Samsung PN51D550

Samsung PN51D550 Review

With all the discussion about smart TVs, it’s easy to forget that not everyone needs access to a dozen different online video sources. What about a “dumb” TV that’s designed to simply display 2D and 3D programming? Enter the 51-inch Samsung PND51D500, which lets you watch 2D HDTV and 3D Full HD for a very good price. Let’s see if it does the job. Anyone shopping for an HDTV might be puzzled by the 51-inch screen size, since 50 is the more typical measurement. Samsung cleverly shrunk the bezel to reveal a larger viewing area; actually it’s 50.72 inches, not 51, but why quibble? The narrow bezel makes the television look bigger. Samsung calls this Plasma +1 when it’s actually +0.72. Whatever. Since this is a very affordable 3D HDTV, you really can’t expect Ferrari-like design; think of it more like a Malibu. It’s solid but without the fashionistas flair of expensive Sonys, Sharps and, yes, even Samsungs. There are clear edges around the frame and the matching stand, but the see-through plastic post is a bit hokey. Still we don’t think anyone will be put off by the looks of this HDTV. After all, other than interior designers for Architectural Digest, who really cares about the bezels of flat-panel HDTVs? The picture is what’s it’s all about, friends.