Comparisons and Conclusion

I am an owner of a 2008 Panasonic plasma and a 2008 Pioneer Kuro standard, so I have some perspective from which to judge the 2009 Samsung plasmas. Because of its superior color accuracy and checkerboard contrast, I definitely prefer the Samsung over the Panasonic. I have not yet seen the 2009 G and V-series Panasonics, but what I have read leads me to surmise that the G-series offers little improvement over the 2008 model, and may even have taken a step back, especially in the THX mode. The V-series is a different matter. I'll update this review when I have a chance to spend some time with these models.

The Kuro Standard is a harder call. The Kuro's offer truly world-class black levels and checkerboard contrast. However, the Kuro Standards have mediocre color accuracy and grayscale. They also lack the necessary adjustments to make either any better. Calibrators can custom calibrate the grayscale on the Kuro Standards using an aftermarket tool called ControlCAL. But there's nothing even they can do about the color accuracy without installing a very expensive external video processor. If cost were no object, then I think that these panels are about even. The Samsung excels in color accuracy and the Kuro excels in black level and contrast. However, taking cost into account, I think I'd have to go with the Samsung. You can get a 58-inch Samsung plasma for less than a 50" Kuro would cost, if you can find one.

Quite simply, based on the flat panel displays I have spent some time with, none look better than the Samsung PN58B650. If I were buying a plasma today, this is the one I would get. Highly recommended.

Good explaination. I'm impressed. Going to buy this plasma soon.he..he.

new models coming out with 3D tech is it? if that's the case, then conventional plasma price wouldn't be affected too much i think...

anyways la...cant wait liao..will definitely get it for CNY...best price i got so far, RM5k with standard samsung warranty F.O.C. Iron