HDTV Reviews

Plasma screens have proven to be, arguably, the most popular consumer choice. A new model from Philips, the 50PF9631D/37, features the very latest technology and, with a 50-inch (diagonal) screen, is sure to make a big impression in any home-theater environment.

Three innovations combine to create the stunningly bright display. Pixel Plus+ 3HD technology enhances pixel creation to eliminate jagged lines. Two-channel Ambilight circuitry continuously analyzes and optimizes picture settings according to lighting conditions and creates a glow on the wall around the TV for enhanced viewing pleasure. Digital circuitry controls dynamic contrast and color enhancement.

We were very pleased with the overall display quality from the 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution. Plasma is known for high-contrast images with stunning color reproduction, and this model keeps that reputation intact.
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Never mind the unfamiliar name; check out the Vizio P42HDTV in person. You may be shocked by its impressive picture, particularly its surprisingly bright screen. Then take a look at the price tag of $1599 (as of 6/6/06); you’ll have a hard time finding better image quality at this price level.

Our jury found the Vizio’s image quality on a par with, and occasionally superior to, other recent 42-inch plasmas in most respects. Both high-definition and standard-definition content got middle-of-the-road scores, while DVD-viewing scores were a bit higher. The Vizio garnered most of its praise for its bright screen and impressive contrast, ranking only slightly behind the LG 42PC1DA on these scores. If you frequently watch TV in a bright room, the P42 would be a very good choice. Color quality was less impressive, skewing toward oversaturated green tones.
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Normally when you buy a high-definition monitor instead of a full-fledged HDTV, you can expect a nice little discount. So it’s strange that, although the Maxent MX-42HPM20 has no integrated TV tuner, it still costs $200 more than the Vizio P42HDTV, which does include one.

Head-to-head with its budget competitor, the MX-42HPM20 lagged the pack on nearly every test we performed. Jurors’ opinions were fairly universal regardless of whether they were viewing high-definition programming, standard-definition broadcasts, or DVDs. The biggest complaint concerned the Maxent’s brightness. Next to other plasmas, even those with the same rated brightness, the set looked dark and lacked vibrance. Color accuracy was all over the map: Skin tones careened into the red, and greens took on a surreal, night-vision-esque hue. Overall detail was generally acceptable, but the display still looked fuzzier than most, with mild artifacting and jagged edges.
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The widescreen A42HD84 plasma TV with built-in Digital ATSC tuner is the ultimate definition of reality in TV. With our HDTV (High Definition) digital screen – you can experience the next level in HDTV. Its high resolution imagery with life like clarity and 10 watt integrated loudspeakers will fill your senses. The A42HD84 plasma TV features multiple video inputs which allow connections to DVD players, video games or your favorite satellite / cable receiver set-top box providing numerous entertainment options. All this in a flat, modern design perfect for your home and office.

With its glossy black bezel and silver accents, AOC’s A42HD84 cuts a handsome figure. Its $1700 price tag (as of 6/6/06) adds more luster. However, this HDTV’s image quality, though generally acceptable, didn’t wow our test jury–and its basic controls (and skimpy tech support hours) offer little help in customizing the display.

You could very nearly buy two identically sized bargain plasmas for the price of one LG 42PC1DA plasma HDTV. Its price of $3000 (as of 6/6/06) is nearly twice that of some 42-inchers we’ve seen in the PC World Test Center. But plasma enthusiasts would do well at least test-drive the LG. Hands-down, it had the best-looking screen of any plasma we’ve tested recently, according to our test jury. For the average popcorn-munching TV watcher, it may not be worth the steep price–but if you demand a top-notch picture, you’ll want to check this one out personally.

The LG 42PC1DA is a luxury TV in every respect. From its sleek, glossy black case to the smooth curves of its base, this HDTV commands attention even when it’s turned off. But power it up and you’ll find your eyes dazzled by the display itself. The LG outpaced every other TV we tested, in almost every category. The set received its highest marks for color quality, particularly showing off the vibrant reds and greens in a scene from theSeabiscuitDVD that we use for testing. Brightness and contrast were also exceptional: The set is rated as being 25 percent brighter than most other TVs right out of the box, Read more

Pioneer’s Elite® PureVisionâ„¢ PRO-FHD1: Pioneer states that viewing a 1080p/24fps film on this HDTV gives a 3D effect. An in-built high precision upscaler converts lower resolution signals to 1080p, which they say virtually eliminates the interlacing motion artifacts often seen on displays.

“The display also relies on Pioneer’s many proprietary technologies including deep encased cell structure, crystal emissive layer and improved phosphors to create the sharpest, brightest images with excellent color accuracy.”

There’s good reason for all that sharpitude, because Pioneer boasts this HDTV has the world’s smallest plasma pixels, measuring just .576 millimeters across.

Panasonic, the market and technology leader in Plasma TV, today announced U.S. pricing and availability of it’s much anticipated 103-inch diagonal High Definition Plasma TV — the world’s largest. The TH-103PZ600U with 1080p capability will have an SRP of $69,999.95 and is expected to be available for delivery in time for Christmas 2006. It will also offer a three-year in-home limited warranty*, unprecedented in the industry.

“Panasonic didn’t create the world’s largest plasma TV as a technology demo for a trade show,” said Andrew Nelkin, Panasonic’s Display Group Vice President. “We created it because, as worldwide sales of Plasma TVs continue on a meteoric rise, the market is seeking bigger displays on which people can experience the High Definition lifestyle.

“As important as it is to provide customers with the biggest and the best image, it is equally as important to Panasonic to provide extreme customer satisfaction,” said Nelkin. “With that goal in mind, we are offering customers an industry-first three-year in-home limited warranty with the 103-inch Plasma. We believe our Plasma TV customers are entitled to extra assistance to ensure they enjoy an easy transition to HDTV and get the full value of their investment.”

The TH-103PZ600U provides stunning widescreen progressive display featuring full HD pixel resolution of 1,920 horizontal x 1,080 vertical, a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, and 4,096 equivalent steps of gradation. Its effective display area is more than 89.3″ wide by over 50.2″ high. The super- size 103″ 1080p panel is equivalent in size to four 50-inch Panasonic plasma displays.

The 103-inch Plasma TV joins Panasonic’s line of industry-leading Plasma TV’s including the 37-inch, 42-inch, 50-inch, 58-inch and the recently announced 1080p 65-inch.
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Matsushita Electric Industrial said on Wednesday it will launch four new models of high-definition plasma TVs, including the world’s largest with a 103-inch panel, challenging LCD TVs’ lead in offering higher resolution images.

The Panasonic brand maker plans to release the four plasma televisions, with panel sizes ranging from 103 to 50 inches, in September in Japan. It now has only one full high-definition model.

Rival Sharp currently offers six models of full high-definition liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs and Sony offers two LCD TV models with comparable resolution.

Full high-definition panels can produce images at the highest standard of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels of resolution.

TV makers target flat TVs with finer resolution as a growth area because high-definition digital broadcasting is starting up globally and high-definition optical disc players based on Blu-ray and HD DVD formats are starting to hit store shelves.

“It is said there are about 110 million TV sets in Japan. Of that, only about 12 million can receive digital broadcasting. Some 90 million analog TVs are still in use,” Matsushita Senior Managing Director Shunzo Ushimaru told a news conference.
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Klegg’s Plasma HDTV line Klegg KP 6300 which includes 42, 50, 55, and 63 inch models. These aluminum chassis and framed TVs display remarkable clarity and definition thanks to Klegg Electronics True Cinemaâ„¢ video processing and new anti-glistening technology for an enhanced visual experience. Using high quality TFT panels, Klegg has engineered an anti-glistening liquid crystal layer to enhance transparency, contrast and picture definition while reducing light beam dispersions and reflection. Klegg’s line of Plasma HDTVs is available immediately from select authorized dealers.

Klegg’s Plasma HDTV’s are engineered with the highest quality Plasma panels and include an ATSC/NTSC TV tuner for over-air High Definition reception and HDMIDVI and VGA compatibility. Discrete IR- codes for universal remote programming and discrete RS-232C codes make Klegg Plasma’s perfect for custom and commercial installation applications. Klegg’s signature aluminum bezels and chassis provide ample heat dissipation to keep LCD panels cooler while providing a durable, luxurious look.
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The 55-inch Hitachi 55HDX62 UltraVision CineForm Director’s Series Plasma HDTV ($6,999.99 list) offers a stylish design and plenty of quality touches, but this premium television failed to deliver a premium picture. The 55HDX62 allowed common image artifacts to taint standard-definition video, and its performance as a high-definition plasma display was comparable with that of a good panel from a year and a half ago. Hitachi televisions are among the best in the world, and the 55HDX62’s showing suggests a modernized successor is overdue.

It’s difficult to recommend a plasma display that costs as much as the 55HDX62 when it offers little improvement over older panels. The 55HDX62 also Read more