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Top Plasma Televisions - EDTV and HDTV Plasma Televisions

From Robert Silva,
Your Guide to Home Theater.
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Plasma television is finally becoming a viable alternative to those bulky tube and projection sets as prices are coming down and a variety of screen sizes are available. As a result, many mainstream consumers, unexpectedly, have dug deep into their pockets to purchase these units. It may be that the idea hanging the TV on the wall and regaining all that wasted floor space definitely offers more pleasing asthetics over staring at a "box". Check out some of my Plasma television favorites.

1. Pioneer PDP6010FD Kuro 60-inch Plasma Television

The PDP6010FD is part of Pioneer's KURO line that offers several enhancements, including an impressive black level, excellent motion response, and stand out color rendering. I had a chance to see the KURO prototypes at CES 2007 and now that they are on the market, they look as good now and their prototype counterparts. The PDP6010FD offers a large 60-inch screen, 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, and both NTSC and ATSC television tuners. Pioneer Plasmas are more expensive than many of their same size counterparts in other brands, but definitely take a comparison look between the PDP6010FD and other 60-inch Plasma sets. I think you will see a difference that may justify the extra cash.
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2. Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-inch Plasma Television

Panasonic is "hot" on Plasma. The TH-46PZ85U is one of latest and features a new 46-inch screen size for Plasma sets. This screen size provides a 20-percent increase over a traditional 42-inch set, but doesn't take up too much more space. Size isn't the only great feature of this set. The TH-46PZ85U offers 1920x1080p (1080p) native pixel resolution, and a native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, resulting in very good black level and color performance. Practical conveniences include ATSC and QAM tuners, 3 HDMI inputs, SD Card Slot, and PC monitor input. If you have been looking at 46-inch screen size LCD televisions, you might also consider checking out the 46-inch Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U Plasma TV for comparison.
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3. Pioneer PDP-5080HD KURO 50-Inch Plasma Television

If you want a flexibility and performance in an HDTV, the PDP-5080HD may be for you. This Plasma TV is only 4 1/2 inches thick, making it easily wall mountable. In additon, 5080HD has a 1365x768 native pixel display, wide contrast ratio, progressive scan detection, improved black level, and wider color bandwidth. In addition, this set features 4 HDMI ver1.3 inputs, which can accept a 24frame/1080p signal from sources such as Blu-ray Disc players. Also included: Two analog NTSC tuners, an ATSC HDTV tuner, SRS audio processing, and built-in digital stereo amplifier with a subwoofer output. This set is pricey, but with the latest version of HDMI connectivity and a stunning image, the PDP-5080HD may be worth that extra dip into your pocketbook.
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4. Samsung PN58A550 58-inch Plasma TV

If you are looking for a large screen Plasma Television, the Samsung PN58A550 is worthing checking out. This set has a native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), and also includes both ATSC and QAM tuners, 3 HDMI inputs (including one side input), a very wide 175 degree viewing angle, swivel stand, and a long 100,000 hour-rated screen life. Also, this set is exceptionally bright and features an excellent Contrast Ratio. In addition, if you don't have a separate home theater audio system, the PN58A550 also features SRS TruSurround XT audio processing backed up by a 15 watts x 2 stereo amplifier. If you have been waiting to get into Plasma, then check out the great images on the large 58-inch screen of the Samsung PN58A550.
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5. Hitachi UltraVision P50V701 50-inch Plasma TV

Hitachi TVs are little harder to find, but are definitely worth seeking out. The P50V701 features a 50-inch, high resolution 1920x1080 (1080p), 16x9 screen with built-in NTSC and ATSC tuners, 3 HDMI inputs (including one in front) and 2 HD-component inputs, as well as an SD card slot for viewing still images. In addition, a 20-watt (10watt x 2) built-in stereo amplifier is provided. Also included is Reel60 video processing which eliminates artifacts and smooths motion on film-based material. This television delivers image quality that is very consistent and well balanced, with excellent contrast, color, and detail. The P50V701 even has a powered swivel base that makes positioning very easy. Check it out.
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6. Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50-inch Plasma Television

The Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50-inch Plasma television is a great centerpiece for a home theater. Features include: 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 30,000:1 native contrast ratio, and an anti-reflective filter. Inputs include 3 HDMI, 2 HD-component, and VGA (PC Monitor). In addition, this set has built-in ATSC/QAM tuners, for over-the-air and unscrambled HD cable reception, as well as an SD card slot for playback of digital still photos. The TH-50PZ85U delivers an excellent image from DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, HD-Cable, or HD-Satellite. If you are considering the purchase of a Plasma television, and have been searching something affordable in the 50-inch screen size, with 1080p native resolution, check out the Panasonic TH-50PZ85U.
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7. Panasonic TH-42PZ85U 42-inch 1080p Plasma Television

The 42-inch Panasoic TH-42PZ85U plasma television delivers great image quality at a very reasonable price. This set features full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, which is rare for a 42-inch Plasma. Also, this set has an impressive 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. Inputs are not a problem with the TH-42PZ85U as there are plenty, including, HDMI, HD-Component, and VGA. Also, this set has both ATSC and QAM tuners for receiving high definition HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable programs, and an SD card slot for digital photo playback. One great thing about the TH-42PZ85U's 42-inch screen size is that you don't need a large room to enjoy full 1080p high definition. The set is great for Blu-ray Disc or Upscaling DVD players.
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8. Samsung PN50A550 50-inch Plasma TV

50-inches is now the most common screen size for Plasma televisions. However, unlike some 50-inch plasma sets, the Samsung PN50A550 offer a full high definition native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), bolstered by a 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. Needless to say, the images on this set are excellent. In addition, the PN50A550 includes both ATSC and QAM tuners, 3 HDMI inputs (including one side input), a very wide 175 degree viewing angle, swivel stand, and a long 100,000 hour-rated screen life. The PN50A550 also features SRS TruSurround XT audio processing backed up by a 15 watts x 2 stereo amplifier, which is great if you don't have a home theater audio system. If you are shopping for a Plasma TV, give the Samsung PN50A550 a look.
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9. LG Electronics 50PC5D Plasma Television

LG has been in the news for releasing the first Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo player, but is also a prominent manufacturer of LCD and Plasma Televisions. The 50PC5D, features a 50-inch, 16x9 aspect ratio screen, native pixel resolution of 1366 x 768, maximun 15,000:1 contrast ratio, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, 2 HDMI, 2 HD Component, and VGA PC monitor inputs. Overall, this unit provides a very satisfying viewing experience. If you are PC gamer, you can also the 50PC5D as a giant PC monitor for game play, or multi-media presentations. Also, this set is rated for a 60,000 screen life. If you are looking for an affordable Plasma Television with true HD resolution, consider the LG Electronics 50PC5D.
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10. Panasonic TH-103PF9UK 103-inch Plasma Television

If you are looking at the ultimate Plasma Television, and price is no object, then the TH-103PF9UK may be for you. Coming in at $70,000, this set boasts a 103-inch screen, full 1080p resolution, 4,000:1 contrast ratio, and slots for boards that can be customized to accommodate any video input configuration. I have seen this set at several trade shows and it is impressive. You have to see it to believe it. Although most consumers can't afford it, the TH-103PF9UK is perfect for the ultimate large room home theater or some institutional/business settings.
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