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 more cinematic movie-watching, and they do a better job of handling fast motion. On the other hand, LCD televisions usually look brighter and 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 smaller screens, down to 32 inches; larger screens, up to 63 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 TVs that offer similar screen sizes and performance.

We found the most comprehensive plasma TV reviews at CNet.com, which tests the widest variety of models. Consumer Reports magazine also regularly performs thorough, comparative testing of picture and sound quality of plasma TVs. While this magazine tests large numbers of plasma TVs, CNet's reviews are far more detailed and current.

Sound & Vision magazine also does detailed single-TV reviews and occasional multi-set roundups, but covers fewer plasma TVs than CNet.com or Consumer Reports. Playback Magazine, PC Magazine, Home Theater magazine and Ultimate AV also do a good job of covering plasma TVs, but the coverage is even more sporadic. User reviews, particularly at retailer sites such as BestBuy.com and Amazon.com are also often helpful, as are the sometimes long and detailed discussions found at enthusiast forums such as AVSForum.com.

Prices for plasma TVs continue to drop and some budget brands are receiving great reviews for performance and especially value. For example, Vizio has gained a following with experts and users for its line of plasma TVs. No one says that the image quality of the company's offerings beats that of a Pioneer, Samsung or Panasonic plasma TV. However, reports do agree that the picture is not all that far behind and is certainly good enough to satisfy even moderately picky home-theater buffs.

Even some typically maligned house brands are finding new respect. For example, Best Buy's Insignia moniker sometimes draws snickers from the technologically snobbish, but the line includes 50-inch 720p and 1080p plasma TVs that each earn a recommendation in one professional comparative review. Value is the biggest reason why, but picture quality -- while certainly a step or two behind the very best -- is not bad in its own right. There are enough user reviews now posted for the 50-inch 720p Insignia NS-PSP50 (*Est. $1,000) and 50-inch 1080p Insignia NS-PDP50HD-09 (*Est. $1,300) to confirm that the sets deliver what they promise -- acceptable picture quality at a hard-to-beat price.