42" Plasma TV
Top Recommended 42 Inch Plasma TVs for 2010
(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)
Following are our top recommended plasma TVs based upon quality, price and value (in no particular order). Editors choice designations may be given as well from one or more of these three criteria.
Panasonic TC-P42S2 Editor's Choice: Value
42" Plasma TV 
See Review The 42" version of the new S2 series from Panasonic the TC-P42S1 shipped in March of 2010. This Viera plasma includes the new NEO plasma display panel with improved blacks and contrast of 40,000:1. It also has 1080p resolution and the THX certification along with 600Hz sub-field drive and Gaming Mode.
Panasonic TC-P42C2
42" Plasma Television
The C2 series from Panasonic brings consumers HDTV at a budget price, while most manufacturers are focusing exclusively on 1080p resolution the C2 series uses a 720p panel and is available in 3 sizes. The C2 series shares the Viera Image Viewer, 600Hz Sub Field Drive and Viera Link features of the higher end Panasonic plasmas.
We've noticed Panasonic plasma TVs improving the brightness of its TVs over the past couple of years. Apparently, 2010 will continue this trend as Panasonic is still gaining on LCD technology in the brightness area. Panasonic representatives explained that 2010 model will be still brighter than 2009 models with the new NEO PDP while still going for a deeper black dimension.
LG 42PJ350
42" Plasma TV
LG isn't abandoning the 720p HD specification for 2010. The PJ350 offers many of LG's core features in a slim, 2" case with a sub 1" bezel for a modern looking, feature packed TV at an affordable price. The Intelligent Sensor feature will automatically adjust the brightness to match the brightness and color temperature of the room lighting. While these automatic adjustments sensors provide marginal energy savings we have found in the past that they sacrifice a calibrated picture to do it.
There is also SimpLink connectivity to compatible digital cameras and camcorders. The plasma has 3 HDMI inputs and contains LG's Deep color V.1.3 technology which can add depth and dimension to movies. Lastly, the resolution of 720p (1366 X 768) may seem like yesterdays HD resolution, but since you will be viewing 95% or more of your HD content in either 1080i or 720p these 720p plasmas are the best bang for the buck as the price is always considerably less.
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Samsung PN42B450 Editor's Choice: Price
42" Plasma TV
At sub $1K prices this plasma is a great buy if price is your primary consideration. Yes it is 720p resolution but that should not hold you back and especially not on a 42" plasma. The plasma is a little dark (even with the highest contrast settings) so don't purchase it for a brighter room environment with lots of ambient light. This new Samsung line has anti glare features which we found largely noneffective.
Samsung LN40C550
40" LCD Television
The 5 series LCDs from Samsung are a line of mid tier, traditionally backlit LCD televisions. A 1080p panel with 4 HDMI inputs are the main features of the 5 series. It lacks the internet connectivity of some of the higher lines but the built in ethernet port allows streaming of media content directly from your computer network. USB ports allow you to view media from thumb drives as well.
The 5 series lacks the AutoMotion 120Hz refresh rates of Samsung's upper tier televisions but in our reviews of this feature's performance we don't really consider this a major downside to the TV. For gamers the 5 series features a game mode that bypasses much of the picture processing to lessen or eliminate the input delay associated with many modern, digital HDTVs.
