For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
by David Katzmaier
CNet.com reviews more plasma TVs than just about any other reviewer, with most top choices winding up on this list. While some reviewers go even deeper, CNet's write ups are far more detailed than those of… Consumer Reports (see below). In addition, we appreciate that CNet has taken great pains to detail their testing methodology -- including how they obtain TVs for testing -- which adds to the site's credibility. The Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111FD is identified as the "pinnacle of flat-panel HDTV picture quality," but it's "extremely expensive." CNet also identifies several more reasonably priced plasma TVs that perform nearly as well, including the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U, which is named an Editors' Choice. The TV's bigger-screen sibling, the Panasonic TH-58PZ800U, is similarly honored, but strangely not listed here.
by David Katzmaier
by Editors of Consumer Reports
While Consumer Reports rates lots of plasma TVs -- 25 in its latest report -- each set only gets a few paragraphs of discussion, offering much less detail than other reviewers. In addition, we are a little… bothered that 15 of the 25 rate well enough to earn a recommendation. On the plus side, Consumer Reports updates its ratings on a regular basis, and those ratings are based on competent and thorough testing. Though the most recent report is not dated, it is current and most -- but not all -- models are still in production.
by David Birch-Jones
Site navigation here is a nuisance as it centers more on style than ease-of-use, but the content is worthwhile as this is one of the better comparative reviews of plasma HDTVs we found -- though it would… have been better still if all the TVs were of the same screen size. Discussion isn't particularly extensive, but important points are covered and ratings for features, performance with HD and SD signals, value and more are provided. There's also a to-the-point box saying who should consider each HDTV, and who should look elsewhere. Recommended settings and a bottom line assessment for each HDTV are other pluses. The Panasonic TH-42PZ800U and Samsung PN50A760 are singled out as especially good performers.
by Corinne Iozzio and Robert Heron
by Editors of Sound & Vision
Sound & Vision magazine occasionally tests plasma TVs in highly detailed, single-set reports and multi-set roundups. Highest-rated products earn a Sound & Vision Certified and Recommended rating, and those… plasma TVs that the magazine says are "the best gear to buy right now" also appear in this listing. Only one plasma TV, the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U, makes the grade, but the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD also earns a Certified and Recommended award in its review elsewhere on this site.
by Editors of Home Theater
by Editors of Ultimate AV
by Editors of PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com
This site lacks some of the professionalism of more highly rated reviews, but the tests seem to be fairly done and offer lots of detail. We especially appreciate the inclusion of detailed calibration… results and the listings of the other equipment used in each review. Ratings are provided, but a table summarizing them is cluttered by the inclusion of lots of discontinued TVs. The Samsung PN50A650 is the highest scoring current plasma TV.
by David Birch-Jones
by Chris Boylan
by Geoffrey Morrison
by Contributors to AVSForum.com
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
by Contributors to Amazon.com
by Editors of HomeTheaterReview.com
HomeTheaterReview.com is a relatively new site -- at least to us -- but they've seemed to accumulate a decent number of plasma TV reviews in the time they've been around. That's the good news. The bad news… is that the reports are on the superficial side. Based on comments, some testing is clearly being done, but the bulk of the write-ups are consumed with discussions of features that could just as easily be gleaned from manufacturer literature. High points, low points and a conclusion are provided, but no best TV is clearly identified.
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
by Robert Silva
This is a list of "favorite" plasma televisions, compiled by Robert Silva, About.com's Guide to Home Theater. Unfortunately, nowhere is the criteria for earning a spot on this list spelled out, and there is… no sign that any actual testing has been done. Though a few discontinued plasma TVs remain listed, Silva also includes some of the latest models. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but is not affiliated editorially.)
by Contributors to Epinions
by Contributors to Wal-Mart.com
by Lincoln Spector
PC World reviews are a bit of a disappointment. Testing is clearly being done, but descriptions are brief. Value and design are given far greater weight than performance in some cases. Some odd comments and… odd decisions are sprinkled throughout. One example is not testing the Panasonic TH-46PZ800U in its THX mode -- which deprives readers of a hands-on evaluation of that TV's most noteworthy feature.
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