These HDTVs deliver top notch picture quality and performance. While not quite up to par with the absolute best money can buy, our picks in this category carry a more affordable price tag and still perform exceptionally well. Image quality is largely based upon on black level performance, color accuracy, and grayscale (color temperature) accuracy.
If you’re looking for an affordable HDTV that delivers superb picture quality, the Panasonic TC-P50G15 is nearly impossible to beat. It is one of the best performing HDTVs on the market with incredibly deep black levels and accurate color rendition. This plasma TV’s THX mode provides optimal picture settings for an extremely accurate and realistic picture, but if you find the picture to be too dark, you may prefer using Custom mode. The Panasonic TC-P50G15 also offers solid image processing and motion performance and is a good choice for gamers seeking a 50” HDTV.
The Panasonic TC-P50G15 also boasts VieraCast, which provides access to interactive Internet services such as Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and Picasa over Ethernet. Connectivity is sufficient with 3 HDMI ports (2 in the rear, 1 on the side), 2 component inputs, 2 composite inputs, S-video, and a PC input (VGA). Since it’s a plasma TV it’s not as efficient as competing LCD models, but still an improvement over plasmas from previous years. The slim, sleek styling of the G15 series ensures it will look terrific in any viewing room. Overall, the Panasonic TC-P50G15 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top performing HDTV that won’t break the bank. It truly is one of the best values on the market and its picture quality will satisfy even the most hardcore videophiles.
The Panasonic TC-P50V10 performs even better than the highly acclaimed TC-P50G10, 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 LG 55LH90 features LED backlighting with local dimming technology to produce superb picture quality, making this one of the best performing HDTVs on the market. Just like the stand-out Panasonic G10/G15 and V10 series plasmas, this LCD TV comes with THX display certification. When set to the THX mode, the 55LH90 delivers an extremely accurate and realistic picture. And if you’re an experienced calibrator, the set’s expert modes provide a 10-point white balance system and a full color management system for dialing in a picture exactly to your liking. The LG 55LH90 outperforms most LCDs and nearly matches the performance of the best plasmas with its extremely deep black levels, excellent color, and solid video processing. This set also has very good sound quality for a TV, making it an even better value. While it lacks interactive connectivity features found on some of its competitors, this helps to keep the cost down and provide buyers with maximum bang-for-the-buck in terms of performance.
The Samsung PNB650 50” plasma is a worthy alternative to Panasonic’s G10 or V10 series plasmas because of its excellent overall picture quality and nearly flawless color accuracy. While the Samsung can’t match the Panasonics when it comes to black level performance, it still produces deep black levels that rival Samsung’s best LCD models. 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, but it can’t quite match the performance from the Panasonic models. One of the Samsung’s biggest strengths compared to other plasmas – including the Panasonics – is its bright room performance. Therefore, buyers shopping for a plasma TV for their brightly-lit living rooms should give the Samsung PN50B650 serious consideration. In terms of connectivity, the PN50B650 offers 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.
Samsung’s LN52B750 is certainly one of the best performing HDTVs on the market. Picture quality is excellent, and though it can’t match that of the best plasmas (such as the Panasonic G10 series), it outperforms nearly all other LCDs, including the ultra-thin LED edge-lit models. This HDTV is also very energy efficient and has plenty of interactive features including Yahoo! Widgets for stocks, weather, news, and other information. As mentioned before, the LNB750 series has excellent picture quality, delivering accurate colors and very deep blacks. Color temperature is also accurate, especially after adjusting the white balance controls. One of the step-up features found on the LNB750 series is a 240Hz refresh rate. While you may not be able to clearly see the benefits over a 120Hz refresh rate, this HDTV does a solid job with video processing. Like with most Samsung’s TVs, there are plenty of adjustment options to help you get just the right picture, including five color temperature presets, adjustable dejudder processing, seven-position gamma control, color space control and plenty more. The adjustable dejudder processing lets you set judder reduction and blur reduction separately.
Connectivity should be sufficient for most. Four HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, two component video inputs, one RF input, one stereo analog, one VGA PC input, one optical digital audio output, two USB ports and an AV input are all included. If you need an S-video input though, you’ll find yourself out of luck. A particularly noteworthy feature is the ability to upgrade the set’s firmware via the Ethernet port.
If plasma TVs are not for you and you’re still looking for superb picture quality, then the Samsung LN52B750 is one of the best options out there. While it can’t match the sleekness or energy efficiency of the company’s edge-lit LCD TVs, it offers much more bang for the buck and delivers superior performance. Anyone shopping for an LCD TV should put this one at or near the top of their list.