Samsung 50" Plasma - B550 vs B650

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ipodmusicman

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Hi folks,

Due to the 3 year manufacturers warrenty deal that Samsung has currently running, I am going to be getting a new TV sooner than later.

Currently, I'm looking at getting the B650, but with the B550 at a much lower price, i yi yi, tough decisions need to be made here.

Can anybody tell me what the real differences are between these two models? Why should I shell out an extra R5k or so for the B650 as opposed to the B550? Will I notice any difference in picture quality between the two models?

From what I've gathered online, the only differences are as follows:

B650
Contrast Ratio = 50,000
100Hz = 100Hz Motion Plus
Cinema Smooth = Yes
Ethernet = Yes
HDMI = 4 (1 side 3 back)
USB = Yes

B550
Contrast Ratio = 40,000
100Hz = Yes
Cinema Smooth = No
Ethernet = No
HDMI = 3 (3 back)
USB = No (weird is that they do mention a USB2.0, so not sure)

I used the Samsung Aus site as a comparison since the Samsung SA site does not list these models.

http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/...ype=S&prda=PS50B650S1FXXY&prdb=PS58B550T2FXXY

The network connected features like DLNA and playing content of USB I don't need, but besides that, is there a valid reason why I shouldn't consider the B550?

Please let me know.
 
Well I bought the B550 2 weeks ago, and yeah it's really awesome.

Well my B550's got the usb port haven't even tested it yet, but it's definitly there, as I understand the B650 is a bit flatter, and apparantly it's easier on the eyes. P.S. according to me your not looking at the frame off your TV when your watching a movie, except if it's really boring.

I've also heard it's filter bright screen is a bit better, but I cant say that it's better or not.

I'm very happy with my purchase, and I'm still not sure if it's even worth it to go for the full HD one. As there are almost nothing that uses Full HD, most PS3/XBox games are 720P, and HD DSTV are 720P aswell. Only thing that uses Full HD are Blu ray, but do yourself a favour go and check if you see a differance when you have a Blu ray movie on 720P or 1080P, I couldn't tell the differance, except in Batman Dark Knight. That was the only movie I could see a differance between 720P & 1080P. I guess it's cause it was shot with Imax camera's or something.

So atm I dont think it's worth going for Full HD. (just my opinion)

Good luck with your choice.
 
Full HD is only really noticeable on "animated" movies as they are rendered at 1080p to begin with.

I would go for the cheaper samsung and save a few bucks.
 
@strader, thanks for your response. From an astetic point of view, both TVs are very similer so in that vein, it isn't a deal breaker. My main concern is if there is a difference between thw two sets in picture quality. I would hate it if I regret my decision to go with the B550 if I know that the B650 is waaaay better in that regard. If the difference is so small and no worth the extra R5k or so, going with the B550 is a no brainer.

As for the full HD, I'll probably be watching very little Full HD content, but for me, I want to have Full HD in the case that I do watch 1080p content, especially on such a big screen - be future proof in that way.

@GouKi, the B550 is around R16k while the B650 is around R22k, but if you shop around, you can get better prices.
 
I was very tempted to go for this one http://www.soundimage.co.za/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=212 as the Pioneer Plasma TV's was the best by far, but I was afraid off if something goes wrong what then, as Pioneer do not manufacture Plasma's any more.

Panasonic is defnitly 2nd best, as they basically as I understand took over most off the people that use to work at Pioneer.

But as Panasonic local importers dont import them since beginning of the year, availibilty in SA are rare, although I think Sound & Vision are importing Panasonic TV's atm.

But yeah here's a nice site for reviews & what have you's. Maybe you have visited it. http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/reviews.html
 
It is a pity regarding the Pioneer plasmas as well as Panasonic plasmas availability in SA. Thanks for the site. Checking it out now.
 
Bought a PS50A550 last year this time R30 000... was the first Sammy FullHD 50" plasma, I think. Was not happy with it at all. Image processing was extremely bad, especially at PAL refresh rate ... NTSC not AS bad, but also not good. The Cinema Smooth on the B650 might just make a huge difference over the B550 ... go check it out.

I eventually paid in R10 000 and swopped the Sammy for a Pioneer KURO PDP-508XG. The best 10K I ever spent. The KURO is simply amazing, still the best flat panel you can buy in SA, bar NONE.

Not sure how many these okes have available at R20 500, but if you want one you better hurry up, cause at that price I'm gonna buy another one :)
 
Lol TYR, yeah I was very tempted to get the Pioneer, but as I said if something happens what then ?

Yeah I heard the A series was a total disaster for Samsung, but give em a break was one off their first plasma's, the B series is a total different story though, this particular 50B550, even outscored the panasonic 50" Plasma TV in same price category, so thats saying something already off the B550.

But yeah I'm pretty sure you can go view the Pioneer at Soundimage & they have both the sammy's aswell. Then make a choice on what your eyes are telling you.
 
Hehe, phoned them, they have 2 ... that means ONE of you okes can get one :D

I am VERY VERY VERY picky about image quality ... so, if I do get another one, I'll update my pics in the "Member's pics" thread showing that I actually bought two of these ... Hopefully that will at least tell some people just how unimportant 1080p is, even at 50".
 
Nice TYR hehe.

Glad I could help you get another one, dont tell your wife it was me who told you about this ;)
 
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I have a PS50B650. Differences are

HTML: 
Contrast Ratio                50 000 (3 000 000)   40 000 (2 000 000)
100Hz                         100Hz Motion Plus    100Hz
Cinema Smooth                 Yes                  No
Ethernet Port                 Yes                  No
Wireless Support              Yes                  No
DNLA                          Yes                  No
Yahoo Widgets                 Yes                  No
Content Library               Yes                  No
HDMI                          4 (1 side 3 back)    3 Back
USB Still                     Yes                  Yes
USB Movie                     Yes                  No 
Glass Frame                   Yes                  No
Toc Bezel                     Yes                  No
Wide Colour Enhancer          WCE3                 WCE2
PiP                           Yes                  Not Sure
Picture Engine                Yes                  No
Touch Sensitive Controls      Yes                  No


I went throught this same problem a couple of months ago. I chose the B650 eventually and I am really happy with it. I actually never saw the TV before I bought it so I was quite worried but pleasantly surprised. It is actually fantastic.

I recently saw the B550 at Game displaying SD content and it is quite good but in all honesty the B650 SD picture is way superior. I was pretty sure it is due to the Picture Engine and the Samsung rep on CNet comfirmed it. The B650 also has Cinema smooth so if you are going to watch a lot of Blu Rays and 1080 sources this will be really useful.

When I saw the Game special a couple of weeks ago, I starting having regrets so I went to Game to check it out. My regrets were soon over as I think the 650 is superior. I am now even happier than ever. The B650 is also better looking than the B550. It has a glass covering over the entire rose black bezel which overlaps it by about 5mm. It has the Toc that makes it look sleek as well. The 650 has PIP. Not too sure about the 550. I use this quite often when watching sport. Not sure if you need it though.

For the record, the cheapest I was quoted was 16K for the 550 and 20.8K for the 650( I paid 21.5K (Dont ask :()). In the end I decided that this TV has to last me 5 years so I should spend the extra 5K now rather than think what could have been for the next five years.

Both the B550 and B650 were rated the best TVs in the respected categories (size, type and price I think), yep even higher than the Panasonic's.

Let me know if you need pics as far as I know you cant really view the 650 anywhere at the moment. Also google PN50B650 vs PN50B550 for the comparisons of the American equivalents. You will get a lot more results.

Good luck on your choice. :)
 
Hey Iceman23,

Yep, I remember when you got your B650 and how happy you are with it as well as the dicussions regarding the extended warrenty. But I did make a decision and went through with it as well. :)

I decided on the B550 and it was on Friday that I loaded it up into my Corsa bakkie and took it home. :) I got it for R15,7k. One of the major decision-makers for me verring to the B550 was my budget, but with that, I wanted to make sure that I made that decision in conjunction with picture quality in mind considering that the 650 has Cinema Smooth and Picture Engine. It was a tough decision - I spent hours online researching and although the B650 is a better set by those two features alone, the budget had to take preference. Already, the B550 is a great TV and SD content looks much better than expected, so although I'm loosing out on even better SD quality, I am happy that I bought a very good TV in the first place.

The only drawback, but I read that in the Plasma Buying Guide review before I got the TV, is watching darker scenes in a brightliy lit room can cause a bit of eyestrain. It isn't as bad as I thought. Gosh, I didn't like watching movies during the day with the CRT and my experience is already better. What is your viewing experience like in a bright room - during the day with the curtains open?

I even used the calibration settings as in the review as a starting point and still tweaking here and there. Still need to watch HD content on it.
 
Yeah I also used the calibration in that review, but mine was really way different, doesn't look like it should well not the way I think it should look, thinking off getting a calibration kit, to get everything right. I guess every TV is a bit different, has to be calibrated on it's own.
 
strader, I would like to get my TV properly calibrated and by somebody who won't charge me an arm and a leg and who knows 110% on how to do it properly with the right tools. Not sure if the investment in DVE, etc would be worthwhile for now though.

I know that Joel from AudioVideo magazine up in Jozi does calibrations and his rates are reasonable. Don't know anybody in Cape Town though.

strader, what is you TV like in bright light conditions?
 
Well it's not bad, you can still see everything, I've seen some plasma's that if you viewed it at a certain angle & there's light in the room you couldn't see a thing. With the sammy, it's not the best picture, but you can still see everything. Yeah I know lots off shadows & stuff, but I must say it don't bother me that much.

I had the sammy 32" LCD and yeah in bright light conditions it was better.

But I can't even begin to compare the 2 in picture quality, the Plasma really are league's ahead in that department for me. Only drawback that I've noticed up too now is the bright light conditions.

Just be carefull for first 100-150 hours off viewing for screen burn in, I know they say it's almost not a problem anymore, but I'm rather safe than sorry, so I have my brightness & contrast level below 50 atm. I'll change my color settings in about a week, then there was about 200 viewing hours, then it shouldn't be an problem.

I'm thinking of getting the DVE blu ray disc, take 2 has it for R280 I think.

I must say if the contrast & brightness levels are turned down the bright light conditions is actually better. Maybe set up a day & night set-up for yourself, cause I'm sure if you set it up correctly the bright light condition will be less apparent.
 
ipodmusicman said:
Hey Iceman23,

Yep, I remember when you got your B650 and how happy you are with it as well as the dicussions regarding the extended warrenty. But I did make a decision and went through with it as well. :)

I decided on the B550 and it was on Friday that I loaded it up into my Corsa bakkie and took it home. :) I got it for R15,7k. One of the major decision-makers for me verring to the B550 was my budget, but with that, I wanted to make sure that I made that decision in conjunction with picture quality in mind considering that the 650 has Cinema Smooth and Picture Engine. It was a tough decision - I spent hours online researching and although the B650 is a better set by those two features alone, the budget had to take preference. Already, the B550 is a great TV and SD content looks much better than expected, so although I'm loosing out on even better SD quality, I am happy that I bought a very good TV in the first place.

The only drawback, but I read that in the Plasma Buying Guide review before I got the TV, is watching darker scenes in a brightliy lit room can cause a bit of eyestrain. It isn't as bad as I thought. Gosh, I didn't like watching movies during the day with the CRT and my experience is already better. What is your viewing experience like in a bright room - during the day with the curtains open?

I even used the calibration settings as in the review as a starting point and still tweaking here and there. Still need to watch HD content on it.
Click to expand...

Congratulations. I am sure you will enjoy your Sammy.

With respect to the reflections during the day: I dont really have a problem now. With my CRT, I had to move around the lounge to be able to watch it properly sometimes :D so anything would have been an improvement.

Budget was a big problem for me as well. I started off with the idea of buying a 47 inch Sinotec for 9800 and kept on stretching it. The major issue is that in Oz the difference in price is 300 Oz dollars and In the US the difference is 200 US dollars between the two. Here in SA the difference is 5K. In all honesty, I dont think the 650 is worth an extra 5K. Perhaps 3 to 3.5K so maybe yours was the more sensible purchase. :) 15.7 K is really a great price as well. Where did you get it from? (if you dont mind me asking as a colleague is quite interested in the 550 as well)

Do you have a PS3? If so, what does it look like on the Sammy? Need to save up to get one :)
 
strader said:
I was very tempted to go for this one http://www.soundimage.co.za/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=212 as the Pioneer Plasma TV's was the best by far, but I was afraid off if something goes wrong what then, as Pioneer do not manufacture Plasma's any more.

Panasonic is defnitly 2nd best, as they basically as I understand took over most off the people that use to work at Pioneer.

But as Panasonic local importers dont import them since beginning of the year, availibilty in SA are rare, although I think Sound & Vision are importing Panasonic TV's atm.

But yeah here's a nice site for reviews & what have you's. Maybe you have visited it. http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv/reviews.html
Click to expand...

Wait for another generation of Panasonic Plasma, it will overtake the old Pioneer Kuros. When OLED comes in full glory - it will outperform everything anyway.

BTW that Pioneer you linked is not the top end model which gets all the kudos.
 
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iceman23,

Regarding the budget, it is such a pity that the difference between the two models was R5k where as in the US, it is $200, but at the end of the day, if I spent that extra R5k, there was no chance that I would of been able to buy a Mede8er and a new cabinet as well. I got a Mede8er yesterday and watched the new Top Gear (s14) in glorious 720p HD. It was beautiful!!

Next on the list, an HD PVR, but I think that will have to wait till next year.

R15,7k is a good price indeed. I bought it at Frontosa, which is a computer supplier - they don't sell to the public, but since the company I work for has an account with them, I got it through them - plus they gave me R200 discount too. Oh, I also saw the 8 series Sammy 50" plasma at the Samsung store in Canal Walk. My gosh, it is beautiful! It is as thin as the LED backlit LCDs. Wow! Now that baby is going for R29k.

I don't have a PS3 though, but would love to get one as a Blu Ray player and watch some Blu Rays in 1080p!

Regarding the reflections, with this TV it is much better than the CRT. Quite an improvement indeed which I am happy with.
 
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