Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U

Reports say that Panasonic's PZ800U plasma TVs -- including the 58-inch Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U -- deliver some of the best images of any plasma TV available today. This set is noteworthy for earning THX display certification and including a calibrated THX Movie Mode that automatically adjusts critical picture settings to deliver a movie theater-level viewing experience at home. Reports add that colors in the THX mode are among the most accurate of any display using any technology, and black levels are nearly the deepest available. If you want a 58-inch screen, but are on a tighter budget, the Samsung PN58A550 (*est. $2,450) bears consideration. Blacks aren't quite as deep, but color performance, video processing and noise reduction all add up to fine picture quality. Ease of use is another plus.

Coverage of larger plasma TVs, including the 58-inch Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U, can be harder to come by, but CNET has a wonderfully detailed report on this particular set. Other reviewers provide ample feedback on other screen sizes in the PZ800U series, and the performance should be similar. Those include ConsumerReports.org, Sound & Vision magazine and Ultimate AV magazine. Some limited user reviews can be read at Amazon.com, while an active owners discussion is hosted at AVSForum.com.