Which 2011 Panasonic plasma 3D plasma TV to buy?

David Katzmaier
Senior editor June 3, 2011 (updated on: June 9, 2011)

So you want a new TV, you have between $900 and $4,300 to spend, you've weighed the plasma versus LED/LCD options, and you've decided that plasma is the way to go.

And although you know that we just reviewed the best Samsung plasma and gave it an superb overall rating, and that we haven't yet reviewed any LG plasmas, you're enough of a Panasonic loyalist to not care.

Even if you don't give a hoot about 3D, you know Panasonic puts its best-performing panels in the three models that can handle 3D sources, maybe because we told you so.

So now the only question for you, hypothetical narrowly focused and otherwise well-informed and well-heeled reader, is which Panasonic 3D plasma to buy. Luckily for you we've reviewed all three contenders, so here's a quick cheat sheet.

What they have in common

• They share most screen sizes, although the number of sizes offered varies and no plasma is smaller than 42 inches. The ST30 series comes in 42, 46, 50, 55, 60, and 65-inch models. The GT30 series comes in 50, 55, 60 and 65-inch models. And the VT30 series comes in just 55- and 65-inch models.
• All three series can handle 3D sources, although only the highest-end VT30 includes glasses (just one pair). Additional glasses cost $180 list. Notably, Samsung includes two free pairs of 3D glasses with all of its 3D plasmas.
• All offer the Viera Connect Internet TV suite, our favorite of the year so far, and all come with USB Wi-Fi dongles free of charge.
• Each one scored at least an 8, or Excellent, in our picture quality ratings, except for the VT30, which scored a 9. Panasonic claims none will suffer black-level performance loss like we measured on 2010 and 2009 models. It will take months of long-term testing to prove that one way or another, but we're on it.

• Best value: The ST30 costs the least yet produces a picture that's at least as good or, by some criteria, better than the step-up GT30 gives. It's the hands-down value winner, and is probably the best TV value we've reviewed this year, period.
• Best picture quality: The flagship VT30 costs a mint but outdoes the others in most important areas of picture quality. The difference is subtle in some cases, however, making it tough to justify the VT30's high price to all but the staunchest videophiles.
• Best style: The consolation prize goes to the GT30, with its thinner bezel that gives it a more appealing look than the one-sheet VT30 (which looks plenty sleek itself) and especially than the generic-looking ST30.

The products below represent one screen size in each series (50 inches, 50 inches, and 55 inches, respectively). Click through to the reviews, or this article, for links to additional size and price information.