Samsung UNB8500 series
It costs a mint, but Samsung's local dimming, LED-based UNB8500 series delivers the best picture quality of any LCD we've tested. Just don't expect the same performance from off-angle.
Price:$3,747.00 - $4,049.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best LCD TVs
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Panasonic TC-PV10 series
The Panasonic TC-PV10 series of plasmas delivers the second-best overall picture quality, and easily the best from seats outside the sweet spot directly in front of the TV.
Price:$1,895.18 - $2,099.00 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Panasonic TC-PG10 series
With excellent picture quality marred by only a couple of flaws, the Panasonic TC-PG10 series sits near the head of the class of 2009.
Price:$1,109.88 - $1,599.95 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Samsung PNB650 series
Samsung's PNB650 series can't quite match the best plasmas on the market, but it comes close enough to offer a viable alternative. This series gets the nod over the 850/860 models due to slightly better black levels.
Price:$1,109.00 - $1,239.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs
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Samsung LNB750 series
The Samsung LNB750 series can't beat the picture quality of the best plasmas and LED-backlit LCDs, but for a conventional LCD, it's one of the best we've tested.
Price:$1,499.95 - $2,029.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best LCD TVs
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David Katzmaier