Any Samsung Plasma owners here?

Billm57

just wondering how happy you are with your purchase if there are any

Pepi28

Love my Sammy. After calibrating it the picture was just awesome. Might be getting another one soon if I don't start remodeling my theatre room for a projector screen. And if I can talk my wife into letting me get another.

Billm57

how long have you had it? i was looking at the 42 inch one last night..even though i heard good about panasonic the Samsung looked a lot better

Pepi28

I have it about 8 months now. The panny and sammy are basically the same picture wise, you cant go wrong with either. If you get one make sure you get one with more than 1 hdmi input. I have the 50".

AndyGwis

If you can get an insane deal, I think Sammy's are pretty good plasma. I have the 42" (HPR-4252) and don't regret it, despite rather mixed reviews online. Bought in May/June 2005, so 1.5 years of ownership.

Upside: Great contrast ratio, great viewing angle, good features (includes a variety of burn in protection tools), awesome brightness, awesome asthetics (build quality, outlay, looks when turned off). I think it would be a good deal for a couple grand even if you didn't plug it in, it looks that sexy.

Downsides I've seen and read about: DNIE gives clayface, especially through cheaper sources (basic cable is bad PQ, bad DVD players give very bad PQ). If you turn down some of the numbers in the picture settings, you can miinimize this. With a good source (high end progressive scan, HDTV, HD-DVD/BluRay), you basically negate these negative factors and will get a great picture.

Also, there have been complaints that you can't turn off the blue LED on many models, and can't turn off DNIE which can cause some problems (clay face, floating blacks, etc).

In summary, if you feed it a good source, I think the Samsung outperforms the Panasonic in many ways. But, if your wanting to keep an older DVD player and watch basic cable TV, Panasonic is better and cheaper in most cases.

I got the Samsung that was retailing for $3.5K at the time of purchase for $2K and have been very happy. If I had to go back in time to summer 2005 and get a tv with $2k, I'd still get this one. However, for $2k now, you can get a better TV (many 1080p's in this range). Hell, for $1K, you could've gotten the Panasonic 42" on black Friday, which can still be found for $1.2 - $1.5K at reputable dealers.


I have a Westinhouse in my bedroom, and, for the price, it's a great TV. If I didn't get a Panasonic for $1K listed above, I would take a long look at dropping $1K online to get the 37" Westinghouse 1080p LCD.

Billm57

AndyGwis wrote:

If you can get an insane deal, I think Sammy's are pretty good plasma. I have the 42" (HPR-4252) and don't regret it, despite rather mixed reviews online. Bought in May/June 2005, so 1.5 years of ownership.

Upside: Great contrast ratio, great viewing angle, good features (includes a variety of burn in protection tools), awesome brightness, awesome asthetics (build quality, outlay, looks when turned off). I think it would be a good deal for a couple grand even if you didn't plug it in, it looks that sexy.

Downsides I've seen and read about: DNIE gives clayface, especially through cheaper sources (basic cable is bad PQ, bad DVD players give very bad PQ). If you turn down some of the numbers in the picture settings, you can miinimize this. With a good source (high end progressive scan, HDTV, HD-DVD/BluRay), you basically negate these negative factors and will get a great picture.

Also, there have been complaints that you can't turn off the blue LED on many models, and can't turn off DNIE which can cause some problems (clay face, floating blacks, etc).

In summary, if you feed it a good source, I think the Samsung outperforms the Panasonic in many ways. But, if your wanting to keep an older DVD player and watch basic cable TV, Panasonic is better and cheaper in most cases.

I got the Samsung that was retailing for $3.5K at the time of purchase for $2K and have been very happy. If I had to go back in time to summer 2005 and get a tv with $2k, I'd still get this one. However, for $2k now, you can get a better TV (many 1080p's in this range). Hell, for $1K, you could've gotten the Panasonic 42" on black Friday, which can still be found for $1.2 - $1.5K at reputable dealers.


I have a Westinhouse in my bedroom, and, for the price, it's a great TV. If I didn't get a Panasonic for $1K listed above, I would take a long look at dropping $1K online to get the 37" Westinghouse 1080p LCD.

its 1599 right now..the panasonic is more..
i would be hooking it to Dish network and an all region JVC dvd player
not sure what clay face is but i compared with the panasonic last night and the panasonic had very un natural colors
the model i was looking at was 4253

AndyGwis

Yeah, the 4253 is basically what I have, but I think that's the next year's model and in black. Just about all other specs are the same, tho.

I really like my sammy, and, if cheaper than comparable Panasonic, go for it, especially if there's a 30 day grace period.

Clayface is when skin color looks very un-natural and blotchy. I haven't really noticed it since I redid my settings and bought a better DVD player (pioneer elite 59avi).

tommyboy

Billm57 wrote:

even though i heard good about panasonic the Samsung looked a lot better

Finally, someone says it! I worked in the TV dep. at CC for 2 years. I(and others) always thought panasonic plasma just looked faded. Now I still of course sold it... well cause I was a salesman:o . CC also made the one of the best profits off the panny plasma.

IMO, Its the most overrated tv out there(please guys don't get offended, Its my opinion) I feel you would be better off with samsung or pioneer...

Just my 2
tommyboy

AndyGwis

I think that's been said a number of times, everyone likes the sammy in the showroom cuz she's bright and pretty. But, they claim that's nothing more than the high contrast ratio and showroom settings (high brightness, high sharpness, etc.) It's called torch mode.

It's said that the Panasonic picture is better than the sammy when in a home setting. But, I like the sammy.

Billm57

i know they have built in burn in protection (shifting phosphurs). Im curious though,..can regular tv be watched in 4:3 without burn in issues?..i really hate to see full frame stretched..

AndyGwis

I think you're okay watching in 4:3, especially after the first 100 hours when burn in is more likely. I've never worried about the bars, but I refuse to watch TV in 4:3, just seems like a waste to only use 60% of the TV.

But, I watch movies often that have bars at the top and bottom for 2+ hours at a time and have never seen any retention issues.

As preventative maintenance, I use the white-wash thing for like 10 minutes a week.

Billm57

AndyGwis wrote:

I think you're okay watching in 4:3, especially after the first 100 hours when burn in is more likely. I've never worried about the bars, but I refuse to watch TV in 4:3, just seems like a waste to only use 60% of the TV.

But, I watch movies often that have bars at the top and bottom for 2+ hours at a time and have never seen any retention issues.

As preventative maintenance, I use the white-wash thing for like 10 minutes a week.

just doesnt look right when its stretched..
what is the white wash thing???

bobman1235

I dont' have a plasma, but I have a Samsung DLP, and would just like to give props to Samsung's service department. My TV's about 3 months old, and last month is started shutting itself off randomly every once in a while. I called them on a Saturday NIGHT, around 7PM or so, and they had a technician at my house Monday morning, in a two-hour window, who replaced most of the unit on-site in like ten minutes. Just a fantastic job, in terms of response time and a competent technician. So, if you do go with Samsung, rest assured they'll take care of you, at least by my experience.

Billm57

now that leads me to thenext question..is the year warranty onsite service?
the mook at best buy tried telling me that the Samsung wararnty was for carry in service on plasma..after i questioned why i would want to pay for a 4 year extended service plan through best buy that includes the first year through samsung..
somehow i cant see having a tech from best buy working on any tv I own

AndyGwis

White-wash is just some burn in protection feature where it turns the whole screen white, which, in effect washes out any image retention you might have.

Even when I don't see any retention while I'm watching, I'll always see some retention when I first put on the white wash feature, but it takes care of it in minutes.

Haven't used the support, but I did get suckered into the 4-year warranty since it was a BB open item. Thought, better safe than sorry on anything not coming out of a box new.

jhw59

I side by sided the Panasonic vs the Samsung and got the Panasonic. My only complaint is that the broadcasters are still catching up in terms of picture quality. The point about the torch setting is a good one. hdguru and Panasonic both recommeded setting the tv to standard and I agree. Also the Panasonic plasma support is great. You call a dedicated 800 number and they answer whatever questions you have about your plasma. Keep in mind that Panasonic manufactures its own plasmas and Samsung doesn't

Billm57

i already compared the two screens and like the Samsung..my question was more for longevity. See if people who owned them more than a month or so were still happy
i did not like the pic on the panasonic at all

AndyGwis

Sounds like you should grab the Sammy if you like the pic more and can get a good deal. I haven't had any issues with mine in 1.5 years, and others that have Sammy's like the CS, so you're covered if something does go wrong.

Pull the trigger while there's still some football on. You have to watch football (and golf) in HD, it's awesome.

jhw59

yes, HD will make you a true sports junkie.

Billm57

not a sports fan at all except for an occasional baseball game or NHRA...

tend to watch a lot of movies though..
anyway i went with the samsung today..got him to take another 100 off the 1599 sale price so got it for 1400..thanks for all the info

AndyGwis

I'm not following your math, but sounds like you got a good tv for a really good deal. Enjoy!

Billm57

AndyGwis wrote:

I'm not following your math, but sounds like you got a good tv for a really good deal. Enjoy!

oops..i meant 1499...

AndyGwis

how are you liking it so far?

Billm57

still in box..waiting to get proper furniture for it and all my AV gear as i got everything in an old entertaiment center right now that wont house a widescreen..soon..

GATOR3000

Yesterday I bought Sumsung HP- S5053 plasma. Will be delivered Saturday. Will give report there after. Just give me a week or so to play with it. Maybe I’ll post review during Christmas Holidays or so. Awesome, awesome picture on this 50”R!!!!

Gator

Billm57

AndyGwis wrote:

how are you liking it so far?

got it un boxed and doing the 100 hr break in on it so its hard to say since ive got the pic controls set low...
so far looks good though..

Billm57

GATOR3000 wrote:

Yesterday I bought Sumsung HP- S5053 plasma. Will be delivered Saturday. Will give report there after. Just give me a week or so to play with it. Maybe I’ll post review during Christmas Holidays or so. Awesome, awesome picture on this 50”R!!!!

Gator

So how you liking your 50inch??

GATOR3000

This plasma has incredible picture. The distance to display is 14 feet and it is out of this World. The picture quality is very vivid and sharp. Sumsung HP- S5053 has a lot of hook up options and is well build. The black piano finish matches perfectly with my Lsi15’s and is rich looking. I’m very happy with the looks and the performance of this TV.

The HD signal from your provider is important. Also, you should have the best quality interconnects to get the optimum PQ. My DVD player is on budget side and is my week link for HT movies. Planning to upgrade in the near future.

I have only 50 hours on it and need more “break” in time. The menus are user friendly and easy to navigate. The remote control is nice too. Over all super and very natural PQ.

Cheers

Gator

Billm57

GATOR3000 wrote:

This plasma has incredible picture. The distance to display is 14 feet and it is out of this World. The picture quality is very vivid and sharp. Sumsung HP- S5053 has a lot of hook up options and is well build. The black piano finish matches perfectly with my Lsi15’s and is rich looking. I’m very happy with the looks and the performance of this TV.

The HD signal from your provider is important. Also, you should have the best quality interconnects to get the optimum PQ. My DVD player is on budget side and is my week link for HT movies. Planning to upgrade in the near future.

I have only 50 hours on it and need more “break” in time. The menus are user friendly and easy to navigate. The remote control is nice too. Over all super and very natural PQ.

Cheers

Gator

cool..im liking mine too..im about 72 hrs into break in..will enjoy it better after the 100 hrs as i got the pic levels down a bit during this period..