Plasma TV Review

Best reviews and research on plasma TVs

LCD TVs and plasma TVs are both thin and wall-mountable, but plasma TVs can generally achieve deeper black levels, making for a more cinematic movie-watching experience, and they do a better job of handling fast motion. On the other hand, LCD televisions usually look brighter and often have fewer problems with glare (see our separate report on LCD TVs). In the past, most plasma TVs came in 42-inch or 50-inch sizes (measured diagonally). But now larger screens, up to 65 inches, and in-between screen sizes, such as 46 inches, are starting to become more common. Still, LCD TVs are available in a wider range of sizes and offer many more options for screen sizes. Though the gap has closed considerably, plasma remains at least a little cheaper than LCD among similar TVs.

Despite some powerful advantages, including cost and deeper black levels, plasma TV has been rapidly losing market share to its LCD competitors. Pioneer, maker of some of the most expensive and best-performing plasma TVs, and Vizio, maker of well regarded, value-priced plasma TVs, announced earlier this year that their then-current generation of plasma TVs would be their last. The departure of Pioneer was not unexpected; signs that things were not going well on the TV front had been evident for quite some time. Still, plasma TV fans went into mourning, as Pioneer's Kuro line of displays is regarded as some of the best -- and most expensive -- consumer-grade TVs.

Though these moves have led consumers and some experts to question whether plasma TV technology is dying, most industry watchers insist that plasma TV will be a viable consumer technology for some time to come. In an article at HDGuru.com, LG, Samsung and Panasonic representatives all express continuing support for the technology and say plasma represents a significant share -- as much as half in some cases -- of each company's big-screen TV sales. All three companies have introduced a number of new plasma displays in 2009.

In compiling this report, we found the most comprehensive coverage at CNET and ConsumerReports.org. Both review lots of TVs and conduct competent testing, though CNET provides much more discussion and, unlike ConsumerReports.org, doesn't require a subscription. Lots of other sites do a good job of covering plasma TVs but don't report on nearly as many models. Those who want lots of technical details will enjoy the reports at HDGuru.com and TelevisionInfo.com, while Home Theater magazine, PCMag.com and Sound & Vision magazine do nearly as comprehensive a job.