50" Plasma TV

Top Recommended 50 Inch Plasma TVs for 2012

(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)

Below is a listing of 50" Plasma TVs that we feel comfortable in recommending for 2012. Many of these TVs have been reviewed either this year or the determination made from last years review of the previous model. These recommendations are based on price, quality, and value. In some cases there may be more than one recommended TV for each category. In our review testing lab we look for consistency in a brand and model series in many categories such as Picture Quality from both standard definition and HD resolution. We look for good features and aesthetic appearance with a solid working platform from the menu and remote control.

Panasonic TC-P50ST30 Editor's Choice: Value
50" Plasma TV

Panasonic's ST30 series plasma is a new series for 2011, where the S series offers plasma picture quality at a budget price the ST30 has a higher end panel and 3D capability. It doesn't have some bells and whistles of the top line models but it has excellent picture quality and 3D at a great price point.

Once the phosphors are ramped up in the right direction, the colors on this TV really pop. Dark shadow detail is superb, and black levels look saturated though not the best we've seen. See our review of the TC-P50ST30

Samsung PN51D7000 Editor's Choice: Quality
50" Plasma TV

The new, one inch larger screen retains many of the picture features from last year, it appears to be a case of not messing with a good thing. The Real Black Filter returns, providing rich, deep blacks that enhance all the other colors sharing the screen. The warmth and realism that the picture offers is nothing less than stunning.

For 3D the PN51D7000 uses active shutter glasses and is Full HD 3D, sending 1080 lines of vertical resolution to each eye. Some televisions sacrifice some resolution to show 3D images and Full 3D HD provides the best 3D experience.

Panasonic TC-P50S30      Editor's Choice: Value
50" Plasma TV

The replacement for the ever popular 1080p S2 series from last years batch of Panasonic plasma offerings is the S30 series. The main upgrade from last year is that this plasma uses the same new phosphor technologies used in the higher end 3D compatible models.

The new fast switching phospor technology is mainly to help with fast processing needs related to 3D viewing, but it should help slighly on normal 2D viewing as well.

Samsung PN51D8000     
50" Plasma TV

Samsung's C8000 series plasma was our favorite TV last year, hands down. The entire office was blown away by it's performance, picture quality and overall good looks. In 2011 the PN51D8000 replaces the C8000 and one of Samsung's theme for plasmas is "+1", by making the bezel even thinner they are adding 1 diagonal inch to every size of plasma. With the smaller bezel the physical size of the TV remains the same even though the screen is larger and the D8000 is another top performer in the plasma market this year.

LG 50PZ550      Editor's Choice: Price
50" Plasma TV 1080p

Last year LG introduced the LG 50PK550 with many of the features shown on this newer, improved 50PZ550. Included with the PK550 was the "TruBlack" filter which was and is designed to provide better black levels even in brightly lit rooms. This years 50PZ550 continues with this feature while providing THX Certification. We measure the post calibration contrast of the 50PK550 plasma from 2010 at an impressive 1835:1, so we know the black level in this model will be good.