Conclusion
At the top of this review, I called the PN50A550 the flat-panel equivalent of a Honda Accord. Can you buy a better-performing vehicle? Of course, but you'd best be prepared to spend a whole lot more if you insist on owning the flat-panel equivalent of a BMW. Something like the $6000 Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD would qualify.

The Samsung PN50A550 is excellent all-around performer with no serious flaws. It's a good deal at it's list price of $2700, but you won't have to pay that much—it's widely available for hundreds less, making this well-equipped and attractively designed 50-inch plasma TV one of the best flat-panel values on the market right now.

Highs
Excellent blacks and shadow detail
Natural colors
Excellent video processing
Practically no solarization
Excellent value

Lows
Component input exhibits lots less horizontal detail than HDMI
Only one, side-mounted composite input