Video Asylum

Posted by avaddikt (A) on September 05, 2008 at 10:10:36

In Reply to: RE: more to consider posted by jackrandom on July 21, 2008 at 18:48:10

If you are interested in 'tweakability' the Samsung 550/650 series plasmas far exceed Panasonic in that regard. ISF techs love them because they can be tweaked almost entirely through the user menu. The control over color accuracy and gamma exceeds Panasonic or entry level Pioneer (5010, 5020, etc.)
The 3 by the way, are considered the top plasmas on the consumer market today.
Go with Pioneer for the best black levels, and very good color, and very good processing.
Panasonic for good out of the box performance, and 2nd best black levels.
The Samsung for good black levels, probably average for today's plasmas, but the best color accuracy and gamma. And don't underestimate the value of gamma.
Check out the latest edition of Widescreen Review for the Samsung 550 review and calibration, and the link below.
I have a 5000 duo player, and it is flawless..basically playing any format I throw at it with finesse. Samsung turned the corner this year in jumping on firmware releases and hopefully in customer support.
I've not had a lot of faith with them in the past, and for good reason.
Right now it's my T-9 non-iPod player, the 5000, and the PN50A650 plasma soon to arrive. So far, not a single complaint.
What bothers me most about Sony is their bent on making interfaces proprietary. I just sold my rear proj. LCD sony.. which did very well.
I really think their biggest accomplishment on the consumer front was the Trinitron tube. LOL
A very good one at that!

• http://displaycalibrationonline.com/   (Open in New Window)