Samsung PN51E550 (51-inch plasma)
The Samsung E550 is a great choice if you want something with extras like Smart TV and 3D for a price less than $1,000.
The good: The Samsung PNE550 plasma TV is an excellent value for this level of performance and features. Its picture quality is anchored by solid black levels, accurate color, and perfect off-angle viewing and uniformity. It boasts the industry's most capable Smart TV platform featuring exclusive access to HBO Go. Samsung includes two pairs of 3D glasses.
The bad: The image of the Samsung PNE550 washes out significantly in normal room lighting. It can't match the black-level performance of the best like-priced plasmas. Its 3D performance is mediocre and the glasses feel cheap. The PNE550 also uses significantly more power than a like-sized LCD or LED TV.
The bottom line: While not quite the best in its class, the Samsung PNE550 plasma still merits a look with its very good picture quality, sophisticated Smart TV platform, and attractive price.
October 31, 2012 9:50 PM PDT
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
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