Samsung's PN64E8000 represents what in most consumers minds is something that doesn't exist anymore. Time and time again I have brought up the topic of very large TVs and it still baffles most people that a Plasma TVs are still for sale today. With the very successful marketing of LED TVs recently, everyone has all but forgotten that the Plasma TV is not only still a very strong seller, but should be preferential choice when anyone considers buying a TV over 46 inches. But with that being said, Plasma technology is still considered "old" or "obsolete" by most buyers when compared to recent LED technology.

But is this true? Is this "old technology"? Let me lay things out very plain, very direct and VERY honest.....NO! In fact, throughout my 7+ years of testing TVs, the Plasma options have always been without a doubt the strongest performers in terms of value, performance, picture quality and overall user satisfaction. The one drawback I will be honest about is that when comparing TV technologies inch to inch, LEDs beat a Plasma in terms of power consumption by a factor of 3-5 times. To give you a relative comparison, when comparing two 55 inch alternatives, the LED will consume 50 watts whereas the Plasma will consume 150watts under the same viewing conditions. To some that might be significant, but if you have been following Plasma technology over the years, what today consumes 150watts used to consume 450-600watts in the past. But with today's 100watt difference (130watts with the 64inch), when you compare overall video performance, black levels and color reproduction, in my mind it is money well spent.