High Definition Life, in association with Amazon.com, provides you with the security, reliability, selection and price you’ve come to expect from the largest, most trusted names in online shopping. |
|
|
| Samsung PN50A550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV | 
| List Price: $1,999.99
Buy New: $1,403.22
You Save: $596.77 (30%)
Buy New/Used/Refurbished
Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 76 reviews)
Sales Rank: 345
Category: CE
Publisher: Samsung
Studio: Samsung
Brand: Samsung
Label: Samsung
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: 1
Display Size: 50
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Shipping Weight (lbs): 91.3
Dimensions (in): 48.4 x 3.7 x 30.3
MPN: PN50A550S
Model: PN50A550
UPC: 036725228085
EAN: 0036725228085
ASIN: B0015AD2JK
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
|
| Features:
| • | 1080P HD Resolution | | • | 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio / 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio | | • | 3 HDMI Inputs | | • | Filter Bright Anti Reflective Technology |
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Take your home entertainment experience to the next level with the Samsung PN50A550 plasma HDTV. The Samsung PN50A550 50" Widescreen Plasma HDTV with 1080p resolution is big enough to transform any space into the ultimate home theater. Advanced features like a FilterBright to protect against glare and 1,000,000:1 dynamic-contrast ratio will simply amaze you and your guests. 1920 horizontal x 1080 vertical pixel resolution presents video and text with outstanding clarity and resolution. Select Game mode with the touch of a button for advanced video-game action. The ACE silhouette editor eliminates visual noise from the deepest dark tones. SRS TruSurround XT offers natural, lifelike HD sound. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through the two speaker internal playback system. Samsung Digital Natural Image engine dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance. WiseLink plays MP3 and JPEG files through USB 2.0 connection. Entertainment Mode allows customized picture settings, optimized for different content. Universal Anynet Plus HDMI-CEC allows peripheral devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by TV remote control. Side A/V ports provide easy connections so you can connect a camcorder, digital camera, or any other digital device with no hassles. V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content. 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution 175-degrees viewing angle Natural True Color with 18 bit color processing NTSC/ATSC tuners with Clear QAM Sports/Game/Movie modes via hot key 10-watt per channel built-in audio amplifier Direct down-firing speaker system Auto pixel shift (user programmable) Signal pattern processing function Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface (2 rear/1 side), 2 component video inputs, Side and rear A/V inputs, WiseLink (USB 2.0), He
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 71 more reviews...
 Much better than expected, based on reviews here, Fantastic Set! December 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This TV is my first large HDTV (I have a 24" Samsung 720p LCD), and after reading some reviews I was concerned about the black level and the reflectiveness of the screen, but after getting the set all of my concerns were laid to rest. I was originally in the market for a 46" LCD, but a fantastic deal came on this 50" plasma, and I am really glad I went for this instead.
The TV picture is absolutely mesmerizing. I feed in Verizon FIOS HD, and an XBOX 360 (HDMI) and the results are absolutely incredible! The colors are fantastic, and with minimal adjustment the contrast and colors are great. I also had some concerns about the sound on the set, however it is actually much better than I had figured it would be. I know that some of the more expensive sets, like the Panasonic Viera also have woofers built into the set, but the sound on this TV is good. Its obviously not on the same level as a dedicated surround sound system, but it is really as good as any other built-in tv speakers.
I also had questions about lag, which I really cant find any appreciable amount of, thankfully, even with video games and tv out (through a DVI-HDMI cable) from my computer. Also, I found the black levels were great after minor adjustment, and, for me, the reflectivity of the screen is not an issue, even with sunlight bouncing off of the wall behind me.
For me this TV really has changed they way I watch TV, and I think its a great thing. As far as any possible negatives, I would say the only thing I wish this TV had was the extra features of the 6-series tv sets. The two extra features I wish this had was 1) Wiselink Plus: This TV has Wiselink, where the 6-series has Plus, and Wiselink Plus gives the TV the ability to play xvid video from any usb source, whereas standard Wiselink does not do video (only does music and pictures). 2) Ethernet connection for the RSS widgets - this is probably fairly useless, but it would be an interesting extra feature to have. But in all honesty, I wouldnt use either feature enough to warrant the extra couple hundred bucks.
In summary, I took a gamble buying this set. I didnt even have a chance to look at it in person as a deal came along and I pounced on it over the phone, and so I was extra nervous when I finally got the set, but I am very happy with the result. When I finally got to compare this set to others in the store, I found that while the set did look slightly dull compared to some of the eye-searing LCDs, in the actual home this set looks clear, crisp, and you would be able to watch this set for hours without burning your retinas out like with some of the over-contrasted ultra bright "popping" LCDs.
 Samsung 50" plasma November 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Fabulous picture - power consumption much higher than I understood it to be at 320 watts in full energy saver mode and over 400 watts with energy saver turned off
 Great Picture - Poor quality November 29, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I purchased 2 of these. YES 2! I have also owned previous Samsung models FP-T5084 (2007 model)plasma 1080P [I provided a review for this on Amazon as well], HP-5053 (2006 model) plasma 720P. and the LN-S4095 (2006 model) 1080P LCD. So yes I would consider myself a Samsung Fanboy. So I bought this model twice for a reason I will explain later in the review.
My first one spontaneously cracked on me and Samsung at the time refused to replace it. Keep in mind I had the unit for 42 days! I SWEAR I did not touch the plasma for this to happen. One second I'm watching WWE RAW in HD the next minute "Pop" & "buzz" noise. Lo and behold the screen cracked on the inside.
So I bought another one with the hope I could get the first one replaced (which Samsung finally is "in process" of exchanging as I write this - this is only after dozens of emails, countless calls, and escalation to Executive Customer Relations (ECR) over a 2 month period.
But I digress:
Positives:
Picture quality -provides an excellent device for movies and other hi-def content. No artifacts at all even in fast action (well duh its a plasma) unlike many LCD's where artifacts (little boxes that are unclear) are somewhat common.
Color accuracy -The most accurate color reproduction. EVen if it was not professionally calibrated the accuracy in color is great. Yes thats using factory settings.
Aesthetics -The piano black feature is aesthetically pleasing and prvides a clean sleek look for any room.
Negatives:
Sound - The downward firing "hidden speaker" within the bezel is not good. It shakes the unit when the volume is above 40 as well as when there is bass in the signal.
"Anti-Glare" filter -I put anti-glare in quotes because anyone who has seen this unit in person will attest to the high gloss finish of the screen. I could shave in front of the tv when off. Keep that in mind if you are considering this tv in a room with light. This unit should be used in low-light rooms such as basements or rooms that have windows which get little light.
Black levels -Compared to Panasonic and Pioneer the blacks are not as deep. But considering the image quality of Panasonic and Pioneer's steep price there is a reason Samsung is usually the best bang for the buck.
Quality -Like I stated earlier the first unit made it 42 days before cracking on me SPONTANEOUSLY.
Customer Service -It took me 2 months to get Samsung to accept responsibility. They denied me several times over and had to get my call escalated to ECR. They certainly do not stand by their product as I would have hoped.
Image retention - Common in most plasmas. When you turn the unit off you will see the image for about 30 seconds after. It does go away... eventually.
Bottom line beatiful unit beautiful picture - poor reliability and service mounts to a 2 star review. Of course I also had way too many more negatives to outweigh the positives.
I have since returned my second unit and replaced it with the 52LG70 (see my review there) which is excellent. And the 2 extra inches makes a huge difference.
This Samsung "Fanboy" was really disappointed.
Best Value November 28, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I purchased this TV over 3 weeks ago and have no regret's yet. I really did a lot of research both online and in many different tech stores. I spent hours standing in front of different brands of TV's comparing the image to the Samsung PN50A550. I found the Samsung PN50A550 had among the best video, unless you want to spend several grand more on higher end TV's.
I did find that as of now, the plasma's had a far better picture quality than the LCD's. The contrast was more superb and there was no lag time when the picture changed fast as there was with the LCD's. When looking at the clarity of the picture in the specs, one thing you want to look for is the "contrast ratio". I found most TV's had a 10,000:1 listed for their contrast ratio but not the Samsung. The Samsung PN50A550 has a 30,000:1 contrast ratio and trust me you can tell it too because the pictures are really sharp.
I ordered this and received the Amazon White Glove Delivery Service for free, and I was IMPRESSED. I live in the middle of nowhere, and 100 miles from the nearest big city. I ordered the TV on a Saturday night online, and they called me Monday morning to confirm the shipping info. Wednesday evening they delivered the TV. I am one that cannot wait for something once I order it, so I was constantly contacting the company to find out where it was and every time I spoke with the same person and each time they were absolutely nice. The guys arrived at my home in a freight truck and brought the boxed TV inside my living room. They unboxed it then set it on my stand and plugged it in and put the batteries in the remote and made sure it was working. I signed for it then they left total process less than 10 minutes. This says a lot for their service since like I said I live 100 miles from a major city - so getting this kind of service was awesome and not to mention free. Amazon was offering free shipping at the time I ordered.
I have fallen in love with this TV. I ordered my HD service and it is supposed to be installed next week, I cannot wait. I would recommend this TV (and already have) to friends, family and anyone else who is looking to buy in this price range. A 50" is not too big and then again is not too small. If you are debating on what size to get and you think it may be too big then keep reading. When I setup my TV I thought dang, it is way too big I have made a mistake and for the first week I kept thinking I had made a mistake and bought a TV too large. Well now that I'm used to it I think that it is too small. So it just takes time getting used to it, as I came from a small old school tube TV.
Happy Shopping! I hope this review has helped you.
Great So Far! November 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I've had my new Samsung 50-Inch Plasma for two weeks now. Although the TV itself is stunning and I'm very happy with it, the amazon white glove service is really what I want to give kudos to. My TV arrived in a perfect box (no dents or dings) and was brought to my second floor room and unpacked for me. Oh, and did I mention that there was not extra charge for the shipping or service. My father-in-law ordered a TV about a month before I did from Amazon.com and had the same great service.
|
|
|
