Samsung PN50B850

Reviews say the 50-inch Samsung PN50B850 offers spectacular color at a high price. It's not perfect -- some reviews say even budget Panasonics offer deeper blacks among plasma TVs. However, most reviews say that the PN50B850's color accuracy approaches perfection, and at 1.2 inches thick, it's one of the thinner big-screen TVs available. The picture stands up better to bright lighting than most plasma sets, but some say the frame easily catches glare from overhead lighting. The swivel base is a major plus, but some owners complain about a buzzing sound in their sets. While the Samsung PN50B850 is a top performer, reviews tend to favor the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50V10 (*Est. $2,100) for its stronger blacks and great picture quality. The 50-inch Samsung PN50B650 (*Est. $1,240) delivers identical picture quality but has a slightly thicker and less stylish design.

The most comprehensive reviews of the 50-inch Samsung PN50B850 can be found at PCMag.com and CNET. ConsumerReports.org also weighs in, but discussion is very brief and can only be read by subscribers. User reviews aren't particularly abundant, but there are some at BestBuy.com.