Which Plasma? Panasonic ST30 or Samsung E550? - A final Call.

[just4kix]

There is no real basis of comparison and side by side checking has not been possible because we will never find Panasonic plasma and Samsung plasma in the same place. So basically it comes to what your brain has retained over a short period of demonstration.

Having viewed both plasma models, I will rate UT50 slightly above Samsung E550 in terms of overall PQ. Also I felt that UT50 was less reflective than E550 (but this is highly questionable). I would say E550 is equivalent to UT30. And then again the extra 2 years warranty cost of Samsung takes it near to the cost of UT50. But UT50 does not come with 3d eyewear (as per Panasonic website). If we add cost of two glasses (Rs. 4500 each) then UT50 goes beyond 100k. This makes Samsung more attractive.

 

[arnprasad]

Cnet reviews of 2012 panasonic model says now they use universal std 3d glasses. has anyone tried that with cheaper non panasonic glasses that cost 1k apiece?

 

[rajatk]

Hi..I need a TV this weekend desperately. 51E550 is available for 74.5K in s Bangalore.

If anyone has good knowledge of what this TV offers vs UT50 please advice.

Also anyone knows a dealer selling 51UT50 for 75K in Bangalore? urgent.......

Rajat - congrats on your purchase. CNET has given it glowing reviews.. Panasonic TC-P55UT50 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

I have just got an offer and have not decided yet, plus I have to buy this TV in another north indian city so not sure if I will get that price or not... on paper, it looks like a gr8 deal though.

 

[rajatk]

There is no real basis of comparison and side by side checking has not been possible because we will never find Panasonic plasma and Samsung plasma in the same place. So basically it comes to what your brain has retained over a short period of demonstration.

Having viewed both plasma models, I will rate UT50 slightly above Samsung E550 in terms of overall PQ. Also I felt that UT50 was less reflective than E550 (but this is highly questionable). I would say E550 is equivalent to UT30. And then again the extra 2 years warranty cost of Samsung takes it near to the cost of UT50. But UT50 does not come with 3d eyewear (as per Panasonic website). If we add cost of two glasses (Rs. 4500 each) then UT50 goes beyond 100k. This makes Samsung more attractive.

You have seen UT50 on display - thats gr8 because I couldnt find it here. 50UT50 was quoted to me @ 76k and Samsung 51E550 @ 78k (might come down to 75k) so we ignore price difference. Price of 2 yrs warranty makes it around 90k. So essentially UT50 might be a better choice even with 2 3d glasses (optional for buyer).

However E550 comes with wifi built-in & 3d glasses included + blue ray player offer these days. UT50 seems to have better panel (on paper), 2500 Hz motion and better overall price for ownership...

 

[arnprasad]

The official price of Samsung is 51E550 is 78K with blu ray player worth 10K and also its glasses are cheap at 1,200 a pop. Of course it does not come with warranty. A dealer in Blore (Girias) offered it for 74.5 this weekend. But with warranty it does hit the 90K mark.


I am not sure about the official price of 50UT50. I am not even sure if its been released as no one seems to have it. Also I believe Panasonic does not give two free glasses and its glasses seem to cost around 3.5K each although CNET says its 2012 models use universal standard glasses.

I am surprised at this point in time there are no group buy discussions going on....particularly since Olympics are only a week away.

 

[just4kix]

You have seen UT50 on display - thats gr8 because I couldnt find it here. 50UT50 was quoted to me @ 76k and Samsung 51E550 @ 78k (might come down to 75k) so we ignore price difference. Price of 2 yrs warranty makes it around 90k. So essentially UT50 might be a better choice even with 2 3d glasses (optional for buyer).

However E550 comes with wifi built-in & 3d glasses included + blue ray player offer these days. UT50 seems to have better panel (on paper), 2500 Hz motion and better overall price for ownership...

I have seen a 42" on display but the shopkeeper said that there are no sets in stock. Delivery will take a minimum 15 days (for 42") and for 50" he was not committing any time.

 

[sandeepmohan]

The official price of Samsung is 51E550 is 78K with blu ray player worth 10K and also its glasses are cheap at 1,200 a pop.

Hit a road block though. They have given the tv a 15 ampere plug so I now have to get the wall socket upgraded.

 

[rajatk]

That is quite a lot. Just picked up my Samsung PS51E550D1R for Rs. 71500. This cost includes the Bluray player and bundled 3D glasses.

Hit a road block though. They have given the tv a 15 ampere plug so I now have to get the wall socket upgraded.

Thats a gr8 deal because am being quoted 78k at multiple places (can negotiate to 75k I guess)... did you consider any Panasonics as well?

 

[Techila]

That is quite a lot. Just picked up my Samsung PS51E550D1R. This cost includes the Bluray player and bundled 3D glasses.

Good deal...congrats! Have you taken extended warranty ?

 

[rajatk]

Good deal...congrats! Have you taken extended warranty ?

Another member posted that Samsung not offering ext warranty on Plasmas...

 

[Techila]

Another member posted that Samsung not offering ext warranty on Plasmas...

Reliance digital has "resQ Care Plan"
PDP: 3D 50" & ABOVE
1 Yr: Rs.5252
2 Yr: Rs.9192

http://www.reliancedigital.in/pdf/resQ_ratecard.pdf

ResQ Services from Reliance Digital

 

[sandeepmohan]

did you consider any Panasonics as well?

Yes I did. Was saving up for the 50GT50... but dropped it after I saw the Samsung. I liked everything about it. The quirks will be known as I use it and I shall report it here.

I don't think I have an eye or ear for Thx and isf certified products. Besides; even with a discount the Panasonic was out of reach and in my research, even hard to source. The chaps are not even interested in selling a product.

 

[sandeepmohan]

Have you taken extended warranty ?

No. Did not know it was available. The Samsung folk have yet to come home and take a copy of the bill, which is the proof they use to process the Bluray player. Will ask them about this when they come. Though extended warranty is a safe bet, the fine print should reveal what is covered and what is not.

I do not know why the manual says this, they still warn you about taking precaution with regard to image retention. I thought this was a thing of the past. It is clear that there is no warranty coverage if you ignore the precautions on avoiding image retention problems.

 

[just4kix]

...

I do not know why the manual says this, they still warn you about taking precaution with regard to image retention. I thought this was a thing of the past. It is clear that there is no warranty coverage if you ignore the precautions on avoiding image retention problems.

You are equating "Image retention" with "Burn-in". Both are caused because of excessive contrast (more than 50%) and watching the same channel for hours together or watching a lot of "letterbox" TV/movies.

Image retention is a temporary issue and usually disappears after 30 minutes or so. Burn-in is permanent image retention and is nearly impossible to get rid off. Burn-in is no more an issue with today's plasmas and may happen only in case with permanent displays such as flight info, train info, static screen display, etc.

One should try to avoid "Image retention" also by following precautions.

It is recommended that first 100 hours should be watched with < 40% contrast and not staying too long on a particular channel, etc. To be on safer side, take this time to a higher notch, say 200 hrs. Assuming 5 hours of daily TV, this translates to 40 days.

 

[rajatk]

Yes I did. Was saving up for the 50GT50... but dropped it after I saw the Samsung. I liked everything about it. The quirks will be known as I use it and I shall report it here.

I don't think I have an eye or ear for Thx and isf certified products. Besides; even with a discount the Panasonic was out of reach and in my research, even hard to source. The chaps are not even interested in selling a product.

Good decision since you got this at gr8 price - even with 2 years ext wrnty (if you get it), it will cost you 82k approx which is rocking deal considering that this is 51", Full HD, 3D, Internet ready....

Since my budget is around 65K & dont really need Smart or 3D features, I am leaning towards Panny X/XT50 (62-63K) HD Ready, 3D or LG 50pa6500 (56K for me) FHD model...

 

[aakashr]

Good decision since you got this at gr8 price - even with 2 years ext wrnty (if you get it), it will cost you 82k approx which is rocking deal considering that this is 51", Full HD, 3D, Internet ready....

Since my budget is around 65K & dont really need Smart or 3D features, I am leaning towards Panny X/XT50 (62-63K) HD Ready, 3D or LG 50pa6500 (56K for me) FHD model...

this might help :
50 Plasma TV: Our Top Recommended 50 Inch Plasma Televisions for 2012

 

[sandeepmohan]

It is recommended that first 100 hours should be watched with < 40% contrast and not staying too long on a particular channel, etc. To be on safer side, take this time to a higher notch, say 200 hrs. Assuming 5 hours of daily TV, this translates to 40 days.

Not sure if it will be possible to watch this tele at anything under 80% contrast as it starts getting too dull. Under 40% will be impossible. I rather just have the tv going at 40% contrast and not sit in front of it while it finishes the run in. These are not things you can do in the real world. I can't ask the family to deal with a dull image.

I hope none of this needs to be practiced to a T cause then there is no point in buying a plasma. I am assuming technology has progressed and we can get away with old plasma ghosts.

 

[rajatk]

this might help :
50 Plasma TV: Our Top Recommended 50 Inch Plasma Televisions for 2012

Thanks Aakash - I have also seen it and was pleasantly surprised to see LG 50PA6500 figured in here (this model with almost same config is being sold in India). However when I posted in one of the other threads, someone said dont trust these ratings... guess the clout of Panasonic is too strong and ofcourse, not without a reason.

 

[rajatk]

Not sure if it will be possible to watch this tele at anything under 80% contrast as it starts getting too dull. Under 40% will be impossible. I rather just have the tv going at 40% contrast and not sit in front of it while it finishes the run in. These are not things you can do in the real world. I can't ask the family to deal with a dull image.

I hope none of this needs to be practiced to a T cause then there is no point in buying a plasma. I am assuming technology has progressed and we can get away with old plasma ghosts.

Is your room too bright or direct sunlight falling through windows? Please put some pics if possible as it will help others to advice you and also buyers learn from you...

 

[arnprasad]

That is quite a lot. Just picked up my Samsung PS51E550D1R for Rs. 71500. This cost includes the Bluray player and bundled 3D glasses.

Hit a road block though. They have given the tv a 15 ampere plug so I now have to get the wall socket upgraded.

Hi where did you pick this TV from at 71.5?:clapping: