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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...
- 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-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
- 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-42PHD7UY: a superior plasma picture.(Brief Article)
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Miller, Kevin June 1, 2005 700+ words
PANASONIC'S LATEST 42-inch high-resolution industrial plasma panel, the $4,795 TH-42PHD7UY, has a picture that's head and shoulders above the company's consumer 42-incher and demonstrably better than virtually all of the 42-inch competition. The TH-42PHD7UY offers picture-in-picture and
- Panasonic TH-42PX50U: impressive 42-inch plasma HDTV.(DIGITAL LIVING)(Brief...
- Magazine article from: Computer Shopper Miller, Kevin December 1, 2005 700+ words
PANASONIC'S $2,999 TH-42PX50U is a solid 42-inch plasma high-definition television (HDTV) in just about every performance aspect. While it lacks some of the features and connections of more-expensive models, it's a great bargain if you want built-in speakers to go with your picture. The TH-42PX50U
- Plasma TV Buying Guide Conducts Samsung Versus Panasonic HDTV Plasma Shootout.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire June 26, 2008 700+ words
...results, including picture quality, design, color rendition...not as bright as the Panasonic TH-50PZ85U, scored surprisingly...better in two prominent picture quality categories to win the overall picture quality rating. This marked...
- The IRT Selects Tektronix Picture Quality Analysis Tool for Fast HD Quality...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire September 7, 2007 700+ words
...Tektronix PQA500 Incorporates the Latest Picture Quality Analysis Technology; Provides a Suite...Tektronix PQA500, a next generation picture quality analysis tool, to speed up its HD...IRT has extensively used Tektronix picture quality analysis systems for some time and...