Group test: Plasma TVs

There are two main choices when buying a flat screen high definition television: LCD or plasma. While LCD generally delivers a brighter, livelier image, plasma is often the choice for serious film fans, as it produces deeper, darker blacks, better contrast and more realistic colours and doesn’t suffer from motion blur to the same degree as LCD.

Plasma screens also tend to be slightly cheaper than an equivalent sized LCD TV, although (as you’ll see from the Pioneer TV below) that isn’t always the case.

We’ve assembled five of the most popular plasma televisions on the market and put them through their paces to decide which deserves your consideration.

Pioneer PDP-LX5090

There’s no getting round the fact that this is extremely expensive for a 50-inch plasma TV, but there’s also no getting round the fact that, at the time of writing, it’s the best 50-inch plasma TV on the planet. If mind-blowing picture quality is what you want, this (or its 60-inch big brother) is the TV for you. A screen this good definitely deserves to be teamed up with a high definition source or two, though – so consider getting a Blu-ray player, games console or HDTV service to go along with it.

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Go to the Pioneer PDP-LX5090 product page >>

Samsung PS50A557

While it’s by no means a perfect performer, there aren’t many full HD 50-inch plasmas around that are as affordable as the PS50A557. It’s also got a fine selection of AV inputs, a wealth of picture tweaking options and a stylish design, all of which go towards making it one of the better entry-level models we’ve reviewed. Just don’t expect it to deliver the flawlessly smooth, sharply detailed picture of a Pioneer or top of the range Panasonic screen.

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Go to the Samsung PS50A557 product page >>

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80B

Despite its full HD resolution, the TH-42PZ80B feels a lot like an entry-level television. That’s not to say it’s a poor or average performer – on the contrary, its picture quality is excellent, particularly with a high definition source – but that it’s a little light on features and functions. Most televisions, even at this low price point, offer a wide range of image enhancing technologies and a wide range of tweaking options, but there’s little to play with here. Still, it’s definitely a highly recommended buy.

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Go to the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80B product page >>

LG 42PG6000

This is one of the best looking plasma televisions on the market, but the expectations engendered by its alluring exterior never really match up to the picture and sound performance, which is only a little better than average. That said, connectivity is excellent (meaning buyers with lots of external gear to hook up are well catered for) and the price tag is temptingly low, so we wouldn’t discount this model totally out of hand. Don’t expect top, top levels of performance and you won’t be disappointed.

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Go to the LG 42PG6000 product page >>

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85

At first glance, the glossy, almost button-free Sony seems a lightweight option. But delve into the touch menus and there’s plenty of high-tech features on board, from face detection and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound to sharp 4MP still photos. Focus and image quality are first class, faithfully reproducing vibrant colours and the finest of details. Overall, a top notch camcorder that might only miss the top spot on your shopping list thanks to its hefty price-tag.

Click to read the full review>>
Go to the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85 product page >>

PriceRunner recommended
Pioneer PDP-LX5090

Click to read the full review>>
Go to the Pioneer PDP-LX5090 product page >>

Get chatting about the latest Plasma televisions over at the PriceRunner forum.

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