The Best 50 inch Plasma HDTV

Time to Choose

Hopefully by now you've researched the different technologies (LCD vs. Plasma), sizes (14-73 inch), ports-plugs-connections (lots of HDMI's), resolution size (720 v. 1080), where to purchase (eBay or Amazon!) and programming through your local HD provider. You've made one of the best choices possible: a monster 50 inch plasma. Not only is it gigantic, but the plasma colors will wow you. Now, which one will you choose? Here are the top 10 plasma beauties organized by top seller and top bargain since the beginning of 2009.

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#1 Panasonic 50 inch Class

The Best Picture at the Top

state of the art 720p or 1080p resolution
fast 600 Hz processor
Energy star rated
30,000:1 contrast
80lbs
tons of connectors, plugs, ports

Amazon Plasmas

	Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Price: Too low to display List Price: $749.95
	Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Price: Too low to display List Price: $999.95
	Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Price: Too low to display List Price: $1,599.95
	Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P42S1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Price: Too low to display List Price: $999.95
	Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P42G10 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Price: Too low to display List Price: $1,199.95

#2 Samsung 50 inch Class

The Best Bargain at the Top

state of the art 720p or 1080p resolution
fast 600 Hz processor
Energy star rated
71lbs
the most connectors, plugs, ports of the bunch including USB 2.0
slightly cheaper than the Panasonics

Viewing Distance...Save Money

Do you want more bang for your buck? Reconsider a 720p plasma. They cost $300-$700 less versus the same model in 1080p. Most broadcast and programs are in 720p (ESPN) or in 1080i if not still in SD (Standard Definition coming over the digital airwaves). The switch from analog to digital signals doesn't change the fact.

Also, professionals and viewers alike state that there is no discernible difference between a 720 and 1080 HDTV side by side until you get within 6.5 feet of the screen. That is where you first start to notice a difference.

eBay's Best 50's

	Panasonic TCP50X1 50-inch VIERA 720p Plasma HDTV NEW Current Bid: $760.50
	LG 50PS60 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV With THX Display Current Bid: $364.00
	LG 50PS60 50-Inch Plasma HDTV with THX 600HZ 1080p Current Bid: $850.50
	Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Current Bid: $1399.64
	LG 50PS60 50-Inch Plasma HDTV with THX 600HZ 1080p Current Bid: $850.50
	LG 50PG30 50-Inch Full HD 1080P Plasma HDTV Current Bid: $1730.00

#3 LG 50 inch Class

The Best Sound at the Top...but then again, don't you have a Dolby Digital Surround Sound System?

720p or 1080p resolution
600 Hz processor
30,000:1 contrast
71lbs
variety of connectors, plugs, ports
THX certified Cinema mode
much cheaper than the Panasonics

#4 Insignia 50 inch Class

Best Basement Bargain at the Top

2 year warranty on parts and labor
720p or 1080p resolution
30,000:1 contrast
76 lbs
limited connectors, plugs, ports
very cheap compared to Panasonic

Where Should I Sit?

For a 50 inch 1080 HDTV, if you sit within 6.5 feet of the television, it will rock. Any further away and you may as well get a 720, but any closer and you may not be able to see the whole TV!

For a 50 inch 720 HDTV, if you sit around 10 feet away, it will rock. Sitting up to 6.5 feet away will be as similar as a 1080 HDTV.