50" Plasma TV: Panasonic Vs. Samsung?

• I have been debating on this for about a month now and still can't decide which one to choose... The dilemma started when I found out my budget is kind of limited now that I cannot reach out for a Pioneer Kuro (was my first choice initially, and as being a huge Pioneer fan). So, next two options are either Panasonic and Samsung. While there are literally thousands of online reviews comparing these two brands in Plasma sections, I'm still confused by their equivocal reviews. Also, while most reviews (both online and store) inclined mostly toward Panasonic brand, Samsung also stood still with great respect. Result: I'm back at square one with the dilemma. So, here are few things that I could tell about myself in regards to choosing a TV: 1. I watch mostly movies with my TV as oppose to cables or satellites. 2. I prefer better picture quality in a TV than its other features. 3. My budget can go upto $2000.00 at the most, including tax. 4. I have a surround audio system, so could care less about the audio feature in a TV 5. I am willing to choose 2008/2009 model as long as they have better picture quality. (I think the newer models are coming with 2mil:1 dynamic contrast ratio). Please advise. I would really appreciate if you could suggest a good brand and its model. Also, do you think Amazon is a reliable place to purchase a TV? Thanks, // Aopu Mohsin March 27, 2009

• Answer:

  I was in your shoes about a month and a half ago. I was reaching for the Pioneer 5020FD and Panasonic 800U, but I just couldn't justify spending $2,000 on a TV. (Those are within your budget, so what are you waiting for?) I ended up buying the Samsung PN50A550. I don't regret it a bit. Well, I do regret one thing: Not waiting a month to buy it. Right now Sears has it for $1,200, $180 less than what I paid for it. CNET gives it an "Excellent rating" and Consumer Reports called it the #1 50" plasma, so considering the price and the fact that I'm not a wealthy man, I am confident I made the right decision. I'd love to have the latest and greatest, but with high-end electronics you have a diminishing return on your money. The 2009 models aren't that much better. I assume you've read the CNET Panasonic Nero review. They weren't that impressed with the 50S1. I was curious to see a review of the G10, but CNET seems to think it won't be any better than the 800U. http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50s1/4505-6482_7-33490479.html So if I had $2,000 burning a hole in my pocket I'd get the Pioneer 5020FD. Panasonic would be next on the list because if the THX calibration. I'd go with the 2009 G10 and then last year's 800U. I would consider those three to be equal, so it would really come down to price.