A comprehensive line of innovative plasma HDTVs -
For this year, Samsung has come with a most comprehensive line - a total of 19 different models spread over 4 series - Series 4 to Series 8. Admittedly, it is not as extensive as Panasonic 2009 line of plasma TVs but Samsung still provides more than enough choice at all categories and budgets.
Innovations for 2009
Samsung E-Panel:
Unlike Panasonic which installs its greener NeoPDP panel only on its more expensive series, Samsung took the option of furnishing all its 2009 models - from the inexpensive Series 4 to costly Series 8 flagship HDTVs - with its new E-panel technology.
The new plasma display panel delivers a superior picture performance and much brighter image at significantly lower power consumption than previous panel generations. According to published information on the Samsung website, the new E-Panel consumes some 40% less power than previous panels. This makes the new 2009 Samsung plasma HDTVs more eco-friendly and is the main reason for achieving Energy Star 3.0 compliance without too much compromise on image brightness.
Power consumption of Samsung E-panel HDTVs is in line with corresponding NeoPDP fitted plasmas from Panasonic. It is not exactly in line with corresponding size LCDs but the power gap between the two technologies has now been greatly reduced to the point that it is become a non-issue.
FilterBright Anti-glare technology:
Directly tied up with Samsung's new e-panel is the introduction of the latest anti-glare filter coating - termed FilterBright. The new formulation is extremely effective both in minimizing glare as well as preserving the deep shade of black at all ambient light levels. On the other hand, Samsung FilterBright technology does not fare well when it comes to attenuating reflections off the screen of brightly lit objects in a room. In this respect, Panasonic plasmas do a better job but then fail when it comes to maintaining the set blacks under bright lighting.
Samsung FilterBright technology comes in three different versions: entry-level FilterBright found on Series 4 and Series 5 plasma HDTVs - except for the B590; the slightly better Ultra FilterBright found on step-up 1080p Series 6 and Series 5 B590 plasma TVs; the Ultra FilterBright Plus technology used on Series 8 flagship Samsung plasma TVs.
Mega Contrast Levels:
Samsung latest display panels support a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 for Series 4 and series 5 HDTVs and 3,000,000:1 for Series 6 and Series 8 sets.
There is no doubt that the latest mega-contrast ratings quoted by TV markers for their plasma and LCD HDTVs are more than just impressive. However, one cannot but remark that manufacturer's rating for dynamic contrast have reached values where the impact in picture performance is far less than what manufacturers are trying to imply with their mega numbers.
600Hz Subfield Motion Technology:
This represents the latest hot number in plasma display technology. Samsung's 600Hz subfield motion technology results in improved motion resolution and is basically Samsung's equivalent to Panasonic 600Hz subfield drive system. However, it appears that the two implementations are not exactly the same. While the Panasonic version can achieve the full 1080 lines of motion resolution supported by the 1080p HD standard, 600Hz Samsung plasma TVs approach close to 900 lines.
This is still very good; at these levels of motion resolution, it is impossible for the eye to detect the difference between the two implementations in a side by side comparison without the use of the appropriate test patterns.
When referring to subfield plasma drive technology in plasma displays, this is referring to the method used to drive the individual picture elements, or pixels. In simple terms, for each frame displayed on the TV, the sub-field drive flashes the pixels 10 times, resulting in 600 flashes per second (600Hz) for 6o frames per second video content.
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/samsung-plasma-TV-2009.html
