Samsung PN50C8000 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV

by Samsung

• Touch of Color?
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• 3D Experience, BD Wise
• Crystal Full HD Engine with Cinema Smooth?
• Exceeds ENERGY STAR® standard

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 47.7 x 31.8 inches ; 64.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 83 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0036WT3Z2
• Item model number: PN50C8000
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,211 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 17, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

(March 2010)
Samsung's new C8000 series Plasma flat-panel HDTVs represents our best design innovations and performance found in our 2010 line of Plasma TVs. First impressions begin with an elegantly styled brushed metal gray cabinet that measures a mere 1.5-inch deep. Lighter in weight, more efficient than our previous designs, our feature innovations offer a more powerful SAMSUNG SMART TV with customizable access to Internet content, a convenient homenetworking capability via its DLNA standard connectivity, a high-speed USB port, and the new 3D HDTV viewing experience with optional Samsung 3D glasses. Picture performance refinements are aimed at delivering a very natural, film-like, highly detailed picture with deep black levels and brighter colors. Features also include Samsung's Cinema Smooth processing, Motion Judder Canceller and Real Black Filter. Sit back and enjoy the C8000 series Plasma HDTVs with a smartly designed brushed metal- wrapped remote controller.

Stunning ultra-slim depth – includes tuner (no external transceiver box)

Key Features

• Screen Size: 50 inches
• 3D HD: Samsung 3D technology makes images leap off the screen– so you feel like you’re a part of the action. Sync up with our Samsung Blu-ray Player to experience movies in 3D on your TV – and enjoy more TV broadcasts in stunning 3D, coming soon.
• SAMSUNG SMART TV: Connect to an ever-expanding portal of your favorite digital content. Customizable widgets give you access to BLOCKBUSTER, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr
  and more – all on your HDTV.
  
• Content Library (Flash Memory): stores limited amount of pictures and video for playback.
• ConnectShare Movie: Connect a thumb drive or digital camera quickly and easily. Userfriendly interface allows access to videos, music playlists and pictures via the remote.
  
• Clear Image Panel: A reflection-reducing coating on the inside of the panel virtually
  eliminates picture distortion.
  
• BD Wise: Automatically adjusts all your components for the best picture and sound quality.
• Ultra Slim Design
• Touch of Color: Exclusive Touch of Color design combines texture and color that can complement any room.
• 1080p Full HD resolution: Enjoy the powerful picture quality, vivid colors and stunning clarity of Full HD 1080p resolution.
• E3-Panel single-filter design: Delivers improved performance in the areas of color saturation, contrast and energy efficiency.
• FilterBright Antiglare: Minimizes reflections and glare caused by ambient light.
• 600Hz Subfield Motion: Offers crisp, clear Plasma HD action in every frame.
• 1080p Full HD Motion: Delivers better resolution with less blurring during faster motion sports, movies and games.
• Mega Dynamic Contrast ratio: An unparalleled Mega Dynamic Contrast ratio brings together the deepest blacks and brightest whites.
• Crystal Full HD Engine: Images of incredible clarity are achieved by the Samsung Crystal Full HD Engine chip. By unifying all of the TVs advanced imaging technologies, the Samsung Crystal Full HD Engine expands performance, enhances all aspects of the image, and takes picture quality and image integrity to new levels of excellence.
• Motion Judder Canceling: Samsung's Motion Judder Canceller virtually eliminates blurring, even with fast-moving images. Whether you're watching action films or sporting events, you won't miss a second of the action.
• Real Black Filter: The Samsung Real Black Filter reduces the onscreen glare caused by external light, so every black shadow and dark detail is as crisp and well defined as possible.
  
• Cinema Smooth: Cinema Smooth lets you enjoy the unbelievably smooth, realistic action in every frame.
• Exceeds ENERGY STAR standards: Energy saving, up to 43% less than our similar 2009 Plasma TV in standard mode.
• Built-in digital tuner: No external box needed.
  
• Warranty: 1-year parts and 1-year labor warranty (90-days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung
  toll-free support.
  

Connections

• 4 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
  Interface) version 1.4
  
• USB: 2
  
• PC Input: 1 - back
• Stand-by Power Consumption < 1watt
  Component: 2 - back

Audio

• SRS TruSurround HD: Get crisp, clear digital quality sound via advanced SRS technology.
• 10 Watts x 2 audio power stereo broadcast reception: Supports multi-channel sound (MTS) and second audio program (SAP) with 181-channel capacity.
• Component Video Inputs: 2 – Backside
• Digital Audio: 1 – Backside
• PC Audio Input: 1 – Backside
  

Dimensions

• TV without stand: 47.7 x 29.5 x 1.4 inches (WxHxD); 54.0 pounds
• TV with stand: 47.7 x 31.8 x 8.9 inches (WxHxD); 63.5 pounds
• What size TV should you get?

Accessories

• 2010 LinkStick: Connect wirelessly to a world of digital content from Samsung. The LinkStick wireless LAN adaptor eliminates the hassle and cluttered look of wires. Learn more about the Samsung WIS09ABGN LinkStick Wireless LAN Adapter.

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Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

Product Description

Get a true cinematic experience without going to the cinema with a Samsung plasma HDTV. This Samsung PN50C8000, with Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio makes sure every frame is saturated with dense, rich color. Samsung is also ENERGY STAR compliant so you are assured that your 50 -inch plasma HDTV is helping the environment by using less enery while saving you money.

See all Product Description

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome TV April 26, 2010

By N. Wheeler

I love this TV. It has great black levels without losing details. Seriously the blacks get as dark as the bezel in a darkened room. Great color accuracy. Handles motion like a champ even converting 2D to 3D. Menus are very responsive and even the widgets are snappy. Samsung Apps/Netflix works great too. I am really having fun with the 2D to 3D conversion watching sports and playing video games. I watched Avatar the other night, and even though it wasn't released on 3D Blu ray, the built in converter made it look great. I was nervous about Burn In/ Image Retention, but so far watching 2.39:1 movies hasn't caused any issues that don't take care of themselves switching video sources. I need to say that there is a buzz sound, but its pretty quiet. Can't hear it at all with any audible tv volume. My only major beef with this set is the Audio Return Channel and Optical Out only send 2 channel (stereo) audio unless its source is broadcast. So, my PS3 and cable box will only play dolby directly through my receiver - which in my opinion makes ARC pointless. I hope they change that in an upcoming firmware patch. This TV replaced a UN55B8000 because I was unhappy with its blacks losing details,motion blur, flashlight effect, and sluggish menus and widgets. I experience none of these problems with this new set. I couldn't be happier.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile TV. July 9, 2010

By Ishmon

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this exact model the PN50C8000. One might get the impression that it is silver. I'd call it a dark grey brushed metal look. Which is fine IMO.

One thing that is not often publicized for some reason is the fact that plasma's are not even close to as bright as newer LCD models. This worried me a little.
But when I got it; it took some tweaking but I was able to get exactly the color/brightness I wanted for normal viewing and 3d viewing. All 3d glasses are tinted so it's good to have a very bright setting for when you view 3d.

Electronics review websites always talk about how plasmas can do extreme blacks. I set it to where the blacks are on the darkest setting. Honestly I was surprised that the blacks are not all that dark (note this is my first plasma I'm not comparing it with other plasmas). The 8000 series LED LCD Samsungs seem about the same when it comes to blacks, of course I have not seen both inside my living room environment so I can't make a perfect comparison. I don't actually care; either tv would be dark enough for me. I just thought I'd point this fact out.

The primary reason I bought a plasma over a 8000 series LCD has nothing to do with price or darkness levels, it was for superior 3d viewing. 1.) Less eye strain. I have read on more than one electronics site and electronics magazines that the 600hz viewing of plasmas (and the way the image is drawn on the screen) has been proven to provide less eye strain for 3d viewing. 2.) Viewing angle is always better for plasma over LCD. (This is important for 3d because loss of lighting and clarity is a big deal when you are already limited by the glasses.) 3.) Clearly there is a issue with mixing LCD tech with 3d since if you tilt your head the image splits apart.... (This DOES NOT happen with the plasma) and 4. All the reviews I've read say plasma's have tested better for 3d viewing.

My complaints are minimal but I think they justify giving 4 stars instead of 5. One is that the TV decides to turn off 3d mode on it's own if you for example exit a Playstation 3 game or change to another input. I understand their reason for doing this but I prefer to just have manual control of it on my own. Also I couldn't get the red and white audio out ports to work, even when I selected to switch to alternate sound output. I suspect it was just something I was doing wrong but it shouldn't be something that requires much effort. I gave up on that because I also had the choice of optical or using the headphones port for my audio so it wasn't a big deal. Another minor complaint I have is the stand is particularly heavy. Obviously it's good to have a sturdy stand but they could have made it strong and much lighter weight and I don't think it would have made for any greater risk of the TV tipping over or something..

On a side note; when manufactures say that you should sit closer for optimal 3d viewing than normal viewing they mean it. I'm glad I didn't get any smaller than 50 inches.
For optimal 3d immersion I found I like sitting just 5 feet from the screen. For normal viewing I sit at about 8-10 feet from the screen. Read more ›

55 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleased after lots of research July 19, 2010

By Erichb101

I have been researching 3d plasmas for about 3 months. This has to be the best picture quality I have ever seen. I was debating between 3 3d plasmas. Panasonic v25, samsung pn50c7000 or 8000. Even the 7000 got an excellent rating on cnet. what kept it from getting a perfect rating is featured on the 8000. I consider myself a serious videophile and this one does not disapoint. The main diffrence between to 7000 and 8000 is fine tuing of color. and motion judder canceller. This tv has a 2,000,000 to 1 higher contrast ratio. For the price compared to the panasonic it is far better. More apps, and on par picture quality. I have this TV calibrated providing a incredible picture. these settings are below. Do not hesitate to buy this TV. Here is also a review that should help with choices. [......]
Color Space: Custom --Picture menu
Mode: Movie
Cell Light: 16
Contrast: 100
Brightness: 51
Sharpness: 0
Color: 47
Tint: G50/R50
Eco Solution submenu:
Energy Saving: Off
Eco Sensor: Off
No Signal Power Off: Off
Auto Adjustment and Screen submenus: [Grayed out]
Advanced settings submenu
Black tone: Off
Dynamic contrast: Off
Gamma: +1
Expert Patters: Off
RGB Only Mode: Off
Color space (custom)
Red: R-77, G-0, B-0
Green: R-0, G-24, B-0
Blue: R-0, G-0, B-52
Yellow: R-48, G-47, B-0
Cyan: R-0, G-27, B-50
Magenta: R-76, G-0, B-50
White Balance: [see below]
10p White Balance: On
Flesh tone: 0
Edge enhancement: Off
xvYCC: Off
White balance submenu
R-Offset: 24
G-Offset: 25
B-Offset: 24
R-Gain: 25
G-Gain: 25
B-Gain: 23
10p White Balance: On
Interval 1: Red 2, Green 0, Blue -2
Interval 2: Red 5, Green 6, Blue 8
Interval 3: Red 2, Green -1, Blue -2
Interval 4: Red -1, Green 1, Blue 2
Interval 5: Red 3, Green 1, Blue -1
Interval 6: Red 0, Green 0, Blue 1
Interval 7: Red -4, Green -4, Blue -5
Interval 8: Red -1, Green -4, Blue -3
Interval 9: Red -4, Green -4, Blue -5
Interval 10: Red 0, Green -6, Blue -4
Picture options submenu
Color tone: Warm2
Size: Screen Fit
Digital Noise Filter: Off
MPEG Noise Filter: Off
HDMI black level: Normal [grayed out]
Film Mode: Cinema Smooth (Use for 24p sources)
Motion Judder Canceller: Grayed out (When you select Cinema Smooth this option is grayed out) Read more ›

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Converted from Panasonic to Samsung August 14, 2010

By MSDS

We have had a Panasonic 46 inch TH-46PZ850U for the last two years and have enjoyed that set. Good black levels, decent ability to handle non HD sources, and very good color on 1080 sources. It was unfortunately stolen in a burglary 2 weeks ago so we found ourselves back on the market for a TV. We briefly looked at the LCD/LED sets essentially to confirm that motion is still an issue on many of them and that they still have that eye popping, yet somehow hyperreal image quality. We researched the Panasonic and the Samsung plasmas. Consumer Reports gives Samsung the edge (on the models they tested). Crutchfield stopped carrying Panasonic and raves about Samsung's quality improvements. CNET sees strengths and weaknesses in both, fretting about last years 2009 Panasonics' rapidly diminishing black levels and possible "motion issues" with the Samsungs.

With all that in mind, we visited the local retailers to see the 2010 models from each. Both manufacturers top of the line plasma sets are now 3D models. Not a big selling point for us, but we do want the best 2D image quality possible. The Panasonic models are the TCP50VT25 and the TCP50VT20. We evaluated these with a Planet Earth Blu Ray as well as the feeds in the stores. In Samsung, it came down to the Samsung PN50C8000 and the similar PN50C7000. The 8000 offers a different black level adjustment and motion dejudder adjustments.

We were impressed by the Panasonics. A definite improvement over our 2008 model. Better blacks and a very clean image.

But we decided on the Samsung PN508000C. The Black levels on this set are stunning! The anti-reflective screen is far superior to the Panasonic. It makes the blacks so "present" that the 2D images create incredible depth in the image.... On the Panasonic's glossier glass screen, it still feels like you are looking through a window. On the Samsung, the window vanishes and the image pulls you in. We had some reflection issues with our previous Panasonic when viewing during the day. None with the Samsung. Off angle viewing, even far closer and wider than anyone would ever choose to sit are amazing on this set. I was a little concerned about possible motion problems (although we saw none in store viewing). There have been NONE.

We have Direct TV, a roof antenna for local HD channels and a Sony Blu Ray player. Since its been home, we have watched The Hurt Locker, Up in the Air and Mongol in Blu Ray. A standard def copy of Fantastic Mr. Fox upconverted by the Sony. We also watched an episode of HBO's the Pacific, US Open Series Tennis and several Baseball games all in HD. Finally we watched Direct TV's poor non HD feed of the national PBS station.

This set combines the bright "pop" of an LED/LCD set with the inky blacks plasma's are rightly famous for. Motion in the sports programming have been silky smooth. Battle scenes in the Pacific and the Hurt Locker were very convincing. The gorgeous scenery of the Asian Steppes in Mongol had a presence and vividness that everyone watching commented on. The Fantastic Mr. Fox looked so good, that if you had told me it was a Blu Ray disc, I would not have questioned it. This set has a ton of picture adjustment options which have allowed me to tweak the settings to match the various sources we watch. Even the PBS feed of Charlie Rose, a notably dark and hard to make pleasing image has been an improvement.

Some posts talk about a buzzing noise on the Samsungs. We have ours hooked into a Monster Cable line conditioner and have heard none.

I really liked our previous Panasonic Plasma. This Samsung plasma is a far superior set in all areas. The image on it has that "wow factor" we all experienced when we first saw an HD set demonstrating in the store. Highly recommended. Read more ›