The main attraction of Panasonic TC-P50X1 is, no doubt, the price, a thing that comes naturally, as this 50 inch plasma TV is an entry level product, without fancy features. While you cannot compare this Panasonic plasma TV with top of the line models, rest assured that the image quality is more than what you pay for. One would expect Panasonic TC-P50X1 to perform in the same way as a C1 model, because they share the same 720p resolution, but this is not the case; the X1 representative has better contrast ratio and more connectivity options, making it more competitive for the price. Plus, the company did not spare the effort to install the new anti-reflective screen on the X1 series, a thing that cannot be said about C1 and U1 (despite the fact that the latter has 1080p resolution).

Those seeking to buy an entry level plasma TV with great picture quality and a decent set of features have found it in Panasonic TC-P42X1. This Panasonic plasma TV is cheaper than the models from mid and high level mainly because of its 720p resolution, but it does not lack much in the area of overall image quality and connectivity options are not to throw away. Keep in mind, though, that this 42 inch plasma TV has the same panel Panasonic used for its last year series, so do not expect amazing improvements from 2008 models. The X1 series is part of the lower line of Panasonic plasma TV’s, as well as C1 and U1, with some differences. While X1 has 720p resolution, as C1, it does have the same contrast ratio as U1, and Panasonic TC-P42X1 can still be listed as a very good plasma TV, especially because of the price.

Just saying that Samsung PN58B850 is a top of the line plasma TV may seem like an understatement, if one just throws a single look at it. With its 1.2 inch depth in frame, that makes it look elegantly thin from the side, this series from Samsung is considered to have delivered the best looking plasma of the year. For a Samsung plasma TV, Samsung PN58B850 comes fully packed with all the fancy features of a high end product, like Picture in Picture, the ability to connect to the Internet, and the 600Hz subfield motion technology, aimed to match the 600Hz subfield drive from Panasonic, the direct competition. All in all, this 58 inch plasma TV is worth a second look, if you have the money to spend on it, despite the fact that its performance matches the previous series from the same manufacturer.

In terms of performance, Samsung PN50B850 is on the same level with the models from the previous 650 series from the same company. One would wonder why spend more on this 50 inch plasma TV, if the performance is the same, but it would only mean that that person has not seen the new high tech design Samsung had in store for the 850/860 series, with a frame that is only 1.2 inches thick. There is little difference between this Panasonic plasma TV and its 860 counterpart, the latter having as extras, the ability to switch manually to 24 cinema mode, as well as an extra calibration mode. The overall picture quality is great, and its video processing features are very reliable.

Someone looking for a luxury product, should stop by and check on the 2009 release from Samsung, the Samsung PN58B860 plasma TV. For a 58 inch plasma TV, it is not unusual to carry a steep price, but some people may decide against such a buy, seeing that almost the only novelty the 850/860 series from Samsung brings over the previous 650 is the – we must say it – astonishing sleek design, with only 1.2 inches in depth. Performance is about the same, and this Samsung plasma TV is still a product meant for those that don’t mind paying extra just for having a cool looking HDTV installed in their living room.

The top of the line series from Samsung can brag about its picture quality, as well as its accurate colors. While it does somewhat stand lower than the V10 series from Panasonic, this Samsung series from 2009 is not a bad option, either. Samsung PN50B860 sports about the same quality one would find in the less expensive 6 series from the same manufacturer, but what makes it stand out is its sleek design, that could make you take extra money out of your pocket, provided that you want to acquire the coolest plasma model on the market these days. This Samsung plasma TV has little over the 850 sub-series, represented only by a manual option in order to turn on the 1080p/24 mode, as well as one calibration mode more. For a 50 inch plasma TV, this model provides a very good performance, so, if you are willing to spend more for its 1.2 inch depth screen, it can be quite a catch.

In the 54 inch category, Panasonic TC-P54S1 has plenty of competition. The good news is that the 54 inch plasma TV does not aim to beat up higher level plasma, as this was not what it was designed for, but it still performs more than decently, which brings it closer to those top of the line products, despite its less expensive price tag. It is true that Panasonic TC-P54S1 does not come with fancy features, such as THX certification, 24p cinema mode and Viera Cast abilities, all enhancements that the company brought forward only with the high level series, such as G10 and V10, but its picture quality is still great, and this recommends fully the Panasonic plasma TV we review here.

Panasonic TC-P46S1 brings honor to the company’s name, through its overall competitive picture quality. This Panasonic plasma TV is a very good example of what the manufacturer intended to bring forward with the new plasma TV series released in 2009. The blacks are the deepest seen on a plasma TV in 2009 (the same quality as in V10 and G10 series), and, while the colors are not as accurate as in its newer mates, because it does not have the THX certification, this 46 inch plasma TV offers a good deal for the buck, as its price is lower than, for example, Panasonic TC-P46G10. Of course, this does mean that you won’t enjoy the fancy features you find in the top of the line series; but, if you are looking for a very good plasma TV at a competitive price.

Gifted with the new NeoPDP display and a resolution of 1080p, Panasonic TC-P42S1 represents a very good quality mid level plasma TV, and a step up from the manufacturer’s X1 series. Although it does not display the latest features in plasma TV’s, like THX certification, Viera Cast web options, and 24p cinema mode (found in the superior V10 and G10 series from the same company), this Panasonic plasma TV offers great picture quality at an affordable price. For a 42 inch plasma TV, this represents a good deal, especially because of the price, although its colors are not as accurate as you can find in a G10 plasma TV in the same size category.

Many consumers usually prefer mid-level products, as they can enjoy a good quality product, without having to break the bank for it. Panasonic knows this oh-so-well, and their 50 inch plasma TV, Panasonic TC-P50S1 is the proof. Without being fully packed with features like THX certification, Viera Cast add-ons, or 24p cinema mode (found in the most expensive series such as G10 and V10), the S1 series can boast about exceptional black levels and reliable color saturation. You can also find a good deal for this Panasonic plasma TV, as this is less expensive than the newer plasma TVs from the same manufacturer. With its NeoPDP panel and its 1080p resolution, the S1 is also more than one step up from the entry level series X1, being placed closer to top of the line plasma TVs, rather than low level products. All in all, Panasonic TC-P50S1 is a mid-level plasma in terms of price, but not exactly the run of the mill HDTV.