Samsung PN59D8000 Pro Reviews

Given Samsung’s strong brand and the PN59D8000’s excellent performance and slim design, we think it is entirely possible that this TV could redefine the public’s perception of plasma TV technology. If that happens, the divergence in price between plasma and LCD could close significantly. Right now, we’re seeing a street price for this TV at around $1,800. Samsung’s LED-backlit equivalent, the UN55D8000, currently goes for about $2,500 from the same retailers. Granted, the latter is 4 inches larger, but with this plasma from Samsung, you get much better performance in a perfectly pretty and amply sized package. While we’ll be holding off on granting this set our Editor’s Choice award until we’ve had a chance to compare it to its chief competition (the Panasonic VT20), it is certainly in the running. For now, this TV comes with our highest recommendation.

Apart from a somewhat dim 3D image (an issue shared by other plasma models we’ve tested), this Samsung is a superb HDTV. It has one of the best feature sets on the market, particularly the flexibility of its color calibration. Its Internet features (if that’s your thing) are among the best out there. It won’t disappoint. Highly recommended.

With picture quality that's nearly the equal of the tough competition, as well as best-in-class design and features, the Samsung PND8000 makes a strong case for being the best overall plasma TV of 2011.