Plasma TV

The end looms for analog TV

Regardless of which technology you choose, all TVs have been affected by some recent events. Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have established a firm deadline of February 2009 for the end of analog broadcasting. That means that you'll need a television with an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) compatible digital tuner in order to watch TV over the air with an antenna. Be aware that cable and satellite TV deliver their signals in a completely different way and are not affected by the change in over-the-air broadcasting.

As part of that ruling, Congress and the FCC are requiring that manufacturers include a digital tuner in new televisions. TVs equipped with a digital tuner need no additional equipment aside from an antenna to receive digital signals over the air. For cable subscribers, if the digital tuner is QAM-capable, you will also be able to receive non-premium, unscrambled HDTV and other digital content. (QAM is the transmission scheme cable companies use to distribute digital TV signals.) For premium programming you will still need an external decoder, usually a cable box.

There is a loophole, however. True monitors -- displays with no built-in tuner at all -- are exempt from the ruling. This type of tuner-less plasma display works well for those who get all of their programming from cable or satellite TV (the cable or satellite box acts as the tuner) -- but they won't work for getting TV with an antenna, either now or after the switch to digital. If you subscribe to satellite or cable, however, a plasma monitor will work just fine.

While HDMI input was not vitally important in the past, you should make sure your new plasma television has at least one HDMI input. More and more home theater equipment makes use of this connection, which makes it possible to route video and audio on a single cable, minimizing signal loss and cutting down on cable clutter. In addition, high-definition DVD players (HD-DVD and Blu-ray) require this input, which supports HDCP (a system intended to prevent people from making copies of high-definition movies).

Plasma TV vs. LCD TV

Plasma televisions and LCD TVs are both capable of delivering a relatively big picture within a thin case, but there are some differences between them.

Plasma TVs were once mainly available in 42-inch and 50-inch screen sizes, but larger sizes are now becoming more common. If you want something smaller than 42 inches, look to LCD televisions, which come in a much wider range of sizes. In 42-inch and 50-inch sizes, plasma had been less expensive than LCD, but that gap has greatly closed -- and in the case of 1080p resolution displays (currently the highest possible resolution), LCD is now the better value.

Experts still say that neither plasma nor LCD can quite equal the image you'd get from a conventional CRT-based HDTV. However, CRT TVs top out at about 32 inches, and they are both bulky and heavy. But while they might be thin, be aware that plasma TVs are still quite heavy, often requiring professional installation (for wall mounts) and good venting to keep them from overheating. LCD TVs weigh less, but they're still cumbersome to mount on a wall.

Plasma TVs are known for their better ability to display dark colors as compared to LCD TVs. This makes them a good choice for movie watching where dark scenes are common, and it's the reason why most reviewers say plasma is a better choice for a home theater. LCD TVs appear brighter, but they don't usually display details in shadowy areas as well. If your room is brightly lit, an LCD TV may be a better choice. That's because plasma TVs can sometimes look washed out in a bright room, and they often have problems with reflections and glare. The latest plasma screens have anti-reflection or anti-glare coatings, helping them better cope with ambient light. Reviewers also say that the best LCD TVs are beginning to catch up to plasma TVs in their ability to display deep blacks and good shadow detail.

Plasma TV screens have wider viewing angles than LCD flat-panel televisions. That means you can sit at more of an angle and still get the best picture. With most TV technologies, including plasma TV, the picture stays the same from virtually any angle. With LCD TVs, however, sitting too far to one side will result in a loss of brightness. In addition, LCD televisions can sometimes have problems with moving images. That's because it takes longer for LCD pixels to switch color than for plasma pixels to change. However, according to reviews, that is becoming less of a problem in the latest LCD TVs.

You may have heard of an issue called "burn-in" with plasma TVs. If you leave the same image on the screen too long, there is a small risk of it being etched permanently into the screen, creating a lasting impression. Text "crawls" across the bottoms of news stations and network logos are particular problems. New technology, however, reduces the risk of burn-in, and analysts at PC Magazine say that burn-in is no longer a concern. LCD TVs have no burn-in risk.

Plasma TV panels contain a gas that loses brightness over time. Because of that, some buyers have been concerned about the life expectancy of a plasma TV. However, the latest sets have panels that are rated to last up to 60,000 hours before they lose half their brightness, which translates to over 20 years if you watch TV eight hours a day. Clearly, most buyers will have long since replaced their TVs before the plasma panel wears out.

Virtually all plasma TVs today are HD (high definition), with screen resolutions of 1024 x 768 or 1024 x 1024 (for 42-inch TVs) or 1366 x 768 pixels (for 50-inch and larger TVs). While that's still not quite enough to do 1080i HDTV full justice, all the models can easily handle 720p, which is the other commonly used HDTV standard. (For more on HD resolutions, see our report on HDTV .) Full-resolution (1920 x 1080) plasma displays are also now becoming more available in sizes ranging from 42 to 65 inches.

Best plasma HDTVs

At the high end of the market, Pioneer and Pioneer Elite plasma TVs and monitors get the best reviews. Kuro is a Japanese word meaning the darkest black possible, and reviews and previews say that Pioneer's eighth-generation plasma displays, which carry the KURO sub-brand, live up to that description.

CNet.com bestows an Editors' Choice award on the 50-inch Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD (*est. $3,500) . According to reviewer David Katzmaier, "black-level performance is one of the most important aspects of picture quality," and on that score, the Pioneer PDP-5080HD delivers like no other plasma TV the site has tested to date. In fact, it provides the best black levels ever measured by CNet.com for a non-CRT set of any kind. Robert Wiley, in his review for the Plasma TV Buying Guide, is also impressed, complimenting the Pioneer plasma TV's "deep, rich black levels and beautiful saturated colors - especially with HD content."

The Pioneer PDP-5080HD is a 720p display; all incoming HD and SD signals are scaled to fit its 1,366 x 768 pixel native resolution. While that resolution is not as high as a 1080p HDTV, many experts say that at normal seating distances, most people really can't tell the difference. Picture quality is good even out of the box, according to Wiley, though he recommends taking it out of the factory default "torch" mode by selecting either the Standard or Cinema mode for a more "natural" picture. In critical viewing tests, reviewers note that the Pioneer PDP-5080HD is capable of rendering exquisite detail, including shadow detail. Color is excellent, but not perfect. Video processing is first rate with both HD and SD signals.

The Pioneer PDP-5080HD is feature packed. One of the biggest knocks against plasma displays has been their propensity to reflect ambient light. Pioneer uses an anti-glare screen technology that critics say is fairly effective, though some anti-reflective matte screens used by other manufacturers are more effective still. There are lots of inputs -- more than any other HDTV reviewed to date, according to CNet.com -- and each can be adjusted independently. There are also four additional independent picture memories. Reviews say that navigating through everything is easier than it sounds, thanks to a well-laid-out remote control and an excellent on-screen menu system. Other niceties include picture-in-picture, CableCard support, TV Guide channel guide and a game mode that's said to decrease lag time. The Pioneer PDP-5080HD is also available in a 42-inch screen size as the PDP-4280HD (*est. $2,110) . We've not seen any reviews of that set, but experts expect it will perform similarly.

Last time around, we noted that the 42-inch Pioneer Elite Pro-940HD was very well received by both critics and users. That set has now been replaced by the Pioneer Elite KURO Pro-950HD (*est. $3,200). Although this plasma TV has been on the market since July, we've yet to see a professional review or even many user reviews of it or its 50-inch sibling, the Pioneer Elite KURO Pro-1150HD (*est. $3,890). Pioneer Elite TVs are sold only through a select network of dealers, usually at or near MSRP -- and purchasing from an unauthorized dealer could invalidate the company's warranty. The Elite line adds a host of features and extras, but perhaps the most noteworthy is the Home Media Gallery, which allows you to hook up the TV to your home network, allowing you to stream photos and video from a computer.

While all of the above-mentioned plasma TVs are 720p televisions, Pioneer has also just begun shipping its 1080p KURO-branded models. Again, there are no formal reviews of these sets, which include the 50-inch Pioneer KURO PDP-5010FD (*est. $4,000) , the 60-inch KURO PDP-6010FD (*est. $4,990) , the 50-inch Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD (*est. $6,000) and the 60-inch KURO PRO-150FD (*est. $7,500). However, critics who have seen the sets, albeit under admittedly controlled conditions, are impressed. For example, Thomas J. Norton at Ultimate AV magazine says that "these new Pioneer plasmas look like winners." Look for more information in our next update.

While critics rave about the overall picture quality and black levels of the Pioneer Elite plasma TVs and monitors reviewed above, they add that some Panasonic plasma displays come close to Pioneer's overall picture quality. The company offers plasma sets with either 720p or 1080p resolution, and all have done generally well in reviews.

The Panasonic PX75U and step-up PX77U series are both 720p HDTVs. The televisions in the Panasonic PX77U series, including the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX77U (*est. $1,650) , have an anti-reflective coating that initial reviews say does a solid job of cutting down on reflections and making viewing in brightly lit rooms much better. The Panasonic TH-50PX77U also includes extensive picture controls and independent input memories. In the reviews we've seen, picture quality is generally called very good, with great black levels and shadow detail.

Panasonic also offers the TV in a 42-inch screen size as the Panasonic TH-42PX77U (*est. $1,230) . In his review at CNet.com, David Katzmaier says that the Panasonic TH-42PX77U falls short of its 50-inch sibling. Black-level performance -- although excellent in its own right and better than that of many other plasma TVs -- did not quite measure up to that of the TH-50PX77U, and more image noise was seen.

While there are some styling differences, the biggest difference between the Panasonic PX77U series and the less expensive PX75U series -- including the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PX75U (*est. $1,095) and 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX75U (*est. $1,500) -- is that the latter lack the anti-reflective screen.

Among 1080p plasma HDTVs, Panasonic offers two very similar lines. Reports say that the chief difference between the PZ700U and PZ750U series is that the latter includes an extra front-panel HDMI input. There's also a Pro Setting Mode that Panasonic says makes it possible for users to do their own professional-quality calibration and a Studio Reference Mode picture setting that's said to deliver the same colors as seen on a studio reference monitor. While all say these are nice features to have, some reviewers question whether they are worth the extra cost.

In his review for Sound & Vision magazine, Al Griffin says that even though the performance of the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (*est. $2,600) falls short of the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1, it is still good enough to earn his "enthusiastic recommendation." Image quality is called crisp, with great contrast and shadow detail. Griffin notes that greens are oversaturated by the numbers, but that they never looked "artificial or overly pumped up" on the screen. He does, however, note occasional banding artifacts. Upconversion of SD signals also was not as good as with some other sets, a defect echoed by David Katzmaier in his CNet.com review of the 58-inch Panasonic TH-58PZ700U (*est. $3,685) . A 42-inch version -- the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U (*est. $1,800) -- is also available. It scores well in the only review we've seen for it, though experts question if 42 inches is really too small to do 1080p justice.

In terms of features, the Panasonic PZ700U series is not particularly robust. You won't find picture-in-picture or CableCard support, and there are just two HDMI inputs. There is an SD memory slot for viewing still photos, and the TV supports Panasonic's EZ Sync HDAVI control system, which lets you control compatible components with a press of the remote's button. Picture adjustment options are adequate, but color temperature adjustments are limited to three presets. The step-up PZ750U series includes the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ750U (*est. $2,750) and 58-inch TH-58PZ750U (*est. $3,685) . As mentioned above, those sets include an extra HDMI input and additional picture modes. All of Panasonic's PZ700U and PZ750U series 1080p HDTVs have an anti-reflective screen coating.

Finally, Panasonic has just unveiled its new PZ77U series of 1080p plasma HDTVs. The series, which includes the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PZ77U (*est. $1,800) and the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ77U (*est. $2,800) , is noteworthy for its aggressive pricing. According to PC Magazine's Robert Herron, the series uses the same plasma panel as in the PZ700U series, but has a different speaker package and lacks a VGA port. Also, Heron says that the anti-reflective coating is replaced by an anti-glare coating. We've yet to see any feedback on these TVs; check back for a full report in our next update.

While Panasonic and Pioneer usually come out on top in comparisons of plasma TVs, a few other manufacturers have begun to enter the picture. Samsung, for example, has turned some heads with their 50-inch Samsung HP-T5064 (*est. $1,800) and 42-inch Samsung HP-T4264 (*est. $1,400) . CNet.com's David Katzmaier compares the 720p HP-T5064 to the Panasonic TH-50PX77U, saying that black levels are similar and color accuracy is better, but that the Samsung has more problems with glare. But taken as a whole, he says that "the Samsung HP-T5064 is finally a worthy competitor against the Alpha-caliber Panasonics and Pioneers of the plasma dog pile."

Other reviewers share Katzmaier's assessment. In a four-HDTV roundup, Scott Wilkinson declares the Panasonic TH-50PX77U the "black champ," but notes that the blacks on the Samsung HP-T5064 are superb in their own right and that "colors really popped." He adds that skin tones are completely natural and that there are plenty of shadow details. Katzmaier says that when the Panasonic and Samsung monitors are compared side by side, the Samsung's black is just a shade lighter, but that the difference is so minor that it would likely be impossible to see outside of direct comparison. The Samsung's connectivity is good, with three HDMI inputs.

Some reviews complain about a little false contouring. One review, not echoed elsewhere, reports a jerkiness with still images and test patterns that was not evident in normal video. Everyone says that the Samsung HP-T5064 is a decent SD performer. Reviews say that the 42-inch Samsung HP-T4264 performs similarly.

Budget plasma TVs

While a number of relatively unknown makers have been busy introducing low-cost panels, few come close to the performance of the Pioneer and Panasonic. However, Vizio plasma TVs have captured the attention of reviewers for their picture quality, which is said to be only slightly behind that of the best plasma TVs, and actually superior to the offerings from some better-known names. Even more surprisingly, that picture quality comes at a price that is near the very bottom of the market. One issue is availability; Vizio products can be harder to find than others.

The 50-inch (*est. $1,300) is earning acclaim from lots of reviewers. All say that no one will confuse the image with that of the better Pioneer or Panasonic plasma displays, but that it's still pretty good in its own right -- and will look great to most families and less-critical viewers. Among the surprises on such a budget TV is the inclusion of a Faroudja DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) video processor. Reviewers such as Lawrence E. Ullman at The Perfect Vision and Al Griffin at Sound & Vision magazine say that this processor does a superior job of scaling and deinterlacing all image resolutions to the panel's native 1366 x 768 resolution. As a result, the Vizio P50 HDTV actually outperforms a number of higher-rated TVs when it comes to handling standard-definition television signals -- important if you don't watch exclusively high-def TV content.

Otherwise, black levels and shadow detail are good, but not quite up to the standards set by the best in the market. Reviewers note some image defects, including excess false contouring and video noise. We also saw a few comments about a too-blue color balance out-of-the-box. That's an issue that normally can be fixed by changing a TV's color temperature setting, but that relatively common user adjustment is missing on this set. But overall, color accuracy is good. Quibbles aside, everyone agrees that given its low price, the Vizio P50 HDTV is an outstanding value.

Not that long ago, a 60-inch plasma TV was well out of reach of most budgets. Prices are dropping, but the Vizio VM60P (*est. $2,500) sets a new benchmark in that regard. Reviews say image quality is a mixed bag, but the value of a decent-performing, 60-inch flat panel at a sub-$3,000 price point is impossible to ignore.

If you demand the best image quality, reviews say the Vizio VM60P will leave you wanting. But if 'pretty good' will do, this plasma TV holds its own. Experts say black levels and color are fine. Unlike the Vizio P50, the Faroudja deinterlacer is missing here, and that negatively impacts performance with standard-definition input. One potential red flag noted in two reviews is an issue with image retention (ghosting).

The third Vizio plasma TV getting some positive acclaim is the Vizio VP42 (*est. $850). Reviews say that it has a rare combination of low price and above average performance. PC Magazine likes the VP42 enough to have named it an Editors' Choice.

Like other Vizio plasma TVs, the VP42 won't beat the best in a head-to-head image-quality competition. However, black levels are good considering the price. Color is solid, and there are enough user adjustments -- including color temperature -- to get things close to perfect. However, some reviews note that green is shifted slightly toward blue, and some edges are oversharpened. Connectivity is called good, as is ease of use.

We also saw a few nice comments about the 50-inch LG 50PC5D (*est. $1,700) . No reviewer says that the picture quality is as good as Pioneer and Panasonic plasma TVs, but image quality is considered acceptable, and the TV is inexpensive for its size (the 50-inch Vizio TV is even less expensive, however).

CNet.com compares the LG plasma TV to three highly rated HDTVs -- the Pioneer PRO-FHD1, Panasonic TH-50PH9UK (now discontinued) and Samsung HP-T5064 -- and says that the LG 50PC5D produces black levels that are very competitive. Reviews say that shadow detail and color are also very good, though perhaps not as good as better displays. Noise reduction, however, is subpar according to multiple reviewers, and the set struggles to properly deinterlace 1080i video. The TV is also available in a 42-inch screen size as the LG 42PC5D (*est. $1,090) and reports say that it performs similarly to its 50-inch sibling.

Plasma HD monitors

HD-ready plasma displays are just that - they aren't fully HDTVs because they don't come with tuners, speakers or even a stand. However, if you get your TV from cable or satellite and plan to use external speakers, some plasma displays get exceptional reviews. Be sure to budget for a wall mount or table stand.

Pioneer also continues to offer its Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 (*est. $3,500), a 50-inch 1080p monitor (with no tuners). Critics are simply floored by the image quality of the display. In his review for Sound & Vision, veteran reviewer Al Griffin calls the picture stunning, adding that the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 "sets a new standard." Like other Pioneer Elite sets, the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 is packed with features, including lots of picture controls -- perhaps too many for some users. Other pluses are lots of display modes that work with both standard- and high-definition signals, a multi-screen function for watching two programs side by side, and twin HDMI inputs. The remote is called clean and uncluttered, although its not backlit.

Reviews also say there are two critical issues that dampen enthusiasm for the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1. First, since this display is a monitor, there are no integrated tuners. That means that while it's fine for those who get all of their TV from satellite or cable, the television can't receive over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna. The Pioneer PRO-FHD1 also doesn't come with a stand or speakers (though it does have a built-in audio amplifier). But the main issue for most shoppers is the huge price tag, twice or three times what you'd pay for a 50-inch plasma TV with lower (but still high-def) 720p resolution. The Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is also considerably more expensive than newer 1080p plasma displays, which critics say offer performance that's almost as good.

Panasonic's professional plasma monitors get very high ratings for image quality in reviews. Like all monitors, Panasonic plasma monitors don't have tuners, and speakers and a stand are extras as well. Connectivity is also very limited, and even an HDMI input -- something many people will want to have -- is available only as an extra-cost option.

Still, if you plan to use a cable or satellite box and plan to use your own audio setup, these are some of the best plasma displays on the market. Dick De Jong at HDTV Solutions says that the picture quality of the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PH10UK (*est. $1,070) is excellent with all types of programming, and "a delight" with HD. He is especially taken with the blacks, which he says create a strong foundation and colors that are richer overall. In his review of the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PH10UK (*est. $1,700) , Plasma TV Buying Guide's Robert Wiley says that "images are exceptionally sharp and crisp." He adds that colors are adjusted for realism, and look great right out of the box. Setup is simple as well.

There aren't many other features aside from a PIP (picture-in-picture) function that lets you watch two sources simultaneously. We'd seen complaints about deinterlacing performance in earlier generations of this monitor, but that's an issue that Panasonic seems to have licked this time around, with Wiley calling image processing excellent, adding that standard-definition images are much improved over earlier efforts.

The Panasonic TH-42PH10UK and TH-50PH10UK are 720p monitors. Panasonic has joined Pioneer in offering 1080p plasma products, and we've seen some generally positive reviews for the company's 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PF9UK (*est. $2,635) . Even though those who've looked at both generally prefer the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1, picture performance is actually quite close. The gap in features and connectivity is another story, however. Neither the Pioneer nor Panasonic monitors have a stand or speakers, but the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 is loaded with features and has excellent connectivity, while the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK, like all Panasonic professional monitors, has few features and very limited connectivity out of the box -- even an HDMI input is an extra-cost option. But -- again like all Panasonic professional monitors -- black levels are deep, rich and arguably the best available from any plasma.

Peter Putman at HDTVexpert.com notes that Panasonic's image quality is good enough to use as a reference monitor for many applications. However, he notes that the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK does struggle a little when deinterlacing 1080i images. If 50 inches is not large enough, Panasonic also offers the 65-inch TH-65PF9UK (*est. $6,960) and, if you can believe it, the 103-inch Panasonic 103PF9UK (*est. $70,000).

Important Features: Plasma TV

Reviews say you should consider the following factors when shopping for a plasma TV:

• Decide whether you want plasma or LCD. Plasma TVs display deeper blacks and do better with details in dark scenes than LCD TVs, but they suffer from reflections in well-lit rooms, though anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings help. LCD TVs are brighter, but they typically have a narrower viewing angle. On a cost-per-inch basis, plasma TVs are cheaper, but LCD TVs often have higher resolution and are available in more screen sizes.

• Picture-in-picture allows you to view two video sources at once, with one appearing as an inset in a small window on the screen. Single-tuner PIP lets you watch TV in one window and another source (such as a DVD) in the second window. A set with two tuners enables you to watch two television sources at once.

• Look for at least one HDMI input. Most new cable and satellite TV boxes, DVD players and other digital signal sources use this port, which keeps the signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components (such as a cable box). HDMI carries high-definition audio as well as video. HDMI inputs are a must for watching high-definition DVDs (with an HD-DVD or Blu-ray DVD player), and because they support HDCP copy protection, they will become even more important in the future.

• Match TV size to the size of your room. Because HDTVs have much higher resolution than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would. That means you can get away with a bigger screen in a smaller room.

• Decide on the resolution. While there's been lots of buzz about HDTVs that have 1080p resolution, many experts say that at screen sizes below 50 inches, most people can't see the extra detail at typical seating distances. If you sit ten feet or more away from the screen and/or your screen is less than 50 inches, a 720p HDTV can be a sensible and economical choice.

• Shop around for prices. In our research, we often found large price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around. Note that the lowest prices sometimes come from unauthorized dealers, which, depending on the manufacturer, can cause problems if something goes wrong; see below.

• Verify that the plasma TV comes with a stand or mounting hardware. Most plasma TVs come with a basic table stand. Wall-mounting hardware is an option (usually about $200). Industrial displays don't come with either, so plan on spending an additional $100 to $300 for a stand or a wall-mount kit.

• Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. If you buy a Pioneer plasma TV or a Sharp LCD TV from an unauthorized dealer, for example, you've probably voided your manufacturer warranty, though the retailer may offer a substitute warranty. While there can be a substantial difference in price between authorized and unauthorized dealers, if you plan on buying from the latter, be sure to calculate your threshold for risk on such a large purchase, and ask the dealer about warranty coverage.

If you aren't completely attached to the idea of a flat panel, you get more big screen and higher resolution for your money with one of the latest 1080p rear-projection TVs (RPTVs). In fact, it's possible to find a 60-inch 1080p RPTV for less than the price of a 50-inch 720p plasma television. RPTVs are much thinner (around 18 inches) and lighter than the CRT-based rear-projection TVs of the past. Shallower depth RPTVs (some less than 14 inches deep) are also becoming more readily available this year. Please see our separate report for more information on projection TV .

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Pioneer PDP-5080HD (*est. $3,500)	details
3	Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (*est. $2,600)	details
3	Vizio VM60P (*est. $2,500)	details
3	Vizio P50 (*est. $1,300)	details
3	Panasonic TH-50PF9UK (*est. $2,635)	details
3	Panasonic TH-50PZ750U (*est. $2,750)	details
3	Samsung HP-T5064 (*est. $1,800)	details
2	Samsung HP-T4264 (*est. $1,400)	details
2	Panasonic TH-42PX77U (*est. $1,230)	details
2	Panasonic TH-50PH10UK (*est. $1,700)	details
2	Vizio VP42 HDTV (*est. $850)	-
2	LG 50PC5D (*est. $1,700)	details
1 each	HP PL4272N, Hitachi P50S601 , LG 42PC5D , Panasonic TH-42PH10UK , Panasonic TH-65PF9UK , Panasonic TH-50PX77U , Panasonic TH-42PZ700U, Panasonic TH-50PX75U , Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1, Philips 42PFP5332D

Pioneer, Panasonic and Vizio plasma TVs are the most favored brands in reviews, though some other manufacturers, most notably Samsung, are starting to catch up. Pioneer makes the most sophisticated plasma TVs and the best pictures overall, according to reviews. The company's 720p KURO PDP-5080HD has debuted to rave reviews, and the just-shipping 1080p KURO HDTVs are expected to be excellent displays. Panasonic professional plasma monitors produce what are arguably the deepest blacks for the most cinematic viewing experience, and Panasonic's consumer-level plasma TVs are good all-around performers. Vizio plasma HDTVs are turning heads with their low prices and surprising performance. While the image quality is not quite as good as that of sets from higher-rated brands, it does not trail by that much.

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