(Jun 26, 2009)
David Katzmaier
Senior Editor
It's easy to pick the very best, but when it comes to paying for a new HDTV, sometimes second or third best is all your wallet allows. And sometimes, you just want a TV that's "good enough" and won't drain the children's college funds. That's where this list comes in, which compiles our picks for the best buys among plasma TVs. "Cheap" doesn't necessarily have a bad connotation when you're talking about the models listed below--it just means they cost less than average yet still produce a decent picture.
Panasonic TC-P50X1
Although it requires more than a few picture quality trade-offs, the Panasonic TC-P50X1 delivers the best black-levels-to-dollars ratio of any HDTV we've tested.
Price: $817.99 - $1,193.52 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 22, 2009
Good
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LG 50PG20
Although no slouch especially considering its price, the LG 50PG20 plasma HDTV's picture isn't quite up to that of the best entry-level competition.
Price: $899.97 - $1,099.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 26, 2008
Good
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