Plasma HD Monitors

Plasma monitors lack tuners, speakers

HD-ready plasma displays aren't full HDTVs because they don't come with integrated tuners, speakers or even a stand. However, if you get your TV from cable or satellite and plan to use external speakers, plasma displays can be a good option, and some receive exceptional reviews.

For those looking for the very best image possible -- and willing to pay for it -- the Panasonic Premier series of HD monitors bears some consideration. It includes the 65-inch Panasonic Premier TH-65VX100U (*Est. $9,995) and the 50-inch Panasonic Premier TH-50VX100U (*Est. $5,000). Both monitors are marketed for luxury custom home installations and are hard to find in regular stores or from online retailers.

Most reviewers look at the 65-inch member of the series and are floored by the picture quality. It doesn't meet the standard set by Pioneer's Kuro sets, but neither does any other display.

Like all monitors, features are sparse to nonexistent. You can order extras, such as a stand, but be prepared to pay a hefty price for them. For example, a stand for the TH-65VX100U sells for $1,000. Connectivity is limited, and there's not a way to feed a standard definition signal to the display out of the box. Optional inputs can be added at additional cost. There are no tuners of any kind, but that's not a deal breaker for those who get their programming via a cable TV or satellite TV box-top set. There's a built-in stereo amp, but no built-in speakers (any speakers will do, reports say). Power consumption is on the high side.