Even as LCD gains popularity in homes, the standard plasma TV is going through something of a renaissance in living rooms around Australia.
In particular, Samsung have announced their new 2009 range, and improvements in motion dynamics (600Hz subfield motion for sports and films), better contrast ratios (up to 3 million: 1) and greener power consumption lead the way (said to use half the power of Samsung 2007 models).
The 2009 Samsung range:
Series 8
The thinnest of the new Samsung plasmas, at 2.5cm in depth. Samsung are calling this the world's slimmest Full HD plasma, but that kind of hyperbole is difficult to guage these days as televisions widths shrink and TV's start to look more like picture frames. The multi-media function known as Medi@2.0 is a great feature.
Unique features:
- Black crystal Bezel design
- Built in subwoofer
- Full HD
- Samsung's darkest blacks for a HDTV
- Multimedia Medi@2.0 functions: Internet@TV (YouTube, etc), DLNA wireless, content library flash, USB 2.0
Prices: Available in 50" and 58" for $4,299 and $5,999.
 |
| Samsung Series 8 plasma TV |
Series 6
Bigger is better in this range. One the models sports 63" of size, making for one very large plasma. The other big thing to look out for with the series 6 range is the Full HD 100Hz motion plus technology for better sport and movie playback.
Unique features
- Crystal design
- Full HD 100Hz motion plus technology
- Multimedia functions: Internet@TV (YouTube, etc), DLNA wireless, content library flash, USB 2.0
Prices: Available in 50" and 63" for $3,299 and $6,999.
 |
| Samsung Series 6 plasma TV |
Series 5
According to Samsung, this is the best value for money category. There's the 600Hz subfield motion technology for smooth scrolling and panning , as well as USB 2.0 for better multimedia connectivity. A 58" Plasma Telly for $4299? That's not bad given the excellent spec.
Unique features
- Crystal design
- 600Hz subfield motion plus technology
- Full HD
- Multimedia functions: USB 2.0
Prices: $2,299 (42"), $2,899 (50") and $4299 (58").
 |
| Series 5 Samung TV |
Series 4
The entry-level Samsung Plasma range. The standard HD offering is available here, but a price that is likely to be most accessible.
Unique features
Prices: $1,699 (42") and $2,199 (50')
 |
| Series 4 Samung TV |