There is little not to like about the Samsung PN50B860, which is one of Samsung’s top Plasma models. In fact, its biggest drawback is probably its steep price. If you can afford it, though, you will surely be rewarded by an exceptional viewing experience and get to enjoy its other perks.
Design
One of the reasons why the PN50B860 is more expensive than its peers is because it is quite thin for a Plasma HDTV. In fact, it is one of the slimmest Plasma HDTVs around, measuring only 1.2 inches at its
Samsung PN50B860
thickest point. Aside from its thinness, its glossy black frame and invisible speakers help make it more attractive while its swiveling stand consisting of a transparent stalk and a brushed metal base completes the package with a touch of convenience and sophistication.
The remote control and on-screen menu are the same as that of other Samsung models – Plasma or otherwise. This is a good thing considering the menu of Samsung is the still the best of all the HDTVs out there and its clicker has large buttons, which, even without the full backlight, can be easily differentiated from each other by size and texture.
Screen/Picture Clarity
Black levels are considered the strength of Plasmas, and the PN50B860 certainly does not disappoint. Its blacks are inky enough. its shadow detail impeccable and its colors punchy and highly accurate, lending realism to the entire picture for a truly amazing viewing experience.
Video processing is not a problem, either, with its 600Hz subfield motion technology, and though it lacks Samsung’s Cinema Smooth Mode, it still handles 1080p and 24p sources impressively. In fact, it automatically turns on the 96Hz refresh rate when displaying 24p signals.
Features
The Samsung PN50B860 has its own interactive features, namely its Yahoo widgets, built-in content library and network streaming capability. It has a lot of picture tweaks, too, such as four picture modes, five color temperature presets and four aspect ratio modes. There are even three power-saving modes to help reduce the energy consumption of this HDTV, although it still consumes more than its LCD contemporaries. Other features include those to prevent screen burn-in, picture-in-picture capability and a customer care screen.
For connectivity, the PN50B860 offers four HDMI inputs, a PC input, a component-video input that can be converted into composite if desired, a digital audio jack and the ethernet port – not too extensive compared with the connectivity suite of other HDTVs, but then, this is the price it has to pay for being slim. At least, there’s not just one but two USB ports which makes sharing media files easier.
The Samsung PN50B860 offers the strong points of Plasma sets and more, which is why it is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a Plasma HDTV. Even if you’re not, this Samsung model might just change your mind and prove that Plasmas can reign in the HDTV market alongside its LCD peers.
There is little not to like about the Samsung PN50B860, which is one of Samsung’s top Plasma models. In fact, its biggest drawback is probably its steep price. If you can afford it, though, you will surely be rewarded by an exceptional viewing experience and get to enjoy its other perks.
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