Great Deal Samsung PN50C590 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black
This is a review of the 2010 50″ Samsung Plasma TV, PN50C590. I have owned this unit for a week. I am comparing this set to my 2009 46″ Panasonic Plasma TV, U series.
This Samsung 50″ is the top of the line for the Samsug 500 series.
Pros:
1) It has a swivel base which the Pansonic does not.
2) The appearance of the physical set is simple and attractive.
3) The TV picture is excellent as is the Panasonic.
4) PIP (picture-in picture), it’s kind of a phony, you can only view the default TV in the sub picture while using other inputs.
5) 4 HDMI inputs, though only one works with DVI (see cons).
6) You can update the firmware yourself.
7) The channels change quickly, something that doesn’t happen with the Panasonic.
The TV screen doesn’t reflect ambient light sources very much. Reflection is a problem with plasmas such as my Panasonic but Samsung seems to have resolved this.
9) The electronic program guide is especially good. It shows both title and available program details. The Panasonic only shows the program title. The program guide data is incorporated in the broadcast and its up to the TV manufacturer as to what is displayed in this regard.
Cons:
1) Weak tuner. It’s only just noticably weaker than my other TV tuners, not a major problem though I am disappointed that this expensive set should be like this.
2) Lack of accomodation for DVI sources. The problem here is that adapting DVI to HDMI means you have to have a separate audio input. Panasonic has an elegant solution of making it possible for you to mate any of the available audio inputs to any HDMI input. Samsung gangs only one audio input to only one of the HDMI inputs. I had to install separate speakers to accomodate one of my two DVR computers.
3) No close caption on mute. The Panasonic doesn’t have it either. Would be nice to have.
4) 3:4 format doesn’t work for HD 3:4 pictures. The problem here is that if you view many programs in the 3:4 format, the black spaces on each side of the picture can cause burn-in problems on the screen which is typical of plasmas. The fix is to have a light panel on each side of the picture when the TV set to 3:4. This TV will do this with older 3:4 broadcasts but not with HD 3:4 broadcasts, it will crush both the picture and black spaces (16:9 format) into a 3:4 space. Hopefully a firmware update will fix this. “Fit to screen” is usually an acceptable alternative to 3:4.
5) The light panels ( see 4 above) available for the 3:4 format are either blinding white or almost black. A middling gray panel would certainly be more acceptable for this format.
On the whole, this is an acceptable TV. I think you can get an excellent picture with any plasma TV. The devil is in the details.
To get an excellent picture on this (or any TV) you need to make custom adjustments. Factory default settings are never right nor are the display TV sets in stores done right. Spend a little time fooling with the adjustments and you will get big rewards in the “OMG what a great picture” department.
This review pertains to model PN50C590G4F – R. Collier – Michigan
LIST OF FEATURES
=> Excellent Digital Interface & Networking – With a built-in HD digital tuner, non-subscription HD broadcasts can be viewed without a cable box / STB (Set-Top-Box) satellite receiver.
=> Media Play – Allows you to play music files, pictures, and movies saved on a USB device.
=> AllShare – Connects your TV and compatible Samsung mobile phones/devices through a network. On your TV, you can view call arrivals, SMS messages and schedules set on your mobile phones. In addition, you can play media content including videos, photos and music saved on your mobile phones or the other devices (such as your PC) by controlling them on the TV via the network. Additionally, you can use your TV for browsing web pages in your mobile phones.
=> Anynet+ – Enables you to control all connected Samsun devices that support Anynet+ with your Samsung TV’s remote. The Anynet+ system can be used only with Samsung devices that have the Anynet+ feature. To be sure your Samsung device has this feature, check if there is an Anynet+ logo on it.
=> Self Diagnosis – You can check to make sure picture and sound operate normally.
ACCESSORIES
=> Remote Control
=> Owner’s Instructions
=> Warranty Card / Safety Guide / Quick Setup Guide
=> Cleaning Cloth
=> Power Cord
=> Blanking Bracket
=> TV-Holder & Screw
=> Cable Tie
=> Ferrite Core* for Power Code & AV Cable (3EA)
=> Stand
*Ferrite Core – Used to shield the cables from interference. When connecting a cable, open the ferrite core and clip it around the Power Cord / AV cable near the plug.
INPUT CABLES (SOLD SEPARATELY)
=> HDMI
=> HDMI-DVI
=> Component
=> Composite (AV)
=> Coaxial (RF)
=> VGA
CONNECTING TO AV DEVICES
=> Using an HDMI or HDMI/DVI cable – HD connection (up to 1080p): Available devices: DVD, Blu-ray player, HD cable box, HD STB satellite receiver
=> Using a Component (up to 1080p) or Audio/Visual (480i only) cable – Available devices: Digital Audio System, Amplifier, Home Theater
=> Using an Optical Cable (Digital) or Audio (Analog) Cable Connection – Available devices: Digital Audio System, Amplifier, DVD Home Theater
=> Using an EX-Link Cable Connection: Available devices – External devices that support EX-Link
CONNECT TO A PC USING AN HDMI/DVI CABLE OR D-SUB CABLE
=> Display Modes (D-Sub and HDMI/DVI Input) – Optimal resolution is 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz.
CONNECTION SOURCE LIST
=> TV
=> PC
=> AV1
=> AV2
=> Component1
=> Component2
=> HDMI1/DVI
=> HDMI2
=> HDMI3
=> HDMI4
=> USB
NETWORK CONNECTION: You can set up your TV so that it can access the Internet through your local are network (LAN) using a wired to wireless connection.
=> Connecting to a Wired Network – You can attach your TV to your LAN using CAT 5 cable.
=> Connecting to a Wireless Network – To connect your TV to your network wirelessly, you need a wireless router or modem and a Samsung Wireless LAN Adapter (WIS09ABGN), which you connect to your TV’s back or side panel USB jack. Samsung’s Wireless LAN adapter is sold separately.
ADVANCED FEATURES: Connecting a USB Device
=> Connecting to your PC through a network – You can play pictures, music and videos saved on your PC on your TV through a network connection in the Media Play (USB) mode.
Rating : 4.5
Price on Aug 05, 2010 23:10:14 : $1,399.99
Offer Price : $1,097.00
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Samsung PN50C590 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black Features
- Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 31.4 x 47.8 inches ; 62.8 pounds
- Get a true cinematic experience without going to the cinema with a Samsung plasma HDTV. This Samsung PN50C590
- With Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio makes sure every frame is saturated with dense, rich color
- Samsung is also ENERGY STAR compliant so you are assured that your 50 -inch plasma HDTV
Samsung PN50C590 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black Overviews
Get a true cinematic experience without going to the cinema with a Samsung plasma HDTV. This Samsung PN50C590, with Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio makes sure every frame is saturated with dense, rich color. Samsung is also ENERGY STAR compliant so you are assured that your 50 -inch plasma HDTV is helping the environment by using less enery while saving you money.
Accessories
- 2010 LinkStick: Connect wirelessly to a world of digital content from Samsung. The LinkStick wireless LAN adaptor eliminates the hassle and cluttered look of wires. Learn more about the Samsung WIS09ABGN LinkStick Wireless LAN Adapter.
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