U over the TH-50PZ80/85U based solely on quality over quantity. My room size does not demand the larger screen, and 46" is still a significant television...and I love a THX stamp of approval.

dobyblue · 02-09-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xneox

Can't go wrong with the holy grail (Kuro).

My $0.02 regarding one certain talking point I read - I actually bought the TH-46PZ800U over the TH-50PZ80/85U based solely on quality over quantity. My room size does not demand the larger screen, and 46" is still a significant television...and I love a THX stamp of approval.

Nice one! If you knew that 46" was the right size for you then you definitely made the wise choice. Congrats.

xneox · 02-09-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Nice one! If you knew that 46" was the right size for you then you definitely made the wise choice. Congrats.

Thanks.

As I said, 50" would have worked too, though my room does not demand it. My budget was set, so it came down to the 50" 80[85]u or the 46" 800u. I'm more than happy with my choice.

Some people put higher priority on size over the increase in quality, and that's fine too.

02-09-2009, 04:03 AM	#1
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Panasonic 50" Plasmas vs. Samsung 50" Plasmas - Opinions? Especially, looking for owners of the TH-50PZ85U and the PN50A650 - these are the sets I'm interested in comparing. Stats look similar, going to personally see them one of these days. I've done all the reading and reviews, just wanting to hear from you chaps. I cancelled my PZ85U order until I do more research. I realized I jumped the gun before my usual research process of electronics. I was highly upset when I realized this. The 5020 is still an option, although it would require me to return my 32" Samsung bedroom TV. Which I would prefer not to. Going 46" is also a consideration, but...I'd prefer the 50"! Budget glimmers around $1,600; LCD is not an option. Dang research. Fun! The 46PZ800U also is tantalizing, but again, size... Last edited by JJ; 02-09-2009 at 04:20 AM.

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02-09-2009, 04:20 AM	#2
saprano Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Bronx, New York Blu-ray collection:495 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:9	Damn how could you for get that, now you wont have a tv for awile why dont you save up a little more for the 5020? i dont think that tv needs any research at all.

02-09-2009, 04:22 AM	#3
Santeria Special Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:San Diego Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:20 Trading Score:4	i have the 46pz80u, i heard there is no discernable difference between the 80u and 85u because there just arent service menus activated int he 80u's to give it the 10,000 more contrast. read that on the 80/85u owners thread in avsforum.. but dont get 46... get 50

02-09-2009, 06:48 AM	#5
joegs300 Special Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:West Los Angeles, CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Trading Score:45	buy 4 42 inch plasmas and stack them to make a huge screen [ ][ ] [ ][ ] like at the car shows or gaming expos.. haha. 85 owner chiming in. great set. not sure about the sammys, but the pannys are always great. +1

02-09-2009, 06:56 AM	#6
lewis77 Member Member since:Jul 2008 Blu-ray collection:89 Blu-ray reviews:1	I worked (haha) at Circuit City in the home entertainment section. Inevitably, I got to stare at both those tv's plenty of times. I personally like the Panasonic (both 80 and 85) more than the Samsungs. I felt that the panasonics did a wonderful job reproducing a true black level. The Samsungs looked somewhat washed out. They also (and im not 100% sure if this was a problem with the tv or something other) seemed to flicker every once in a while (little white dots everywhere). Might have just been the sources hooked up to them but the Panasonics didn't do it and they were hooked up the same way and on the same channel. Anyway, both are great tv's. I'm sure you will be happy with whatever one you choose.

02-09-2009, 07:03 AM	#7
joegs300 Special Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:West Los Angeles, CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Trading Score:45	I hate that washed out look. If you REALLY want to see black.. turn your black level to Dark on your panny.. it looks so beautiful but the black crush is there. never seen black crush look so nice. =]

02-09-2009, 08:54 AM	#9
SkillzthatKillz Special Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Cincinnati, OH Blu-ray collection:214 DVD collection:2 Trading Score:1	get the panasonic or save up and get a pioneer, avoid samsung plasmas

02-09-2009, 03:26 PM	#11
sudbury78 Active Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Trading Score:1	you cant really ask these kind of questions because samsung owners will give you reasons to buy that brand and Panny owners, that brand. All you can do is compare the two sets with the source on both and then make a decision. I own the 650 and love it. I had a 700u, Panny's previous model and loved that one as well. Good luck!

02-09-2009, 03:42 PM	#12
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	I would wait for the latest 09 Panasonic offerings, but can I really be TV-less until March/April/May/Summer? @&%&%@# I know, sud. I just wanted to hear some opinions from owners and/or people who have already compared.

02-09-2009, 03:52 PM	#13
joegs300 Special Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:West Los Angeles, CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Trading Score:45	Okay here is my honest opinion: I had an LCD before I jumped to Plasma. I have a very dark room that only uses candles for light (unless I turn my lamp on to handle sales/trades, etc.). The Panny is beautiful in low to no light situations. Otherwise, I feel like it is too dark sometimes. It has the opposite effect as the "washed out look". To me, it has the "blacked-out" look where there is a dark film over the picture instead of a light film. I'm not sure if this is because my calibration is off (combination of DVE HD basics with AVS Forum users and blu-ray.com users and CNet and TVTweak...) or if thats just because the set is like that. Colorwise, the picture is beautiful (especially in animated flicks.) I have never had a problem with fleshtones, and sometimes, the flesh can look too real where it looks like I am staring at the person through a window. It's kind of freaky to see all their wrinkles and facial hairs. Calibration wise-- there are a lot of options you can use to help calibrate your TV to your liking. The Panny has great picture with WONDERFUL blacks. I have never seen a TV with blacks as deep as this TV. It truly is the ultimate black level.. It matches perfectly with the black on the black bars during widescreen viewing, during Dark setting on Darkness level. Would I buy it again? I would. I would check out the Sammy too, to be unbiased. The Panna has a sterling reputation as great plasma makers. I am happy to have bought this because it has kind of quelched my need for constant TV upgrading (went through 3 TVs in less than a month trying to find the perfect one...) Hope this helps. I know sometimes my posts can be stupid but I do try to help when I can. P.S. If you are going to wait until the new line comes out, you might as well buy the TOP OF THE LINE Pioneer Kuro and Panny Plasma because those prices will be slashed all to hell. I would, shoot.

02-09-2009, 05:17 PM	#16
JamesKurtovich Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Alaska Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:229 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:2	My 50-inch Samsung is amazing, even though it's limited to 720p. Can't wait to upgrade to 1080..

02-09-2009, 05:28 PM	#18
xneox Expert Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Hartford, CT	Can't go wrong with the holy grail (Kuro). My $0.02 regarding one certain talking point I read - I actually bought the TH-46PZ800U over the TH-50PZ80/85U based solely on quality over quantity. My room size does not demand the larger screen, and 46" is still a significant television...and I love a THX stamp of approval.

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