[rklein]

Had some time to kill last Friday between work and getting home for dinner so somehow I found myself over at BB looking primarily at a Samsung PN58C550 plasma.  I currently own a Hitachi 57S500 Rear Projection unit that I had calibrated by Chad B.  However, it is starting to show its age.   Anyway...I was interested in the PN58C550 as it seemed to get many positive reviews except for some buzzing issues and at $1399 seemed to be a very good buy.  They had this TV out on the main floor along with a 58" Panasonic S2. I liked the Samsung over the Panny.  Then I walked into the Magnolia section and saw the Samsung PN58 & 63 C8000's.  Man, what a picture!!!!  Yes, the black levels were better on the Panasonic V25's but other than that, the Samsungs were every bit the TV picturewise as the V25 for $$$$$ less.  I could care less about 3D.  However, the 2D was outstanding.  BB had the PN58C8000 on sale for $2,499 along a 3D starter kit which included two pairs of Samsung active 3D glasses and a copy of Monsters vs. Aliens on 3D Blu-ray Disc along with a Samsung 3D Blu-ray player.

I will probably wait until after Christmas or even till March(when the 2011 models start coming out) to make a purchase.  Hopefully, the prices on the 8000 series will drop by then.

Randy

[csc]

You have to remember, that when viewing TV's in BestBuy/Magnolia, they are rarely calibrated, and you really don't know if adjustments, good or bad, have been made.

[rklein]

CSC, I agree with you about how BB generally has their TVs set up.  However, with all of that taken into account, the 8000 series was very impressive.  While the 58C550 at $1,399 would probably give a very good picture once properly calibrated, the PN58c8000 series(if it can be had for $2,000 or less) would be my choice if I were buying today(which I am not... )

Randy

[Dan Driscoll]

If you don't care about 3D, look into the PN58C6500. Exact same panel and electronics, but w/o the 3D and a hardware filter. I've had mine for a little over 3 months now and I love it.

[rklein]

Thanks Dan    I will look into the 6500.  I have heard Costco carries this model but couldn't find it on their website.  While I don't need the 3D, I am somewhat cautious about ambient light.  While I believe my family room is a very good match for a plasma the 8000 model has Motion Judder and Cinema Smooth, and a real black filter with an anti glare screen, whereas the 6500 and 7000 do not.  I have read that the anti glare and black filter really make a difference with daytime viewing or with ambient light. 

What kind of room lightwise is your 6500 located?

Thanks,

Randy

[Dan Driscoll]

Lighting in my room is not ideal, we get a lot of late afternoon & early evening sunlight through the sliding patio door. We plan to replace the fairly thin drapes with heavier, lined drapes in the near future.

However, even with the less than ideal conditions, the Sammy still looks very good. And at night it is outstanding.

[gkinberg]

I was also looking at the 58C8000 but couldn't justify the cost. Frys has last years top line plasma, PN58B860 for 1499. I picked up a floor model for 1350. It is similar to the C8000 but without the 3D. It has cinima smooth and black filter. I'm happy with my purchase. Supplies are dwindeling fast.

good luck, Garth

[rklein]

When it comes to TV's, patience is a virtue(as long as you don't keep waiting... )  I fully expect the 2010 models to start dropping in price after Christmas.  My rear projection Hitachi UltraVision will keep me satisfied until I find that "price to performance" ratio that floats my boat.

Thanks for the tip on the B860.   No Fryes in NE OHIO.

Randy