Productopia | Plasma TV

Reports tell us that fewer TVs are expected to be sold this year than last, and that fewer homes in the U.S. have sets at all. But that doesn't mean that TVs are getting cheaper. In fact, recent research from IHS iSuppli indicates that LCD and plasma TV prices have risen by 11.4 percent since this past December. And if you had your eye on those big-screen OLED TVs previewed at last January's Consumer Electronics Show, new information hints that the expected price of around $8,000 was a little, um, optimistic. Read more

So you've picked out the perfect flat-screen LCD TV or plasma TV. You've even picked out the perfect TV wall mount to hang it on a wall. But have you picked out the perfect place to put your new TV? Experts -- ourselves included -- often wax poetically about the outstanding picture quality of top-performing TVs. However, the truth of the matter is that no matter how perfect the image, factors such as seating distances, TV height and more can conspire to ruin the viewing experience. Here's what you need to know. Read more

We've all seen stories like this one about folks who've cancelled their cable or satellite TV service in favor of getting television programming over the air or via the web, either for free or at reduced cost . That many people are considering such a move comes as no surprise, given the state of the economy and that cable bills can run well over $100 per month for anyone desiring more than just the basics. This article at WalletPop.com explores just how much cord-cutters can save. On the other side of things, research indicates cancelling the cable subscription is probably not yet right for everyone. Whether it's right for you depends on factors like what you watch, how much you watch, the quality of your Internet connection, and even where you live. ConsumerSearch already has a number of reports that lay out some of the considerations for you, including brand new reports on video streaming services, and on digital media players that bring those services to any TV. Let's pull all of that together so you can see whether cutting the cord to your cable or satellite TV provider will work for you and your family.

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Last year, reviewer after reviewer declared that Panasonic plasma TVs offered the very best picture quality among sets in their class. The reason was great black levels that approached -- but not quite surpassed -- those of Pioneer's legendary and unfortunately discontinued Kuro plasma TVs. Then the unthinkable happened. As we blogged about here in the past, seemingly overnight, those great black levels retreated to the realm of only very good, leaving owners infuriated -- even more so when CNET reported that the black level retreat was by design. Flash forward to this year, and as noted in our just updated report on plasma TVs, Panasonic's plasma TVs again capture the picture-quality flag in the eyes of many. But, are last year's black level woes a thing of the past or a preview of coming attractions? Read more