Best Plasma TV

Panasonic plasma TVs are best overall

Now that Pioneer has discontinued its line of plasma TVs, reviewers are promoting Panasonic as the best plasma TV brand overall. Most also agree that these Panasonic plasma TVs outperform all but the best LCD TVs when it comes to producing deep blacks and cinematic picture quality, though Samsung's very expensive UNB8500 series LCD TVs, such as the Samsung UN55B8500 (*Est. $4,050), reportedly give all current plasma TVs a run for their money. See the ConsumerSearch report on LCD TVs for more information on that set.

In terms of reviews and recommendations, the Panasonic Viera PG10 series of plasma TVs draws the most respect. The 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50G10 (*Est. $1,300) earns a spot on CNET's list of top plasmas and gets a thorough and positive evaluation from HDGuru.com and others. Meanwhile the 46-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P46G10 (*Est. $1,200) earns recommendations from Sound & Vision and Home Theater magazines. The 42-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P42G10 (*Est. $950) impresses the experts at Wired as well. They say that although it doesn't surpass Pioneer's discontinued Kuro sets, it comes close enough that plasma fans can "officially stop mourning." A 54-inch version, the Panasonic Viera TC-P54G10 (*Est. $1,600), is also available.

Picture quality for the Panasonic PG10 series plasma TVs is excellent, with accurate colors, great black levels and strong shadow details. These plasma TVs carry THX Display Certification and offer a THX mode that's designed to deliver the same movie watching experience at home as would be enjoyed in a theater. (See Useful Links for more about the THX Display Certification program.) All reviews say the THX mode delivers as promised, though some add that the limited light output is only ideal for dimly lit viewing environments. Still, the THX mode brings the picture quality as close to technically perfect as is obtainable without a costly professional calibration. Image processing is solid but not perfect, and reviewers name a few mostly minor quibbles including soft image quality when upconverting standard-definition cable programming to HD resolution.

The feature lineup may start with THX certification, but it certainly doesn't end there. All PG10 plasma TV sets include Panasonic's Viera Cast, which lets you view online content such as Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube videos, Picasa photos, stocks, weather, news and more. Most reviewers say that while Viera Cast could be a nice feature, performance is sluggish and content isn't all that compelling. You can also stream videos, photos and more from other devices certified by industry group Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), such as home theater PCs, game consoles, camcorders, digital cameras and more. You'll need a nearby network connection for all of that, however, as there is no wireless option.

The Panasonic TC-PG10 series of plasma TVs also use Panasonic's Neo PDP plasma panels, which reduce energy consumption compared to previous-generation plasma TVs. Although the PG10 series is Energy Star-compliant, there are much more energy-efficient choices out there, including most LCD TVs. Connectivity, including a slot for SD memory cards, is good. There's a decent selection of picture controls, but obsessive videophiles might be disappointed by some of the omissions, such as grayscale controls, which are only accessible via the plasma TV's service menu. Styling isn't as striking as some of the more upscale plasma TVs, but the thin frame and circular, nonswiveling base are attractive.

Those with a little more to spend might want to consider Panasonic's more upscale TC-PV10 series of plasma TVs. CNET tests the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10 (*Est. $2,100) and reports that the editors like it a bit better than the PG10 series -- enough to name it an Editors' Choice. Basic picture quality is similar to that of the PG10 plasma series, notes reviewer David Katzmaier, but a few improvements are present, such as better video processing and more picture adjustments. Its design features a single sheet of front glass that extends over the bezel to create an "impressive" look and a thinner profile than its less expensive brand mates.

Katzmaier especially appreciates the inclusion of a Pro Setting menu on this series of Panasonic plasma TVs. While some other high-definition televisions offer even more picture adjustments, what's there gives users sufficient control to "transcend the limitations of THX mode," Katzmaier says. The Panasonic TC-P50V10 plasma TV's picture "should satisfy all but the pickiest of videophiles, and it also outperforms any LCD-based display, LED or otherwise, we've ever tested," he said in a June report, though the Panasonic has been since eclipsed by the Samsung UNB8500 LCD TVs in CNET's eyes.

A 96 Hz refresh-rate mode that lets the plasma TV display 24 frames-per-second (fps) video from Blu-ray players without judder is another noteworthy improvement. The Panasonic plasma TV is also available in a 54-inch size as the Panasonic Viera TC-P54V10 (*Est. $2,400), a 58-inch size as the Panasonic Viera TC-P58V10 (*Est. $2,700), and a 65-inch size as the Panasonic Viera TC-P65V10 (*Est. $4,000).

We've also seen some favorable comments about Panasonic's TC-PS1 series of plasma HDTVs. Screens sizes include the 65-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 (*Est. $2,400), the 58-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P58S1 (*Est. $1,800), the 54-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P54S1 (*Est. $1,400) the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50S1 (*Est. $1,050), 46-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P46S1 (*Est. $1,050) and the 42-inch Viera TC-P42S1 (*Est. $780). These plasma TV sets use the same Neo PDP plasma panel found on the company's more feature-rich plasma TVs, so, not surprisingly, picture quality is similar. Things fall short in the features department, where perks such as THX certification, Viera Cast and a 96 Hz refresh rate (for better viewing of 1080p/24 fps video, mainly from Blu-ray discs) are missing.

Negatives cited for Panasonic's TC-PG10 series of plasma TVs all apply here as well. Notably, CNET complains of colors that are not as accurate as they should be and that there are relatively few user controls. DigitalTrends.com also complains that the quality of the simulated surround sound is "terrible," though stereo sound is "decent." Those faults are outweighed, however, by terrific black levels and picture quality that, in general, tops most LCD TVs.

Panasonic has just begun shipping its flagship ZX1 series of plasma TVs. HDGuru.com posts what it claims is the "exclusive" first review of the 54-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P54Z1 (*Est. $5,000). This plasma TV boasts a 1-inch profile, partially made possible by moving all connections to a separate media receiver that sends the signals wirelessly to a small receiver box that's mounted behind the screen. Whether or not this innovation is worth the set's hefty premium over other top plasma TVs, such as the Panasonic Viera TC-P54V10, is another issue.

To be sure, performance is excellent. HDGuru.com tests black levels and says they beat most LCD TVs, though are not quite as deep as a now discontinued Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-141FD. Colors are excellent, though not quite spot on perfect. In real-world viewing, picture quality is terrific, with deep, rich blacks and bright whites producing images with punch, HDGuru.com says. In addition to the wireless link, noteworthy features include THX certification and Viera Cast.

Samsung plasma TVs get some good reviews

Samsung's plasma TVs also get some good reviews. CNET reports on the company's PNB650 series -- including the 50-inch Samsung PN50B650 (*Est. $1,240) and 58-inch Samsung PN58B650 (*Est. $2,140) -- comparing it frequently to Panasonic's PV10 plasma sets. The site's editors conclude that both have different strengths and weaknesses, posing "a difficult decision for plasma HDTV buyers."

Picture quality is good. Samsung uses a light-filtering system that's intended to reduce screen reflections. The result is a set that does better in well-lit rooms than most plasma TVs, but it comes at the expense of black levels that are not as dark as those of the Panasonic TC-P50V10. Colors, on the other hand, are even more accurate and lifelike. Video processing on the Samsung PNB650 series is also very good, but CNET did encounter a black-level glitch when using the 96 Hz refresh rate (dubbed Cinema Smooth by Samsung). Standard-definition performance is strong for an HDTV, which is nice if you watch a lot of non-HD television programming.

The features lineup for the Samsung PN650 plasma series is also good, but not quite as well-rounded as that found on Panasonic's better offerings. The Samsung TVs are not THX-certified, for example, and while the TVs are network-enabled, they use Yahoo! Widgets, which are judged to be sluggish compared to Viera Cast. These DLNA-certified plasma TV sets can pull in content from other DLNA devices, however. There is also some preloaded content -- such as high-def artwork, recipes, games and more -- but CNET's David Katzmaier calls the selection "underwhelming." If firmware updates are required to fix bugs or add new features or capabilities, they can be downloaded directly from the web to the TV.

The Samsung PNB650 plasma-TV series carries on with the Touch of Color red-tinted bezel Samsung introduced last year. However, the color treatment has been scaled back somewhat in this year's version, making it more "acceptable" in Katzmaier's opinion. Although the overall look is attractive, he says, it's trumped by the sheet-of-glass design on the Panasonic PV10 TVs. Power consumption is roughly the same as that of the Panasonic PV10 plasma-TV series -- less than previous plasma TVs but more than most LCD TVs.

While thinner plasma TVs are still on the horizon, those who want a svelte profile might also be interested in HDTVs from Samsung's step-up PNB850/PNB860 lines. The two lines are very similar. According to CNET, Samsung says that the only difference "is the presence in the 860 models of a manual option for 1080p/24 processing and an extra calibration mode." Because of that, Katzmaier says picture quality of the two series should be identical.

PCMag.com is among those that take a look at the 50-inch Samsung PN50B850 (*Est. $1,590). At 1.2 inches thick, the design is eye-catching. The black bezel with transparent outer edge gives the plasma TV a touch of grey color as opposed to the more striking and controversial red found on the PNB650 sets. A swiveling, brushed-metal stand completes the look. One deficit in the design, PCMag.com's Robert Heron reports, is that the bezel is prone to giving off reflections from overhead lights.

CNET's Katzmaier looks at the 50-inch Samsung PN50B860 (*Est. $1,680) and reports that picture quality is similar to that of the less expensive PN650 series and a step below the very best. Heron concurs, and says that blacks fall short of even less expensive plasmas, such as Panasonic's PS1 series, but that picture contrast stands up better than most plasma TVs in well-lit rooms. Color accuracy is spectacular, with Heron saying, "The PN50B850's Movie picture preset produces the most accurate primary and secondary color measurements I have ever recorded from an uncalibrated display." The TVs are available in 58-inch sizes as the Samsung PN58B850 (*Est. $2,490) and Samsung PN58B860 (*Est. 2,600).

LG plasma TVs are worth considering

LG is the third major player when it comes to plasma TVs. Reviews for the company's top-of-the-line PS80 series are hard to find. ClearReviews.com reviews the 50-inch LG 50PS80 (*Est. $1,600). However that largely noncritical review focuses on features and appearance and does not really address performance. User reviews are also too scant to be useful but are largely positive thus far. To be sure, the PS80 series of plasma TVs is loaded with features, including THX certification and the ability to stream movies from Netflix and other providers directly to the TV. The plasma set is also available in a 60-inch size as the LG 60PS80 (*Est. $2,500).

Professional reviews of the step down PS60 series are also scarce. One report says nice things about the LG 60PS60 (*Est. $2,400) but rates most other plasma TVs a bit higher. The PS60 series of TVs is similar to LG's PS80 line and is THX-certified but strips away the interactive features. Picture quality and sound quality are said to be very good, though some false contouring (abrupt rather than gradual transitions between shades of one color) can be is seen in some images. A 50-inch version, the LG 50PS60 (*Est. $1,100), is also available.

Pioneer goes out with a bang

Pioneer and Pioneer Elite plasma TVs and monitors have always received the best reviews overall. That's why plasma pundits and fans were so saddened by the news in March 2009 that the current generation will be the company's last. Pioneer's TV division will be shuttered by March 2010. Some television sets still remain available at retail, though stocks appear to be dwindling.

If your heart is set on a Pioneer plasma TV, the very expensive 50-inch Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD (*Est. $4,000) or 60-inch Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-151FD (*Est. $5,000) draw plenty of raves ("kuro" is a Japanese word for the darkest black possible.) Every reviewer who's looked at the set agrees -- if price is no object, this is the plasma TV to get. Writing about the PRO-111FD, David Katzmaier at CNET sums up the consensus nicely when he writes: "If you have the cash to burn, this plasma or its 60-inch brother is the best flat-panel HDTV you can buy today, period."

The reason for the reverence experts have toward this plasma TV is simple: it's got the best blacks available on any TV. According to Sound & Vision magazine's Al Griffin, the blacks are even deeper than 2008's Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-110FD plasma TV, something he thought to be impossible after testing that set. Accurate colors, terrific noise reduction and a great antireflective screen round out what's nearly the perfect TV -- if you don't consider price.

Pioneer also offers a couple of lower-end, yet still terrific plasma TV models, the 50-inch Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD (*Est. $2,500) and 60-inch Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD (*Est. $4,000). No one explicitly compares the black levels of the PDP-5020FD with the PRO-111FD, but Katzmaier at CNET has looked at both Pioneer plasma TVs and says that the PDP-5020FD "produces the deepest shade of black of any big-screen display we've tested." In other words, blacks are terrific, better than anything else out there this side of the PRO-111FD.

In terms of features, these Pioneer TVs are loaded, though there are a couple of shortfalls compared to the Pioneer Elite series. One is that while PRO-111FD and PRO-151FD are loaded with lots of advanced picture controls, things are "simplified" on the PDP-5020 and PDP-6020, perhaps too much as some expected things -- such as color-temperature and noise-reduction controls -- are missing.