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.
With a large 54” screen, stellar performance, and a very reasonable price, the Panasonic TC-P54G10 is the best plasma TV overall. Picture quality is outstanding with incredibly deep black levels and extremely accurate colors thanks to the THX mode, which automatically adjusts picture settings for optimal viewing. However, the light output in this mode is a bit low, so you may want to use the Custom mode if you’re seeking a brighter picture. The Panasonic TC-P54G10 features VieraCast, which provides access to interactive Internet services such as YouTube or Picasa over Ethernet. Connectivity is sufficient with 3 HDMI ports (2 in the rear, 1 on the side) and plenty of other inputs such as composite, S-video, and VGA. Other highlights include a 2:3 pull-down setting and anti image retention to prevent burn-in.
Though this plasma TV is not as energy efficient as comparably-sized LCD TVs, it still performs decently in this regard. It costs less than its LCD TV rivals and performs better than most, making it an excellent value. While the company's V10 series offers slightly better performance, it comes at a higher price, making the G10 a better deal for most buyers. At this price point, the TC-P54G10 simply can’t be beat.
The Panasonic TC-P50V10 performs even better than the highly acclaimed G10 series, making it one of the best – if not the best – performing HDTVs on the market. This sleek plasma TV offers exceptional picture quality with extremely deep black levels, accurate colors, and great grayscale performance. Just like the G10, Panasonic’s V10 series offers a THX mode for easily obtaining an accurate picture. However, for more experienced users, the V10’s additional picture-adjustment options make it possible to get an even better picture using the Custom mode. The V10 also has excellent video processing capability and can correctly handle 1080p/24 sources without flicker thanks to its 96Hz mode. This is a great feature for buyers with Blu-ray players that can output outputting 1080p/24. The TC-P50V10 offers plenty of connectivity options with four HDMI inputs (including one on the side), composite and S-video, two component inputs, and a PC input. There’s also an Ethernet port for accessing content via VieraCast including Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube videos, and stocks. This HDTV features the company’s NEO PDP panel which provides improved energy efficiency over last year’s plasmas. However, it still consumes much more power than the latest LCD TV models. Videophiles seeking an attractive, well-designed HDTV will appreciate the Panasonic TC-P50V10’s stylish looks and stellar performance. And while many viewers will find that the G10 is a better value because of its lower price tag, those willing to spend the extra money for the V10 won’t be disappointed.
The Samsung PN50B650 50” plasma combines excellent picture quality with a sleek, ultra-thin 1.2-inch display panel, making it one of the most attractive HDTVs available. This plasma TV has superb performance with nearly flawless color accuracy and very deep black levels, though not quite as deep as Panasonic’s G10 or V10 series plasmas. There are plenty of picture-adjustment settings for tweaking the picture to your liking and the menu system is intuitive and easy to use. Video processing is also very good and the TV can properly handle 1080p/24 sources. This plasma TV also performs very well in brightly-lit rooms, which gives it an edge over the competition. Connectivity is solid with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 component inputs, a PC input, and a composite input, but it’s missing an S-video input. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for most buyers. There’s also an Ethernet port, which can be used for accessing interactive content via Yahoo Widgets and updating the TV’s firmware. As with any plasma, this HDTV is less efficient than comparable LCDs but more efficient than older plasma displays. Overall, the Samsung PN50B650 is an excellent plasma TV that’s only mildly outperformed by Panasonic’s best offerings.
The LG 50PS60 50” Plasma HDTV's best feature to boot is its THX display certification, which promises superior performance. Thankfully, the LG 50PS60 delivers. When using the THX Cinema setting, this HDTV offers excellent picture quality with deep black levels and accurate colors. And if you like to tweak the settings yourself, there’s a self-calibration Picture Wizard that makes it easier to adjust the picture to your liking. This plasma TV has four HDMI inputs to connect all your HD devices such as cable/satellite boxes, video game consoles, and Blu-ray players. While it doesn’t perform quite as well as the Panasonic G10 or V10 series, it comes in at a lower price and performs extremely well for the money, making it an excellent value.
If you're looking for a truly spectacular bargain, the Panasonic TC-P42X1 is impossible to beat. It can be found as low as $599 online, but still offers excellent performance that rivals many more expensive competitors. This HDTV delivers very impressive black level performance and great color accuracy. Though it’s only 720p, you’ll be hard pressed to actually notice a difference at this screen size. You can definitely spend a bit more and get better performance from the Panasonic G10 series, but if you’re not a videophile or don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Panasonic TC-P42X1 definitely will not disappoint. At this price, it’s nearly impossible to complain.