When you think of a Samsung TV, you first think of an LED TV, right? The Korean company invented the
somewhat misleading term, and has built its reputation on LED televisions over the last few years. But what may come as surprise is that the company's plasma TVs are actually its strongest products, and have been for several years.
The Samsung E450 is the best entry-level plasma you can buy. At around the $500 mark for 50-51 inches, and $400 for 42-43, it competes against the
Panasonic X5 series and
LG PA4500--and wins.
No entry-level telly has any features to speak of, but that also means you're not paying for fripperies you don't need like 3D or (
arguably) Smart TV. Concerned with plasma's reputation as an energy hog? The E450 is actually quite efficient for a plasma -- a direct result of its lower resolution.
As much as I liked the E450's bargain proposition, if you can bring yourself to spend a couple hundred dollars more, the
Panasonic TC-P50U50 is a much better TV. But if you can't stretch beyond this price range, or you want something in a 42-43-inch size, then the Samsung E450 makes an excellent choice.
Series information: I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 51-inch Samsung PN51E450, but this review also applies to the 43-inch size in the series. All sizes have identical specs and according to the manufacturer should provide very similar picture quality.
