Best Reviewed
Plasma TV
- Best 64-inch 3D plasma TV Samsung PN64D8000 *Est. $3000
- Best value 59-inch 3D plasma TV Samsung PN59D6500 *Est. $1700
- Best 55-inch plasma TV Panasonic TC-P55VT30 *Est. $2400
- Best value 50-inch plasma HDTV Panasonic TC-P50ST30 *Est. $1000
- Budget 42-inch plasma HDTV Panasonic TC-P42X3 *Est. $500
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- Great color
- Just 1.2 inches thick
- Better than most plasmas in bright rooms
- Has swivel base
- Expensive
- Blacks and contrast ratio fall short of the very best
- Some complaints of buzzing
Reviews say the 50-inch Samsung PN50B850 offers spectacular color at a high price. It's not perfect -- some reviews say even budget Panasonics offer deeper blacks among plasma TVs. However, most reviews say that the PN50B850's color accuracy approaches perfection, and at 1.2 inches thick, it's one of the thinner big-screen TVs available. The picture stands up better to bright lighting than most plasma sets, but some say the frame easily catches glare from overhead lighting. The swivel base is a major plus, but some owners complain about a buzzing sound in their sets. While the Samsung PN50B850 is a top performer, reviews tend to favor the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10 (Discontinued) for its stronger blacks and great picture quality. The 50-inch Samsung PN50B650 (*Est. $1,240) delivers identical picture quality but has a slightly thicker and less stylish design.
The most comprehensive reviews of the 50-inch Samsung PN50B850 can be found at PCMag.com and CNET. ConsumerReports.org also weighs in, but discussion is very brief and can only be read by subscribers. User reviews aren't particularly abundant, but there are some at BestBuy.com.
Samsung PN50B650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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Our Sources
PCMag.com has solid testing methods and reviews enough plasma TVs to be credible in its assessment. Robert Heron gives the Samsung PN50B850 a Very Good rating because of its plethora of features and good color. He warns that its relatively light blacks and related low contrast ratio become obvious in dimly lit settings. However, Heron says the picture quality holds up well in bright rooms.
Review: Samsung PN50B850, Robert Heron, June 17, 2009
2. CNET
CNET likes the accurate color and saturation produced by the Samsung PN50B850 and says the design is striking. However, while the picture quality is the equal of Samsung's less-expensive PN50B650, it's just a little short of the very best plasma TVs.
Review: Samsung PN50B850, David Katzmaier, Aug. 25, 2009
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Samsung PN50B850 is one the 50-inch plasma TVs included in ConsumerReports.org's latest round of ratings. As usual, testing is thorough and unbiased, but you can't see the coverage if you don't subscribe.
Review: Plasma TVs Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
4. BestBuy.comDetails/Subscribe
Less than 20 owner reviews are posted here. While most are happy with the Samsung PN50B850, there are a few negative reviews that complain about a buzzing sound coming from the sets.
Review: Samsung PN50B850Y1F, Contributors to BestBuy.com
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