Samsung PN50B860 Plasma TV Review

With the 850/860 series, Samsung aimed at producing the most gorgeous looking plasma TV released on the market in 2009. The direct opponent of Samsung PN50B860 is represented by the models in the V10 series from Panasonic, and the battle is held not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of astonishing design. This 50 inch plasma TV shares about the same level of performance as the 650 series, the main aspect lifting it over the mid range product being the luxurious design. This Samsung plasma TV has a sleek look, very thin and elegant, ready to compete with the one sheet of glass design from Panasonic. Considering the price, Samsung PN50B860 is meant only for those ready to take a lot of money out of their pockets, impressed by looks.

Brief Specifications

• 1080p native resolution
• Contrast ratio: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Ultra FilterBright Plus
• 24p cinema mode
• USB
• Ethernet
• WiFi
• Internet@TV
• Picture In Picture
• Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Connectivity

While it does have extensive connectivity options, Samsung PN50B860 is one S-video input away from having the greatest connectivity among plasma TVs. If someone asks about it, the company’s answer may be related to the cramped place remained for extra connections, due to the sleek design that does not leave room for much more. Otherwise, no one complains about what Samsung PN50B860 is able to offer, with its four HDMI inputs, two USB inputs, a VGA-style PC input, one component-video input, one RF input for antenna or cable, one optical digital audio jack, and one Ethernet port.

Design

For top of the line plasma TVs, looks are about everything. While usually performance is the best, but not much different from the previous series, what Samsung PN50B860 truly boasts about is its looks. The model almost has the profile of a razor, with only 1.2 inch thickness. Panasonic has tried to beat Samsung at this with its Z1 series, but, since Samsung PN50B860 is less expensive than its Panasonic counterpart, guess who will be the winner. The high tech feel of Samsung PN50B860’s design is completed by a glossy frame, as well as a transparent stalk placed between the screen and its swivel stand. Placed in a room, reflecting its own image into the stainless steel stand, this model is guaranteed to look outwordly and sci-fi.

Performance

If you have seen what the 650 models from the same manufacturer are able to achieve in performance, you will almost fail to see what kind of differences Samsung PN50B860 is able to bring forward. Obviously, the company focused more on the design part, but, as the 650 models’ performance was already great, it should not surprise us. Samsung PN50B860 has the same good black levels, great colors, and it even scores better in terms of video processing capabilities, repairing an issue that the 650 series had with the Cinema Smooth mode when engaged for watching Blu-ray discs.

Black Levels

Overall, this model’s black levels are nice and they are decent enough, especially since they are not that far from the renowned Panasonic’s true blacks. There have been some tests, however, that showed how the blacks on Samsung PN50B860 are somewhat inferior to those on the 650 series, but such differences are hard to notice ouside professional test conditions, so the issue is not truly important. As the blacks are not on par with Panasonic’s blacks, neither is shadow detail. If you put Samsung PN50B860 next to a top of the line model from Panasonic, you may notice how the dark scenes are less realistic on the first, but, otherwise, the differences are minimal.

Colors

Samsung PN50B860 has great colors, incredibly accurate, that recommend the product in all its glory. The picture quality is, indeed, amazing, and both primary and secondary colors look stunningly realistic. That is why Samsung is considered to have snatched the prize for color accuracy from Panasonic’s hands, that gets only the first place for black levels. This only means that there are many products on the market to choose from, depending on your preferences. The consumers are the ones to win from this battle, and, with Samsung PN50B860, you get to see the best colors seen on a plasma TV in 2009.

Video Processing

Video processing capabilities have improved with the latest models from Samsung. While Samsung PN50B860 comes with a manual option that you can use for engaging the 1080p/24 mode, necessary for watching Blu-ray discs, the 850 series also has the automatic implementation, that really comes in handy.

There is no doubt that any kind of high definition content is watched on Samsung PN50B860, the results are stunning. Samsung has even tried to add something extra with the 600Hz subfield motion technology, in order to reduce motion blur, one issue that we deem to be absolutely unneccessary. In the fight between plasma and LCD, the battle of Hz was launched in full force, with LCD manufacturers coming up with 120Hz and 240Hz models, and plasma getting back with its 600Hz technologies. Do not let yourself fooled by this marketing gimmicks, as that is all they are.

Standard Definition (SDTV) Performance

Standard definition content is displayed with high accuracy on Samsung PN50B860. Whether you intend to watch television programs, or DVDs, you will notice the same great results. You will not experience jaggies, or any artefacts, common on other plasma models, including the great performers from Panasonic. You will enjoy, instead, a clear picture.

Anti-Glare Performance

Samsung still has some issues to overcome when it comes to anti-glare technologies. As you may well know, plasma TVs tend to show kind of a washed out picture under bright light circumstances. While implementing the new Ultra FilterBright Plus filter on its Samsung PN50B860, the company still has work to do. It seems that this filter is somewhat better than the anti-glare coating from Panasonic, but reflections still appear from time to time, so the result is far from being perfect.

Conclusion

Performance is considered to be of the utmost importance by many, but Samsung PN50B860 is more than just about performance. Its sleek, high tech design equals a jump in price from the previous series, and not many would be so bold and spend their cash on this beauty. Yet, as a luxury product, Samsung PN50B860 is clearly a success, with great performance, and incredible looks.