With these requirements, I have put myself on a quest after the first preselection following models were still up for debate: Samsung UE50H6470 (700), Samsung UE55H6600 (about 860), Sony BRAVIA KDL-50W805 (approximately 725). The Panasonic I have not had on the screen at this time. Bin then to the local electronics store to the mentioned models to look at once live. Had a 2.5 "disk with SD, HD u. 3D material here.
The image quality I like most at Sony. Above all, the upscaling of SD material has I did not like at Samsung. That was also the reason the 55 "should be removed from my list, which was already just above my budget and at about 2.50 m seat pitch, the image quality at SD is simply not clean enough, at least in this price segment. The problem often described by others the Black display, I personally uninteresting. What is certain is the Sony in the black display darker, but in my opinion is not decisive. When fast movements I have a slight haze seen on the Samsung as the Sony is also better.
Since I often use at home DVB-S, the quality of the integrated receiver for me is also an essential purchase criterion. Since I has been often strained with my old 42 "-Philips about the pain limit, I have to this special attention. The important thing was here fast response times and very sensible channel and program display when switching. What can I say, that was the SONY underground , very sluggish when switching, generally very delayed response to keystrokes on the remote control. This was better at Samsung, though not perfect.
The playback of HD material from the hard drive has been accompanied with smooth and top image quality on all models. Also works with MKV DTS soundtrack, which is not possible with my Philips because I still had to convert to AC3 DTS track on your PC. This is now no longer necessary for all of my devices seen. Also watch 3D movies in MKV containter smoothly. I can say, however, little that can be in the bright light of the markets difficult to compare on the 3D quality. Next, I never imagined the general operation, menu navigation and access to SMART applications considered and this was the absolute KO for Sony, whose menu is the sheer madness. Sure you have, especially after the first real device, not scour every day the menu, but the hidden behind the SONY menu logic I do not understand. That being said, the inertia was also here already trying out very annoying. Samsung has made it clear in the operation in the lead. In the App Store that I had important applications for all devices available: Video portals (NETFLIX, MAXDOME, Amazon, YouTube, ...), program guides, news, ...
The overall effect of these devices was as advertised very mixed, remained finally only the Samsung UE50H6470 whose image quality, however, has not convinced me. After an intensive discussion with the employees of the market showed me the Panasonic TX-50ASW654 and said it would fully fit into my requirements and which I could also equal to convince himself.
In all tests, the Panasonic has struck the first of my favorite models: - TOP image and the upscaling of SD material, black levels at least as good as the SONY, no streaking during fast movements. - SAT receiver super, very sensible program display - Fast response times, both when switching as well as the general operation - Media Player plays all popular media formats (like the others) - 3D passive, has when the picture quality is very sensible too many advantages over the active models with the heavier running on battery shutter glasses. - All major SMART apps available
Two days later and a few reviews on the net later, the Panasonic TX-50ASW654 was offered in MM for 799. I've been thinking long and no longer have slammed. Construction and equipment went quickly out of hand. It is accompanied by the initial switch from a Setup Wizard, one performs all the essential configuration points (home network access, tuning, etc.). Then the station sorting is on, that goes completely without problems and easily without a PC. Since one has to hear about other manufacturers (LG, Samsung) the worst stories. After setting is switched on and off as just amazed (now already more than a week :-)). Very excited I was to the 3D quality that I had not yet been tested in the market very sensible. Even of that I am absolutely thrilled. Even the 2D-3D conversion works perfectly and is already phenomenal. Simply press the 3D button on the remote control and put glasses. Super solved!
My conclusion: In this price range, the Panasonic is currently unbeatable!