The Basics: Hitachi was one of the first manufacturers to release 42- and 50-inch “1080” plasma models in 2007; however, many of these models do not have full 1920 x 1080 resolution, and all of them use a special panel technology called ALiS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) that causes them to perform more like a 1080i panel. The 50-inch P50T501 has a 1280 x 1080 resolution, and only alternate rows can be illuminated at the same time, so you never get a full progressive 1080-line image on the screen.

The Basics: Vizio has established itself as one of the leading providers of reasonably priced LCD and plasma HDTVs. The JV50P is a unique product in the company’s line, as it combines a plasma panel and 5.1-channel audio system to create a more complete home entertainment package for just $1800. The trade-off for that low price is that you don’t get 1080p resolution; this is a 1366 x 768 panel. The JV50P plasma has a healthy connection panel with three HDMI, two component video, and one PC input. The menu includes most of the desirable picture adjustments, such as preset picture modes and color temperature settings. It also includes advanced white-balance controls, which isn’t a given at this price point. There are four aspect ratio options (normal, wide, zoom, panoramic), numerous PIP and POP viewing options, and an image cleaner to ...

The Basics: This product hails from Pioneer’s excellent lineup of KURO plasma HDTVs, which includes a standard KURO brand and a higher-end Elite KURO brand. This 60-inch, 1080p TV is the top-of-the-line model under the Elite KURO brand; as such, it boasts all of the line’s best features and technologies. Features includes the use of Pioneer’s ASIC video processing circuitry and two compelling PureCinema film processing modes: The Advance mode converts 24-frames-per-second film to 72 fps to reduce judder, and the Smooth mode appears to interpolate frames (like a 120Hz TV) to render even smoother motion. The TV offers a nice assortment of image adjustments, including an Optimum picture mode that uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to automatically tailor the image to your room’s lighting conditions. There’s also an Energy Saver mode that limits peak brightness to reduce power consumption. Elite KURO ...

The Basics: This product hails from Pioneer’s excellent lineup of KURO plasma HDTVs, which includes a standard KURO brand and a higher-end Elite KURO brand. Part of the standard KURO brand and one of the less expensive models in the line, the PDP-5080HD has a 1365 x 768 resolution, as opposed to 1920 x 1080. However, in most other respects, it is a full-featured HDTV. Features include the use of Pioneer’s ASIC video processing circuitry and two compelling PureCinema film-processing modes. The Advance mode converts 24-frames-per-second film to 72 fps to reduce judder, and the Smooth mode appears to interpolate frames (like a 120Hz TV) to render even smoother motion. The TV offers a nice assortment of image adjustments, including an Optimum picture mode that uses the TV’s built-in light sensor to automatically tailor the image to your room’s lighting conditions. There’s ...

The Basics: The 700U Series is a step down from Panasonic’s top 2007 line, the 750U Series, so these TVs offer fewer features, but cost less money. Unlike the similar 750U model, this 58-inch, 1080p model lacks the Pro Setting and Studio Reference mode. It has one less HDMI input than the 750U and does not offer a split-screen viewing option.   Like many new Panasonic models, this TV sports an SD card slot through which you can display photos and view AVCHD video; it’s also compatible with the GalleryPlayer system that lets you display professional photographs and works of art. The TH-58PZ700U has two HDMI inputs that accept 1080p/60 (but not 1080p/24). Aspect-ratio options include the ability to display 1080i/1080p images with no overscan. The anti-reflective screen helps cut down on light reflections off the plasma glass, but there are no features to ...