Plasma versus projection: Which big-screen HDTV to choose?

David Katzmaier, Senior Editor April 1, 2009

It's an established fact that rear-projection is on the decline compared with flat-panel plasma and LCD, but it's also undeniable that in the really-big-screen arena, circa 60 inches, RPTV still has legs. If you're in that sizable arena yourself, and have a big basement or den to fill with plenty of screen, you'll basically be choosing between plasma and rear-projection.

Below you'll find examples of each, and right off the bat, the big difference becomes clear: price. Plasma still commands a hefty premium over RPTV at very large screen sizes, so the question arises: Is it worth it? For most shoppers on budgets, our answer is "No."

Our favorite big-screen plasma, the 58-inch Panasonic TH-58PZ800U, delivers a better picture than our favorite rear-projector, Samsung's HL61A750. It has deeper black levels and better screen uniformity and off-angle performance, and, of course, it is flat, not fat. But the Samsung has a great picture in its own right, and for most viewers that's good enough, especially when you consider the savings.

Speaking of savings, you won't get any with the latest big-screen plasma we've reviewed, Panasonic's Premiere series TH-65VX100U. It's 65 inches of professional-grade plasma, with a price reminiscent of the bad old days of flat-panel TVs: $10 grand. Great picture though.

We also looked at one of Samsung's own gargantuan plasmas, the 63-inch PN63A760. While it's loaded with plenty of features, it couldn't match the same deep black levels as the Panasonic. The Mitsubishi and LG represent less-expensive options compared with the others, with correspondingly less-impressive picture quality, and in the end, the final buying decision is yours.

More Resources

Plasma TV explained,

Rear-projection TV explained,

Best HDTVs (55 inches and above),

CNET's HDTV World