Best plasma TVs

(Updated December 9, 2011 5:11 AM PST)
David Katzmaier
David Katzmaier
Senior editor
The first kind of flat-panel TV to hit the market more than 10 years ago, plasma displays have come a long way since then. They're much more durable now, and the burn-in bugaboo is pretty much a thing of the past. Plasma TVs are not generally available in sizes less than 42 inches, and their picture quality in the best models still outperforms the best LCD picture quality--although the gap is closing. However, plasmas are much less efficient than LCD TVs. Check out our plasma versus LCD comparison for more information.

Samsung PND8000 series

With picture quality that's nearly the equal of the tough competition, as well as best-in-class design and features, the Samsung PND8000 makes a strong case for being the best overall plasma TV of 2011.

Price: $1,918.18 - $2,999.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Outstanding

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Samsung PND8000 series

Samsung PND7000 series Editors' Choice - Samsung PND7000 series

With picture quality on par with the best TVs we've ever tested, the Samsung PND7000 plasma represents an excellent value for videophiles who don't demand to own the top of the line.

Price: $1,754.00 - $2,199.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Samsung PND7000 series

Panasonic TC-PVT30 series

Superb all-around picture quality, anchored by the deepest plasma black levels of the year, make the Panasonic TC-PVT30 series the best-performing TV we've tested in 2011.

Price: $1,998.18 - $2,499.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Panasonic TC-PVT30 series

Panasonic TC-PGT30 series

Excellent all-around picture quality combined with improved features and styling should make the Panasonic TC-PGT30 TV a favorite among bigger-spending plasma seekers.

Price: $1,199.99 - $1,499.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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 Panasonic TC-PGT30 series

LG PZ950 series

Although blessed with solid features, design, and performance, the LG PZ950 series can't match the excellent picture quality of other plasmas in its price range.

Price: $979.00 - $1,529.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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LG PZ950 series

Panasonic TC-PST30 series

If you can live with its homely design, the excellent picture quality and feature set of the Panasonic TC-PST30 series combine to make it one of the best plasma TV values available.

Price: $1,299.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Panasonic TC-PST30 series