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 asthetics over staring at a "box". Check out some of my Plasma television favorites.
1. Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-141FD Plasma Monitor
Designed for the custom installation market, the PRO-141FD is a monitor (no tuners or stand) which has a 60-inch 16x9 aspect ratio screen, 1080p native pixel resolution, 4 HDMI inputs, 1 DVI input, very thin 2.5" depth, and open architecture for a variety of custom control setups. However, the most impressive thing about the PRO-141FD is impressive black level performance, which provides an almost unlimited ratio that produces stellar images. The PRO-141FD may seem like a hard sell in this tough economic time, but is worth the cash. If you are considering a custom home theater installation, you should definitely check out the PRO-141FD. For more details, check out the Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-141FD Product Sheet and the User Manual
2. Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Plasma Television
The PDP6020FD is part of Pioneer's KURO line that offers several enhancements, including an impressive black level, excellent motion response, and very accurate color reproduction. The PDP6020FD features a 60-inch screen, 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, NTSC/ATSC/QAM television tuners that allow reception of over-the-air standard and HD signals, as well as unscrambled HD cable signals. The Home Media Gallery allows connection to a PC home network for still image, video, and audio file access. Pioneer Plasmas are expensive, but definitely take a comparison look between the PDP6020FD and other Plasma sets. For another look at the PDP6020FD, check out a great review from Matt Torres, About.com Guide for TV/Video.3. Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G10 42-inch Plasma TV
The 42-inch Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G10 plasma television delivers great image quality at a reasonable price. Bolstered by THX Certification, this set features 1920x1080 (1080p) pixel resolution, excellent contrast ratio, and pixel orbiting to eliminate screen burn-in. Inputs are not a problem as the TC-P42G10, includes, HDMI, HD-Component, and VGA. This set also has ATSC/QAM tuners for receiving HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable, and also an SD card slot for digital photo playback. Viera Cast allows access to YouTube, Amazon video, and other web content without a PC connection. This is a great addition to a family's home theater experience. If 42-inches is too small for you, check out its bigger brother, the TC-P50G10 (compare prices).4. 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.5. 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.6. Samsung PN58B550 58-inch Plasma Television
If you are looking for a large screen Plasma Television, the 58-inch Samsung PN58B550 is worth checking out. This set has a native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), ATSC and QAM tuners, 4 HDMI inputs (including one side input), a very wide 175 degree viewing angle, 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 PN58B550 also packs in a built-in stereo amplifier with SRS TruSurround HD audio processing . Check out the great images on the Samsung PN58B550. NOTE: Also available in a 50-inch screen size (PN50B550 - compare prices).7. 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.8. 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.9. Samsung PN50A550 50-inch Plasma TV
50-inches is the most common screen size for Plasma televisions. However, unlike some 50-inch plasma sets, the Samsung PN50A550 offers a full high definition native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), bolstered by a 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. 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. NOTE: This set is also offered with a larger 58-inch screen (Samsung PN58A550 - compare prices).10. VIZIO VP504 50-inch 1080p Plasma Television
Vizio is probably the most aggressively priced TV brands in the U.S. They market to warehouse stores, such as Costco, Sams Club, and BJ's, but you may find their products at other outlets. Although their sets are very inexpensive, in comparison with the competition, they do offer a quality product. One example is their VP504 50-inch plasma Television, which features 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, a 30,000:1 stated contrast ratio, and 4 HDMI inputs, including 2 side mounted inputs for added convenience. In addition, this set also incorporates extensive video adjustment options. Definitely include a look at this set when shopping for a Plasma television. For more details, also check out the Quick Start Guide and User Manual.11. 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.