Panasonic TH-42PX50U 42-Inch Flat Panel HD-Ready Plasma TV
Best Plasma for the Money!
I got this TV a week ago, and am catching so many DVDs on it: seeing details I missed on my old 27\\" TV set.  I took some time going to local stores and comparing the picture quality between this set and other 40+ plasmas and LCDs.  I settled on Panasonic due to reputation and picture quality.  I've also read that new plasmas don't have burn in problems (as long as you don't have static images on for too long), and have long life spans.  If you're stepping up from a tube set, the only negative about larger screens is that they really need a HD source.  The Panasonic is pretty good at upconverting a 480i source....so instead of being extremely pixelated, a regular TV channel is just kindy blurry at this size (granted, I'm aslo sizing it at 16:9 ratio to prevent any burn in issues).   I also felt like I needed to address M. Popov's comments.  He seems to be addressing cons associated with plasma TVs in general.  #1 is black level detail.  If you look at reviews, this Panasonic is rated very highly for it's black level detail.  The only way to get better is if you go for a smaller 36\\" tube set.  If you calibrate the TV using the THX optimizer that's found in various DVDs, I find black level gets pretty gosh darn good.  I don't have HDTV yet, and when I'm set up with that I expect the enhanced resolution will also give more detail. #2 is sound quality.  All plasmas have stereo sound speakers with 16W max.  I certainly am not going to be watching movies on those speakers!  That's why I have a surround system, and why I spent $3000 on a large TV....I want a full movie experience.  The speakers are good for TV viewing though: they have a simulated surround sound that's adequate for the plain old stereo sound of your vanilla TV reception.  Did I mention I'm anxiously awaiting my HDTV?:)  HDTV is the only current source that you're supposed to see a real difference between HD plasmas and EDTVs (EDTVs can actually make regular TV sources look better since they don't have to upconvert the signal as much).  I also bought an upconversion DVD player for this set.  With the player, I'm noticing a real difference between the component jack vs. HDMI.  Not so much switching from 480p to 1080i, as from using HDMI input instead of component.  I'm thinking of using the Cable Card for getting HDTV, and HDMI for HD DVD whenever it comes out.  I think this set is a very good investment that will stay current with the transition to HDTV.