Best Cheap Plasma TV Sets
for your Home Entertainment
2010 Update

Well, the latest prices for plasma HDTV sets make this a present day reality.

Admittedly, at this price bracket, what you get is a 720p HDTV with just a minimum features. Popular sets within this price category include the 42-inch LG 42PJ350 which at $499 is the cheapest plasma TV at the time of this write-up, and the Samsung 42-inch PN42C450, which at $525 is equally inexpensive. Both sets are capable of a solid enough picture and come with an interesting feature set - one that we would normally associate with more expensive HDTVs.

The corresponding 42-inch entry-level 720p Panasonic 42-inch TC-P42C2 is also selling at practically the same price as the Samsung but then comes with a more basic feature set and reduced connectivity with respect to the competition. It is still capable of a relatively good picture; after all, this TV is set to deliver that, nothing more. In other words, if Panasonic is your TV brand, you can still enjoy a big screen cheap plasma TV from Panasonic at this price bracket.

But cheap plasma TVs within this price margin cover larger screen sizes as well. Most popular set at the larger screen category again comes from LG with the 50-inch 50PJ350 which at just $600 is the cheapest 50-inch plasma TV for 2010. For the same price from Panasonic, you get the slightly smaller 46-inch TC-P46C2, but as stated, the Panasonic C2 is a bare-bones HDTV series. To get a 50-inch cheap plasma TV from either Panasonic or Samsung, you have to spend around $700 for sets such as the TC-P50C2 and the PN-50C450.

One may argue that these sub-$750 cheap plasma TVs are all 720p HDTV sets. Mind you, at $700, it is already possible to enjoy an interesting entry-level 1080p HDTV from Panasonic, the 42-inch TC-P42S2. But it is unfortunate that many 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 the higher pixel count of 1080p displays when viewing HD broadcast content from a normal distance. It is just a matter of visual acuity limitations. But there is even more; none of the present HDTV broadcasts deliver the full 1080p resolution due to bandwidth limitations. You need to have a clean, true 1080p signal from say a Blu-ray player, a game console or a PC, and view the image at closer than normal distance to see the higher detail supported by a 1080p HDTV screen. But more on the issue of viewing distance and picture resolution can be found in the following HDTV guides: TV Viewing Distance and HDTV formats.

Moving up to 1080p: In any case, if your viewing requirements still call for a 1080p HDTV, then 1080p cheap plasma TVs are also readily available; and if you are to limit yourself to anything up to $1,000 for your cheap plasma TV option, rest assured that for 2010, you can enjoy some great 50-inch premium TVs as well; these include the interesting LG 50PK750 which at present is selling at just under $1,000, and the Panasonic TC-P50G25 which though exceeds the $1,000 limit by about $50, is the bestselling plasma TV irrespective of brand.

Admittedly, at $1,000, these are not really cheap plasma TVs especially with present day pricing. Interesting is that up to a year ago, all that you could enjoy at the 1080p category at this price bracket were entry-level 1080p HDTVs even though later during the year, the Panasonic 42-inch G10 series HDTV started selling at $1,000. This year, for the same price from Panasonic, you get a 50-inch HDTV and one that comes with a better picture and a superior feature set to that of the 2009 version.

What follows is our Top 6 list of the best cheap plasma TVs that fall within the $500 to $1,000 price bracket. Included, you will also find a very short summary of the main features and performance characteristics, as well as links - where applicable - to related product guides and reviews appearing on our site.

And why 6? Well, we are presenting what in our opinion are the best 42-inch and the best 50-inch models for both entry level 720p and 1080p HDTVs, as well as affordable 1080p premium 1080p HDTVs within the $1,000 price range.

Products covered in this cheap plasma TV roundup for 2010 include:

Cheap Plasma TVs: Entry-level 720p HDTVs

Samsung 42-inch PN42C450: Samsung PNC450 is the most popular 720p HDTV series thanks to an interesting mix of features and relatively good picture quality at a price that makes these HDTVs among the best for overall value. The PNC450 comprises two models, a 42-inch ($499) and a 50-inch ($720), both of which are proving to be among the most popular cheap plasma TVs for 2010, delivering more features than corresponding Panasonic plasma TVs, and practically about the same picture quality. Yet it is the  42-inch PN42C450 that is the real best seller here.

Samsung 42-inch PN42C450 - 720p plasma TV

Despite being entry-level 720p HDTVs, these Samsung plasma TVs come with a superior feature set to what one expects from an entry-level cheap plasma TV series. These include a relatively comprehensive connectivity suite complemented by 3 HDMI (that's one more than corresponding C2 Panasonic plasma TVs) and a VGA-style PC input.

Other feature include Samsung's WideColorEnhancer for a more natural color reproduction;  Clear Image Panel that helps eliminate picture distortion; a Game mode to enhance the picture performance during gaming applications; SRS TruSurround to experience a virtual immersive soundstage via the TV stereo speakers; a full suite of power saving options including an eco-sensor option that should help reduce the power consumption by automatically adjusting the brightness level according to the light level in the room; a most complete screen anti-burn menu; and Samsung's Anynet+ to control compatible Samsung AV devices connected to your TV via HDMI, with your TV remote.

More information on Samsung plasma TV lineup for 2010 and including entry-level inexpensive series can be found in our Samsung 2010 plasma TV product guide here.

LG 50-inch 50 PJ350: LG's PJ350 is possibly the most feature rich entry-level 720p plasma TV series for 2010. Like most entry-level 720p HDTVs, the PJ350 comprises the 42-inch 42PJ350 ($520) and the 50-inch 50PJ350 ($600). Both sets are among the most popular at this price bracket but it is the 50-inch which at $600 is the cheapest 50-inch plasma TV every produced so far. This makes the LG PJ350 series the one that delivers the largest screen estate for your money.

50-inch 50PJ350 Cheapest 50-inch 720p plasma TV

But there is more to the PJ350. It is also the series that delivers the most comprehensive feature set for an entry level series. This contrasts heavily with the corresponding C2 Panasonic series which in comparison are literally bare-bones HDTVs.

Interesting features include LG Picture Wizard technology which makes for easy TV calibration, ISFccc calibration option, and LG's intelligent sensor which automatically calibrates and optimizes the TV picture based on the brightness and color temperature of your room lighting.

Performance wise, the LG PJ350 delivers a picture that is very much in line with similar entry-level series from other brands - delivering a decent picture that should be good enough for most home entertainment viewing. The LG picture comes with relatively accurate colors and blacks that look good, and with acceptable shadow detail, but one that lacks the good dark shadow detail found on corresponding Samsung and Panasonic cheap plasma TVs due to a somewhat inaccurate gamma.

Overall, this is the series which at 50-inch, delivers the best cheap plasma TV for overall value; in more simple terms, this is the series that for 2010, delivers the best bang for the buck.

More information on the LG PJ350 series is available in our 2010 LG plasma TV product guide here.

Cheap Plasma TVs: Entry-level 1080p HDTVs

Panasonic TC-P42S2 Together with the U2, S2 Panasonic plasma TVs comprise the Panasonic Viera 1080p entry-level series. The S2 in particular represents the bestselling series overall within the whole 2010 Panasonic plasma line, representing among the best cheap plasma TV option at the larger screen sizes. It is thus no surprise that not only the medium screen sizes such as the 42-inch ($700) and 50-inch ($900) that are doing well in sales, but also the larger 58-inch ($1,360) and the 65-inch ($1,995) models within the series, thanks to a most affordable price.

Panasonic 42-inch TC-P42S2

However, for those looking for a cheap plasma TV with a relatively solid picture performance, it is the 42-inch TC-P42S2 that is the real winner here. At just $700, this Panasonic plasma TV represents an inexpensive 1080p HDTV option that should be adequate for most home needs.

In terms of features, the S2 series is basically the 1080p version of the Panasonic C2 entry-level 720p series with the exception that the S2 includes an extra HDMI input for a total of three, 2 USB ports, and a Game mode.

From a picture performance, the S2 comes with a picture quality that is very close to that of the more expensive G25 series. The S2 lacks both Panasonic's VieraCast Internet application and the THX picture mode of the G-series, but otherwise, all other picture related features are basically the same, and according to plasma TV reviews appearing on major sites, so is picture quality.

Overall, S2 Panasonic plasma TVs form part of the latest greener 1080p cheap plasma TVs from Panasonic that just strike the right balance between affordability and performance.

More information on Panasonic entry-level series can be found in our Panasonic 2010 plasma TV product guide here.

Samsung PN50C550 Samsung PNC550 series is Samsung's entry-level 1080p series. The PNC550 comprises three models but it is 50-inch PN50C550 ($997) which is the most popular HDTV within the series; it is also the bestselling 50-inch plasma HDTV within the 1080p entry-level category. In terms of features it adds a few extras to the already interesting feature set of the PNC450 series already referred to above.

Samsung 50-inch PN50C550 1080p Plasma TV

Top of the list is Samsung Touch-of-Color design with a subtle clear-to-gray accent to the set bezel. There is also a fourth HDMI input, Samsung's WideColorEnhancer II which provides further color improvement especially with the greens and blues, and 15W of audio power instead of the 10W found on Series 4 HDTVs.

This is the series that in our opinion represents the best feature-to-price deal at this category of cheap plasma TVs. It does not deliver the cheapest 50-inch plasma TV; for that you have to look at the 50-inch 50PK550 ($810). But if what you are after is a big screen HDTV capable of solid overall picture performance without the frills of Internet-enabled TV content and 3D, then the C550 Samsung plasma HDTVs should not disappoint you.

More information on Samsung Series 5 and the PNC550 plasma TVs, please refer to our Samsung plasma TV review article here.

Cheap Plasma TVs: Affordable Premium 1080p HDTVs

What follows are not really cheap plasma TVs in that they cost a $1,000, but when considering what's on offer, they are among the most affordable premium HDTVs for 2010.

LG 50PK750 The 50-inch 50PK750 ($990) is at present the only premium plasma TV that falls within the $1,000 limit. It forms part of LG's Infinia line of HDTVs for 2010 and includes among others, LG's NetCast Internet-enabled TV platform and THX display certification. For 2010, LG's Internet-enabled TV platform adds access to Napster™ for on-demand streaming of music, and Roxio CinemaNow™ for access to pay-per-view movies from major studios, while LG's THX display certification comes with an extra enhanced THX Bright room mode.

50-inch LG 50PK750 1080p Premium Plasma TV

This is apart from a most extensive set of user adjustable picture controls, typical of LG, and its stylish slim design complemented by LG's single-sheet of glass design and 2-inch thin panel profile.

Picture performance is characterized by highly accurate colors - with the THX Cinema being the picture mode that delivers the best out-of-the-box picture. Reviews say that it is not exactly up to that of the equally priced competition from Panasonic G25 series as a result of the lighter black levels of the LG, visible mainly during side-by-side comparisons. But when viewed on its own, the LG is still capable of solid blacks.

Like the Panasonic G25 competition, this LG plasma TV is not able to property process 1080p/24 film-based content - producing the typical hitching motion associated with 2:3 pulldown processing.

Overall, the 50-inch 50PK750 represents an attractive premium HDTV option capable of a solid enough picture and an extensive feature set, at a most appealing price.

For more information on LG plasma TVs for 2010 and including the PK750 series, please refer to our LG plasma TV review article here.

Panasonic 50-inch TC-P50G25 with THX display certification Bestselling top-performing 50-inch 1080p Panasonic plasma HDTV

Panasonic G25 Series The Panasonic G25 series is turning out to be the bestselling premium plasma TV series for 2010. It comes with a most extensive feature set and is capable of one of the best TV pictures - thanks to the very deep blacks. But what makes the G25 so popular is that all four screen sizes within the series are available at a most affordable price, with the cheapest at just $900 being the 42-inch TC-P42G25, followed by the 50-inch TC-P50G25, which is selling at $1,050 - not exactly within the $1,000 limit we set for this cheap plasma TV roundup, but almost.

G25 Panasonic plasma TVs add a few extras to the S2 series already referred to earlier on in this discussion, and apart from the slightly more refined styling, the hottest upgrade is the new VieraCast Internet TV with Skype support.

However, more important for those looking for the best out-of the box picture is the THX picture mode which for 2010 allows some customization apart from being significantly brighter than previous implementations.

These TVs also include what Panasonic is calling Infinite Black Panel supporting a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio over the 2 million of the less expensive series. As expressed elsewhere on the site, the improvement brought about in black level performance, while visible - is mainly one that is noticeable only in side-by-side comparisons under the ideal viewing environment.

Another addition over the S2 is the 24p playback using a 48Hz refresh rate, but this feature does not work properly and suffers from too much image flicker; you will have to use the 2:3 pull-down which works with both standard and high definition sources, but as with the LG PK750, these Panasonic plasma TVs do not reproduce the proper 24p cadence of film-based material.

Overall, the G25 series is the 2010 Panasonic plasma TV series for videophiles and home theater enthusiasts looking for the best picture but that does not care about 3D. Its superior blacks with respect to the competition, accurate colors, and effective anti-reflective screen all helps deliver a solid 2D picture. In addition, it comes with VieraCast and its much improved customization, and for those looking for greener TVs, G25 HDTVs use less power than corresponding 2010 Samsung and LG plasma TVs. Its only drawback with respect to the competition is one of design; it is still pleasing but is significantly chunkier than corresponding models from both LG and Samsung.

These Panasonic plasma TVs offer a most tempting mix of features and performance at an equally appealing price. No wonder, sets such as the 50-inch TC-P50G25 are at present among the HDTVs most in demand irrespective of brand, and among the top-selling plasma TVs for 2010, surpassing the significantly cheaper Panasonic S2 series.

For our detailed TV review of the G25 Panasonic plasma TV series, please click here.

What about a Refurbished Plasma TV as your Cheap Plasma TV Option?

A possible alternative when looking for a cheap plasma TV is to consider buying refurbished electronics. Refurbished does not mean you are getting something less in terms of product performance. Rather, buying a refurbished plasma TV offers you the possibility of getting what practically is a new product, at a substantial discount.

It is not possible in this review article to propose specific refurbished products for a cheap plasma TV since when it comes to refurbished electronics, inventory changes fast. However...

To learn more on the option of buying refurbished electronics, check our Guide to Buying Refurbished Electronics. It mainly discusses LCD TV sets, but the issues raised equally apply to buying refurbished plasma TVs.

A Final Word

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 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. By doing so, you may very well miss on the best feature-performance deal for your 'cheap plasma TV' purchase.