Plasma televisions are flat screen displays that use electronically charged gases to produce images. The image is created when the plasma gas inside the pixel is contacted by an electric current and produces ultraviolet rays. Each pixel contains three colors: red, blue and green. The ultraviolet rays then cause the coating on each of the gas bubbles to glow and produce the specified color to create the final image. Unlike LCD TVs, plasma televisions do not use backlighting to illuminate the display. Instead, the plasma technology allows them to be self lit and produce a brighter image.http://www.plasma.com/classroom/about-plasma.htm

Plasma TVs can be purchased in a variety of sizes, starting at 37 inches. http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv-screensize.htmlThe size of a plasma TV is measured diagonally. According to Consumer Reports, the most common size for a plasma TV is 42 to 58 inches, however manufacturers are releasing many new models that are 60 inches or larger.http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/tvs-services/tvs/tv-buying-advice/tv-types/tv-types.htm Some plasma TVs, such as the Samsung PN58C8000, offer wireless connectivity by using a LinkStick for WiFi connections.http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN58C8000-58-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT41U/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287783206&sr=1-8 Other models, such as the LG 42PB4D, feature an integrated digital video recorder built into the television which eliminates the need for an additional device.http://www.amazon.com/LG-42PB4D-plasma-built-widescreen/dp/B000QU8LAK

The choice between a plasma TV or a LCD TV may prove a difficult one without having the knowledge of what each has to offer. This side by side comparison examines the cost of each style as well as the quality of images and features that they offer. There are also buying tips that explain how the conditions of the space the TV will be used in should be considered when making the purchase.

The TC-P50VT25 by Panasonic is WiFi ready and reduces the amount of cables needed to connect the TV to other home theater devices. This 50 inch flat panel TV also provides users the ability to connect to sites such as YouTube and Skype. This model includes four HDMI inputs, two AV inputs, one PC input as well as one USB input. The display is an Infinite Black Pro Panel which provides an image that is 5,000,000 to 1 for a native contrast. http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TCP50VT25-TC-P50VT25-1080p-Plasma/dp/B003NA1AGM/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=172282&s=electronics

Ratings

• CNET : 4 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-tc-p50vt25/4505-6482_7-33941234.html
• alaTest : 4.4 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/panasonic-tc-p50vt25/po3-94957410,33/
• Amazon : 4.8 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TCP50VT25-TC-P50VT25-1080p-Plasma/dp/B003NA1AGM

Price

$2,199.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TCP50VT25-TC-P50VT25-1080p-Plasma/dp/B003NA1AGM

Reviews

• "The best Plasma I have ever seen (2-D & 3-D). "—CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-tc-p50vt25/4505-6482_7-33941234.html

• "BEST TV I HAVE EVER OWNED! "—alaTest http://alatest.com/user-reviews/tv-reviews/panasonic-tc-p50vt25/pu3-94957410,33/

• "This TV is awesome. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-TCP50VT25-TC-P50VT25-1080p-Plasma/product-reviews/B003NA1AGM/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

The 50 inch Samsung 550 series features FilterBright which is designed to provide an optimized viewing experience and reduce the amount of glare. To reduce blur during motion, the Samsung provides a 600Hz refresh rate. It also includes Color Enhancer technology that is designed to produce the truest color from each pixel.http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/PN50C550G1FXZA The Samsung also provides an array of input options including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, PC, AV and RF inputs.http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50c550/4507-6482_7-34005787.html?tag=mncolBtm;rnav The suggested retail price for this model is $1,299.99.http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/PN50C550G1FXZA

Ratings

• CNET : 4 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50c550/4505-6482_7-34005787.html
• alaTest : 4.4 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/samsung-pn-ps-c550-series-plasma-tv-50-58-63/po3-98930928,33/
• Amazon : 4.3 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C550-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3XO

Price

$899.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C550-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3XO

Reviews

• "Deep rich colors. Amazingly fast image. "—CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50c550/4852-6482_7-34005787.html?tag=uoBody

• "Our PN50C590 exceeds our expectations. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/user-reviews/tv-reviews/samsung-pn-ps-c550-series-plasma-tv-50-58-63/pu3-98930928,33/

• " Not Only Excellent For The Money, But Excellent, Period."—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C550-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3XO

LG's PK750 model plasma TV features Netcast Entertainment Access which provides viewers with YouTube, Yahoo TV widgets, Flickr or Netflix videos. It also offers Intelligent Sensor which can detect the lighting conditions of a room and adjust the television settings accordingly. It has full HD resolution and provides several different settings for viewing including those ideal for sports, movies or gaming. The PK750 is also WiFi enabled to allow users to connect without the use of wires or cables.http://www.amazon.com/LG-INFINIA-50PK750-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B0039RW9WS The suggested price for this television is $1,300.00.http://www.lg.com/us/tv-audio-video/televisions/LG-plasma-tv-INFINIA-50PK750.jsp

Ratings

• CNET : 4 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-50pk750/4505-6482_7-33957043.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r
• alaTest : 4.1 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/lg-pk750-series-plasma-tv-50-60/po3-106890708,33/
• Amazon : 4.3 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/LG-INFINIA-50PK750-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B0039RW9WS

Price

$994.98 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/LG-INFINIA-50PK750-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B0039RW9WS

Reviews

• "Excellent TV for the money!"—CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-50pk750/4505-6482_7-33957043.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1r

• " It is very attractive and has good picture quality to boot. Overall it's a good panel for a reasonable price."—alaTest http://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/lg-pk750-series-plasma-tv-50-60/po3-106890708,33/

• A deal, maybe a steal. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/LG-INFINIA-50PK750-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B0039RW9WS

The Samsung C8000 is a full 1080p HDTV plasma television with 3D technology. The Motion Judder Canceling feature reduces blur that is caused by fast moving scenes to produce clear sports and action images. Picture quality and sound are enhanced for maximum performance using BD Wise technology which makes the necessary adjustments automatically. Images and videos can be stored using flash memory in the Content Library. Online content such as Facebook and YouTube can also be accessed with Internet TV and customizable widgets.http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C8000-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3Z2 The suggested retail price is $2,299.99.http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/PN50C8000YFXZA

Ratings

• CNET : 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50c8000/4505-6482_7-34005777.html?tag=mncol;lst
• alaTest : 4.0 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/samsung-pn-c8000-series-plasma-tv-50-58-63/po3-95359694,33/
• Amazon : 4.4 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C8000-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3Z2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287498310&sr=1-1

Price

$1,899.00 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C8000-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3Z2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287498310&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "Without a doubt an Excellent Plasma TV! "—CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-pn50c8000/4505-6482_7-34005777.html?tag=mncol;lst

• "This tv is absolutely amazing. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/samsung-pn-c8000-series-plasma-tv-50-58-63/po3-95359694,33/

• "I have been researching 3d plasmas for about 3 months. This has to be the best picture quality I have ever seen. "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PN50C8000-50-Inch-1080p-Plasma/dp/B0036WT3Z2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287498310&sr=1-1

The Panasonic TC-P50G25 plasma TV features a THX certified display. Viera Cast allows viewers to surf online content from sites such as Twitter, Pandora for music streaming and Amazon Video on Demand. Skype can also be used for video conferencing when used with a web camera. There are several input options such as USB ports and HDMI inputs that can be used to connect various home theater devices. Videos and images can be displayed using a SD card slot that is integrated into the unit.http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P50G25-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UCK The suggested retail price is $1,399.95.http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/All-VIERA-Flat-Panel-HDTVs/model.TC-P50G25_11002_7000000000000005702

Ratings

• CNET : 3.5 out of 5 starshttp://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-tc-p50g25/4505-6482_7-33957038.html
• alaTest : 4 out of 5 starshttp://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/panasonic-tc-p-g25-series-plasma-hdtv-42-46-50-54/po3-94957409,33/
• Amazon : 4.3 out of 5 starshttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P50G25-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287427731&sr=8-1

Price

$1,049.95 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P50G25-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287427731&sr=8-1

Reviews

• "Offers a highly tempting mix of features, value, and initial picture quality. "—CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-tc-p50g25/4505-6482_7-33957038.html#reviewPage1

• "The Best Plasma TV for the Money. "—alaTest http://alatest.com/reviews/tv-reviews/panasonic-tc-p-g25-series-plasma-hdtv-42-46-50-54/po3-94957409,33/

• "SUPERIOR PICTURE QUALITY, INCREDIBLY REALISTIC COLOR REPRODUCTION "—Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P50G25-50-Inch-Plasma/dp/B003924UCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287427731&sr=8-1

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