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Panasonic TC-PVT30 vs. Samsung PND7000/8000: Which is the best TV of 2011 (so far)?
David Katzmaier
Senior editor June 9, 2011 (updated on: August 4, 2011)
I first published this post as a comparison between the two most high-end plasma TVs from Panasonic and Samsung, and now it includes a third, the Samsung PND7000. All three are superb examples of everything good about TV technology (except maybe energy efficiency), but if you have money to burn and want the best 2011 TV available today, you might be wondering which one wins.
First it's worth reiterating a couple of oft-made points. The best plasma TVs have generally performed better in CNET reviews than the best LED and LCD TVs (like
I expect to review all of the remaining TVs mentioned above as soon as they become available, so if you can wait until later in the year for the final verdict--and for prices to fall, as they inevitably will--then hold tight.
In the meantime, here's how the Panasonic PVT30 and the Samsung PND7000 and PND8000 compare in each of the subcategories I use for TV reviews. I've also included a separate value comparison and crowned the overall winner (so far).
Best picture quality: Panasonic PVT30
The PVT30 has superior black-level performance and shadow detail, as well as arguably better video processing. The Samsungs win for color accuracy, 3D performance, and bright-room picture. All three TVs were quite close in nearly every picture quality characteristic I test, and all three rightly earn performance scores of 9, but of the three, the Panasonic's picture is still best overall in my opinion.
Best design: Samsung PND7000
The thin bezel, slimmer cabinet, and sleeker overall looks of the Samsungs outdo the PVT30's one-sheet face in my book. I felt the gap was wide enough to warrant a numeric difference: the Samsungs each scored a 9 for design to the Panasonic's 8. I give the PND7000 an edge here over the PND8000 because I like the stand better...otherwise they're the same.
Best features: Samsung PND8000
It's very close between the PVT30 and the PND8000--both earned a 9 in this category--but the Samsung's remote, however flawed, tips the scales slightly in its favor. The Panasonic ships with one pair of 3D glasses, while both Samsungs are widely sold with two pairs and a starter kit--although you should check with your retailer to be certain. We liked Panasonic's Internet TV suite better. The PND7000, which has a less exciting remote than the PND8000 and lacks a few other features, received an 8 in this category.
Best value: Samsung PND7000
I don't factor value into the overall CNET rating, but figured I'd include it here. Yes, all three TVs are quite expensive, but this is still the only category that one of the three won handily. The Samsung D7000 costs less than the D8000 and the features it's missing are relatively unimportant (especially if you have a smartphone and use Samsung's great remote app). Both 59-inch Samsungs cost even less than the 55-inch Panasonic, and for the 64- and 65-inch models, the differences are even more dramatic.
Best overall TV of 2011 (so far): Samsung PND7000
Congratulations to the new winner of the first CNET BOTVo2011(SF) award. Its picture was good enough, and its other aspects better enough, to earn bragging rights over the PVT30, and it's a better overall value than the PND8000.
Below you'll find links to most of the members of the three series arranged in order of price.
Related: Best 5 HDTVs: Picture quality; Plasma vs. LCD. vs. LED TVs; Which 2011 Panasonic plasma 3D plasma TV to buy?; Panasonic: Plasma black levels no longer worsen
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $1,498.00 to $2,113.61 | Check Prices | $2,049.99 to $2,265.84 | $3,799.99 | $3,499.99 to $3,519.97 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||||
| Average user rating | ||||||
| Release date | March 15, 2011 | March 15, 2011 | March 15, 2011 | March 15, 2011 | ||
| The Bottom Line | With picture quality on par with the best TVs we've ever tested, the Samsung PND7000 plasma represents an excellent value for videophiles who don't demand to own the top of the line. | With picture quality on par with the best TVs we've ever tested, the Samsung PND7000 plasma represents an excellent value for videophiles who don't demand to own the top of the line. | With picture quality that's nearly the equal of the tough competition, as well as best-in-class design and features, the Samsung PND8000 makes a strong case for being the best overall plasma TV of 2011. | Superb all-around picture quality, anchored by the deepest plasma black levels of the year, make the Panasonic TC-PVT30 series the best-performing TV we've tested in 2011. | With picture quality that's nearly the equal of the tough competition, as well as best-in-class design and features, the Samsung PND8000 makes a strong case for being the best overall plasma TV of 2011. | Superb all-around picture quality, anchored by the deepest plasma black levels of the year, make the Panasonic TC-PVT30 series the best-performing TV we've tested in 2011. |
| Features | ||||||
| PC interface | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) |
| Internet streaming services | Smart Hub Samsung Smart TV | Smart Hub Samsung Smart TV | Skype Smart Hub Samsung Smart TV | Skype FOX sports Amazon Video Picasa VIERA Connect MLS Hulu Plus MLB.tv NHL YouTube Netflix CinemaNow NBA | Samsung SmartTV | Smart TV Viera Connect Internet suite |
| Addtional features | Auto Volume Leveller (AVL) | Auto Volume Leveller (AVL) | Auto Volume Leveller (AVL) | Audio Return Channel (ARC) THX certified 3D-compatible SD card slot | Auto Volume Leveller (AVL) | THX certified 3D-compatible SD card slot |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Total output power | 20 Watt | 30 Watt | 30 Watt | 22 Watt | 30 Watt | 22 Watt |
| Display format | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 600 Hz | 600 Hz | 600 Hz | 600 Hz | 600 Hz | 600 Hz |
| HDMI ports qty | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Diagonal size | 51 in | 59 in | 59 in | 55 in | 64 in | 65 in |
| Technology | 3D | 3D | 3D | 3D | 3D | 3D |
| Speaker(s) | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 15 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 15 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 6 Watt 1 x Subwoofer - Built-in - 10 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 15 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 6 Watt 1 x Subwoofer - Built-in - 10 Watt |
| TV tuner presence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video interface | HDMI Component | HDMI Component | HDMI Component | HDMI Component Composite | HDMI Component | HDMI Component Composite |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 47.2 in x 1.5 in x 28.3 in - Without stand | 55.1 in x 1.5 in x 32.6 in - Without stand | 54.3 in x 1.5 in x 32.6 in - Without stand | 52.4 in x 15.2 in x 33.3 in - With stand | 58.7 in x 1.5 in x 35 in - Without stand | 61.8 in x 15.7 in x 39.1 in - With stand |
| Connectivity protocols | Built-in Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ready, adapter included | Built-in Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ready, adapter included |
| Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen |
| Weight | 49.4 lbs | 67.9 lbs | 67.5 lbs | 98.1 lbs | 77.2 lbs | 138.9 lbs |
| Input/Output connections | 4 x HDMI 2 x USB (19 pin HDMI Type A) (RCA phono x 3) - Rear (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear (4 pin USB Type A) (RCA phono x 2) - Rear | 4 x HDMI 2 x USB (19 pin HDMI Type A) (RCA phono x 3) - Rear (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear (4 pin USB Type A) (RCA phono x 2) - Rear | 4 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) 2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear 1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear 2 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A) 2 x Audio input (RCA phono x 2) - Rear | 4 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) 3 x USB (4 pin USB Type A) Audio line-in 1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear | 4 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) 2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear 1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear 2 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A) 2 x Audio input (RCA phono x 2) - Rear | 4 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) 3 x USB (4 pin USB Type A) Audio line-in 1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear |
| HDCP compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound output mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Surround mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound effects | SRS TheaterSound | SRS TheaterSound | SRS TheaterSound | CONEQ | SRS TheaterSound | CONEQ |
| 3D technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Product type | Plasma TV | Plasma TV | Plasma TV | Plasma | Plasma TV | Plasma |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | | | | | | |
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LOL.
Do you think Samsung will hurry out a TV at proclaiming themselves "Winner, BOTVo2011!" Lol
Bottom line: Don't spend more money than you have to. The LG is just as good as the others, but at a much less strain on your wallet.
* And Panasonic should be ashamed of what they did in 2009-2010 with their 'black levels timer'!
If you're smart enough you know that it is a losing hand!
For me, in my own book, welcome to the true Plasma champion, SAMSUNG!
They are excellent and they are the very BEST VALUE!
And if you are rich, you go with Pioneer Elite Kuros of course!
I dealt a lot with Panasonic customer service in the past, and I always had very nice discussions with their staff of people and also their technicians.
That I appreciate a lot. Also with Samsung I had some positive discussions, but not as effective as Panasonic departments.
Because perhaps I'm a Canadian, and Panasonic has a strong presence here in Canada.
Samsung had its share of problems, but to be fair so Panasonic as well...
Anyway, I own several products from these two giants over the years; and right now Samsung is taking over my Kingdom!
And tomorrow we'll see...
Have a fantastic viewing experience, either in 2D or in 3D, and no matter if you go Kuro, Viera, or Sammy.
Just look at the terrible picture quality.
Why can't you FIX your html code so that text size can be increased without scrolling (as proper html) should allow ??
Thanks
1. I understand it includes a table stand but can you wall mount it and does it have a manufacture wall mount?
2. Does this model (Panasonic TC-P55VT30) have the ability to search the entire World Wide Web (www)? If so, is it through the use of the
a) HDMI cable
b) Wireless connection from your computer
c) Phone connection cable
Or would I have all 3 options to choose from?
2. For now it does not have an open browser, however most of the browsers built in to televisions this year are very slow and cumbersome to navigate.
If you have interest in browsing look at adding a Google TV or connect a computer.
3. No HDMI in the box
4. Wireless adapter is included, will allow use of DLNA (file sharing from devices on your network photos,video,music) also gives you access to Panasonic's portal called viera connect (Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, and others).
5. No Ethernet/phone cables included
2. Yes, you can surf the web with a phone connection only, but you have to use Compuserve.
For the Pioneer Kuro fans. Panasonic bought 189 patents and employed 300 Pioneer tecs to make the VT series. Its as close as your going to get to a Kuro without a time machine.
That said, all 3 are great tvs, (VT30/D8000/Pz950) I look at them all on a daily basis.
Less image retention on the Pan. Of the 3 the Menus are easiest to navigate on the Pan. Thx setting is great for beginners and easy to explain to customers (LG and Pan have THX modes, Samsung has similar color settings just not THX certified). Heat is nearly the same at similar settings, both CAN use far less power than older plasmas.
Black levels are extremely important (my 6yr LG Plasma kills my Samsung LED on black level and is much better for movie viewing).
You can calibrate any of these tvs for color accuracy if you are that picky. As to the rampant bashing, Samsung has like 48% of the world market to Panasonics 28% and nearly double the failure rate of Panasonic. More tvs sold and more tvs failing.. Try researching instead of bashing. All manufacturers have occational problems, and 5% failure is industry standard.
Ps I prefer the picture on the VT30 hands down, Cost should not be an issue while compairing picture quality. I remember selling $10K Elites. People bought them for picture quality not value.
If you want to save $$ then buy the ST30 or the D7000 both far cheaper options with great Pic Quality IMHO.
How the two guys here in the commentsection claim, that the LG has the same PQ as Panasonic, is beyond me.
Unfortunately, the PWM-noise near black is horrible with LG-Plasmas! It' clumpy, it's slow, the three colors are seperated from each other and, to top that, the IREs near black do not reach the edges of the panel.
People (and reviewers) must be blind not seeing this.
Also, the MLL performance of the LGs is laughable. I mean 0.09 cd/m2 out of the box? What a joke. BUT you can tweak that with a screwdriver. ;)
P.S.: The Samsung D800 is way overrated. It has crappy MLL, even in 60hz, has undefeatable DNR, that smears high frequencydetails (what's High Definition again?), bad motion performance and some other bugs.
To review the D8000 in 60hz.mode vs the VT30 in 24p-Mode is a joke!
Not to speak of the ANSI.performance of the D8000.
D8000 is not even near VT30 PQ wise.
Please don't speak in ACRONYMS, we don't understand all of your abbreviations,
like PQ, PWM, MLL, DNR, IRE's, ANSI . . . . . . . . .
Don't know what these all stand for, so your message makes sense only to yourself !
It's like reading a doctor's message.