HELP!!! is the Samsung PS50P96FD the same as the Samsung PS50A550S1F ??

[admin_exported]

Hi,

A new user here with, what is Im sure a regular question on the dizzyingly confusing product numbering used by manufacturers across the globe.

i am planning on buying a new fully HD (1080p) Samsung PS50P96FD - and have based this on the outstanding review the magazine gave it (yes, We ozzies do get it, but we are always about 1 edition behind!)

Having selected my new shiny TV, I have googled a few searches to find that model here in Australia, but all I can turn up is the PS50A550S1F (here is a site that features that http://www.thegoodguys.com.au/portal/page/portal/tggwebcms/corporate/products/details?storeId=67&groupId=67&groupId=67&groupId=67&_piref551_251102_551_235815_235815.strutsAction=/portal/product/displayproductdetails.do?productId=1061465&firstResult=17&mode=list

So, can ANYONE tell me if these two models are the same thing and that it is purely some form of retailer/country coding that Samsung have used?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rod

 

[Clare Newsome]

Nope, they're not the same set. Around mid-2008, Samsung moved from a letters-based system to a numbers-based system which was SUPPOSED to simplify things, but merely seems to have added an extra layer of confusion.

Taking those two sets, the PS= Plasma for both, with 50= 50in screen size. However, the P96FD denotes a 2007-2008 model, while the A 550S1F denotes a 2008-2009 model from Samsung's '5' series (its models runs from 4 upwards at the moment).

Where the extra 'A' comes in (which seems to be worldwide) I'm not 100 percent sure, but I suspect - as the numbering system was inspired by BMW's car-series numbering - may be a year designation. So, like cars, a 2008 set is an 'A' registratiion, with 2009 becoming 'B' etc. But, as I said, this is speculation on my part. They may well change it again next year just to keep us all on our toes....

 

[D.J.KRIME]

I own the PS50P96FD and its a cracking set but IMHO better than the current 5 series more in line with the 6 series. I managed to get my inlaws a BNIB P96FD for just over £600 as it is last years model.