Best Plasma TV Overall

Plasma TVs deliver great bang for the buck, offering deeper black levels than comparable LCDs at a lower cost. Plasmas are very attractive and newer models feature anti-glare technology that improves viewing performance in brightly lit rooms. Here’s our picks for the top plasma TVs overall, factoring in features, performance, and value. Image quality is largely based upon on black level performance, color accuracy, and grayscale (color temperature) accuracy. One downside to plasmas that should be noted is that they are less energy efficienct than comparable LCD TVs.

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Why it's best:
One of the best (if not the best) performing HDTVs on the market, this 50" Pioneer sets a new standard for deep black levels. Color temperature and primary colors are also extremely accurate, and its packaged in a sleek, black cabinet that looks beautiful. The steep pri... read full reviewAvailable From:
Amazon.com

Why it's a best pick:
This massive 58" plasma performs on par with the best Plasmas on the market today but costs much less. Exceptional picture quality, with 1080p resolution, deep black levels, and accurate color reproduction. Its THX mode calibrates settings in seconds, and brings movie t... read full review

Available From:
Amazon.com

Why it's a best pick:
This set does not produce as deep of blacks as the best plasmas, but makes up for it with its highly accurate colors. It comes in a stylish black cabinet and features a very friendly, intuitive menu system that makes picture quality adjustments a breeze.This Samsung plasma i... read full review

Available From:
RefurbDepot    $849.95

Why it's a best pick:
Does not offer image quality quite up to par with the Pioneer Elite series, but still delivers deep black levels, accurate colors, and 1080p resolution. Not to mention, it's a couple thousand dollars cheaper, making it an excellent alternative for buyers that still demand th... read full review

Available From:
PowersellerNYC    $2,999.00

Why it's a best pick:
Widely available for under a grand, this 50" plasma is a tremendous value. Don't let the price tag fool you - you'll get an excellent picture out of this TV. It's also attractive with a sleek black cabinet, and very easy to use. While it doesn't have the full 1080p reso... read full review

Available From:
Amazon.com
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Tags:
Best plasma HDTV
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best plasma tv
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Panasonic HDTV
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plasma lcd
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plasma television
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Samsung HDTV

Comments ( 6 total )

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ejaculare precoce - 3/24/2009

People tend to confuse terminology with regards to television let's take for example the ?plasma television?. Well technically there is no such thing as a plasma television what you are actually referring to is the display and actually a plasma display panel (PDP) is only one of several types of flat panel displays now commonly used for large TV sets or displays.

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EarlyMon - 6/13/2009

Technically, a plasma TV is the well-known integration of a PDP, tuner, power supply and the commonly requisite input ports such as HDMI, and are rated as class a or class b devices for use.  So, technically, you're misinformed.

I agree with your main point - people are often confused by terminology.

It probably explains why your post even remains when you've somehow seen fit to name yourself "premature ejaculation," just not in English.

Weak.

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evden eve - 1/12/2009

Very nice articles thank you...

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carter69 - 12/24/2008

For the money, this is a very good TV. The picture is great, works well with ps3 for bluray.

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Vinnie Frascatore - 9/1/2008

I have seen this TV at a friend's home. It has a good picture but it is vastly overpriced. You don't need to buy a Panasonic at that price to get a great picture.

It is obvious that your ratings and web site are "Panasonic related".

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Jeff_B - 12/26/2008

Thanks for the feedback. You can definitely get a great picture from lower priced plasmas. The Panasonic PX80U series and Samsung A450 series both have great picture quality and can be purchased for around $1000 for the 50" and $700 for the 42". The Vizio 720p models have a very tough time competing because they simply don't perform as well and sell for around the same price.

If you do a side-by-side comparison between the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U and other plasmas, you'll see it is not only superior to lesser expensive units, but comes very close to the more expensive Pioneer Kuro, which is considered to be the best plasma TV money can buy. Its THX mode is also a major advantage because it allows you to achieve a professional-level calibration (color temp very close to 6500K, accurate primary colors, correct brigthness and contrast settings) without hiring a professional or messing around with complicated settings.

The new Vizio XVT-series plasma that will sell for $1600 looks like it will be a serious contender, and I'm looking forward to judging its picture quality and overall performance in person.

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