Best Plasma TV

V Inc. Vizio P50 (Around $1,300)

Best value, 50-inch plasma HDTV. Nearly every reviewer we found cites Vizio plasma TVs as absolutely the best value, and the Vizio P50 gets especially good reviews for its accurate color, good black levels, picture detail and features. Though all experts say the Vizio P50 can't equal the superior performance of a Pioneer or Panasonic plasma TV, the Vizio P50 is an excellent budget pick for those who don't need the best possible picture quality. Experts say the picture will likely need some adjustment out of the box. Critics add that this plasma television actually outperforms many higher-rated TVs in displaying standard-definition TV signals.


Panasonic TH-50PZ700U (Around $2,600)

Best 1080p plasma HDTV, 50 inch. If you want the highest 1080p resolution, critics say that the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ700U offers a strong blend of performance and value. Black levels are among the best available, though not quite as deep as on the more expensive Pioneer KURO PDP-5808HD. Colors are first rate, and there's plenty of contrast and shadow detail. Although 1080p is the highest possible resolution right now, many experts question whether most people will notice a difference over a top-rated 720p plasma TV.


Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD (Around $3,500)

Most cinematic plasma TV. Although it's over twice the price as some competing 50-inch plasma TVs, reviewers say the Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD is the best plasma television for those who want the most cinematic image quality. Reviewers say the Pioneer KURO plasma TV displays rich, well-saturated colors and great black levels -- some say they are the best black levels of any flat-panel TV. The Pioneer TV is also packed with features, and an anti-glare screen coating helps reduce glare. The big downside is cost compared to others.


Samsung HP-T4264 (Around $1,400)

Best 42-inch plasma HDTV. While Panasonic and Pioneer usually come out on top in comparisons of plasma TVs, the 42-inch Samsung HP-T4264 is impressing critics with black levels that stand up well to the competition. Reports say color and shadow detail are also good. Included is a host of adjustable picture settings, and connectivity is also good. Altogether, reviews say the Samsung HP-T4264 is a good compromise, sitting between the ultra-budget Vizio TVs and pricier plasma sets from Pioneer and Panasonic.


V Inc. Vizio VP42 (Around $850)

Budget 42-inch plasma HDTV. According to reviews, the Vizio VP42 plasma HDTV has a rare combination of low price and good performance. While it won't beat the best in a head-to-head image-quality competition, reviews say the black levels and color rendition are good. The Vizio VP42 also has good connectivity and is easy to use. Other features include a versatile PIP/POP function. One downside is that this HDTV is harder to find than others.


Panasonic TH-50PH10UK (Around $1,700)

50-inch HD-ready plasma monitor. Reviews say this Panasonic industrial plasma display has some of the most cinematic black levels of any mainstream plasma display. Since it is a monitor and not a true TV, however, the Panasonic TH-50PH10UK has no speakers, no table stand or wall mount, and it offers minimal connections -- even an HDMI input is an extra-cost option. Because this monitor has no tuners, it is best for those who will use separate speakers and get all of their TV from cable or satellite. Reviews say these limitations pale next to the plasma monitor's low price given its top shelf performance.

Best LCD Monitors - Computers

NEC MultiSync 70GX2 (Around $200)

17-inch LCD monitor. Although still very popular with consumers, 17-inch monitors are rarely reviewed professionally. One exception is the NEC MultiSync 70GX2. Reviewers rave about the color quality and say that text, graphics, and video playback all look great. The 70GX2 has a glossy coating that improves brightness, but glare will bother some users in certain lighting conditions. This model was reviewed when new last year, and reviewers cited price as the major disadvantage. Current prices are 50 percent lower, and cheaper than any other recommended 17-inch LCD monitor. The NEC is Windows and Macintosh compatible.

ViewSonic VP930b ( Around $330)

Best 19-inch LCD monitor. Critics say that 19-inch flat-panel monitors don't offer any additional resolution over 17-inch displays. Even so, with a larger screen, text is easier to read. This Windows and Mac-compatible ViewSonic LCD monitor does well in any application from games and movies to text and web surfing, according to reviews. For those who work with graphics or photos, reviews say color fidelity and contrast are excellent. The monitor ships with a CD that includes display calibration software, making it easy to adjust the monitor to fit your preferences. This is a standard 4:3 aspect monitor. Reviews say these are better for viewing web pages than widescreen monitors


Samsung SyncMaster 226BW (Around $320)


Best 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor. Widescreen monitors allow you to view multiple open windows or applications side-by-side more comfortably, and they are very handy for working with wide spreadsheets. But be aware that you’ll be scrolling more to view web pages since the screen isn’t as tall as a 4:3 monitor. Reviewers agree that the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW is the best monitor in this size group. The Windows and Mac compatible Samsung LCD monitor has excellent image quality; reviewers have no criticisms of its performance. Gaming performance is a particular strength of the 226BW. Experts say that widescreen LCD monitors are cheaper for manufacturers to produce, so you can often find a 22-inch widescreen monitor for the same price as a good quality 19-inch standard monitors


BenQ FP241W (Around $730)

Best 24-inch LCD monitor; widescreen. Reviews say the widescreen BenQ FP241W monitor excels in nearly every area. Photos and graphics look vivid and accurate, and text is easy to read. Native resolution is 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. The BenQ FP241W has full HD video capabilities. It can pivot, swivel, and tilt. The monitor is loaded with connectors (including an HDMI port) and features, such as a webcam. Reviewers are very impressed by all you get for the price, and think the BenQ FP241W is a great value. It is PC and Mac compatible.