Samsung PN59D7000

Value Comparison

Is it worth it to lay down the extra cash for the D8000 series this year, when the D7000 series has nearly the same features? We didn’t think so. Besides having a differently-shaped base and a different remote, how are these TVs different? For the most part, the one Samsung markets as being second-tier actually outperforms its expensive, four-legged cousin. We break it down by category.

Core Attributes Comparison
	Samsung PN59D7000	Samsung PN59D8000
Size	59 in.	59 in.
General Type	Plasma	Plasma
Format	1080p	1080p

Blacks & Whites

With a deeper black level and a brighter white level, the contrast ratio of the Samsung PN59D7000 ends up about double that of its more expensive kin. Both of them put up a good show in terms of greyscale gamma, but the Samsung PN59D7000 won out on this front as well.

What shocked us the most was the discrepancy between the listed specs of these TVs and their test results. Samsung claims the D8000’s 25,000,000:1 contrast ratio dwarfs the D7000’s mere 15,000,000:1 ratio. So neither of these is a real number, but according to our data, the Samsung PN59D7000 actually has the better contrast ratio of the two. With a measly 6,200:1. The exaggeration made by television manufacturers is sometimes appalling. At least now you know the true extent of the lie.

Color Accuracy

With a more consistently inaccurate color temperature, color banding in its RGB curves, and an oversaturated color gamut, the PN59D8000 again falls behind the Samsung PN59D7000 in terms of value.

Color Temperature Comparison
Samsung PN59D7000 (Score: 9.28)
Samsung PN59D8000 (Score: 6.54)

RGB Comparison
Samsung PN59D7000 (Score: 7.79)
Samsung PN59D8000 (Score: 7.76)

Motion

Motion was one area in which Samsung clearly used the same technology in both these televisions. The smooth plasma motion looked identical from our observations, which is nothing to complain about.

Motion Scores
	Samsung PN59D7000	Samsung PN59D8000
Motion Score		0.0

Viewing Effects

For some reason, the PN59D8000 really disappointed us with its viewing angle. Most plasmas have a great, wide, viewing angle. While the Samsung PN59D7000 falls into this category, the PN59D8000 failed to uphold the standard, contrast dropping off when only 26˚ off-center. In contrast, the Samsung PN59D7000 had a viewing angle of 66˚ on one side, or 133˚ total.

Viewing Angle Comparison
Samsung PN59D7000: 11.36	Samsung PN59D8000: 6.33

Connectivity

Connectivity on both these high-end plasmas by Samsung was identical. They both have the same excellent, yet modern-exclusive, ports, and both have integrated wireless networking.

Connectivity Comparison
	Samsung PN59D7000	Samsung PN59D8000	Panasonic TC-P55VT30	Sony KDL-46HX729
HDMI	4	4	4	4
Component	1	2	1	1
Composite	0	2	1	1
S-Video	0	0	0	0
VGA	1	1	1	1
Analog Audio In	2	2	2	3
Digital Audio Out	1	1	1	1
Analog Audio Out	0	0	0	1
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Yes (Included)	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

Other Comparisons

We really liked the double-sided QWERTY remote control that came with the PN59D8000, as it made internet features tolerable to use without a dedicated keyboard. However, it can be purchased as an accessory for the Samsung PN59D7000 for $100 from Samsung’s website. Most all of the other software features and 3D performance are the same.