Samsung Series 5 (PN-A550) | Full HD 1080p Plasma 50 inch PN50A550 and 58 inch PN58A550 HDTV Review

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.

Samsung PN50A450 1080p HDTV

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

Samsung Series 6 (PN-A650) Plasma HDTV Additional/Modified Features

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

Samsung Series 7 (PN-A760) Plasma HDTV Further Additional Features

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