Full Review
Introduction
The Samsung PN51D550 is a well-equipped plasma with solid performance and features like 3D display and DLNA support, while maintaining a price point well below Samsung’s top-of-the-line models. The elegant design and comfortable user interface certainly make it an appealing TV. We were underwhelmed with the contrast ratio, but can give it a solid recommendation nonetheless.
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Samsung PN51D550. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the PNxxD550 series. The PNxxD550 series includes the following models: PN51D550 and PN64D550. Read here for more details on series differences.
| This review is organized into 18 pages | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Page 1
Tour & Design
|
Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Disappointing black levels for a plasma TV Read More... |
Page 3
Color Accuracy
Good color performance, overall, but some trouble displaying detail in highlights Read More... |
|
Page 4
Motion
A more than satisfactory motion performance Read More... |
Page 5
3D
Very strong 3D performance, overall Read More... |
Page 6
Viewing Effects
A great viewing angle, but a highly reflective screen Read More... |
|
Page 7
Calibration
Learn about the calibration settings for the Samsung PN51D550. Read More... |
Page 8
Connectivity
Enough ports for a decent home theater setup Read More... |
Page 9
Audio & Menus
Good menu interface, mediocre audio, and a terrible instruction manual Read More... |
|
Page 10
Multimedia & Internet
No streaming content or apps, but you can connect to DLNA or play media from a USB stick Read More... |
Page 11
Power Consumption
The hungry hungry hippo of TVs Read More... |
Page 12
vs Panasonic TC-P50ST30
 We compare the PN51D550 to the TC-P50ST30. Read More... |
|
Page 13
vs Sony KDL-55EX720
 We compare the PN51D550 to the KDL-55EX720. Read More... |
Page 14
vs LG 47LW5600
 We compare the PN51D550 to the 47LW5600. Read More... |
Page 15
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Samsung PN51D550. Read More... |
|
Page 16
Series Comparison
Read about the difference between the models in the PNxxD550 series Read More... |
Page 17
Photo Gallery
See photos of the Samsung PN51D550 Read More... |
Part 18
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Samsung PN51D550. Add your comments... |
Latest News
& Reviews
-
18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
This TV has the performance and picture quality to match its good looks. Samsung’s robust Smart TV platform is just icing on the cake. Read More...
-
18-May-2012
Samsung's 2012 Smart TV Platform: Explained
Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV Platform revolves primarily around the Smart Hub. The Smart Hub gathers all content the TV is capable of displaying under one roof: live TV, apps, streaming video and music, and personal media. Read More...
Samsung PN51D550 Manual
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series
$2,599.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$2,599.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series
$1,299.002
Size: 51 in.Samsung PN51D6500
The Samsung PN51D6500 is one of the best deals for a big screen plasma TV. The performance is strong in most regards and the weakness are endemic to plasma TVs, not with this model in particular. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,749.993
Size: 47 in.LG 47LM6700
In addition to opinion-changing 3D images, this LG has a newly improved Smart TV menu system, and a remote that makes navigating the ever-expanding sea of content less of an odyssey. . Read full review
$1,749.99All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,500.004
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
$1,500.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,299.005
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes
(add your own)