Top 50 Plasma TVs dissected

Plasma technology has matured at bullet-speed over the past couple of years to deliver some of the best image quality you can find in a flatscreen TV (and for far less cash).

Making the choice between so many black rectangles isn’t easy though, so let us walk you through the hottest HD plasmas cluttering up the current Top 50.

Top of the tree
Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80
Best price: £675.01 on 23 April 2008
This is a new entry for Panasonic and it’s straight in at number one. It’s not so surprising given that Panny is the biggest name in plasma and it dominates the upper end of the chart. Packing a full-fat 1080p hi-def picture, it’s got all the high-end talent along with that distinctive Viera styling ensuring it looks plush when positioned pride of place.
Up against: Samsung PS42Q97HDX

Rising star
LG 50PG6000
Best price: £1054.10 on 23 April 2008
New from LG is this impressive 50-incher with true HD Ready status and built-in Freeview tuner. It’s not very far up the list, but likely to move when more people realise it’s one of the most affordable top quality super-size screens with this kind of specification. The glossy black bezel and attractive styling should get it noticed soon anyway.
Up against: Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ700

Unsung hero
Hitachi P50T01
Best price: £716 on 23 April 2008
An top class plasma TV of this size would usually wallop your wallet with much greater force. Especially one with full HD compatibility and heaps of smart picture-perfecting tech stashed within its slender frame. Hitachi’s 50-inch set doesn’t carry quite the same kudos as a Panasonic or Sony (and the design looks a little last-year), but those are the only reasons this accomplished plasma panel resides at the bottom of the top 50. If you’re after an affordable outsider this deserves closer inspection.
Up against: LG 50PC56

Loved by experts
Pioneer PDP-507XD
Best price: £2095 on 23 April 2008
It’s rare to see a product so universally praised by its critics, but the Pioneer PDP-507XE is the titan of the plasma TV world according to the experts. Maybe the inky black levels, dramatic contrast and eyeball-splintering resolution have something to do with it. The only reason it’s languishing at the bottom end of the chart is the price. Still, if you’re after the ultimate, look no further.
Up against: Panasonic TH-58PZ700U

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