LG 50PZ950

Value Comparison

These two sets are pretty equal in terms of cost (if you knock nine inches off the Samsung), black and white performance, internet, 3D, and connections.

It’s the colors that make the distinction here. We rank color performance highly at TelevisionInfo.com because color goes a long way to create the immersive environment, and the parts to display color accurately are expensive. The Samsung produces an acceptable set of colors according to the HDTV standards, and its curves are plenty reasonable. The LG just couldn’t get colors to a level that we can responsibly call decent. At this price point, the least we expect is the type of color performance you see on this high-end Samsung. For anything less, we recommend that you save your money.

Core Attributes Comparison
	LG 50PZ950	Samsung PN59D8000
Size	50 in.	59 in.
General Type	Plasma	Plasma
Format	1080p	1080p

Blacks & Whites

The LG 50PZ950 did not behave like a traditional plasma screen in the black and white category, with a shifted range of luminance higher than what you tend to see on something like this Samsung model. In summation, the Samsung has a deep black level, but it does not get as bright at the LG. The result of this match up is that the LG has a better contrast ratio by a significant margin.

Color Accuracy

The color temperature on the Samsung was a little more aberrant than the LG. But this is less important than having smoother RGB curves and a more accurate set of colors, where it lambasted the poor performing LG.

Color Temperature Comparison
LG 50PZ950 (Score: 8.97)
Samsung PN59D8000 (Score: 6.54)

RGB Comparison
LG 50PZ950 (Score: 7.40)
Samsung PN59D8000 (Score: 7.76)

Motion

Motion was a boon for the LG, running through our tests with ease. The Samsung performed very well also, but not quite to the level of quality we saw on the LG.

Motion Scores
	LG 50PZ950	Samsung PN59D8000
Motion Score		0.0

Viewing Effects

Though this Samsung is a plasma model, the viewing angle was surprisingly narrow, like that of an LCD. Somehow, Samsung managed to nix one of the plasma advantages, making us think that an LCD would be a better choice. Compared to this widely viewable LG, this is no contest.

Viewing Angle Comparison
LG 50PZ950: 9.02	Samsung PN59D8000: 6.33

Connectivity

The connection options are very similar between these two. The LG has more analog connections and none of them are adapted which is always a plus. If you lose the adapter, you will have to buy a specialty piece of equipment before you can reconnect your device.

Connectivity Comparison
	LG 50PZ950	Samsung PN59D8000	Panasonic TC-P55VT30	Sony KDL-55HX820
HDMI	4	4	4	4
Component	2	2	1	1
Composite	2	2	1	1
S-Video	0	0	0	0
VGA	1	1	1	1
Analog Audio In	5	2	2	3
Digital Audio Out	1	1	1	1
Analog Audio Out	0	0	0	3
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes (Included)	Yes (Included)	Yes (Included)
USB	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Memory Card Types	None	None	SD/SDHC/SDXC	None
DLNA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes