Big Screens for Big Games

Looking for a 50" plasma HDTV with 1080p resolution? Consider the Samsung FP-T5084. CNET calls it "excellent," saying its "picture stands up well against some tough competition." Features of the TV include inputs galore, with 3 HDMI inputs (2 on the back and 1 on the side); a PC input so you can watch TV and work at the same time (and by "work" we mean send IMs); complete controls for color temperature; and anti-burn-in technology for a long screen life.

It's one thing when the kid at Best Buy tells you a certain plasma TV is the "best." But it's quite another when Consumer Reports calls a TV "the best flat-panel TV we've tested so far." The editors at the magazine (whose annual electronics issue hit newsstands yesterday) are talking about the 50" 1080p Panasonic TH-50PZ700U plasma HDTV, raving that "(p)icture quality is outstanding, raising the bar for the whole category." The TV also comes in a 42" version, which, according to CNET, "offers the best picture quality in its size class."

The CNET editors have really high standards for TVs. So when they give the Pioneer PDP-5080HD HDTV an Editors' Choice award, saying it "delivers a jaw-dropping home theater picture," we can safely assume it doesn't suck. What's so awesome about this 50" plasma TV? Minimalist design with detachable speaker, incredibly deep blacks, up to 1080p resolution, connectivity options galore (4 HDMI inputs and a PC input), and a CableCard slot, to name a few. The MSRP is a staggering $3500, but you can save more than $1000 from some online stores. Also available in a 42" version.

If you're looking for a big, flat-screen TV with full 1080p resolution, consider the 46" Samsung LN-T4665F. You name it, it's got it: Built-in HDTV tuner, 3 HDMI inputs, a USB 2.0 port, a PC input, picture-in-picture, V-Chip parental controls, and even an auto volume leveler to prevent volume fluctuations (so the screaming used car dealer won't wake you up if you've dozed off on your couch). The only downside is the shiny screen (not an issue if your media room is always dark), but CNET still liked it enough to give it an "excellent" 8.3 (out of 10) review.

Panasonic claims its TH-42PZ700U HDTV "is a contender for best 42" picture available." CNET takes it one step further than that, saying the TV "offers the best picture quality in its size class." What's so awesome about it? Panasonic touts its native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (1080p), the highest resolution available today (and the only 42" plasma with 1080p), while CNET lauds its deep blacks with excellent shadow detail, clean image, and solid picture quality. There's also a 50" version.

This new 50" Samsung plasma HDTV's picture quality is as good as that of the highly-rated Panasonic TH-50PX77U. The Samsung HP-T5064 has built-in analog and digital tuners, 7 A/V inputs, a PC input, and a side USB port for digital photo and MP3 playback - basically everything but the ability to make "Stomp the Yard" a good movie. Watch it on the included swivel stand, or mount it on a wall (the TV itself is less than 4" thick).

We'd never get off the couch if we had this 50" Panasonic plasma TV. CNET gave it high marks for its stylish design, deep blacks, excellent shadow detail, and antiglare screen. The TV has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 (enough for 720p HDTV), ATSC tuner (but no CableCard), and lots of inputs, including an SD card slot for viewing your photos on the big screen. But look elsewhere if you must have PC connectivity or picture-in-picture.

Vizio's 47" GV47LF LCD HDTV delivers high-end performance for just $1900. With a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, the TV has an HDTV tuner, QAM tuner (for digital cable), picture-in-picture, V-Chip, a 178-degree viewing angle, and tons of connectivity options. It also features removable speakers and a case with touch-sensitive control keys.

How much TV can you get for $800? A lot. Like this 37" LCD by Vizio. The Vizio VX37L HDTV delivers all the detail of 720p sources, with vivid colors, crisp images, decent black level performance, and wide (178-degree) viewing angles. It's got picture-in-picture, an HDTV tuner, 3 aspect-ratio modes, and lots of inputs - including a second HDMI input. It can also work as a computer monitor.

CNET calls this 50" Panasonic "the best plasma value for the money," because of its deep blacks, clean video, and bargain $2,000 price tag. It has a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 (so it can display every detail of 720p sources), and all other sources (TV, DVD, HDTV) are scaled to fit this resolution. But it's fairly bare bones; while it has some useful features (picture-in-picture, 2:3 pull-down, customizable inputs), you'll have to provide your own tuner, stand, and speakers.