Samsung PN50B400 vs the Panasonic TC-P50X1? These TV's seem to be almost identical pricewise, and they are going for the same price where I live. What is the main difference between this unit and the X1? I can see this has 2Million:1 Dynamic Contrast ratio, but the Panasonic has a 30K:1 Native. What gives? Also does this have a comb filter? The Panasonic does, a 3DYC. What about this one? I read on the site something about 18bit color, but that really doesn't mean very much... I read a less than stellar review about the X1 on CNet, but the review is old and I can't find anything to compare on the Samsung 50" here. Can anyone help? Samsung PN50B400 vs the Panasonic TC-P50X1? These TV's seem to be almost identical pricewise, and they are going for the same price where I live. What is the main difference between this unit... » Read More Samsung PN50B400 vs the Panasonic TC-P50X1? These TV's seem to be almost identical pricewise, and they are going for the same price where I live. What is the main difference between this unit and the X1? I can see this has 2Million:1 Dynamic Contrast ratio, but the Panasonic has a 30K:1 Native. What gives? Also does this have a comb filter? The Panasonic does, a 3DYC. What about this one? I read on the site something about 18bit color, but that really doesn't mean very much... I read a less than stellar review about the X1 on CNet, but the review is old and I can't find anything to compare on the Samsung 50" here. Can anyone help? « Show Less
1455428
I saw these two TV's beside each other today, playing from the same source, the Samsung had a considerably better picture. For the record, I had gone to the store to by the Panasonic, came home emptyhanded, better do more research.
1455429
My subjective opinion is based on a pretty simple observation. I've looked at and compared both sets at Sears and at Best Buy and the Samsung had the best picture quality by far. In fact at as little as 5 feet away I had a difficult time seeing any difference between the model in question and several other 1080p models hanging next to it. I know a lot depends upon the quality of video feed the stores are using for the demo models on display. This is only my opinion and I know that can vary greatly for the person to person. So, take it for what its worth. Hopefully others can add their observations to the discussion. My subjective opinion is based on a pretty simple observation. I've looked at and compared both sets at Sears and at Best Buy and the Samsung had the best picture quality by far. In fact at as little as 5 feet away I had a difficult time seeing any difference between the model in question and several other 1080p models hanging next to it. I know a lot depends upon the quality of video feed the stores are using for the demo models on display. This is only my opinion and I know that can vary greatly for the person to person. So, take it for what its worth. Hopefully others can add their... » Read More My subjective opinion is based on a pretty simple observation. I've looked at and compared both sets at Sears and at Best Buy and the Samsung had the best picture quality by far. In fact at as little as 5 feet away I had a difficult time seeing any difference between the model in question and several other 1080p models hanging next to it. I know a lot depends upon the quality of video feed the stores are using for the demo models on display. This is only my opinion and I know that can vary greatly for the person to person. So, take it for what its worth. Hopefully others can add their observations to the discussion. « Show Less
1265192
I agree, don't let brighter mean better. If you read some of the "expert" reviews they tend to state that standard settings are more true to life. C-Net and other sights rate the Samsung picture as good as any. The sound on both TV's is adequate for everyday viewing. If you are looking for a "cinema experience" no TV sound system on its own will be great. I compared both and went with the Samsung but that is my personal taste.
2026186
That's not a valid model number. The number after the P is the screen size, so TC-P42xxx would be a 42" set, not a 60", and the current series are the xT50's, so the second half seems wrong too. Without the correct model number, no one can say whether its compatible or not. That said, I'd recommend the Panasonic TY-CC20W over this, its a lower profile camera with a better mounting system (magnetic, clips securely to a metal plate in Panasonic TV's) and produces a great picture (720P). Given this may be out of stock, the TY-CC30W release may be eminent. This camera works fine on the TV models listed in its compatibility list, its just larger and lacks the magnetic mount, so its not as secure as the Panasonic models, but still works fine. For the record these cameras are more expensive because the chips to encode the video have to be in the camera, whereas cheap webcams rely on the laptop for encoding
1128941
I looked at both and bought the 750....for the price (and difference) you are really looking at how important a super thin TV is to you, if saving $2 a month on your energy bill makes that big of a difference, or if you are that nuts about LED, for $800 I wasn't. 200,000 to 1 as a Dynamic contrast ratio is more than enough (you can't really tell much more of a difference). If you really wanna get the LED and are willing to spend that kind of money get the 8000 (even thinner and edge lit led). Because of the models above and below it, and price differences I don't see the 7000 making much sense unless you find a unique deal that only has that set on sale. I looked at both and bought the 750....for the price (and difference) you are really looking at how important a super thin TV is to you, if saving $2 a month on your energy bill makes that big of a difference, or if you are that nuts about LED, for $800 I wasn't. 200,000 to 1 as a Dynamic contrast ratio is more than enough (you can't really tell much more of a difference). If you really wanna get the LED and are willing to spend that kind of money get the 8000 (even thinner and edge lit led). Because of the models above and below it, and price differences I don't see the 7000... » Read More I looked at both and bought the 750....for the price (and difference) you are really looking at how important a super thin TV is to you, if saving $2 a month on your energy bill makes that big of a difference, or if you are that nuts about LED, for $800 I wasn't. 200,000 to 1 as a Dynamic contrast ratio is more than enough (you can't really tell much more of a difference). If you really wanna get the LED and are willing to spend that kind of money get the 8000 (even thinner and edge lit led). Because of the models above and below it, and price differences I don't see the 7000 making much sense unless you find a unique deal that only has that set on sale. « Show Less
1749013
Neither am I. I did the same, researching different TVs and couldn't decide. I didn't want something with all the bells and whistles and finally decided on this one, mostly for the price. I think between the two, you get the same quality, just different brands. Hope this helps.
697833
I am certainly no TV guru but, I had purchased the LN40A550 & returned it & bought the LN40A650 & could not be happier! We noticed immediately that the picture looked faded on the 550 & went to one of the local retailers & found that this is a common complaint on these units. They actually had a LN40A550 & LN40A650 side by side in the store & there is a huge difference. We are very impressed with the picture quality regardless of what we are watching. We have had many friends commenting on the awesome picture on this TV. Hope this helps. Les
1492945
I can only comment on the M3D550KD because that's what I own. The price difference is very close, so I consider the price as not a factor. The 240MHZ refresh rate was a big deal for me and I still think it's worth having. The picture is very smooth on DVD's and Blue Ray. HDTV is really nice as well. Standard definition is noticably worse, but I guess that's why they went to HD. The 3D is really cool. I didn't buy the TV for 3D, but it's one of my favorite features now. I've owned it for several months with no problems. Bottom line, if it was stolen off my wall, I'd buy another one to replace it. I can only comment on the M3D550KD because that's what I own. The price difference is very close, so I consider the price as not a factor. The 240MHZ refresh rate was a big deal for me and I still think it's worth having. The picture is very smooth on DVD's and Blue Ray. HDTV is really nice as well. Standard definition is noticably worse, but I guess that's why they went to HD. The 3D is really cool. I didn't buy the TV for 3D, but it's one of my favorite features now. I've owned it for several months with no problems. Bottom line, if it was stolen off my wall, I'd buy another one to... » Read More I can only comment on the M3D550KD because that's what I own. The price difference is very close, so I consider the price as not a factor. The 240MHZ refresh rate was a big deal for me and I still think it's worth having. The picture is very smooth on DVD's and Blue Ray. HDTV is really nice as well. Standard definition is noticably worse, but I guess that's why they went to HD. The 3D is really cool. I didn't buy the TV for 3D, but it's one of my favorite features now. I've owned it for several months with no problems. Bottom line, if it was stolen off my wall, I'd buy another one to replace it. « Show Less
1233005
Zero lag to the naked eye, mine anyway, very minimal motion blur, there's always gonna be a little...even on $5000 set. The tested response time, I believe, is under 25 ms which placed it 4th out of 5 tv's (the Panasonic was out of is league with the other 4 as they were priced at a minimum of $1300 and still beat at least one! ). Hope this helps.
1962347
I have the LNT5265F and I love it love it love it! A friend has a Pana Plasma. I don't think Plasma has come far enough yet. Plasma has the potential to be better than LCD, but not yet. Go with the Samsung. I have 3 Samsungs 52", and 2 40" and they are all great.
548186
My subjective opinion is based on a pretty simple observation. I've looked at and compared both sets at Sears and at Best Buy and the Samsung had the best picture quality by far. In fact at as little as 5 feet away I had a difficult time seeing any difference between the model in question and several other 1080p models hanging next to it. I know a lot depends upon the quality of video feed the stores are using for the demo models on display. This is only my opinion and I know that can vary greatly for the person to person. So, take it for what its worth. Hopefully others can add their observations to the discussion.
1243597
As Brian M. states, contrast ratio is extremely important for picture quality. But the difference between the two sets that I listed above is in the _dynamic_ contrast ratio. Most people turn off the features that pump up the dynamic contrast ratio in order to get a better picture. What you want to compare is the _native_ contrast ratio for both sets, and I don't know what those values are. You may want to try avsforum.com or a similar site; I doubt native contrast ratio is available on Samsung's website.
1870511
I think the x1 series is the budget plasma line. The s1 (according to cnet : http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50s1/4505-6482_7-33490479.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody ) has a newer, more energy efficient panel. The g10 series has some internet connectivity features and a THX mode which calibrates the tv for optimum viewing quality. The tv reviewers at cnet.com seem to like all 3 lines.
1666495
I've had both TV's. The B550 replaced my A550 which was broken. The PIP was on A550 but the screen was so small it wasn't worth it. The sound on the B550 is supposed to be better but I'm unconvinced. I think it's worse. But I do admit that the accident that broke my A550 could have caused a problem on the HDMI port on my cable box. I'm not ready to blame Samsung yet. But I have also read reviews where sound was mentioned as an issue. But the picture on the B550 is a lot better.
1458014
With my Panasonic plasmas (42" and 50"), which are 2006 and 2007 models, I have found the upscaling very good. In fact, it's hard to get around them, since these plasmas have native resolutions that no DVD player can match (expect for 1080p models). 720p on both 42" and 50" models is not quite true 720p (it's acutally 768p), so no matter what, the Panasonic will be doing some upscaling. As far as medium DVD players and DVD upscalers for around $100 and below, I have seen very little difference. Even compared to my 4 year old Sony 480p player. I would say HDMI provides a smidge better detail, but it's not dramatic by any means. I haven't tried the up-market upscalers (Oppo, Reon chip), so I can't comment on them, but I doubt the difference would be dramatic--the Panasonic just has to do too much upscaling on it's own, regardless of what signal you send to it... My brother says his 700U 1080p also has very little difference with new upscaling DVD players as opposed to his older 480p player, so it looks like Panasonic's upscaling chips on these TV's are indeed rather good...
974046
I did. I was debating between 8500 and VT60 and decided for the latter. They are both excellent TVs. I think for some reason Samsung appeared to be a bit more colorful and brighter than Panasonic. I think its because of their calibration and proprietary enhancer..However, I heard some quality issues with other Samsung models, especially with LCDs on other forums and went with the VT60 instead. It was a 50-49 decision making..However, for a bright room, I regret buying the Plasma because of the reflections. Given the specs, quad core etc. and browsing experience, I should've gone for Samsung but again Panasonic is king for plasma and my other Panasonic is still with no issues after 8 years.. I did. I was debating between 8500 and VT60 and decided for the latter. They are both excellent TVs. I think for some reason Samsung appeared to be a bit more colorful and brighter than Panasonic. I think its because of their calibration and proprietary enhancer..However, I heard some quality issues with other Samsung models, especially with LCDs on other forums and went with the VT60 instead. It was a 50-49 decision making..However, for a bright room, I regret buying the Plasma because of the reflections. Given the specs, quad core etc. and browsing experience, I should've gone for Samsung... » Read More I did. I was debating between 8500 and VT60 and decided for the latter. They are both excellent TVs. I think for some reason Samsung appeared to be a bit more colorful and brighter than Panasonic. I think its because of their calibration and proprietary enhancer..However, I heard some quality issues with other Samsung models, especially with LCDs on other forums and went with the VT60 instead. It was a 50-49 decision making..However, for a bright room, I regret buying the Plasma because of the reflections. Given the specs, quad core etc. and browsing experience, I should've gone for Samsung but again Panasonic is king for plasma and my other Panasonic is still with no issues after 8 years.. « Show Less
1150492
Thanks for the tip. I bet it is in store mode. I'll keep my Samsung. It's the best picture I've ever seen and all my friends say the same. I looked at the Xbr4 side by side and couldn't not tell a difference. At least not $1500 difference. You pay for the Sony brand name. Not me.
1984819
I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to Blu-ray. Hope this helps I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to... » Read More I bought the BD-30K about a week ago after reading way to many tech reviews and forums.I chose it because it's the latest version and have been very happy with other Panasonic components as well as the connections for 5.1 Dolby accomodate my older Sony Receiver. Set up was easy, picture and sound are great. There is a flicker upon initial upload that takes a few seconds to stop, not sure if this will be taken care of with firmware update 1.2 that I haven't done yet. The best part of this is the upscaling of older standard def DVD's they look so good I have no interest in updating any to Blu-ray. Hope this helps « Show Less