Samsung 8000 LED or Samsung 55in plasma: If money is not the issue, which is the better flat screen?
799275
The 8000 model is an edge-lit lacking local dimming technology. You would be better comparing the 8500 model with plasma.
1436211
There are hundreds of reasons that could go either way. But for you in particular, since movies and nature shows are what you'll be using it for primarily, it will depend on two things. How bright is your room? Will you be watching content in 1080p. If you have a bright room, I'd say go with the LCD. Brighter and anti-glare screen. Darker room, no 1080p, then go with the plasma. I'm assuming the plasma is cheaper though. If they're the same price the Sony is a better buy.
2032211
I own the UN55B8500 and the picture is fantastic. DO NOT buy an edge lit set to achieve 3D. Early adopters will pay through the nose for 3D with minimum viewing material available. Edge lit will sacrifice picture quality.Wait for the full local dimming led technology with 3D. Wait one year to 18 months and there will be plenty of inventory with both features and the prices will start to come down. Both Samsung and LG will have sets soon with both features. Worth the wait and if you can wait a little longer prices will come down.
864097
4K TVs by contrast are resolution enhanced but rely on the same LCD front panel (twisting crystals) with a backlight source (LED). While there have been incredible improvements in LED TV black levels, they still don't match the best plasma TVs, which is one of the biggest factors in a superior picture. Plasma TVs have a big enthusiast following. Look up articles about the Pioneer Kuro. Look up how a lot of those Pioneer engineers moved to Panasonic. And the disappointment when Panasonic decided to stop making plasma TVs. There's a reason why these TVs are up in price... but it's more so nostalgia. I agree with you, it's NOT worth the price. If you want a plasma TV, get the Samsung 8500 for half the price. But I would also say that right now is a bad time to buy ANY expensive TV since the industry is in-between technologies. What TV channels feed 4k? I would wait if you're in that price range. Prices are going to drop quite fast.
1357113
I think the main difference is LED lighting on the UN55 and its 3" bigger. I would opt to get the LED (less electricity, and the LED is supposed to last longer and eventually all TV's will use LED lights).
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
510211
I've had a Panny P50GT25 since Black Friday, 2010 and cannot say anything bad about it. Perfect TV. Plasmas use the energy of a 200W bulb, however. You'll notice an increase in your power bill.
1711314
We're in the same boat. The prices on the 55" 950 is essentially the same as the new 8000 since everyone is trying to reduce the stock of "last year's model". However, the 8000 is slightly different technology than the 950, so perhaps that explains the initial price differences.The 950 has consistent reviews that are very good, but I have seen one or two of the 8000 that doesn't fill me with confidence. Since they're the same price now, I don't feel I could go wrong with the 950, but if the 8000 turns out to be as good as they talk it up...
2163346
There are pretty much the same it terms of specs, with only a few differences. First, is the ever so marketing touting contrast ratio. Plasma HDTV's will seeming always have better contrast ratio then LED, but uses 2 to 3 times and sometimes more energy. I have the F8000 and I must say haven't had any issues to date, but I also read some good things about the F8500. Cnet has a good write up and video review on this very comparison, you should check it out. As I said earlier, the F8500 black levels are darker, but the F8000 can really brighten up a room which I prefer myself. The major physical difference is the weight and style of both HDTVs, the plasma is bulky while the LED is slimmer. Which ever you choose, I think you'll be pretty pleased with your purchase.
302407
I don't know how much help I can be but I'll give it a shot. I bought the Samsung because I own a Samsung LCD 46" bought in '08. I was quite happy with that TV so I stuck with the Samsung brand. I really think the 46" has a better picture than the 65" LED. Could be because of a consequential loss of picture clarity that comes with larger screen sizes. The UN65 has a dual core processor but if you're really into "smart," I recommend the quad core (more money of course). I subscribe to NFL game replays and they won't load well (and therefore can't view) with the dual core; I have to use my quad core computer. I think the UN has a really reasonable price, but you generally get what you pay for (as the old saying goes). Bottom line . . . I like the UN65 but, at the same time, I am a little disappointed. The only way you'll ever know is to look at them side-by-side and remember, showrooms do not have real-life broadcasts (in most instances) so when you get one home, your picture may not be a great as in the showroom. Hope this helps somewhat and good luck!
459728
Thanks Dylan! That's great info.Acc. to this CNET posting, a 46"inch LED Samsung is around 106watts while a Panasonic Plasma is around 160 watts. Both Samsung LED TVs and Panasonic Plasmas have improved over their last year models by an impressive margins. I am still inclined towards a Plasma for reasons of black and contrast on plasma over LCDs (LCDs are improving, but not sure if they can match Plasmas yet). If Plasmas are still consuming 400watts, then the choice would have been very clear, but now bet. 100 and 150, it is not clear.
182645
I didn't pay $300 more for the 850 vs. the 750, i paid about $200 more. And again, if you can take advantage of the slim-ness, its well worth it - we think we can get rid of almost our entire home entertainment center with the 850. These TVs last 20+ years (hopefully) and we might move in the next 3 years, so I figured the flattest TV could not only be used right away to reclaim floorspace in our living room, but also if we move to a new house where e.g. the TV goes over the fireplace, we're in much better shape with the 850. Also, there is a certain "cool factor" of the 850 that cannot be denied - the TV is slim, and it's VERY light (59 lbs vs 66-70 for the other 2), and the border is the tiniest on the 6,7,8 series so it has by far the most versatile and coolest dimensions in every respect. There is also no light leakage through the red borders on the 850/860 models. I read somewhere that the 8-series has a different backlighting system which is why the TV is so much thinner than the 750, but I think the panel (LCD shutters) is the same. If you were looking at TVs in the store, make sure to RESET ALL the TVs before looking at them, because the seller will always tune the most expensive TVs to look best in order to increase sales and profits.
1275794
Any add ons that "work" will almost certainly diminish the light output of your TV, and that can be problematic for plasmas, far more than for LCD/LED. Like many plasma and LCD/LED sets, the PZ550 is fairly glossy, although less so than many (less than the current Panasonic non-3D series, for example, but far more than the ST60 and up.)
326620
not sure about relative to led's. but i had a plasma before this one and i could hardly watch when the blinds were open. with this one the image is clear as a bell. no issues in a well lit room. happy with my set. believe the hype.
1259428
Actually online aficionado......The new Samsung LED's are WORSE. It is mentioned in cnets reviews and some have left comments here on amazon. One guy mentioned how he can see streaks running through his new LED tv in a dark room. So yeah... LCD's only look good when the lights are on.My friend has a panasonic plasma that he games on a lot. NO BURN IT. There is temporary image retention but that goes away fast.
1920901
I got the 46" 630 model and I absolutely LOVE it. Sharp incredible picture and there is hardly ANY glare whatsoever. You won't be able to say the same thing with the 650 or 750 model. With those models, you'll be frustrated whenever you want to watch TV during the daytime if there is any window in the room or at night if any inside lights are on, because those models' screens are so reflective and cause so much glare. The 630 model also comes on a swivel stand as well.
17186
I watched the cnet video review for the plasma 8000 and its said the 3D was better then the LED version, becuase there was NO ghosting effect.