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Plasma TVs.(RATINGS)(Buyers guide)
Most of the tested sets did very well, and a few are among the best ever. It's hard to make a bad choice in this group.
The Panasonic TH-50PZ700U, the first 1080p plasma TV we've tested, sets a new benchmark for plasma performance. Several other Panasonic models with 720p resolution did almost as well, reminding us that these displays can offer top quality, usually at a lower price than 1080p sets.
While the best plasmas have excellent picture quality, it's worth considering TVs judged very good for picture quality.
You'll have more sets to choose from plus a better chance of finding a good deal, and you won't sacrifice much. It can be difficult to detect the sometimes subtle differences between excellent and very good picture quality with most video.
Guide to the Ratings
Overall score is based primarily on picture quality; sound quality and ease of use are also considered. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score. Trained panelists evaluated picture quality for clarity and color accuracy. Under picture quality, HD reflects display of a high-definition (1080i) signal, such as that from a digital-cable box or satellite receiver. DVD reflects display of a 480p signal, such as the output from a progressive-scan DVD player. Standard-definition (Standard-def) picture scores are for a 480i signal, such as that of a regular TV program. Picture-quality scores for HD, DVD, and SD content aren't directly comparable across signal types because each is capable of a different level of quality. So a very good score for HD indicates a better picture than a very good score for standard-definition TV signals. Sound quality is for the set's built- in speakers. Ease of use is our assessment of the remote control and onscreen menus. Viewing angle indicates our evaluation of picture quality for clarity and color accuracy at various horizontal and vertical viewing angles; it is not factored into picture quality or overall scores. Price is approximate retail.
Quick Picks
- Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY: astounding picture quality in a stark design.(Brief...
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Miller, Kevin November 1, 2004 700+ words
...from our DirecTV HD satellite feed, the set's color accuracy was spot-on. We were floored by the TH-50PHD6UY's picture quality. If you don't mind the lack of frills, this plasma is a solid value. EDITORS' RATING 8.2 [PROS] Excellent performance...
- Quality viewing out of the box.(Panasonic TH-42PX50U plasma...
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Heron, Robert January 1, 2006 700+ words
The Panasonic TH-42PX50U 42-inch...with the TV's default picture quality, and three presets...Westinghouse LVM-37w1. The Panasonic TH-42PX50U is a good...digital video input. Panasonic TH-42PX50U $2,999...
- Panasonic TH-42PX50U.
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Online November 3, 2005 700+ words
The Panasonic TH-42PX50U ($2,999.95 list) is the latest iteration of the...use with unlisted devices. We were also pleased with the default picture quality, and three presets (standard, cinema, and vivid mode) provide...
- Panasonic TH-46PZ85U.
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Online August 1, 2008 700+ words
...grade plastic filter featured on Pioneer plasmas like the Elite KURO PRO-150FD.--next: Top Notch Picture Quality Top Notch Picture Quality Many of the latest plasma televisions can reproduce the entire gamut of colors used in HD video production...
- Panasonic TH-42PZ700U: pixel-packing 1080p plasma.(FirstLooks: CONSUMER...
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Heron, Robert January 1, 2008 700+ words
...for a talented set with full 1080p resolution. That's quality plasma at an amazing price. PC MAGAZINE EDITORS' CHOICE Panasonic TH-42PZ700U $1,999.95 list VERY GOOD PROS 1080p resolution. Very good standard-definition video processing. Good...
- Panasonic TH-42PZ700U.
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Online September 12, 2008 700+ words
...compatible video ports, these minor flaws were overshadowed by a picture that delivered detail and clarity matched by few HDTVs, thereby earning the TH-42PZ700U our Editors' Choice award. Read the full review of the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U.
- This plasma is a black beauty.(PANASONIC TH-46PZ85U)(Product/service evaluation)
- Magazine article from: PC Magazine Heron, Robert October 1, 2008 700+ words
...strikes a fine balance between price, features, and performance that any fan of plasma technology is sure to appreciate. Panasonic TH-46PZ85U $1,199.95 direct [VERY GOOD] PROS: Impressive contrast ratio. Excellent SD video processing. CONS: Slightly...
- Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY display: a business-class plasma that delivers...
- Magazine article from: Studio Monthly Kilbride, Kevin March 1, 2005 700+ words
Panasonic claims a 3000:1 contrast ratio and 11-bit dynamic range for its new 50-inch color gas plasma display, the TH50PHD7UY. Naturally, I wasted no time putting this claim to the test. After unpacking the double-boxed wide-screen behemoth, I lunged at it with DVDs in-hand, eager to bear witness
- Panasonic TH-42PX60U: plasma produces a pleasing picture.(REVIEWS: DIGITAL...
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Miller, Kevin August 1, 2006 700+ words
PANASONIC'S TH-42PX60U produces images demonstrably superior to those of most 42-inch plasma high-definition televisions (HDTVs), and it does so at a relatively affordable $2,499. The panel's native resolution of 1,024x768 isn't high enough to display every pixel of HDTV sources, but then no plasma
- Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK: picture-perfect plasma set comes with few...
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Ryan, Philip June 1, 2006 700+ words
PANASONIC'S TH-42PHD8DK may lack speakers, a stand, or many inputs, but this $2,995 42-inch plasma television's excellent black-level performance, clean video processing, and customizable inputs with individual memory are a boon to those willing to overlook its sparse feature set. While the