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Plasma TV Reviews and Buying Guide:Are you finally ready to step up from your old tube tv to a new plasma screen? Plasma tvs were all the talk of the television industry just a few years ago but today they are being challenged by DLP and LCD tvs as well. Plasma televisions have come down in price over the last few years and the quality has only increased. There is quite a bit of competition from Samsung, Panasonic, Hitachi, LG, Sony, and Philips. Prices have hovered around $1500 for a year now with some still costing in upwards of $2000. On the cheap end of things, you can find a Panasonic plasma tv that sells for less than $700 (42-inch). The most common size plasma tvs are the 42 inch and 50 inch models that most manufacturers offer while a few new models are in excess of 60 inches. Plasma TVs will last 10-15 years given normal use patterns. You'll want a plasma tv that has both HDTV capabilities and a 1080p rating. Not all television networks offer shows in high definition at this time, but in the next few years, almost all programming will be shown in high definition which will make plasmas screens a real winner for picture quality and sound quality. The higher the screen resolution (preferable 1920 X 1200) the better for viewing purposes. The 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen) is what sets plasma screens apart from conventional tvs and lets you enjoy DVD movies.
Plasma TV vs LCDs:One big decision that all consumers need to determine is, Will they buy a plasma tv or LCD? Both LCD TVs and plasma TVs are thin and wall mountable, but the plasma screens are a touch better for viewing from all angles. Plasmas have deeper black levels than do the LCD tvs which is a key factor in getting the best picture quality from your television set. If you want a tv that is over 42 inches, then consider the plasma tvs since they offer better quality at 50-inch and above. LCD tvs tend to be 50-inches or less at this point, however new, larger screens are being developed as you read this article. Pricing on LCDs is pretty equivalent to that of Plasma tvs, but we still feel that the plasma tv is the best bet when buying any large screen television. We read reviews on lots of electronics websites like Amazon, CNET, and Plasma owner forums to see which models perform the best and which ones are the favorites of customers. Keep in mind that plasmas used to be energy hogs, but that has begun to change as the new energy efficient models reach the market. See the results below.
Cheap/Budget Plasma TV:If you want a quality plasma tv at a budget price, then consider the Vizio models. The Vizio plasma tv sells for less than $700 at Costco and sacrifices little in black levels or color quality to the larger name brands rated above. The Vizio 42-inch, among the cheaper plasma screens, gets good reviews on performance and people love the low price. I must say having walked into Costco recently I viewed the Vizio versus the other name brands and couldn't tell much of a difference and would definitely consider a Vizio in the future since the prices are so cheap. The one drawback is that they are not offered through larger electronic chain stores like Circuit City or Best Buy. You will find Vizio tvs at Costco, Sam's and BJ's wholesale clubs.
Plasma TV Stands:One of the first selling points of plasma tvs was that they were easy to mount on your wall or above a fireplace. After reading dozens of consumer reviews on mounting plasma screens, we found that it's not that easy after all since the weight of a plasma is so much. Plus having the wires and cables hidden from site for aesthetics is hard work and requires lots of extra electrician fees to do it successfully. Research also shows that placing a plasma above a fireplace can be potentially harmful to the screen if it is continually operating with temperatures above 90 degrees around it. We suggest buying a plasma tv stand and eliminating the hassle of putting your plasma on a wall somewhere. Plasma tv stands are only about $200-$350 and conveniently fit in tight spots since the screens are so thin. Most plasma table stands are between 4 and 6 inches in depth.
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($930) is the best 42-inch plasma HDTV with full 1080p resolution. The 3 HDMI slots let you connect virtually any device to the tv. The Viera Image Viewer lets you share your latest digital images or AVCHD camcorder videos on the screen. Contrast ratio stands at 40,000:1 and the tv has 100,000 hour panel life. The picture quality is truly amazing and almost all reviews are positive for this set. Owners say the 600Hz technology gives you a clear image whether watching HD videos or just viewing pictures. The 720p model from Panasonic is the 
which sells for less than $600. For the best selection of 
- this high def plasma is top rated by consumer magazines and owners alike. With a 0.001ms pixel-response time, 3,000,000:1 Mega Contrast , 600Hz, 4 HDMI ports, and Energy Star qualified, the Samsung plasma is in a class all by itself. Samsung has gained a reputation on the LCD market but they have also equaled Panasonic in terms of plasma quality. The colors are beautiful, the picture is amazing, and the overall experience is just what tv viewers want. If you are thinking about upgrading your home theater and need a solid plasma to go with it, then consider the PN50B650. Don't need 1080p, then the 
at $770 should get your interest. The prices are just unbelievable these days on plasmas and I assume this holiday season they are going to lead the retailers to some success. You can find them online at Amazon or try your local electronics retailer like Best Buy or Frys Electronics. I found some great deals for Panasonic at Sears as well.