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Best Plasma TVs

By , About.com Guide

Plasma television is finally a viable, and affordable, alternative to those bulky tube and projection sets as prices are coming down and a variety of screen sizes are available. It may be that the idea hanging the TV on the wall and regaining all that wasted floor space definitely offers more pleasing aesthetics over staring at a "box". Check out some of my Plasma TV favorites.

NOTE: The product entries for Plasma TVs are updated on a continuous basis with new units and reviews to keep them current.

1. LG PZ950 Series THX-Certified 3D Plasma TVs

The LG PZ950 Series Plasma TVs are THX Certified for both 2D and 3D performance.

These sets are compatible with 3D Blu-ray Discs, cable/satellite, and broadcast. These sets also perform 2D-to-3D conversion, if desired. 3D glasses must be purchased separately. Even if you don't partake in 3D, these sets produce great 1080p 2D images with the excellent motion and black level response that Plasma technology provides. The PX950 series also provides access to internet content, such as Netflix and Vudu, as well as media content stored on your PC or network connected device (DLNA certified). The PZ950 series is available in either a 50-inch (LG 50PZ950 - compare prices) or 60-inch (60PZ950 - compare prices) screen size.

Compare Prices

2. Samsung PN51D7000 51-inch 3D Plasma TV

The Samsung PN51D7000 3D Plasma TV enables you to watch 3D Blu-ray Discs from a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, as well as built-in real-time 2D-to-3D conversion. Although the 2D-to-3D effect is not as precise as it is from content specifically produced in 3D, the conversion process does add depth to 2D images. Of course, you also need to purchase 3D glasses to enjoy the show. On the other hand, even if you don't partake in 3D, the PN51D7000 produces excellent 1080p 2D images with the excellent motion response and black levels that Plasma technology is capable of. Also, the PN51D7000 provides you with access to an abundance of internet content via its "Smart TV" functions and Samsung Apps, including Blockbuster and Netflix. Definitely give this set a look.

Also available in larger 59-inch and 64-inch screen sizes: Compare Prices for the PN59D7000 and PN64D7000.

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3. Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D/Network Plasma TV

The Panasonic TC-P50GT30 is a 50-inch Plasma TV that incorporates 3D display capability from 3D Blu-ray, TV broadcast, cable, or satellite TV sources, along with network media player capabilities, which allows direct access to both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content via wired or wireless internet connection. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls. The TC-P50GT30 also utilizes an attractive, thin profile, design.

In addition, the 50-inch TC-P50GT30 also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 600Hz Sub Field Drive, 4 HDMI inputs, and a two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. The Panasonic TC-P50GT30 is definitely a feature-packed TV that may be just right for your home theater system. For more details, check out my Review, Photo Profile, and a sampling of Video Performance Tests.

Also available in larger screen sizes - Compare Prices for the: 55-inch TC-P55GT30, 60-inch TC-P60GT30, and 65-inch TC-P65GT30.

4. Samsung PN51D6500 51-inch 3D Plasma TV

The PN51D6500 offers a a new 51-inch screen size, made possible a new thinner bezel design. The PN51D6500 displays a full high definition native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), bolstered by an almost unlimited contrast ratio. The images on this set are excellent. In addition, the PN51D6500 includes, ATSC/QAM tuners, 4 HDMI inputs, and two USB ports for still image and video playback. However, the big bonuses are the ability to display both 2D and 3D images, and also stream content from the internet (via built-in WiFi), including Netflix, Blockbuster, Pandora, and more with Samsung Apps.

If you are looking for a large screen flat panel TV with lots of flexibility and great performance (Since this is a Plasma set, it has better black levels and is priced less than most equivalent-sized LCD TVs), consider the Samsung PN51D6500. NOTE: Also available in a larger 59-inch screen size (PN59D6500 - compare prices).

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5. Panasonic Viera TC-P42ST30 42-inch 3D Plasma TV

The 42-inch Panasonic VIERA TC-P42ST30 plasma television delivers great image quality at a reasonable price. This set features 1920x1080 (1080p) pixel resolution, excellent contrast ratio, and pixel orbiting to eliminate screen burn-in. This set also has ATSC/QAM tuners for receiving HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable and an SD card slot for digital photo playback. Viera Cast built-in WiFi allows wireless internet access to YouTube, Amazon video, and other web content and also provides access to media content stored on your PC or media server. As an added bonus, the TC-P42ST30 also provides both 2D and 3D viewing. This is a great addition to a family's home theater experience. compare prices

If 42-inches is too small for you, check out its bigger brother, the TC-P50ST30 (compare prices - Larger screen size suggested for a better 3D viewing experience).

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6. LG 50PZ750 50-inch 3D Plasma TV

The 50-inch LG Electronics 50PZ750 Plasma TV delivers great image quality, whether viewing 2D or 3D content, at a reasonable price. Bolstered by THX Certification, this set features 1920x1080 (1080p) pixel resolution, excellent contrast ratio, and 100,000 hour projected lifespan. This set also has ATSC/QAM tuners for receiving HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable and 2 USB slots for digital photo playback and/or connection of a WiFi adapter. Another bonus is built-in internet access which allows access to a host of audio/video web content. The LG 50PZ750 can be a great addition to a family's home theater experience. If 50-inches is too small for you, check out its bigger brother, the 60-inch 60PZ750 (compare prices).
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7. Panasonic VIERA TC-P46S30 46-Inch Plasma TV

Panasonic is "hot" on Plasma. The TC-P46S30 is one of the latest and features a 46-inch screen size. 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 TC-P46S30 offers 1920x1080p (1080p) native pixel resolution, a 600Hz Sub-Field Drive for excellent motion response, a wide contrast range, resulting in very good black level and color performance, as well as "pixel orbiting" to eliminate screen burn-in. Additional conveniences include ATSC and QAM tuners, 3 HDMI inputs, and 2 USB ports for accessing media content on USB flash drives. The TC-P46S30 can also stream content from the internet.

If you have been looking at 46-inch screen size LCD TV, check out the 46-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P46S30 Plasma TV for comparison. Also available in a larger 50-inch screen size (TC-P50S30 - compare prices) as well as a smaller 42-inch screen size (TC-P42S30 - compare prices).

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8. LG 50PZ550 50-inch 3D Plasma TV

LG is well known for their cell phones and appliances, but they are also a prominent manufacturer of LCD and Plasma Televisions. The 50PZ550 plasma TV features a 50-inch, 16x9 aspect ratio screen, native pixel resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p), almost unlimited contrast ratio, NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, 3 HDMI, 2 HD Component, and VGA PC monitor inputs. The 50PZ550 can also connect to the internet to access online audio/video content, as well as the ability to access media from USB flash drives, your home network.

If you are PC gamer, you can also the 50PZ550 as a giant PC monitor for game play, or multimedia presentations. Also, this set is rated for a 100,000 hour screen life. Overall, this unit provides a very satisfying viewing experience. If you are looking for an affordable Plasma Television with HD resolution and the bonus of viewing both 2D and 3D content, consider the affrodably priced LG 50PZ550. NOTE: Also available in a larger 60-inch screen size (60PZ550 - Compare Prices).

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9. Samsung PN51D450 51-inch Plasma TV

If you are looking for an affordable Plasma TV and don't need 3D capability or internet connectivity, the 51-inch Samsung PN59D450 is worth checking out. This set has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 (approx 720p), ATSC and QAM tuners, 2 HDMI inputs, a USB port for accessing music or photo files stored on flash drives, and a long 100,000 hour-rated screen life. Also, this set displays an exceptionally bright image, features an almost unlimited contrast ratio, and very fast motion response. In addition, if you don't have a separate home theater audio system, the PN51D450 also packs in a built-in a 10 watts x 2 stereo amplifier with SRS TheaterSound audio processing. Check out the great images on the Samsung PN51D450. NOTE: Also available in a smaller 43-inch screen size (PN43D450 - compare prices).
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10. Panasonic TH-103VX200U 103-inch Plasma TV

If you are looking at the ultimate Plasma Television, and price is no object, then the TH-103VX200U may be for you. Coming in at $65,000, this set boasts a 103-inch screen, full 1080p resolution, 3D display capability (active shutter glasses required), 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, and not just because it is big - the displayed images are excellent, whether in 2D or 3D. You have to see it to believe it. Although most consumers can't afford it, the TH-103VX200U is perfect for the ultimate large room home theater or some institutional/business settings.

Also avaialble in a smaller 85-inch screen size for $40,000 (TH-85VX200U)

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