As of the time of this writing, Samsung is the number one supplier of raw plasma panels worldwide, and its seven-model lineup for 2005 is appropriately extensive. As with most of its Japanese competitors, the Korean giant offers a single EDTV-resolution model for budget-minded plasma shoppers (budget is a relative term in plasma) and rounds out the rest of its line with higher-resolution models. These include a massive 63-inch set that's the company's current size champ, despite the fact that Samsung routinely shows larger plasmas at trade shows. The HPR8072 that was announced at CES earlier this year is a great example; while Samsung said it would release the 80-incher in March, it's not available yet.

Size contests and broken promises aside, Samsung's lineup of plasmas that you actually can buy includes one feature we really like: a PC input on all models. Connectivity is otherwise remarkably consistent throughout the line, with a pair of component inputs and a single HDMI input on all models. Surprisingly, even the step-up HP-R72 line has only one HDMI input; some other plasma makers, notably Pioneer, offer two.

The only non-Digital Cable Ready model from Samsung in 2005 is the HP-R4262, which we expect to be available for significantly less than its $3,800 list price and, in fact, should be one of the better values in the line. Otherwise, we expect these models to stay competitive with category leader Panasonic in terms of price. The picture quality of Panasonic's plasmas has always impressed us and will definitely give Samsung some tough competition. We'll update this information if we get a chance to review a 2005 Samsung plasma.

From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.