Ask S&V

Top of the Line Plasma

Scott Wilkinson  |  Sep 26, 2011

I'm in the market for a high-quality plasma TV, and I have narrowed the choices to two: Samsung PN64D8000 and Panasonic TC-P65VT30. I have gone to three high-end A/V stores in New York City and was told that the Samsung ranks better than the Panasonic. But I was in a Best Buy store today and was told that nobody comes close to the Panasonic, especially since it is THX-certified. How do you rate these two models?

Michael Quinones

I don't think you'll be disappointed with either one. HT reviewed the TC-P55VT30 here, and our review of the PN59D8000 (the TV on the right above) will be posted in a few weeks. Both received very high marks—the Panasonic was rated slightly higher in 2D and 3D performance as well as value, while the Samsung was rated higher in features. Also, the Panasonic exhibited a lower black level—0.006fL compared with 0.009fL on the Samsung—which is important in my book. You might think that a difference of 0.003fL isn't much, but even small changes in this number make a clearly visible difference in the picture.

THX certification assures a certain level of performance, but not having it doesn't necessarily mean poor performance. In this case, the Samsung performs well without THX certification. Still, I'd probably choose the Panasonic for its lower black level.

If you have an A/V question, please send it to askhometheater@gmail.com.

X