Plasma TV with the Best Picture Quality

Panasonic's VT50 blows away the critics

In terms of picture quality, experts have only good things to say about the Panasonic Viera VT50. As enamored as they are with the black levels of the ST50, they're that much more impressed by what the VT50 can muster. It has black levels that are incredibly deep, say reviewers, who make comparisons to Pioneer's legendary and now discontinued Kuro sets, as well as to last year's Sharp Elite models priced at $4,600 and up.

Although lots of plasma TVs with great blacks struggle with producing bright whites, that's not a concern with the VT50; in fact, Sound+Vision calls its contrast "awe-inspiring." Coupled with Panasonic's advanced glare-fighting screen, that makes the VT50 a decent choice for viewing in well-lit spaces, something largely unheard of with earlier plasma TVs. Color performance is as good as, or better, than any set ever. The THX mode -- intended to produce the best possible picture without the aid of professional calibration -- is accurate and can be useful in getting excellent 3D picture quality.

Speaking of 3D, the VT50's performance is good as long as you make an adjustment to the set's refresh rate. Viera Connect streaming is easy to use, although perhaps not that snazzy compared to some smart interfaces. Content lineup is excellent and Wi-Fi is built in. The interface and apps load quickly thanks to a dual core processor that moves things along.

The biggest drawback to the Panasonic VT50 is its price. The 55-inch Viera TC-P55VT50 (*Est. $2,500 to $3,700) and 65-inch Viera TC-P65VT50 (*Est. $3,700) are among the most expensive plasma TVs available. In a side-by-side comparison to the ST50, the VT50's improved picture quality is tough to miss, but it's only incremental vs. rising to a whole new level. For many, that makes the VT50's premium over the ST50 a bit less attractive. Still, if you demand the very best picture quality that money can buy, the VT50 won't disappoint.

Few other plasma TVs are as highly rated in terms of pure picture quality. Samsung's flagship series, the E8000, offers a videophile-grade picture in its own right, but it's more comparable to the Panasonic ST50. The E8000 is absolutely loaded on the features front, however; we provide details when addressing Plasma TVs with the Best Features.

Panasonic's GT50 series is one step above the ST50 models in the company's plasma lineup. While it's THX certified like the much pricier VT50, picture quality is akin to the ST50. In fact, experts say that THX or no THX, black levels and color performance between the sets is identical. The GT50 adds a few tweaks and perks -- the same processor as the VT50, somewhat nicer styling and an extra HDMI input -- but whether those are worth the price bump over the ST50 is very much in question. Models include the 50-inch TC-P50GT50 (*Est. $1,450 to $2,550), 55-inch TC-P55GT50 (*Est. $1,625), 60-inch TC-P60GT50 (*Est. $1,900) and 65-inch TC-P65GT50 (*Est. $2,550).

LG is the third major maker of plasma TVs. Critics have nice things to say about the PM9700, its flagship plasma set, but all say its picture quality falls short compared to the best plasma TVs, and even some midrange and budget models from Panasonic and Samsung. Black levels are the reason. While they're still deeper and richer than those on a comparably priced LCD set, they can't compare to plasma. Some experts find a smoothing effect that can't be turned off in most picture modes an unforgivable error.

On the other hand, if you want a plasma set for a well-lit room -- where weak black levels won't be as big of a disadvantage -- the LG PM9700 could fit the bill thanks to its glare-fighting screen. It also has interesting features like a hand-motion sensing remote control and built-in WiDi, which allows the TV to act as a display for a WiDi-equipped laptop or desktop without a VGA or HDMI link. And, of course, there's 3D and Internet streaming. Sets include the 50-inch 50PM9700 (*Est. $1,185 to $1,665) and 60-inch 60PM9700 (*Est. $1,665).