Budget Plasma TV

Inexpensive plasma TVs for non-picky viewers

Not long ago, the shelves of retailers were filled with low-cost plasma panels from value-oriented brands. Those have now largely disappeared, but that doesn't mean that budget buyers are out of luck. Several plasma TVs from major manufacturers offer good -- though not perfect -- performance and a decent array of features at an attractive price.

Examples include the Samsung PND550 series. These plasma TVs have good picture quality and great color performance, but black levels are on the light side compared with better sets from Samsung and other makers. Features are a mixed bag. 3D is part of the mix, but while you can connect to a PC to stream content from that, there are no Internet capabilities -- a disappointment considering the strength of the Internet offerings on Samsung's more upscale TVs. Three screen sizes are available, the 51-inch Samsung PN51D550 (*Est. $900) , 59-inch Samsung PN59D550 (*Est. $1,400) and the 64-inch Samsung PN64D550 (*Est. $2,000) .

For those on tighter budgets, Samsung's PND450 plasma TVs should be a consideration. These sets are pretty basic. Resolution is only 720p, and you won't find 3D or any kind of streaming capabilities. Reviewers haven't expressed their opinions as of yet, but owners so far seem very pleased, as evidenced by a very solid rating at Amazon.com following enough feedback for that score to be meaningful. Two screen sizes are available -- the 43-inch Samsung PN43D450 (*Est. $500) and the 51-inch Samsung PN51D450 (*Est. $625) .

We also saw praise for the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42X3 (*Est. $500) . It is called a Best Buy in one large independent review. TelevisionInfo.com is less impressed, but still says that the TV offers "decent performance at a price that won't break the bank."

Picture quality is pretty good, with blacks that are a step beyond what is normally found in value-priced TVs. Color comes in for some varied opinions, however. While one reviewer calls the color very natural, and we can see few complaints about that performance aspect in the user reviews that are beginning to accumulate, the sample tested by TelevisionInfo.com showed color performance that was far from the norm. "It will be a bit distracting when watching your favorite movies or TV shows," writes Chris Thomas. Like many plasma TVs, glare from the screen can be an issue in brightly lit rooms.

The feature lineup isn't particularly broad. The resolution is only 720p and there are no 3D capabilities. However, the TV does have built-in Internet streaming capabilities. The number of content providers is not broad, but you'll find Netflix, Amazon Instant and CinemaNow on the video side, with Pandora and Napster for audio. A Facebook app rounds out the offerings. The TV is also DLNA-compliant for streaming content from your computer. Other screen sizes include the 46-inch Panasonic TC-P46X3 (*Est. $600) and 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50X3 (*Est. $650) .

If 1080p screen resolution is a must, sets in Panasonics TC-PS30 series might be worth a look as well. We've seen one editorial review for a TV in this series, the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50S30 (*Est. $800) , and it is largely positive. Few issues are noted, and picture quality is said to compare well to pricier offerings. Internet streaming is on board, with the same roster of content providers as the TC-PX3 series. Other sets in the series include the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42S30 (*Est. $630) , 46-inch TC-P46S30 (*Est. $750) and the 60-inch TC-P60S30 (*Est. $1,300) .