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For the Budget-Minded, Well-Rounded Enthusiast:Though two LG panels have already made it onto our round-up, it’s worth noting that they’ve also got a pleasing 50” plasma as well – at an incredibly affordable price. Sporting a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 600hz Subfield driving, 3:2 pulldown and THX certification, all the goods are crammed into this rather streamlined, chic unit. And, pleasantly surprising, the size and weight fight admirably with an LCD of the same size – roughly 80 lbs and about 14” wide including the stand. Considering its competition, this is a very healthy unit. LG doesn’t deal very much in plasmas, but they also offer an affordable 60” model (60PS60).  Though there’s a lot of hype, hoopla, and shenanigans flying about regarding the 120hz / 240hz technology, there’s still plenty of room for affordable, standard LCD sets – and this Samsung towers over those with might. It’s an entry from the company’s Touch of Color design, an aesthetic that adorns the outer ridge of the frame with a dark maroon-stained acrylic material for aesthetic appeal. Though the design is pleasing, also taking into account the sleek clear acrylic and very streamlined appeal, it’s no slouch in the performance arena; a 6-millisecond response time, blistering capacity for black levels with its 70,000:1 contrast ratio, and Samsung’s impressive color gamut (along with a pleasing array of adjustment options), it’s an impressive set. Bear in mind that the RealCinema 24p isn’t quite up to snuff, however, as it only performs 2:2 at 48hz, but outside of that it’s an incredible satisfying set. Panasonic G10 Series TC-P50G10 50” Plasma (Amazon Link)
Naturally, one of Panasonic’s plasmas almost always finds its way into a “budget-minded” round-up, and this entry’s no exception. Plain and simple, their panels are always reliable, which carries over into the TC-P50G10 50” model – a 600hz subfield, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio panel that offers some of the better black levels and color accuracy on the market. What’s improved greatly over the years (noticeable for the past two) is the panel’s ability to fight image retention “burn-in”, especially during long videogame sessions, by scrambling the image at precise moments. Moreover, these things are THX-certified, offer wide viewing angles, and connection to all Panasonic products. Now, you’re still going to have to fight a bit of rainbow effect, which has also grown noticeably over the years, and battle against energy consumption, though these panels are Energy Star verified. These panels are well worth it.
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