Samsung PN51E550 Review

51" 3D Plasma HDTV with Smart TV

by Robert Wiley, Senior Editor

Samsung PN51E550 Plasma TV This is an active 3D value piece from Samsung with an excellent array of features. It does not get the full benefit of all of Samsung's picture quality features but the PN51E550 does have full 1080p resolution. The up conversion processing from standard definition sources is not as crisp as it is with some of the better processing chip set TV on the market, but it's OK. The Smart Hub feature with Internet options is a new feature to this TV as well. Overall, it's a value low priced play with some extras. It doesnt have the refined looks of the best 2012 TVs, but it would have looked darn good 2 years ago when all we saw was black shiny gloss plastic bezels. These lower end Samsung plasma TVs have gotten very good-looking.

Picture Quality

Black Level and Contrast

Even without the All Black Pure Filter the PN51E550 has good black levels and contrast. Dark shadow detail is a strong point on all Samsung plasmas, in dark scenes you will not miss small details due to over powered black levels like you will in many of today's LCD and LED televisions.

Color

The colors on the 51E550 plasma look extremely realistic. In an age where many televisions are pushing color saturation over the edge, Samsung's plasma televisions continue to deliver warm and cool colors you see every day in life as well as excellent flesh tones that do not push red or blue.

3D Viewing

The 51E550 has two pairs of Samsung's new and improved 3D glasses. The light weight glasses are far more comfortable and considerably less bulky than many active 3D glasses. The 3D performance on the PN51E550 is improved over previous years. There is plenty of depth in the highly detailed picture and there is less crosstalk an blurring when compared to older models.

Appearance

The PN51E550 has a 1" black plastic bezel that is covered with a clear acrylic finish, it is a good look for a value priced model. At 2.75" deep it is not a slim as many of today's televisions but it is still considerably slimmer than older plasma models.

Internet Options and Connectivity

Samsung Smart TV The Smart TV feature has been expanded for 2012, and the 51E550 has access to the complete Premium apps and apps store which has grown to over 1500 third party developed apps. Angry Birds and Discovery Channel are two new entries for 2012. There are apps ranging from social media to streaming video and even games you can play on your TV. Stream video from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Hulu, Vudu and more. Stay updated on the latest news, financial numbers, sports scores and the weather and new for 2012 on mid tier models: surf the web on the inlcluded full web browser.