Samsung PN50A550 Samsung & Amazon Deliver

The purchase of this Samsung HD Plasma TV has been long in the making. This wasn't a quick decision, a lot of web time research went into it. I couldn't be more pleased with the product. Setup was a breeze and the "tweaking" is fun. The picture is awesome and the set's features (even when not in use} are incredible.
This is my second plasma TV and I wouldn't go any other way. The richness and depth of color and lack of "ghosting" that is so prevalent with LCDs make the choice so obvious.
I'm running DISH's HD package, a DVD HDD recorder with HDMI output (Philip's), a PS3 (with the BLU RAY player - sweet), an XBOX 360, and an IPTV unit for Skyangel broadcasts. First three take up the 3 HDMI inputs and the last two are run through components. Everything is being run with optical cables through a Samsung 800 watt 5.1 surround sound system. I also set everything up so that I can also use the TV's speaker system instead if I so desire. All that to say that the 550 handles it all so easily and the menu navigation is very intuative. I could not be more pleased with this TV.
This is my first experience with Amazon and I'd highly recommend them for purchases of this kind. Even though I ran into a glitch with the "white glove delivery...NOT, they were so accomodating to make everything right with me and have succeeded. No complaints with Amazon; they've been incredible. CEVA...well...that's another story. Should mention that there was also a price reduction on this TV twice in two days and Amazon immediately credited my account when I called them. Also, the price was a real incentive, deeply discounted, at least for where I live.
I'll shop Amazon again. Pick this TV if you're looking for an above average plasma HD TV at a fair price. You won't be disappointed (check out all the other reviews at this site.
UPDATE 10 DAYS LATER:
Having run my 550 through a 100 hr. break-in period, I've now set up all my settings apart from a professional calibration (while it would be nice you don't need to spend $400 to get an awesome picture). I'm running my 550 in a darkened den.
UPDATE 1-27-09
Have upgraded old Samsung 800 watt 5.1 surround sound with recently acquired Onkyo HT-S7100 7.1 surround sound system (see my review). Our Samsung plasma HDTV just got a whole lot better!
My Settings 7-15-08
Mode: Movie
Cell Light: 10
Contrast: 85
Brightness: 60
Sharpness: 0
Color: 46
Tint: G51/R49
Detailed Settings:
Black Adjust: High
Dynamic Contrast: High
Gamma: -2
Color Space: Custom
Red R 30 G 0 B 6
Green R 41 G 50 B 24
Blue R 0 G 0 B 50
Yellow R 54 G 52 B 19
Cyan R 30 G 58 B 56
Magenta R 50 G 60 B 64
White Balance:
R offset 26
G offset 27
B offset 26
R gain 25
G gain 22
B gain 32
Flesh tone: +2
Edge Enhancement: off
Picture Options:
Color Tone: Normal
Size: Just Scan
Digital NR: off
DNIe: N/A
HDMI Black Level: Low
Film Mode: Auto
Blue Mode Only: off
These are the settings I finally settled with as best for my tastes. These were set using DISH HD package with HDMI connection. You may want to try these as a beginning and adjust to your taste. Good Viewing, Great TV!