Samsung PN58B850 Plasma HDTV First Impressions Review - Intro

The flagship of Samsung's 2009 Plasma line, the PN58B850 is a 58-inch model that's been on a serious diet. At just 1.19 inches thick, this new Plasma follows Samsung's less is more design phlosophy to the extreme; with their optional low profile wall mount, the screen protrudes  just two inches from the wall.  Samsung claims that it is the world's thinnest 1080p Plasma TV. And it's a mininalist when it comes to power as well; Samsung claims that it will consume 40% less power than last year's models. We looked at a pre-production unit of the 58-inch model at the CES show in Las Vegas, but Samsung hasn't release pricing information or availability beyond saying that the PN58B850 will be available in the first quarter of this year. A 50-inch model will also be available at the same time.