50″ Samsung 1080p Plasma HDTV: Review Part 1

Once merely toys for the wealthy, large 1080p plasma displays finally became affordable in 2009. Samsung has a new line of suspiciously inexpensive HDTVs, one of which is the PN50B530, retailing for $1299.99 Canadian. Presently, Americans have the PN50B550 at $1399.99 (although regularly discounted to the $1200 range), but specs on both models are identical except for the number of inputs, and the latter’s internet connectivity. At its price tag, the PN50B530 is an entry-level 1080p TV, but it has image quality that is far from low-end.

Plasma technology has come such a long way that nascent LED LCDs are now far more expensive at the same sizes and resolutions. I remember when I was hunting for a display two years ago, and sub-$2000 (CDN) 1080p plasmas were unheard of. Newer technology usually doubles in size/speed and halves in price annually, so expect LED TVs to be much closer to plasmas by Christmas this year. As of right now, plasma TVs are bargains not merely because they are cheaper, but also because they possess certain traits that make them superior to LED LCD (ignore the “McCoy” troll). I personally find plasma to look more life-like and “analogue” than even the best LED televisions, which appear unnatural and overly computerized, but these are generalizations, as each model differs in quality.

We bought our PN50B530 on Boxing Day for $999.99 CDN, which was such a low price that all Futureshop units sold out online and in-store almost immediately. The specifications are impressive:

* 1080p Resolution (1920×1080)
* 2,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio
* 178 x 178 Viewing Angles
* 1500 cd/m² Brightness
* 18-Bit Samsung Engine
* Wide Color Enhancer2
* 600Hz Subfield Motion (note that this is not the same as refresh rate)
* 10-Watt per channel Speakers
* 3 HDMI, 2 Component
* Measurements (without stand): 123.03 cm x 77 cm x 7.3 cm @ 32.8 kg

Blase Design:
Both LG’s and Panasonic’s comparable models are thicker, a tad pricier, and to my reckoning, less attractive. My two criticisms of the Samsung package are that none of the inputs are located on the sides - wallmounting will be tricky - and the 11lb. stand feels flimsy, as the screws do not secure the panel completely. So far, the display has not toppled over in spite of a wobbly base. The remote is equally unspectacular but works. At least batteries are supplied. Please pardon the mediocre scans and flash.

The Samsung’s bezel is somewhat thick, especially for a larger TV, but the cabinet looks more than just passable. After some use, the top does get warm but not too hot. Even if a bit generic, the PN50B530 receives an OK for appearance.

Settings & Features:
Unlike higher end models, this Samsung has few bells and whistles: there is no ethernet, wi-fi, built-in computer, card reader, or USB. Buyers interested in this unit are probably not too concerned about these missing additional inputs –I know that I am not. I count image quality as the most important “feature.” The Samsung provides ample picture settings, including the basic Cell Light level, Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Tint, and more advanced RGB values. I personally cannot bear dynamic contrast for computer use, but this TV’s dynamic mode is exceptional for viewing film. Since the built-in speakers on all televisions are essentially, well, terrible, I will not fault Samsung for straddling two average drivers on either side of its TV. The speakers are reasonably loud, but if you are a serious home theater person, you already own better dedicated speakers.

Standard Definition:
I did not test DVDs, but standard digital television broadcasts scale surprisingly decently on this TV. Like LCDs, plasma displays should be set to their native or highest resolution. Regular 480p video is acceptable and looks significantly better than many HDTV LCDs that I have seen. Do not hope for miracles because low quality video is not magically going to be awesome on a good TV.

In part two, I comment on 720p/1080i television broadcasts, Blu-Ray, color, black and white levels, and overall image quality.