Samsung PN64H5000 64-Inch 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV (2014 Model)

I have enjoyed a Panasonic plasma for 5 years and it was time to get a new TV for the family room. I looked at the remaining plasmas on the market and Samsung was the clear leader and the options came down to the current top-plasma from Samsung (F8500) and this specific plasma (H5000). The F8500 is $3200 and the H5000 is $1400, so the price difference is dramatic.I did a lot of research and read reviews for both TVs including consumer, professional, and plasma fanatics. There is some concern on some "expert" message boards about the Pentile display, but I can confidently put those concerns to rest. Yes, if you walk up and literally put your nose against the TV, you can see the pixels. My couch is about 10 feet from the TV and the picture quality & black levels are absolutely incredible. I can see a striking performance improvement over my 5-year old, mid-tier Panasonic plasma. I'm sure the F8500 is better, but no where near $1800 better. I can't stand even good LED/LCD flatscreens, and this TV beats those easily. There is some glare on the glossy screen, but you just need to close blinds and turn out bright lights. We watch mostly in the evenings, so it's not a problem for us.For customers who don't need 3D, don't need any Smart TV features (I have a Roku 3 already), and just need a no-frills TV with excellent performance, this is a great option to consider. It was the right option for my family.One caveat is that there are only two HDMI ports. Unless you are utilizing a receiver, you will need an HDMI switch such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049SCB2Y/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.UPDATE July 17: After a month of World Cup, PGA Tour, NBA Summer League, Star Wars, LOTR Trilogy, & Hobbit Blu-Rays, any many more, I can confirm that this is an incredible TV. No regrets and would purchase it again with zero hesitation. There is some minimal chatter about the Pentile display; and again, it's only an issue when your face is against the TV. From even a close viewing position, the picture is incredible. Deep blacks, punchy/poppy colors, and no ghosting like those silly LCDs.Some differences I've noticed from my Panasonic plasma. First, it puts out much less heat. My Panasonic would begin to warm a room within an hour; not a problem with this newer plasma. Secondly, my Panasonic would exhibit very occasional, temporary burn-in. Again, not even a hint of an issue with this newer Samsung.UPDATE Nov 17: Another four months and I cannot recommend this TV enough. Also, HDGuru.com reviewed this TV and recommended it. GET THIS TV BEFORE ITS GONE!http://hdguru.com/samsung-pn64h5000-review/

--May 16, 2014, 12:40pm--Much happier with the TV now and I am glad that I kept it. The stand that comes with the TV sucks and made the TV look too big and out of place - A few weeks ago I bought a wall mount and installed it, so much better! I had no idea that mounting it on the wall would make such a big difference in the way it looks, because it is so thin, it looks as though it is mounted in the wall, really great.The buzzing noise seems to lessen over time, or it could be that I am used to it and notice it less. To be clear it is only audible the TV is turned on but not playing anything on screen.The TV pictures is definitely fantastic, the color blows away the 2011 42" Samsung I had. I would definitely buy this TV again, now that I know what to expect. I do not like or want any of the smart TV stuff - that is what my Apple TV is for - and I do not want speakers, that is what my 7.1 system is for, I want a TV that produces the best possible picture and this TV does a great job of that - just remember the room must be blacked out or you will have reflections.--March 28, 2014, 9:00pm--With the setting of the sun comes the rise of the Plasma. I did not fully appreciate what Plasma TV reviewers were writing when it was stated that a dark room is required. The TV is very sensitive to ambient light, not just direct light, it is sensitive to any light and therefore it was not until the sun set that the colors of the TV showed and the picture is as good as I have read. I cannot give such a sensitive TV 5 stars, it really requires no room lights and no ambient light to look its best and then it is better than my 45" Samsung 6500 LCD.--March 28, 2014 5:00pm--I was picking up the packaging pieces and saw the four ferrite cores Samsung provides with the TV. I installed two on the power cord and moved the cord away from the other components, and to my surprise the buzzing is reduced by 90%, the static/popping is significantly reduced, who knew.The picture is now about 90% of what I expected from the Blu-Ray, which is near the Panamax Power Conditioner and needs to be moved and from the apple tv the picture is about 95% what I expected.--March 28, 2014 1:00pm--Frustrated. After spending weeks researching LCD and Plasma TV's I took the plunge with the PN64H5000 64-inch 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV.First Problem: Glare - The TV arrived just a few hours ago and immediately after setting it up I noticed the TV screen was reflecting every last lumen of light in the room, the screen is like a polished mirror, I had to practically black out the room.After setting up the TV I put in American Hustle in on Blu-Ray, and turned on the TV when I noticed the second problem.Second Problem: Buzz, yes it buzzes and it is from the panels, not the speakers, I am not using the TV speakers.I started watching American Hustle and noticed problem three.Third Problem: The picture appears mushy, very underwhelming... I was expecting the picture to be crisp, sharp and beautiful, instead it appears soft, very frustrating.I have not calibrated the TV, and maybe once I do it will help, but right not, annoyed. Then I noticed the fourth problem.Fourth Problem: Static (popping) pixels around skin areas, such as faces. Within 5 minutes I noticed this static / popping effect around skin areas, especially faces and it is worse when a camera pans around a face.I am frustrated and annoyed, weeks of research, a day off from work to be home when the TV arrived and the result is underwhelming. I am thinking about returning it, and starting again. Ahhhh!!! Samsung!!! Fix it!!! I don't want a big TV if the picture looks like mushy pie!!! If you cant figure out how to deliver the quality don't make it!!!

TV worked great for 4 months, then while watching TV a red light in the corner flashed and the TV went blank. It would turn on for a few minutes with no picture then the red light blink and go off. A google search indicated that one or more capacitors likely went out, a common issue with these TVs and similar models. It is amazing with today's technology a better TV is not made. Now I get to send TV to repair shop; a 4 month old TV!!!! Capacitors on such TVs cost less than $1 each and Samsung appears to have used poor capacitors to save a few bucks. Having major issues with this TV in 4 months does not bode well for long term use of such a product.I would not recommend this TV and to anybody that buys one get the extended warranty.

Only buy for a very DARK room.The tv screen acts like a mirror,and not in a good way.

So cheap price and perfect black.I impressed this T.V's deep black.In this price.... It's fantastic black.I think it's able to this product is PDP.I'm said this model will be last model of PDP..........If your condtion is not affect of light.Don't waste money. You must buy this T.V.And you'll thanks to my review.