Years after HDTV's big debut, a lot of people still think plasma is the prettiest of all of the TV types. Back in the '90s, a small plasma TV could run close to $15K. That's probably more expensive than some of the cars you've owned (it certainly is for us)! That said, it was also the Holy Grail of TV technologies. A TV you can hang on the wall? That's science fiction right there.
And in addition to being relatively flat, plasma is really pretty. However, its overall market is still somewhat limited, with DisplaySearch predicting that plasma will account for just 5.3 percent of the overall TV market this year. Plasma doesn't have the same reach as LED or LCD because just not that many companies are making them and you simply can't get plasma TVs in the popular smaller screen sizes (below 42 inches).
A whopping three companies are still making plasma TVs in 2012. If you know anything about the plasma market, these companies should come as no surprise: LG, Panasonic and Samsung.
See, plasma HDTVs aren't necessarily cheap to make, so a lot of companies don't make them. They use reflective glass and a mixture of gasses. The pixels are also self-emissive, or self-illuminating, which means that a plasma HDTV doesn't need a separate backlight. This is also why plasma TVs can produce much better black levels than most LED and/or LCD HDTVs.
There are other differences between LED/LCD and plasma technologies as well. First, you may notice that LED and LCD sets typically quote a refresh rate. This number, which can range from 60Hz to 240Hz (and sometimes even higher), reflects how fast the set can refresh the on-screen image. Higher numbers generally mean that the set can handle fast motion better. However, plasmas don't need that because the super-fast phosphors are already great at handling fast motion. Not to confuse you, but on a plasma you may see a similar number, known as the "sub-field drive." This spec (which is typically listed as 600Hz) is there to let you know that plasma pixels pulse 10 times per full screen refresh as they build the full image.
Another obvious difference is that plasmas don't come in teeny-tiny sizes. While it's easy to stuff an LED or LCD TV into the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom or anywhere else in the house, you're going to need a little space for that plasma purchase. The smallest plasma for 2012 is a hearty 42 inches, which may not look so great in some of those smaller spaces.
It's also important to know that today's plasmas don't have the problems of past plasmas (or the problems made up by LCD TV salespeople). There's no leaking gas and no more permanent burn-in problems. If someone is pooh-poohing plasma because of those issues, just nod your head and know that they have no clue what they are talking about. If anything, your biggest problem will probably be direct sunlight. Plasmas look fine with some ambient light, but direct sunlight is no friend to a plasma owner. If you can't provide some shading, think about an LED or LCD TV instead.
So while three companies still have a pretty tight hold on the market, the "exclusivity" of plasma is no longer reflected in the price -- at least for the most part. In fact, plasma HDTVs have become pretty darn affordable. Let's take a peek at some of the models, features and prices for the 2012 plasma market.
LG
At the top of the heap is the PM9700 Series, which is available in 50- and 60-inch screen sizes. Announced at January's Consumer Electronics Show, this model includes active 3D technology, a full 1080p HD image in 2D and 3D, and THX 3D certification. Of course, being LG's top model for 2012 means there are plenty of other advantages, such as TruBlack Filter, four HDMI inputs and two USB ports.
This model includes LG's Smart TV platform, which has all kind of web-based goodies, such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU, YouTube, Facebook, and a slew of other apps. It also has the easy Home Dashboard interface, Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) certification and Smart Share features. Don't expect to fumble through all of those extras with a lame remote, either. The PM9700 Series comes with LG's 3-mode Magic Remote, which includes Wheel, Magic Gesture and Pointing control (sorry, there's no voice on this one).
The PM6900 Series has many of the same features mentioned above, including 3D, THX 3D certification, Smart TV, and the 3-mode Magic Remote. What sets this series apart is PenTouch technology, which allows users to draw or write right on the display. That's right; they are encouraging people to write on the TV -- using a special touch pen, of course. This is sort of a neat feature for everything from illustrations and photo editing to business presentations.
The PM6700 Series doesn't have the THX. It also doesn't have the special remote, although you can add that in with an optional purchase. However, it does offer two big screens with active 3D technology, a full 1080p HD image, built-in WiFi, and the Smart TV platform. Other features include the Picture Wizard II setup, four HDMI inputs, and two USB inputs.
Wrapping up LG's 3D models for 2012 is the PM4700 Series. Available in 42- and 50-inch sizes, the PM4700 Series drops the image to 720p. However, it still has the 3D, Smart TV, and the option to add in the Magic Remote (sold separately). Other features include three HDMI inputs, two USB ports, and the option to connect the TV to your wireless network via an included adapter.
If you're not ready for 3D or don't need the web streaming (you can do that with a Roku box, too), LG is also introducing the PA6500 Series and the PA4500 Series. With 50- and 60-inch sizes, the PA6500 Series features a full 1080p HD image, LG's TruSlim Frame, and Picture Wizard II calibration. The PA4500 Series has 42- and 50-inch sizes with the same features, but a 720p image.
Panasonic
First up is the VT50 Series. This winner of the latest HDTV Shootout comes in two screen sizes (55-inch and 65-inch) each with active 3D, a full 1080p HD image in 2D and 3D, and THX 3D certification. This line also has something called the 2500 Focused Field Drive, which promises fast motion reproduction with excellent clarity. It also looks pretty on the outside, with the company's slick, minimalist-style Glass and Metal design concept. Other features include the advanced Infinite Black Ultra Panel, which rejects ambient light and enhances black levels, ISFccc calibration, built-in WiFi and a new improved 8-train speaker system.
This model also includes Panasonic's VIERA Connect suite with a full web browser. That on-screen service provides instant access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Skype, Amazon VOD, Facebook, and a slew of other apps. Also interesting is how you can navigate through those services, using the new (included) VIERA Touch Pad Controller.
All four models in the GT50 Series are extremely similar to the VT50 series. The big difference here is that this line doesn't have the Touch Pad Controller, and the screen filter is not quite as fancy. The GT50 series does still get an advanced screen filter known as Infinite Black Pro, which enhances black levels and reduces unwanted ambient light, just not quite as dramatically as the top of the line VT series.
The four models in the ST50 Series don't have that special controller, either. They also don't have the THX 3D certification. However, each one promises a big, pretty 1080p image -- in 2D and 3D modes. This model also drops the number of connection options down to three HDMI inputs and two USB ports. The ST50 does include built-in WiFi and full Viera Connect support as well as keeping the Infinite Black Pro filter. The ST50 series could offer the best blend of performance, functionality and value.
All four models in the UT50 Series have some of the features mentioned above. The most obvious omissions include no WiFi (it can be added via an adapter), no Pro Settings and no 3D Real Sound with the 8-train speaker system. You also will not find the Infinite Black Pro or Ultra filters from the upper models. This is a nice 1080p 3D TV model, though, with two HDMI inputs and two USB ports on each.
Wrapping up Panasonic's 3D TVs for 2012 is the XT50 Series. This line has two models with active 3D and a 720p image. It's important to note that this line drops the VIERA Connect service, but does have two HDMI inputs and two USB ports for adding in something to stream, like a Blu-ray 3D player. This model also has the option for WiFi, with an add-on adapter.
Panasonic drops its 3D effects at the U50 Series, which only has one model. There are no web-based frills here, either. However, this lone 50-incher has a full 1080p HD image, the fast-switching phosphors, two HDMI inputs and one USB port.
Panasonic's last three models for 2012 are from the X5 Series and the U54 Series. The two X5 models each have a 720p image, the 600Hz sub-field drive, a built-in media player, two HDMI inputs and one USB port. The 50-incher in the U54 Series bumps up those specs by adding in a full 1080p HD resolution.
Samsung
Leading the pack is the 8000 Series. Sporting a 1.5-inch profile and Samsung's Plasma +1 ultra-slim bezel design, all three models in this series have the 3D, Real Black Pro Panel, and a dual-core processor.
Each of these sets also has Smart TV with Smart Interaction. That last part means that this set has the built-in camera and a microphone on the Smart Touch Remote Control. This allows for voice control, gesture controls, face recognition and use of the Smart View Mobile App. Smart TV delivers on-screen access to Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Skype, Pandora, and plenty of other apps.
Other features include three HDMI inputs, three USB ports, and built-in WiFi. Also, because this is a top model, it also comes packing two pairs of active 3D glasses for viewing out of the box.
The three models in the 7000 Series don't have the same slim design as above or the same Smart Interaction options. However, each one has the 3D features, the 1080p image, Smart TV web streaming, built-in WiFi, and even the two pairs of 3D glasses in the box.
The 6500 Series has two models, with active 3D, 1080p, the Real Black Pro Panel, Smart TV, built-in WiFi, three HDMI inputs and two USB ports. It even has the two pairs of 3D glasses for viewing out of the box.
Wrapping up Samsung's 3D models for 2012 is the 550 Series. Each of the three models in this line has active 3D, a 1080p image, built-in WiFi and the Smart TV features with the apps and the web browser. Again, these sets have the three HDMI ports and the two USB ports. This model also has the two pairs of 3D glasses included.
If you don't want 3D, Samsung has two 1080p models in the 550 Series. Both sets have that full HD image and the Real Black Panel. You won't find any web-based features here, but there's plenty of room for a streaming set-top with this set's two HDMI inputs and one USB port.
Rounding out the lineup is the 450 Series and the 490 Series. There's currently only a 51-incher in the 490 line, which includes active 3D technology, a 720p image, ConnectShare Movie features, two HDMI inputs, and one USB port. The 450 Series has two models with similar specs, but without the 3D.
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