The Samsung Series 5 (PN-A550) plasma HDTVs, the 50 inch PN50A550 and 58 inch PN58A550, are a step up in resolution from the recently reviewed 720p Series 4 plasmas to Full HD (1080p). But, while the specifications by Samsung read the same otherwise, it’s not just a choice between whether you need a 720p or 1080p resolution.
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Samsung have noted one difference being the Series 5 (PN-A550) plasmas employment of a single scan system; matching what LG has previously introduced in their plasma displays. A single scan system uses a single driving board/integrated chip to drive the whole plasma display panel rather than the more common twin or multiple driver arrangement. Single scan is way to gain quicker refresh rates for high resolutions.
The Series 5 plasmas have been a best seller with retailers like Amazon with notable features like a high 20,000:1 contrast ratio, Ultra FilterBright anti-glare filter to preserve the contrast ratio in a bright viewing conditions and the market first 3D ready capability. Reading our detailed review of the 720p Series 4 plasmas will give you full details on these and other features.
If you need to distinguish the different Samsung plasma series then remember that the Series 4 has an oval base and the Series 5 a rectangular one. Series 6 also has a rectangular base but, also has a distinct red tint to the edge of the bezel surrounding the plasma panel.
Other Samsung Plasma HDTV Series
- Touch of Color styling
- Infolink RSS feeds of customizable stock quotes, weather and brief news articles
- 4 rather than 3 HDMI connections
- 15 watt rather than 10 watt speakers
- Ethernet port
- DLNA Certification (for networking with other consumer electronics products)
- Pre-loaded Content Library including exercise, children’s edutainment, cooking, image gallery and games
- Recognition and playback of MPEG4 and XviD video files
- 720p HD (1365 x 768 pixels) instead of 1080p
Additional Features Unique to Series 4
- 3D ready capable of displaying 3D games, movies and other programming via 3D compatible glasses and hardware. 3D viewing – requires PC
- PC Input
Resources for Samsung Series 5 Plasma HDTVs
HDTV Hook-Up Kit (2m Cables) Great For Samung Models LNT4061F, HLT6176S, HLT6176SX, LNT4671F, LN-T4642H, LNT4642, LN46A750, LNS4695D, LN40A330, PN42A450, LNT4669F, LN46A550, LN46A550P, HPT5064, LN46A650P, LNT4661F, LN40A650, LN40A450, LNT4665, LN40A550, LNT5265F,PN50A550, PN50A450, LN52A550P, PN58A550, LN52A650A, LNT5271F, LN32A650, LN52A750, LN40A750
PN50A550 Data Sheet (PDF)
PN50A550 User Manual (PDF)
PN58A550 Data Sheet (PDF)
PN58A550 User Manual (PDF)
Samsung’s introductory video to Anynet+
User Reviews and Price Comparisons
Visit the following online retailers for competitive prices and user reviews with first hand product feedback.
Samsung PN50A550 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Samsung PN58A550 58-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Extended Service Plan
Samsung’s Extended Service Plan
Buy.com also has customer reviews along with prices
Samsung PN50A550 – 50 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV – 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – Piano Black
Samsung PN58A550 – 58 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV – 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – Piano Black
SAMSUNG 50″ 1080p Plasma TV – PN50A550
SAMSUNG 58″ 1080p Plasma HDTV – PN58A550
Samsung PN50A550 50″ 1080p Plasma HDTV PN50A550
Samsung PN58A550 58″ 1080p Plasma HDTV PN58A550
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