Best Plasma TV

Panasonic plasma TVs have the best picture

Despite previous issues with black levels that, by design, decreased over time, Panasonic TVs still get the edge over most competing plasma TVs in reviewers' eyes. Thought it's not the top model in this year's plasma TV lineup, no set receives more editorial recommendations than the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50ST30 (*Est. $1,000) . It's not that the TV offers the very best picture quality available -- though it doesn't fall short by very much. However, when value and features are rolled into the equation, all say that the proposition offered by the TC-P50ST30 is pretty hard to resist.

Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Blacks are very deep, but they are not the very deepest available. For that you need to be prepared to shell out quite a bit more -- stepping up, for example, to a TV in Panasonic's TC-PVT30 series (profiled below), which, CNET says, delivers blacks that outclass all other plasma TVs past and present, save for Pioneer's legendary and now departed Kuro range. Limited peak brightness -- though improved over last year's efforts, says TelevisionInfo.com -- means that the TV could struggle to present the best picture in well-lit rooms. Color performance is good, though different reviewers say that it takes a little work, and maybe a couple of compromises, to dial those in just right. While the set's motion-smoothing technology works well, some reviewers complain of some motion artifacts when viewing some 24 frame-per-second content (such as from Blu-ray Disc players). Finally, in this age of TV sets that need to look as good off as they do when on, most say that the TC-P50ST30 won't win any design awards.

So then, why does almost everyone love -- or at least very much like -- the TC-P50ST30? Because once you actually start watching TV, the picture quality is very, very good. BigPictureBigSound.com calls the picture quality "jaw dropping" once the TV is properly tweaked and grants the TV its The Biggie award. CNET concurs, saying that the negatives it finds aside, picture quality is largely excellent overall.

However, the TC-P50ST30's story doesn't stop at very good picture quality. The plasma TV is also relatively loaded when it comes to features. Though not everyone is a fan of 3D in general, most say that the Panasonic TC-P50ST30 does a better job delivering that effect than most TVs. HDGuru.com says that the 3D performance is the best that the site has seen to date. Last year's concerns, including crosstalk and flicker, have faded from view. In addition, the active shutter glasses are said to be lighter and more comfortable. TelevisionInfo.com, a site that makes no effort to hide how much it dislikes the 3D effect on most television sets, says that 3D on the TC-P50ST30 is "actually watchable," adding "That's about as far as our praise for 3D TVs will extend."

Internet streaming is also on board. CNET notes that Panasonic has significantly upgraded its streaming capabilities, and things got even better with the addition of Hulu Plus in August. True, some holes still exist -- Vudu to name one -- but the lineup is otherwise "solid," and includes an app store with games and other applications. DLNA is supported, so you can stream video or other media from your PC. Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity is not built in, but Panasonic includes the required adapter in the box.

But the biggest feature of all might be this TV's relative value. CNET calls it "one of the best plasma TV values available." HDGuru.com says that "The TC-P50ST30 sets a new value/performance proposition for large screen HDTV." Ian White at BigPictureBigSound.com provides what could be the most compelling argument: "At its asking price, it is an exceptionally good deal on a really high-end HDTV and it's the first product I've reviewed since 1999 that elicited this response from my wife -- 'We're buying this, right?'"

For those looking for either a bigger or smaller set, the TC-PST30 series comes in an LCD-TV-like assortment of screen sizes in addition to the 50-inch TC-P50ST30. Those include the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42ST30 (*Est. $800) , 46-inch Panasonic TC-P46ST30 (*Est. $900) , 55-inch Panasonic TC-P55ST30 (*Est. $1,400) , 60-inch Panasonic TC-P60ST30 (*Est. $1,700) and 65-inch Panasonic TC-P65ST30 (*Est. $2,500) .

The TC-PST30 series is the Panasonic's least expensive plasma offering with 3D capability. The step-up Panasonic TC-PGT30 series offers a few upgrades, the biggest of which is THX certification. That brings with it a THX picture preset that is supposed to assure that that the image seen on the TV screen precisely matches what someone would see on the screen in a top-quality movie theater. Whether or not these plasma TVs fully deliver on that assurance is a matter of opinion, though in most cases reviewers agree that picture quality is very, very good.

CNET, for example, says "Overall the GT30 delivered excellent picture quality, with deep black levels, accurate color, and the essentially perfect uniformity of plasma," but still finds enough issues to say that it slightly prefers the image quality of the cheaper TC-PST30 set it reviews. The THX preset is found to be the most accurate, but David Katzmaier says it still "left something to be desired." FlatpanelsHD.com finds some very minor color banding issues (small steps from one shade of color to the next are not always distinguishable), but otherwise is completely impressed and awards the TV its Highly Recommended designation. PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com says that best picture quality is obtained by ignoring the THX mode and dialing things in on your own; the site helpfully provides its recommended settings. Once done, you are left with an image that's "extremely vibrant but still realistic," write Robert Wiley and Jack Burden.

The other significant upgrade is in the area of design. While the TC-PST30 set is a bit of an ugly duckling, the Panasonic TC-PGT30 series is more of a graceful swan. "We liked the clean, minimalist lines, rounded corners, and classy silver edge around the frame, and think the GT30 easily outstyles the step-down ST30 models," CNET says. FlatpanelsHD.com concurs, calling the TC-PGT30 "elegant." Rasmus Larsen adds: "It's not just that it's thinner and less bulky but the new sharper lines makes it look modern."

Otherwise, features are pretty much identical to the more basic TC-PST30 series. Active-shutter 3D is on board, though you'll need to buy the glasses separately -- and at $180 each, those are expensive, grouses Dick De Jong at HDTVSolutions.com. Still, performance is a notable step up from last year's 3D sets -- so much so that De Jong says "Its rendering of 3D Blu-rays is one of the best that I have seen." Likewise, Internet features are similar, with same good but not quite great lineup of content providers -- though that could improve over time depending on the success of the company's app store.

Though not quite as extensive as the TC-PST30 series, these Panasonic plasma TVs still come in a decent array of screen sizes. Those include the 50-inch TC-P50GT30 (*Est. $1,200) , 55-inch TC-P55GT30 (*Est. $1,600) , 60-inch TC-P60GT30 (*Est. $2,000) and 65-inch TC-P65GT30 (*Est. $2,800) .

At the top of the Panasonic plasma heap sits the TC-PVT30 series. Though expensive, most reviewers say that in most regards, these plasma TVs deliver excellent image quality backed up by just about every must-have feature. CNET says that the 55-inch TC-P55VT30 (*Est. $2,400) is the best-performing TV that the site has tested in 2011. TelevisionInfo.com has yet to find a perfect TV ("We've learned to stop looking for that," writes David Kender). True to form, the site finds some things to complain about -- but adds that for those that can look the other way regarding those, the set is a "winner." FlatpanelsHD.com says that it has no doubt that the TC-PVT30 will be one of the best TVs in its price range for 2011, and backs that up by giving the plasma TV its Highly Recommended award.

Picture quality is top-notch, edging out Panasonic's other well regarded plasma TVs. Blacks are why. CNET says if Panasonic's promise that the black levels you see today will be the same that you'll see as the panel ages (and that's held true thus far in testing conducted by the site), only the Pioneer Kuro -- long discontinued -- can beat it in that regard. The site does admit that the differences in terms of measured black levels is subtle between the TC-PVT30 and other top-end sets, including Panasonic's step-down TC-PGT30 series. However, The TC-PVT30 produces the "best picture in dark scenes." TelevisionInfo.com simply says that the TC-P55VT30 it tests "managed as impressive a black level as you're likely to see."

Most say that color performance is excellent as well. FlatpanelsHD.com says that out of the box, things aren't so hot. However, once you shift over to the THX mode, things look lots better, "with accurate, natural looking colors and great picture quality." One caveat is that the THX mode is optimized for a theater experience, which means a darkened room is expected. The TV will struggle to produce a bright enough picture in a well lit room, says TelevisionInfo.com. If you want to watch 3D, the required glasses will reduce brightness to the point where a dark room is a must.

For those that like to tinker, the TC-PVT30 "offers more user-menu control options than any other TV we've seen yet," says CNET. However, CNET complains that those are only accessible in the set's Custom mode and proved difficult to use. For those that want to turn to a paid calibrator's touch to get picture quality technically perfect, there are built-in aids, including an auto-calibration system intended for use by professionals. A special 96 Hz mode for judder-free playback of 24 fps content from Blu-ray Discs is also provided.

Other features are on a par with the Panasonic sets profiled above, including active shutter 3D and a reasonable but not class-leading lineup of streaming providers. 3D performance is good -- with TelevisionInfo.com going so far as to say that these sets "provide one of the best, perhaps the best, home theater 3D display we've seen so far." Styling is upgraded over the TC-PGT30 series by adding a "single pane of glass" front panel that looks good even when off.

The Panasonic TC-PVT30 series is also available in a 65-inch screen size as the TC-P65VT30 (*Est. $3,800) .

Samsung plasma TVs offer performance and features

CNET currently gives the plasma TV picture-quality crown to Panasonic's mighty impressive and mighty expensive TC-PVT30 series of sets. However, when everything -- picture quality, features and performance -- are considered together, it places a different plasma TV on the top of the heap: The Samsung PND8000 series, which includes the 51-inch PN51D8000 (*Est. $1,800) , 59-inch PN59D8000 (*Est. $2,500) and 64-inch PN64D8000 (*Est. $3,000) .

Panasonic earns its picture accolades on the basis of the excellent blacks produced by the TC-PVT30, but CNET admits that the differences between those TVs and the PND8000 series are subtle -- mainly a better ability to reproduce details in deep shadows. However, the site adds that the PN59D8000 it looks at is "easily the best non-Panasonic/Pioneer plasma we've tested" in regards to its black-level performance. The site adds that while the TC-PVT30 beats it, the Samsung set in turn beats out the step-down Panasonic TC-PGT30, albeit again by only a small margin. Color performance, on the other hand, is top-shelf -- so good that CNET calls the PND8000 its "new reference for color accuracy."

ISF calibrator Chad Billheimer of HDTVbyChadB.com looks at these sets as well and is also impressed by the color performance. As far as black levels go, he says that all but the most obsessed should be pleased enough by the 51-inch PN51D8000. However, he also has the opportunity to work with the largest screen size in the series, the 64-inch PN64D8000, and says that black levels on that set are superior -- approaching those of Panasonic's best efforts. Dialing in these Samsung TVs to picture perfection is made easier by the inclusion of a wide range of picture controls for both 2D and 3D.

Speaking of 3D, this is an active shutter 3D TV, and reports indicate that it works very well. The 3D glasses, while not exactly cheap, are less expensive than last year -- coming in at around $50 each for Samsung's most basic, non-rechargeable model. Offers for free 3D glasses -- commonplace earlier this year -- have dried up, but might still be found on occasion. 3D performance is excellent, even better than Panasonic's efforts when it comes to reducing crosstalk, says CNET. However, the site adds that it still gives an edge to the Panasonic TC-PVT30 (in its THX mode) when it comes to overall 3D picture quality.

While Panasonic's 2011 Viera Connect streaming Internet portal is a step up from the company's previous offerings, Samsung's Smart Hub platform is impressive by any standards, though perhaps not quite perfect. The biggest negative is that while Smart Hub seems to have all the tools needed to provide an excellent Internet streaming experience, the toolbox could use a little work. CNET takes issue with how some of the features -- such as a search function -- work, and adds that most of the implementation is clunky.

Still, reviewers find lots to like. "Samsung has one of the most comprehensive selections of streaming media apps in 2011, especially on the video side," CNET writes. Although Amazon Instant is a major omission, just about everything else is present and accounted for. There's also an application store, and with it the promise of an evolving selection of smartphone-style apps from third-party providers. DLNA compliance lets you stream movies, music and photos from your PC. The built-in web browser is fine for casual use, but not much more. Skype support is also on board, though you'll need to spring for an accessory camera (*Est. $170) to make use of that feature. A dual-sided remote with a full QWERTY keyboard makes using all of those features easier, and built-in Wi-Fi makes linking to the net or to your PC simpler.

If the a built-in web browser and a remote control with a keyboard aren't high on your list of must-haves, you can save yourself a little bit of green by opting for a set in Samsung's PND7000 series instead. The feature line-up is otherwise identical, and picture quality is similar -- though different sites have different takes on which set has the edge.

For example, CNET names the PND7000 series as its Editors' Choice selection for 2011 despite giving it a slightly lower rating than its more expensive brand mate. In terms of performance, blacks are identical, but CNET gives the more expensive PND8000 a small edge in terms of color accuracy.

TelevisionInfo.com, on the other hand, has a completely different take. That site places the 59-inch PN59D7000 at the very top of its rankings of all HDTVs it rates, including LCD/LED TV sets. It says color accuracy is actually slightly better on the PND7000 according to the site. It also gives that plasma TV a decided edge when it comes to delivering blacker blacks and whiter whites, despite a spec sheet that seems to say the opposite should be true. Three screen sizes are available: the 51 inch PN51D7000 (*Est. $1,600) , the 59-inch PN59D7000 (*Est. $2,200) and the 64-inch PN64D7000 (*Est. $2,800)

One note: Both the Samsung PND8000 and PND7000 series have been the subject of Internet reports that an anti-reflective coating on its screens is subject to peeling. Threads at AVSForum.com, CNET and elsewhere document the issue and note that Samsung is aware of the problem and has corrected it in later runs of these sets. Owners of affected TVs can have the defect repaired under warranty.

If you want most of the features of Samsung's PND8000/PND7000 plasma TVs, but are willing to sacrifice a little performance, the company's PND6500 series might be worth a look. Though these TVs have not been extensively reviewed, TelevisionInfo.com has looked at the 51-inch Samsung PN51D6500 (*Est. $1,100) and comes away fairly impressed. David Kender says that core performance is pretty good in most regards, features are extensive and value is terrific.

With its lower contrast panel, it's fair to expect that blacks won't be as deep as the PND8000 sets, and that seems to be borne out in testing. TelevisionInfo.com is impressed by what it sees, but says that while other aspects of black performance are excellent, even Panasonic's most basic 3DTV, the TC-PST30 (profiled earlier), beat out the PND6500 in producing the deepest blacks. Color performance is strong overall. Most of the issues named are similar to what's seen with most plasma TVs -- a somewhat reflective screen that makes watching problematic in a well-lit or sunny room along with relatively high power consumption (compared with LCD TVs, especially LED TVs).

All of the must-have features are part of the package. That includes 3D support with two pair of glasses almost always available free as part of a bundle. Internet features are similar to the PND8000, with a couple of key omissions. One is Skype support. You also won't find the web browser or that two-sided clicker with full QWERTY keyboard, just a standard but still highly functional remote. Wi-Fi is, once again, built in. All of that, and good performance, leads TelevisionInfo.com to call the P51D6500 "a great value for the money." The set is also available in a 59-inch screen size as the Samsung PN59D6500 (*Est. $1,700) .

LG TVs are a good value

LG is the only other major manufacturer of plasma TVs for the U.S. market. However, we've seen relatively few reviews of the company's 2011 plasma TV models.

FlatpanelsHD.com and CNET are among those that weigh in on LG's flagship PZ950 series, which includes the 50-inch LG 50PZ950 (*Est. $1,400) and 60-inch LG 60PZ950 (*Est. $2,000) , with good but not quite glowing reviews. CNET and FlatpanelsHD.com concur that black levels are a disappointment; they are darker than many LCD TVs to be sure, but a step below the better plasma TVs, such as those from Panasonic. CNET takes that a step further by saying that even Panasonic's entry-level 3D plasma TVs showed better black-level performance.

Temporary image retention, in which a static image might persist on the screen for several moments longer than it should, is another shortfall, FlatPanelsHD.com notes; see our What to Look For section for more information. Still, Rasmus Larsen writes that value is excellent and that while it took a bit of work to get colors right, picture quality is good enough to please all but the most demanding of viewers. Features are another strength, with active shutter 3D and an impressive Internet streaming platform -- called Smart TV -- part of the overall package. LG is often complimented for its wide range of available picture adjustments, and those are in this year's plasma TVs as well.

That's not to say that these LG TVs don't have their fans. For example, Sound & Vision magazine awards the LG 50PZ950 its Certified and Recommended tag. Because of its technology, measuring black levels accurately is a challenge, Geoffrey Morrison says. However, ignoring test patterns, he calls the picture "detailed," with "seemingly accurate colors" and deep blacks. One negative is that 3D performance is less than stellar -- punctuated with active shutter glasses that gave off a noticeable buzz. Still, overall performance is terrific, and so is this TV's relative value, the review concludes. User reviews are still too limited to be completely helpful, but most give these TVs a good to great grade.

We also saw a pretty good review for LG's 50-inch 50PZ550 (*Est. $900) plasma TV at one large, independent review site. Sets in this series, which also includes the 60-inch LG 60PZ550 (*Est. $1,400) , could be a good choice for the value-oriented TV buyer who wants reasonably robust features and reasonably good performance, but at an even more wallet-friendly price. Picture performance is rated as excellent, though with a lower contrast panel than offered on the PZ950, expect black levels to fall back a notch or two further still. Color performance is good, but some banding is observed. Like lots of plasma TVs, the LG 50PZ550 doesn't play all that well in a sunlit room.

Internet features are included, but you'll find LG's older Netcast service. Netcast was ahead of its time when first introduced, but doesn't quite keep up with the breadth of offerings found in the best 2011 TVs, including the company's more upscale offerings (which feature the Smart TV platform). Still, with Netflix, Vudu, Pandora and more, there's more than enough streaming content to keep most people busy. The TV is also DLNA-certified. However, while Wi-Fi is supported, you'll need to spring for an accessory adapter (*Est. $80) to connect wirelessly. The 3D feature works reasonably well, reports say. The required active-shutter glasses are an extra-cost accessory, though you can sometimes find two pair bundled free with the plasma TV.