Plasma TV Reviews
and
Product Guides
Reviewing the Best Plasma TVs for Home Entertainment
Choosing a Plasma TV can be truly challenging; the latest 2012 lineups cover over 40 models - from 42 to 65-inch. New features abound. In a bid to push 3D to the home, 3D is now being integrated into the majority of HDTVs, including most entry-level cheap plasma TVs. Yet it is not 3D the hot spec; it is Smart TV. This is not a new feature but with 2012, Smart TVs have become smarter!
Add the expected improvement to the already excellent picture of plasma TVs, the reduced power consumption registered by some of the new models, the continued affordable price of even high-end plasma TVs over the latest LED HDTVs, and there you have the best HDTV option for home entertainment.
In this plasma TV review roundup, we discuss the latest plasma HDTV line-ups, indicating which in our opinion, are the best plasma HDTVs for picture performance and overall value. You will also find links to a number of detailed HDTV reviews covering some of the best plasma TVs currently available on the market.
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Panasonic Viera 55-inch TC-P55GT50 GT50 Panasonic premium 3D plasma TVs come with Panasonic new Infinite Black Pro panel for true deep black levels, 24K shades of gradation, and THX-3D display certification for one of the best TV pictures for 2012. Other features include face detection for the correct rendering of skin tones, Viera Connect for more Internet content on your TV, and built-in Wi-Fi. Available now from
amazon.com |
Plasma Television:
Still
the TV of choice among demanding consumers
Plasma HDTVs have been around for more than 10 years. With the advent of LCDs, many proclaimed plasma dead; yet the final blow for plasma came in Feb. 2009 when Pioneer and Vizio left the plasma TV market.
However plasma is still going strong and for 2012, we have an extensive choice of models. Rather, what appears to be a dying breed are conventional CCFL LCD TVs as the newer and now more affordable LED LCD TVs are taking over.
Within the new plasma TV lineups, we find both entry-level sets such as the popular Panasonic 50-inch TC-P50UT50 1080p 3D plasma TV ($999) and the 51-inch 720p 2D Samsung PN51E450 HDTV ($599), to some of the best and most technologically advanced HDTVs the industry has ever delivered.
We said LED TVs have become more affordable. But they are still more expensive than plasma TVs; for the same price of the 60-inch Samsung UN60ES8000 flagship LED TV, you get the 64-inch PN64E8000 plasma TV. Both HDTVs come with practically the same features, with the only significant difference between the two being display technology.
In general, price difference online at the larger 55-inch+ screen sizes falls at around $500. This means plasma still gives you more screen estate for your money. Not only, you also get a better picture, one with more precise representation of dark shadow detail in predominantly bright content; this is an area in which even the latest premium LED TVs still fail to match the best plasma HDTVs.
Yet there is a lot more in favor of plasma TVs...
Plasma TV reviews continue to show that the latest plasma HDTVs can display faster content better. Plasma TVs also exhibit almost perfect screen uniformity and superior off-angle viewing over other TV display technologies. And the advent of 3D TV has once again confirmed plasma's superiority over LCD; 3D plasma TVs offer solid 3D image performance with hardly any 3D image crosstalk.
It is no wonder videophiles and informed home theater enthusiast continue preferring plasma over the best LED TVs. Those in favor of LED TVs keep pointing to issues like burin-in and excessive power consumption. But today's plasma display panels are more robust; with normal use, burn-in is an issue of the past and plasma TVs are more energy efficient though not as efficient as LED TVs.
Just take the new Panasonic plasma panels for 2012; these come with a rated panel lifetime of 100,000hrs! And Panasonic's latest plasma HDTVs are among the most energy efficient with sets such as the excellent 60-inch TC-P60GT50 featuring an FTC estimated yearly energy cost of just $28!
Panasonic, Samsung, or LG... Which one delivers the best plasma TV?
Flagship plasma TVs from Panasonic and Samsung have become the most awaited year after year by demanding home theater enthusiast looking for the best picture.
Yet the best LG plasma TV picture is not far either from the other two, with sets such as the LG 60PM6700 60-inch premium LG plasma HDTV being among the best-rated in customer feedback, offering extensive features, and solid 2D and 3D picture performance at a price ($1,700) that is well within reach of many.
This LG plasma TV is also one of the few 2012 HDTVs that come with THX 3D certification; the other plasma HDTVs with THX 3D certification are the LG PM9700 flagship series which adds the new TruBlack filter for improved blacks, and Panasonic's VT50 and GT50 series.
However, for 2012, the expectations are that Panasonic will take a definite lead in black level performance over the other two TV makers thanks to its new Infinite Black Ultra and Pro panels.
According to Panasonic, the new panels for 2012 are capable of significantly improved blacks and shadow detail, lower power consumption, and improved panel lifetime of 100,000hrs. It is still too early to know exactly how the new Panasonic plasma TVs will fair over the competition. For the time being, we have to rely on what we have seen with the available models. We think there is definitely some noticeable improvement over 2011 HDTVs; and the first consumer plasma TV reviews posted on major retail sites seems to confirm that this as well.
If you are in the market for a plasma HDTV, 2012 brings you more than just an extensive range of plasma TVs. There is surely a model for you, whether that being a cheap plasma TV with no frills but that gives you a bigger screen for less, an inexpensive 3D TV, or a premium 1080p plasma HDTV with the latest Smart TV, THX display certification, and more. This plasma TV review discusses the latest available options to help make your choice easier.
Panasonic Plasma TVs: Rated among the best in black levels...
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Since Pioneer left the plasma TV market, many started considering Panasonic as the new king of plasma TVs. And with its new 2012 lineup, we believe Panasonic has more than the required potential to be the undisputable king. Why? If picture quality is your priority, there is a lot to like with the new Panasonic plasma TVs. It is still too early for plasma TV reviews to confirm this but the indications are that this is the way things will be heading. For 2012, Panasonic has sixteen models spread over six different series - all are 3D capable except for one single 2D set - the 50-inch TC-P50U50 ($800); this is Panasonic entry-level 1080p HDTV. |
Panasonic TC-P55ST50
The new 2012 Panasonic mid-range 3D plasma TV comes with Panasonic new Infinite Black Pro panel for deeper black levels. It also includes Viera Connect for more Internet content on your TV and comes with built-in Wi-Fi. |
Key new features for 2012 include the new Infinite Black Ultra and Pro panels found on flagship and premium/mid-range series. These support deeper blacks, improved contrast levels, reduced power consumption, and much longer panel lifetime. For premium and flagship HDTVs, Panasonic is supporting the new panel with 24K shades of gradation for improved picture rendering. In addition, all 1080p HDTVs are using faster switching phosphors; this means these new Panasonic plasma HDTVs are capable of better rendering 2D and 3D fast action content with no afterglow.
2012 HDTVs also get a new anti-reflective screen - termed Louver filter, and a web browser that uses a Smartphone app to avoid entering data with an onscreen keyboard. Also unique for 2012 are the new 3D glasses; these are much lighter and work via Bluetooth but if you were thinking you could use these with your 2011 Panasonic HDTVs, forget it!
Top in the new lineup is the Panasonic Viera VT50 with its 55-inch and 65-inch models. These are expected to be out later in May. Main upgrade over premium series is the use of Panasonic's Infinite Black Ultra panel with its new anti-reflective coating. The same anti-reflective coating is also available on the PRO panel found on GT50 series HDTVs, in which case it is proving truly capable of improved performance over corresponding 2011 HDTVs.
Apart from the Ultra panel, other features unique for the VT50 series are the Viera Touch pad controller, 96Hz playback of 24p content, and ISFccc ready. And as expected, you will also enjoy all the features found on the less expensive series.
Next in line is the Viera GT50 series. This covers four screen sizes, from 65 to 50-inch, with the best selling model being the 55-inch TC-P55GT50. Main difference between the VT50 and the GT50 is the use of the Infinite Black Pro panel on GT50 HDTVs; otherwise, all features found on the premium series are common with the flagship series.
Like the VT50, the GT50 comes with face-detection; this is not the same as Samsung's face recognition smart interaction feature. The Panasonic feature is a picture performance feature designed to deliver more correct rendering of skin tones. Other features common to both the flagship and the GT50 premium series include THX 3D certification and 24K shades of gradation.
Further down the Panasonic lineup is the Viera ST50 mid-range series. It is probably the most popular Panasonic series for 2012 thanks to its affordable price and a feature set that is very close to that of the premium series. It also comes with the same Infinite Black Pro panel used on the GT50, and though it lacks the extended shades of gray found on more expensive series, the use of the Pro panel still makes ST50 HDTVs stand out from the rest of the competition. Like premium and flagship series, ST50 HDTVs also come with built-in Wi-Fi, Pro settings and 3D real sound for improved and more realistic TV sound.
At the entry-level, we find the UT50 step-up 1080p 3D TV series aimed for the budget home entertainment market; it still comes with Viera Connect and covers four screen sizes - from 42-inch to 60-inch. There are also the lonely U50 2D 50-inch HDTV already referred to above, and the XT50 series with its 50-inch 720p 3D HDTV. Like the U50, the XT50 lacks Viera Connect but then comes with Online Movies which still gives you the possibility to watch online movies accessible via your broadband Internet connect.
Samsung Plasma TVs: Often the preferred choice for the best feature pack
Samsung plasma TVs are often the preferred choice among those looking for best overall value. It is not just a matter of enjoying more features for the same price in comparison to the Panasonic competition, but also of a continued improvement in picture quality - one that eventually led Cnet in their plasma TV review of the 59-inch Samsung PN59D8000, declare the D8000 as the best HDTV for 2011.
Samsung PN60E7000 60-Inch 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma HDTV with Samsung Smart TV The E7000 series is basically the flagship but without Smart Interaction. Otherwise, you get all the nice features of the flagship, including the new expanded Smart TV, built-in Wi-Fi, Skype-ready, and the same ultra-slim design of the flagship. Available from Amazon US |
For 2012, Samsung is offering seven different series with a total of 16 models ranging in size from 64 to 43-inch.
New for 2012 is a new anti-reflection screen termed Real Black filter on all models including entry levels; this helps maintain improved blacks even under bright light conditions and better color saturation by blocking more of the light present in the room from entering the screen. The flagship however uses an improved version, termed Real Black Pro which helps produce deeper blacks and richer colors thanks to improved contrast.
As is the present trend among TV makers, Samsung is also pushing 3D even at the budget category, with only four out of the full 2012 lineup being 2D HDTVs.
Unique for 2012 is the new Samsung Smart Interaction feature with voice and gesture control, and face detection. However, Smart Interaction is still half-backed and despite the promotion, it does not add much value except for a higher price tag!
More of substance is the new expanded Smart TV suite with its Smart Hub that adds more apps to the apps store and a full functional web browser. The use of dual-core processing helps make the Smart TV experience more intuitive and also more enjoyable thanks to the much reduced load times while allowing you to carry multiple tasks at the same time, like downloading while using another app.
Unique for the Samsung E8000 flagship series is the Local Contrast Enhancer, originally introduced in 2011 on the D8000 to optimize the dynamic contrast for different areas of the picture on-the-fly instead of averaging over the whole picture area. The Samsung flagship HDTV also includes an innovative Smart Touch remote which enhances navigation when using the Smart TV features.
Unlike Panasonic, Samsung is providing two pairs of active 3D glasses with all its 3D TVs except for the entry-level 720p E490 series with its only model being the 51-inch PN51E490; the E490 is a 3D version of the 2D entry-level E450 720p series.
All Samsung 2012 plasma TVs are characterized by a relatively slim panel that is no more than 2-inch on most models, going down to just 1.5-inches on some models, including the premium E7000 series.
Premium E7000 and the flagship E8000 series cover three screen sizes each, 51-inch, 60-inch, and 64-inch. As indicated above, the only important difference between these series is the presence of Smart Interaction on the E8000. Other differences relate to the use of the contrast enhancer and Pro panel on the E8000; these lead to only minor differences in picture performance between the two which becomes less important especially when using your plasma TV in a controlled light environment.
This means that for many in the market for an HDTV, the $400 premium necessary to jump onto the E8000 series is not justified by what you get in return. In our opinion, the E7000 picture performance is more than adequate for most demanding home entertainment users. At the same time, we cannot but remark that videophiles looking for the best TV picture would surely appreciate the E8000's ability to represent subtitle picture detail better. In this respect, sets such as the 60-inch PN60E8000 are among the best HDTVs for 2012.
Within the less expensive category, we find the E6500 and E550 3D plasma TVs with Smart TV. Both cover 51-inch and 60-inch screen sizes, while the E550 also includes a 43-inch TV. These series come with very similar features, so similar that there are no significant differences between the two! Main differences relate to different aesthetics and full CMS adjustments on the E6500 series.
These are among the most affordable plasma TVs within their class, yet if you are on tight budget and still want a 3D TV with the latest Smart TV features, it is the E550 series that delivers the best value; sets such as the 51-inch PN51E550 are selling online for less than $1,000.
At the entry-level, apart from the E490 series referred to above, one also finds the E530 1080p 2D HDTVs and the E450 720p 2D HDTVs. These are bare-bones cheap plasma TVs for those who want a big screen TV with a solid picture quality at the cheapest price; suffice to note that the 51-inch 1080p PN51E530 plasma TV is selling online at under $800, $200 less than the E550 3D Smart TV equivalent.
LG Plasma HDTVs: Offering more for less but...
 LG Infinia 60PM6700 60-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV with Smart TV This new 2012 60-inch PM6700 LG plasma HDTV is selling at a relatively inexpensive price for this screen size. And yet this is no ordinary plasma TV! Apart from solid 2D and 3D TV picture, this LG plasma TV comes with LG's latest TruSlim frame, LG Smart TV to access the unlimited world of Internet-connected TV entertainment, LG's unique Magic remote, a free Wi-Fi dongle, and is ISFccc-ready for professional calibration. It does not include any free 3D-glasses as some of the competition, and is not as energy-efficient as 2012 Panasonic plasma TVs. Yet at an FCC energy guide of $35 yearly consumption, it falls within the lower average for a 60-inch HDTV. Available from
amazon.com |
LG Electronics is one of the world's largest consumer electronics manufacturers even though its plasma TV lineup is the smallest of the trio, with just ten models over five series.
Still, LG's new plasma TVs have a lot to offer especially for those looking for the best overall deal.
All LG plasma TVs, including entry-level 720p and 1080p HDTVs come with a number of common features. These include a TruSlim frame design with a bezel that is less than 1-inch wide, LG's Intelligent sensor to automatically adjust the picture according to the light and color conditions in the room, LG's renowned Picture Wizard II for easy picture calibration, and Smart Energy support.
In addition, all LG plasma TVs come as IFSccc-ready for professional calibration; this is a rather unique offering as the only other plasma TV maker that includes ISFccc support is Panasonic on its flagship VT50 series only.
Unfortunately many who appreciate the benefits of plasma over LCD often ignore LG and instead focus on the Panasonic and Samsung.
The main problem with LG is that so far it failed to meet the expectations of videophiles looking for the best TV picture with the deepest blacks possible today. Yet those who follow LG knows that LG's 2010 and 2011 flagship plasma TVs did rate among the best in many plasma TV reviews - delivering a picture worthy of a leader. And with its 2012 PM9700 flagship and PM6700 premium series, LG has once again confirmed its ability to deliver solid picture performance. These are also the only two plasma TV series for 2012 apart from Panasonic VT and GT HDTVs that come with THX 3D display certification.
Both series are capable of a deep level of black that competes well with corresponding flagship and premium models from the other two TV makers. However, the flagship series is capable of improved blacks on the premium series thanks to the presence of the TruBlack filter. The latter represents the only important upgrade between the two; all other features are basically the same. Jumping onto the LG flagship calls for an extra $500 for the 60-inch HDTVs - too high a price difference, rendering PM6700 premium series HDTVs such as the 60-inch featured here, a better deal as a big screen TV option.
At the mid-range category, one finds the PM4700 series with its 42-inch and 50 inch sets. This is a 720p entry level series but includes 3D and LG Smart TV.
The remaining two series are entry-level 2D series with the 1080p PA6500 series comprising the 50 and 60-inch HDTVs while the 720p PA4500 series comprises 42 and 50-inch HDTVs. These HDTVs are among the cheapest but if you are after the largest screen estate for your money, sets such as the 60-inch LG 60PA6500 1080p HDTV can deliver a solid 60-inch TV picture for less than $1,400.
Are you looking
for a Plasma HDTV?
Amazon.com offers an extensive range of HDTVs, often at significantly reduced prices. However...
Prior to any decision, see what others had to say about their purchase to get a better insight about the product, customer experience and customer support; a good starting point is the customer feedback posted on the amazon site.
A large selection of Plasma HDTVs is also available at amazon UK.
Plasma TV Reviews and Product Guides
published on Practical Home Theater Guide:2011 Plasma TV Reviews
Panasonic Plasma HDTVs:
Rated among the best in black level performance but...Samsung Plasma HDTVs:
Extensive features and solid overall picture qualityLG Plasma HDTVs:
A valid alternative often overlooked by many2010 Plasma TV Reviews and Product Guides
Best Cheap Plasma TVs: 2010 budget-class plasma TV roundup
LG Plasma TVs for 2010: An Introduction
LG Plasma lineup for 2010 ...in detail: We look at each of the four 2010 plasma TV series from LG, discussing features and expected performance.
LG Flagship plasma TV Review - Series PK950 Infinia HDTVs: PK950 HDTVs have been dubbed as the best LG plasma TVs ever - offering extensive features at an attractive price. But do they offer the performance of a flagship model from a top brand? Discover more in this LG plasma TV review.
Panasonic plasma TVs for 2010: An Overview
Panasonic G20/G25 Premium Plasma TVs in detail: We review Panasonic's best-selling premium plasma TV series to see what is on offer from Panasonic at the more affordable price bracket.
Panasonic 3D plasma TVs - VT20 and VT25: Panasonic 3D plasma TVs are relatively expensive but they promise superior 2D and 3D performance. Are these Panasonic plasma TVs worth the high price?
Samsung plasma TV lineup for 2010: An Overview
2010 Samsung Plasma HDTVs: TV performance Discussion
Samsung Series 5: Reviewing the PNC550 and PNC590
Samsung 3D Plasma TV - PNC7000 HDTVs and PNC8000: PNC7000 HDTVs offer solid 2D and 3D performance for less, but do they represent a better option to the more expensive PNC8000?
PHTG Achieves: Plasma TV Reviews and Product Guides
2009 Best Plasma TVs - Samsung B860 vs. Panasonic V10
LG Plasma TVs: 2009 product guide + review of the PS80
Panasonic Black Levels: Are Panasonic having a problem with their deep blacks?
Samsung 2009 Plasma TV Lineup: Full Product Guide
Series 6 Samsung 1080p Plasma TVs: Detailed review
Samsung Series 8: Samsung's best plasma TV
Panasonic 2009 Plasma TV Lineup: Full Product Guide
Panasonic X1, X14, and C1 entry-level 720p HDTVs
Panasonic S1, S14, and U1 entry-level 1080p HDTVs
Panasonic G10/G15 THX-certified Premium 1080p HDTVs
Panasonic V10 Review: Panasonic best plasma TV for 2009
Best Plasma HDTVs: 2008 Best Plasma TV Review Summary
Panasonic Plasma Roundup: Introducing the full 2008 lineup
Panasonic Plasma TV Guide (1): PX80U, PZ80U, and PZ85U
Panasonic Plasma TV Guide (2): PZ800U and PZ850U series
Panasonic TH-50PZ700U 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Samsung FP-T5084 1080p Plasma HDTV
TH-PX60U Panasonic Plasma TV Series
Hitachi HTD52 Series of High Definition Plasma TVs
TH-PX50U Panasonic Plasma TV Series
HP-R52 Series of HD Samsung Plasma TVs
The 42PF9630A Philips Plasma TV
Panasonic TH42PA20U/P 42" EDTV Plasma Monitor
Toshiba 50HP81 50" TheaterWide® HD
More Plasma TV Reviews will follow soon.
