Samsung D550 Series 1080P 3D 600Hz Plasma HDTV Review

Samsung’s D550 series of 3D 600Hz Plasma HDTVs has the highest specification of 2011 models without Smart TV capability. The speed of it’s 600Hz subfield motion technology the D550 makes the D550 an excellent platform for watching 3D with fast moving on-screen action remaining blur free. As typical with plasma displays contrast is excellent and colors are rich. Samsung’s Plasma Plus One Design squeezes and extra inch of display into the overall screen size, compared to competitors, thanks to the extremely thin surrounding bezel. Three models make up the Samsung D550 series; the 64 inch PN64D550, 59 inch PN59D550 and 51 inch PN51D550.

Samsung D550 Series Plasma 3D 1080P HDTV

3D in 1080p Full HD

Samsung uses active 3D technology requiring the viewer to wear active shutter glasses. Unlike 2010 models, which used infrared for synchronisation, the 2011 models use a Bluetooth wireless link which is less susceptible to interference. Samsung has also made the active shutter 3D glasses lighter and more comfortable to wear. At 40 plus hours the glasses battery life is fairly good beating lots of noise cancelling headphones, for example. Both standard battery and rechargeable headphone versions are available. Samsung now supplies two pair of 3D glasses with each HDTV and sells extra ones for a significant discount at around $50 each.

To improve the brightness of 3D playback Samsung have included their proprietary 3D peak algorithm which enhances peak brightness about 20 percent while lowering energy consumption by 15 percent. The technology makes darker scenes in 3D look suitably bright.

Samsung has also moved to counter the limited range of available 3D content by including a feature which upconverts 2D video to 3D. Do not expect similar video quality to native 3D. Plasma HDTV are an excellent choice for 3D as they have a pixel response time in the order of a thousand times faster than LCD HDTV which means they are not susceptible to motion blurring as with LCD HDTV.

Other Features of D550 Plasma HDTV

600Hz Subfield Motion – plasma displays inherently have a response time in order of thousands of times faster than LCD HDTVs delivering much sharper rendering of the fast onscreen motion common to sports and action movies. Read our technology guide explaining Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology.

AllShare lets viewers sync numerous DLNA-enabled digital devices (PC, camera and mobile devices) for categorising of digital music, movies, image and music files on your Samsung HDTV screen.

ConnectShare Movie provides video and movie playback and photos display from a connected USB drive or digital camera. Videos, music and pictures are accessed via a user-friendly interface using the remote control.

Anynet+ for single remote control of HDMI-connected, compatible devices like Blu-ray Disc players, AV receivers and home theater.

SRS TheaterSound virtual surround sound combined with twin 15 Watt built-in bottom speakers

Crystal Full HD Engine with Cinema Smooth – improves clarity by unifying all of the HDTV’s advanced imaging technologies. It expands performance, enhances all aspects of the image and takes picture quality and integrity. Cinema Smooth provides unbelievably smooth, realistic action in every frame

Manual

The trend for PC manuals to be in electronic format available withing the operating system has finally come to the HDTV with Samsung also making the 2011 electronic manual available through a remote control button.

Connectivity

4 HDMI
2 USB
1 PC Input (D-sub)
1 PC Audio Input (Mini Jack)
1 Optical Digital Audio Output

Summary

The Samsung D550 series is an excellent choice if you want excellent 3D playback capability without Samsung’s Smart TV content connectivity options. Thin bezels provide an inch of extra display area over similarly sized competitors. Power usage by plasma HDTVs is far less of an issue than a few years ago as significant improvements have been made.