I purchased 2 of these. YES 2! I have also owned previous Samsung models FP-T5084 (2007 model)plasma 1080P [I provided a review for this on Amazon as well], HP-5053 (2006 model) plasma 720P. and the LN-S4095 (2006 model) 1080P LCD. So yes I would consider myself a Samsung Fanboy. So I bought this model twice for a reason I will explain later in the review.

My first one spontaneously cracked on me and Samsung at the time refused to replace it. Keep in mind I had the unit for 42 days! I SWEAR I did not touch the plasma for this to happen. One second I'm watching WWE RAW in HD the next minute "Pop" & "buzz" noise. Lo and behold the screen cracked on the inside.

So I bought another one with the hope I could get the first one replaced (which Samsung finally is "in process" of exchanging as I write this - this is only after dozens of emails, countless calls, and escalation to Executive Customer Relations (ECR) over a 2 month period.

But I digress:

Positives:

Picture quality -provides an excellent device for movies and other hi-def content. No artifacts at all even in fast action (well duh its a plasma) unlike many LCD's where artifacts (little boxes that are unclear) are somewhat common.

Color accuracy -The most accurate color reproduction. EVen if it was not professionally calibrated the accuracy in color is great. Yes thats using factory settings.

Aesthetics -The piano black feature is aesthetically pleasing and prvides a clean sleek look for any room.

Negatives:

Sound - The downward firing "hidden speaker" within the bezel is not good. It shakes the unit when the volume is above 40 as well as when there is bass in the signal.

"Anti-Glare" filter -I put anti-glare in quotes because anyone who has seen this unit in person will attest to the high gloss finish of the screen. I could shave in front of the tv when off. Keep that in mind if you are considering this tv in a room with light. This unit should be used in low-light rooms such as basements or rooms that have windows which get little light.

Black levels -Compared to Panasonic and Pioneer the blacks are not as deep. But considering the image quality of Panasonic and Pioneer's steep price there is a reason Samsung is usually the best bang for the buck.

Quality -Like I stated earlier the first unit made it 42 days before cracking on me SPONTANEOUSLY.

Customer Service -It took me 2 months to get Samsung to accept responsibility. They denied me several times over and had to get my call escalated to ECR. They certainly do not stand by their product as I would have hoped.

Image retention - Common in most plasmas. When you turn the unit off you will see the image for about 30 seconds after. It does go away... eventually.

Bottom line beatiful unit beautiful picture - poor reliability and service mounts to a 2 star review. Of course I also had way too many more negatives to outweigh the positives.

I have since returned my second unit and replaced it with the 52LG70 (see my review there) which is excellent. And the 2 extra inches makes a huge difference.

This Samsung "Fanboy" was really disappointed.