Cheap Plasma TV Options for your Home Entertainment

Despite that prices of flat-panel TVs did not continue to plummet at the same rate they did up to a year ago, today prices of plasma TVs are at their lowest ever - with some name brand 42-inch plasma TVs selling at well under $1,000.

Even 50-inch 720p plasma HDTVs are available within this price bracket; that's almost $500 less than the average price of an equivalent size plasma a year ago!

A Changing Plasma TV Market

Up to not long ago, opting for an inexpensive budget-class plasma TV carried a high risk. Consumers had often to trade the lower price of a cheap plasma TV for a reduced feature set and unproven quality.

Cheap plasma TVs were exclusive to new entrants with no proven track record. This is no longer the case and the cheap plasma TV market is now become dominated by the major plasma TV makers.

Samsung, Panasonic and LG - the main leaders in plasma display technology - have all come with valid yet cheap plasma TV options for 2009. Prices start at less than $700 for 42-inch sets like the Panasonic TC-P42X1 - rated as the TV with the best picture performance among budget-class HDTVs. Similarly priced Samsung PN42B450 is also a top-seller offering the best overall deal for features and performance, while LG's 42PQ30 - is another incredibly good HDTV with an extensive feature set for the price.

Move up the next screen size and you will still remain within the sub-$1,000 price bracket. 50-inch sets like the Panasonic Viera TC-P50X1 and the equally valid and extremely popular Samsung PN50B450 are both selling at $900.

This LG plasma TV is also capable of a great picture with natural looking colors and clean video processing - even with standard definition video sources, something in which the Panasonic is a poor performer. If there is one thing in which the LG fails is its almost ineffective anti-glare screen - rendering viewing under controlled lighting a must. Otherwise, this most stylish HDTV is a true winner - offering the best features-price deal.

Surely, at these prices, one cannot go wrong with any of these budget-class televisions - irrespective of brand; these cheap plasma TVs all are capable HDTVs in their own way.

Still, if what you are after is the best HD picture at the least possible price tag, nothing beats the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50X1 already referred to above - thanks to its deep shade of black. As we often say, this is an extremely important picture performance parameter as it helps improve the realism of dark scenes while making colors look richer and more saturated at all light levels.

This Panasonic plasma HDTV is selling online at $850 - among the cheapest 50-inch plasma TVs from a leader in the field. Do not expect the best that plasma technology can deliver in picture performance at this price level. In particular, we did find an issue with the set color accuracy. But as expressed in our Panasonic X1-Series plasma review, the set deep blacks and good shadow detail render a picture that pops out with lots of depth and well saturated colors. And this at a price that is a pittance for a big-screen TV from a top brand!

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One may argue that these sub-$1,000 cheap plasma TVs are all 720p sets. Unfortunately many just skip over the 720p category as if these are not capable of delivering a true HDTV picture. Do not under estimate the high level of picture detail supported by a 720p HDTV at the screen sizes involved here.

For those who want to make the most out of their HDTV budget, 720p is the way to go - at least at anything up to 50-inch. Even at 50-inch, the eye would not perceive the added detail afforded by 1080p resolution displays when viewing HD broadcast content from a normal distance due to visual acuity limitations. We discuss this issue of viewing distance and picture resolution in substantial detail in our TV Viewing Distance article.

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What about 1080p Cheap Plasma TV options?

Even if what you are after is a 1080p cheap plasma TV at just under $1,000, today it is possible to find one that fits within your budget. Most of the cheap plasma TVs that fit in here come from Panasonic - the 42-inch Panasonic Viera plasma S1 and U1 entry-level 1080p HDTVs. The cheapest in the lineup is the Panasonic 42-inch TC-P42U1 at just over $800.

Panasonic Viera S-Series Plasma HDTVs:

Selling at almost the same price level ($850) is the 42-inch TC-P42S1 plasma HDTV - despite an MSRP that is some $200 more than the cheaper Panasonic U1 model. However, Panasonic S1 HDTVs come with improved contrast ratio, improved motion resolution, and improved shades of gradation that are more in line with those of Panasonic Viera premium plasma series than the rest of Panasonic entry-level models.

Panasonic budget-class S1 series is in our opinion the best 1080p HDTV option for a cheap plasma TV from a top brand at any screen size from 42-inch up to 54-inch. Online prices for the rest of the models in this series range from less than $1100 for the 46-inch TC-P46PS1 HDTV, $1,200 for the 50-inch TC-P50S1, to just under $1,500 for the larger 54-inch TC-P54S1. The two remaining larger models in this series, the 58-inch TC-P58S1 ($2,100) and the 65-inch TV-P65S1 ($3,000) are also relatively affordable for their massive screen size.

These prices render Panasonic S1 plasma HDTVs as the best screen-to-price deals at this HDTV category.

We say best-screen-to-price-deal because here we are not talking about any 1080p cheap plasma TV. Panasonic S1 Series HDTVs feature quite a few innovations, despite being budget-class 1080p TVs. First and foremost, these cheap plasma TVs from Panasonic come with Panasonic NeoPDP energy-efficient plasma panel. As expressed in our introduction to Panasonic 2009 Plasma HDTV product guide, the NeoPDP panel is capable of almost twice as much brightness level and significantly improved static contrast while using half the power of standard 1080p plasma display panels. It still consumes more power than corresponding LCD TVs. However, with the new panel, Panasonic has managed to narrow the gap between these two display technologies to the point that difference in power consumption between LCDs and plasma TVs even at the 1080p resolution is starting to become a non-issue. We emphasize on the issue of 1080p resolution because unlike LCDs, power consumption in plasma display panels increases with screen resolution.

These relatively cheap plasma TVs also come with the much-touted 600Hz sub-field drive with its full 1080 lines of motion resolution - unheard off up to a year ago. Other features include a Game mode, 6144 supported levels of gray, contrast ratio rating of 2 million:1 dynamic and 40,000:1 static, and adequate connectivity complemented by three HDMI ports.

Like the Panasonic X1 HDTVs already referred to above, Panasonic S1 1080p HDTVs are also capable of solid black levels and good shadow detail; this is an area where Panasonic is surely the king. They do suffer of a slight inaccuracy in the green and cyan colors, yet in our opinion this is not enough to tarnish an otherwise excellent overall picture performance. Rather, these 'greener' HDTVs from Panasonic just manage to strike the right balance between affordability and performance.

For more information on Panasonic S1 series Viera plasma HDTVs, please refer to our Panasonic 2009 plasma HDTV product guide here.

Samsung Series 5 PN50B550 entry-level 1080p Plasma HDTV

Series 5 Samsung plasma HDTVs represents Samsung entry-level 1080p HDTVs and comprises 10 different models spread over five sub-series. The B550 line is a step-up to the B530 and B540 sub-series and represents the most valid 2009 budget-class 1080p plasma HDTV option from Samsung. In total, the B550 line comprises three models, the 50-inch being featured in this 2009 cheap plasma TV roundup, the 58-inch PN58B550 ($2,000) - another great big screen TV option, and one of the two massive 63-inch plasma HDTVs within the Samsung line for 2009, the PN63B550 ($2,889.)

Interesting is that the other 63-inch plasma TV, the Samsung PN63B590, also forms part of the Samsung Series 5 but it is selling at a somewhat higher price ($3,150). The B590 comes with additional features like Cinema Smooth 24p input, a superior video engine - termed Crystal FullHD Engine for improved image quality and picture clarity, and Samsung improved anti-glare Ultra FilterBright technology for reduced glare in brighter rooms. This huge big screen TV is also turning out to be a favorite option among those in the market for a truly big screen TV - thanks to its advanced feature set and a relatively affordable price.

Despite being entry-level, the B550 line still enjoys some of the latest specs in plasma display technology. Top in the list is the new energy-efficient E-Panel from Samsung which as much as Panasonic NeoPDP plasma display panel, is capable of delivering improved color saturation, improved contrast, and significantly improved image brightness at typically 50% less energy consumption compared to past models. Thanks to this new plasma display panel, these TVs are also Energy Star 3.0 compliant.

Directly related to the new Samsung E-Panel is the use of a new anti-glare screen coating - termed FilterBright technology, improved dynamic mega contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, and the latest big number in plasma TV technology - 600Hz sub-field drive processing technology. The latter mainly helps improve motion resolution - thanks to the manner in which this technology drives individual picture elements, or pixels.

This 600Hz technology is the new big number by all plasma TV makers. As expressed elsewhere on the site, this 600Hz sub-field drive have been developed by plasma TV makers in response to the 240Hz refresh rate in LCDs. Like 240Hz LCD technology, the 600Hz sub-field drive technology is capable of rendering superior motion resolution that leads to sharper images and smoother motion when displaying fast moving action during sports and gaming applications.

Samsung B550 HDTVs come with Samsung unique Touch-of-Color design - which is typical of Samsung on most of its step-up and premium series. The B550 comes with a rather pleasing and we add stylish subtle charcoal gray accent to the set bezel instead of the red ToC we got accustomed to in previous years. Overall design is complemented by a useful swivel base and the new clear glass column support which make the panel appear as if suspended in mid-air.

As is typical of Samsung HDTVs, the B550 plasma TVs come with numerous picture settings. This is an area where Samsung definitely outdo Panasonic; the latter has the habit of coming up with a rather skimpy set of user picture controls especially on its entry-level and step-up series.

Apart from the usual brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, and tint settings, you get numerous other controls like the option to adjust the dynamic contrast response, a gamma setting, and a color space setting to select between the set 'native' response for a wider color gamut and 'auto' to match the color space according to the input. Color temperature settings come in the form of four presets in addition to a white balance that allows the user to set the offset and color gain for each of the primary colors for a precise color temperature calibration.

Additional settings include three AV Picture modes of which 'Movie' seems to be the most accurate, and a Game mode. There are also six aspect ratio modes - including a 'screen fit' setting to display the full HD signal with no overscan; the latter makes these Samsung plasma HDTVs suitable for use as a big screen computer display.

Samsung's screen burn protection menu offers various options to deal with image retention apart from the more common pixel shift function found on most of today's plasma TVs. 

A 'Wide Color Enhancer' is also included for improved rendering of color, especially greens and blues which often tend to appear washed out on most conventional displays. 

Audio consists of 15W RMS per channel with SRS TruSurround XT to help create a virtual surround sound field via the set stereo down-firing speakers.

As is the present trend among TV makers, you would not get an S-Video input but otherwise, connectivity is very good. It includes 4 HDMI, a dedicated PC VGA-type input, a composite video input, and two component video inputs (one of which can be sacrificed for use as a second composite video in on the TV rear panel); there is also a USB 2.0 port for playback of JPEG and MP3 files.

Performance wise, the 50-inch Samsung PN50B550 is a very capable HDTV, with a crisp clear picture, deep blacks and well saturated colors. Color accuracy is better than that of corresponding Panasonic though its blacks are not as deep as those of the latest Panasonic plasma TVs; in this respect, Panasonic is the new king now that Pioneer is out of the plasma HDTV market.

The bottom line: At $1,100, the Samsung PN50B550 does represent a valid 50-inch cheap plasma TV option that is capable of a great picture. It does not match the top plasmas when it comes to picture quality but it does come close enough to represent an inexpensive viable option for your home entertainment.

And you would not get the latest Yahoo widgets as found on the more expensive models, but it still offers numerous features, solid connectivity with four HDMI and one PC input, while user picture settings abound - making it easy to fine tune the set TV image to achieve the best picture for your liking. If the latest Yahoo widgets do not fall within your required list of features, then this is definitely a 50-inch cheap plasma TV worth considering for home use.

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What about Cheap Plasma TVs with a Superior Feature Set?

One would not normally associate the so called cheap plasma TV category with a superior feature specifications set. Yet 2009 has brought about not only some of the cheapest budget-class plasma TVs around, it has also made HDTVs with THX display certification available for the first time ever to the mass market. Both LG and Panasonic are offering within their respective 2009 plasma lineups, a full range of HDTVs with THX display certification.

This is an extremely important advancement in HDTV as THX display certification signifies the highest standards for quality and performance, thus ensuring that content is presented with the correct color and luminance levels.

Panasonic TC-P42G10:

Panasonic THX implementation is possibly the best one-step picture calibration we have ever come across.

These Panasonic 1080p G10 series HDTVs represent more than just a major improvement in terms of plasma TV performance over previous years achievements. Very deep blacks with excellent picture uniformity and very good shadow detail characterize the G10 picture. Overall color accuracy is almost spot-on to the HD color standard. Off-angle viewing is excellent while the significantly improved brightness levels, reduced power consumption, clean signal processing, superb motion resolution, and improved anti-reflective screen coating, all help establish G10 HDTVs among the very best HDTVs in a post-Pioneer KURO era.

But there is more to the G10 than just a great picture. This is also one of the very few HDTVs within the cheap plasma TV category - if not the only one - that comes with fully fledged IPTV support at this price bracket. Panasonic VieraCast lets you enjoy internet content straight on your TV screen via your internet connection through the set Ethernet port. Online services include YouTube videos, Picasa photo sharing, Bloomberg news and stock information, local weather, up-to-the-minute content from USA Today, and Amazon Video-on-demand. It is similar to Samsung Med@2.0 and LG NetCast features found on premium plasma TV models.

The bottom line: The Panasonic 42-inch TC-P42G10 G10 plasma HDTV represents the best bet for those looking for a cheap plasma TV with a superior feature set and superior picture performance. It is capable of very high picture performance - representing a real value at the higher end-category.

LG 50PS60

It comes to no surprise that such an HDTV comes from LG. This is what LG has been doing during these last few years - delivering plasma and LCD HDTVs with innovative design concepts and an overall best-value to price ratio, something which enabled LG to keep increasing its market share in HDTV sales.

LG PS60 series includes a 60-inch version- the 60PS60 - but this is selling at almost twice the price ($1,900) of the 50-inch. These LG plasma HDTVs come with LG single layer design. This is sort of the single sheet of glass design found on the more expensive Panasonic V10 series. This single sheet design gives these relatively cheap plasma TVs from LG an extremely high-end look that differentiates them from the equivalently priced competition.

Despite their affordable price, these LG plasma TVs come as ISFccc ready. They also include a 'Picture Wizard' which makes for ease of self-calibration by providing on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements like black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight level.

Unlike the Panasonic G10 HDTV referred to above, LG PS60 HDTVs do not come with IPTV support; for that you will have to move to LG PS80 premium series. But you still get an extensive feature list apart from the THX and ISFcc features already referred to above.

These include the latest hot spec in plasma display technology - 600Hz sub-field drive - for sharper images and improved motion resolution. These LG plasma HDTVs also come with a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a high screen brightens of 1,500 cd/m^2. The latter renders these plasma TVs suitable as direct replacement to LCDs when viewing under bright lighting environments. However, glare can turn out to be a bit of a problem when viewing under bright lighting in that the anti-glare coating found on these LG plasma TVs is not as effective as that found on similar sets from Panasonic and Samsung.

To help you combat screen burn-in, these LG TVs come with three modes of image retention protection.

Video features include six aspect ratio modes, plus a just scan mode for 1:1 pixel matching. You will also get enhanced noise reduction, three color temperature settings, seven picture selection modes and three additional audio-video (AV) modes designed to optimize the picture and sound for cinema, sports, or game content.

Audio comes at 10W RMS per channel and includes SRS TruSurround XT^TM for simulated surround sound via the set two speaker system. And speaking of speakers, here is another innovation on part of LG. These plasma HDTVs use a system of 'invisible speakers' - originally introduced on 2008 LG HDTVs whereby each speaker is embedded in strategic points behind the front cabinet and use minute vibrations to turn the entire front bezel into a speaker system. This leads to a better quality TV sound than that produced by the down-firing speakers used on most of the competition. In particular, the LG speaker system helps deliver a wider sound field - with sound that appears radiating from the entire front panel.

Connectivity is more than adequate; this is also one of those HDTVs that still include an S-Video input. Overall, connectivity includes four HDMI ver. 1.3 with x.v.Color and CEC (for use with LG SimpLink^TM to control multiple SimpLink^TM devices via a single remote), one PC VGA type D-sub 15pin input, S-video, composite video, two component video, and a USB2.0 port for JPEG and MP3 playback.

These TVs are energy star 3.0 compliant and comes with a few smart energy saving options. Rated power consumption is 295W - which makes these LG TVs slightly more power hungry than the corresponding G10 Panasonic HDTVs but still in line with most 50-inch 1080p plasma HDTVs.

From a performance perspective, the LG 50PS60 plasma TV is capable of very good picture quality - thanks to its THX picture mode. One difference here with respect to the Panasonic THX mode is that these LG TVs THX mode comes with a brighter picture than that of their G10 equivalent.

And unlike the Panasonic G10, these LG plasma TVs are also capable of doing a very good job with standard definition material.

On the other hand, its black level - while still better than most CCFL based LCDs, does not compare with that of the latest Panasonic Viera and Samsung Series 5 and Series 6 plasma HDTVs.

Sound quality is surprisingly good for the TV invisible speakers system but you still have to hook it to your surround sound system for the best in sound performance. This is typical with most of today's flat-panel HDTVs, irrespective of brand.

Additionally, the set menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate while the set accompanying remote design is both functional and comfortable to the hold.

The bottom line: At an online price of just $1,050, the LG50PS60 delivers one of the best overall value packs among the 'cheap plasma TV' category. And it comes with the added bonus of THX display certification. It is not exactly in line with the best plasma HDTVs from Samsung and Panasonic in terms of picture quality - with rather weaker blacks and slightly less saturated colors than corresponding plasmas from the leaders in the field. But this relatively cheap plasma TV from LG surely comes pretty close to the best plasmas - with numerous features that surpass that of the competition and a lower price than the corresponding 50-inch G10 THX-display certified plasma from Panasonic and Samsung 50-inch Series 5 and Series 6 plasma HDTVs.

A Final Note

For many, choosing an HDTV is often a matter of brand. Definitely, it's hard to go wrong at this price bracket with any of this year cheap plasma TVs from LG, Panasonic, and Samsung; all three brands offer valid cheap plasma TV options that can do a remarkable job in delivering a great HD picture for your home entertainment but...

There still remain differences in features and performance that can make different budget-class models from different brands more suitable for your requirements. Therefore, do some research before you buy and do not confine yourself to the boundaries of a specify brand. Otherwise, you may very well be missing on the best feature-performance deal for your 'cheap plasma TV' purchase.