Panasonic TC-54G25 or Samsung PN58C550?

I think the G25 is superior quality to the 550.

However, I do believe the additional 4" makes a noticeable difference.

Hometheatermag.com has reviewed a G25 and kept it on for over 1000 hours and has shown no loss of black levels in their controlled environment (variables are constant for higher accuracy).

However, I believe floating blacks may be more of an issue than the rising blacks in panny's.

I am looking at purchasing a Samsung C6400 plasma myself (costco)

I got a good luck at BB yesterday and was able to compare the g20 to the 550 and the panny s2. I have to say the g20 really looked sharper in all aspects. It was really much darker and sharper than the s2 and just seemed subjectively better than the c550. I know there would be a 4” difference between the c550 and the g20 but when I walked off the distances it was ok visually to me.
I am planning on buying the g25 from amazon, there is a 4yr service plan for $284 from them, anyone ever use it or have any opinions?

joe in mobile

i just bought a 50" g25 from amazon and it's being delivered tomorrow. i also got the 3 year service plan from square trade (only $105), which i think is a better deal.

i really think the 50" is the sweet spot in terms of price/performance, and having looked at the 2009 plasmas at hhgreg last year, it was no contest between the panny plamas and the rest of the samsung panels.

Keep us posted on your experience. Are you going to do a burn in of the screen?

Joe in Mobile