Samsung PN50B860 Review

The top of the line series from Samsung can brag about its picture quality, as well as its accurate colors. While it does somewhat stand lower than the V10 series from Panasonic, this Samsung series from 2009 is not a bad option, either. Samsung PN50B860 sports about the same quality one would find in the less expensive 6 series from the same manufacturer, but what makes it stand out is its sleek design, that could make you take extra money out of your pocket, provided that you want to acquire the coolest plasma model on the market these days. This Samsung plasma TV has little over the 850 sub-series, represented only by a manual option in order to turn on the 1080p/24 mode, as well as one calibration mode more. For a 50 inch plasma TV, this model provides a very good performance, so, if you are willing to spend more for its 1.2 inch depth screen, it can be quite a catch.

At a Glance

• 1080p resolution
• Contrast ratio: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: Ultra FilterBright Plus
• 24p cinema mode
• USB
• Ethernet
• WiFi
• Internet@TV
• Picture In Picture
• Wide Color Enhancer Pro

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Nice black levels
• Accurate colors
• Great video processing features
• Solid standard definition display

Cons:

• Lack of a S-video input
• Steep price
• Some reflection issues under bright light conditions

Connectivity

Samsung seems to have forgotten they create plasma TV’s in a world where S-input connections are the norm, some would be tempted to say. The truth is that the sleek design the company chose for this particular model had to demand some sacrifices, which came with the lack of an S-video input. Connectivity is quite solid, though, despite this. Four HDMI inputs are located on the back, and those interested in the options presented by Samsung PN50B860 will also find 2 USB inputs, a VGA-style PC input, and one component-video input. One RF input for antenna/cable, one optical digital audio jack, and one Ethernet port are also present to complete the set of connectivity features this plasma TV comes equipped with.

Design

One could not just overlook the especially thought design of Samsung PN50B860. With its thin depth, of just 1.2 inches, this plasma model catches the eye, through its razor like appearance, if looked at from one side. There is no other plasma TV on the market to be thinner than Samsung PN50B860, except from the Z1 series models from Panasonic, but Samsung beats that through a less hefty price tag. Let’s say that enthusiasts of slim design for their plasma televisions would be advised to go for the Samsung PN50B860 rather than breaking the bank to acquire the Z1 model from Panasonic. It is true that the Samsung representative cannot boast about the one sheet design like Panasonic’s V10, but its glossy frame makes for a high tech appearance that compensates enough in terms of design. Fans of cool design would also notice the transparent stalk that links the plasma screen with the swivel stand. Its reflections in the stainless steel of the stand complement the already high tech feeling this plasma TV gives.

Performance

As mentioned earlier, Samsung 850/860 series does not bring much improvement over the 6 series in terms of performance, aiming more at achieving a title in the coolest looking design. While the 6 series can boast about very good performance, the same thing is available about Samsung PN50B860. With glorious black levels – although not the best on the market - , and accurate colors that can almost stand their ground in a head on confrontation with the acclaimed Kuro from Pioneer (no longer in production), as well as reliable video processing capabilities, Samsung PN50B860 makes for a very good buy, despite the expensive price.

Black Levels

Interesting enough to notice, while Samsung PN50B860 does sport excellent deep levels of blacks, this trait falls behind other plasma screens, when trying to acquire true black. It must also be mentioned that the 650 model from the same company seems to perform better than its more expensive brother in this area. Overall, however, the differences does not seem to be fatal, and it would be the right thing to say that black levels on Samsung PN50B860 are still nice and they perform well. The shadow detail is, of course, influenced by the performance of black levels, and there are scenes in which an experienced eye would notice that other plasma TV’s sold on the market display a better quality of shadow detail than this 50 inch plasma television.

Colors

If for black levels, there are some little issues worth to be brought forward to the sensible consumer, color accuracy presents a different story. This is one area in which Samsung can boast about having better colors than the current leader on the market for plasma TV’s, Panasonic. Samsung PN50B860 has almost perfect basic and secondary colors, which gives the picture the sought after realism. Panasonic may present a greater deal in saturation, but this is one aspect that relies heavily on its performance in black levels. All in all, the colors on Samsung PN50B860 are the most pleasing to the eye, seen on any plasma TV released over the year of 2009. Another thing worth mentioning is that Samsung PN50B860 does not colorize black areas or shadows with bluish tinge, like it happens with other models.

Video Processing

Samsung PN50B860 has no trouble in delivering as promised when 1080p/24 video sources are involved. The content is displayed with no problems, equaling in performance the acclaimed V10 series from Panasonic. The 860 model comes with a manual option for initiating the 1080p/24 mode, but the automatic implementation, available for 850 models, as well, works like a charm.
Another feature that Samsung has implemented for its top of the line series is the 600Hz subfield motion technology. If that sounds to you like the 600Hz subfield drive feature from Panasonic, you are not far off the mark, but the truth is they are quite different when it comes to results. Both are meant to solve any motion blur issues that may appear when fast moving scenes – like sports – are involved, but tests have showed that Panasonic is the most competitive one when it comes to this. The truth is plasma TV’s, in general, cannot complain of motion blur issues, and all this buzz about 600Hz technologies is intended for fighting back 120Hz or 240Hz LCD’s, that still have to overcome the blur that appears when watching fast action scenes on their screen. Only the eye of an expert could tell the difference between Samsung and Panasonic when it comes to this, so blur is not an issue for Samsung PN50B860.
All in all, the model presents solid video processing capabilities, being able to display properly any 1080p and 1080i video content.

Standard Definition

A strong plus for Samsung PN50B860 is that it can display standard definition content at a very good quality. Any line from such sources, like regular DVD’s, is solved gracefully, and noise reduction capabilities are nothing to sneeze at. Jaggies or moire artefacts are not an issues for Samsung PN50B860 and this means a lot in a world where HDTV’s care more for displaying stunning scenes for any high definition content, leaving somewhat behind the old faithful standard definition.

Glare

Watching your favorite TV shows on a plasma screen in a brightly lit room may have its downsides. Because plasma TV’s tend to show reflections or glare when there is too much light in the room, manufacturers, Samsung included, have tried to bring something new. The Ultra FilterBright Plus filter implemented for Samsung PN50B860 does a pretty decent job, provided that the blacks do not tend to be as washed out as on a Panasonic model from 2009. But this filter cannot fight so efficiently against reflections, which are present under bright light conditions, and that may become a distraction.

Conclusion

Overall, there are more positive things to say about Samsung PN50B860, rather than pointing out its minuses. It is true that the steep price comes as a consequence of its sleek modern design, and not of much improved performance over the 6 series from Samsung. This means that you may consider buying the less expensive model if you are only interested in performance. On the other hand, if you intend to astonish your friends with the coolest plasma TV of the moment, go for the Samsung PN50B860. Its black levels, its accurate colors and solid video processing capabilities are just well complemented by the high tech design.