Best 46″ Plasma TV

These are the best 46" plasma TV models on the market. We have selected them as some of the best HDTV models because of their exceptional picture quality and characteristics. Note however, that even though they all are great, some of the models listed here are better and more expensive, while the others are cheaper at the expense of picture quality or features. Choose which one suits your requirements, viewing habits and budget, best.

Recommended Viewing Distance for 46″ HDTV
In order to get the best out of your HDTV, it is recommended to sit at the right distance. Depending on the type of content you are watching and the distance between you and the HDTV screen, a certain size will be optimal. If you want to find out more on this topic, make sure to read HDTV Screen Size & Viewing Distance guide.

• 16 feet for 480i SDTV & 480p EDTV (common SD programs and regular DVD movies)
• 9 feet for 720p HDTV (high definition TV programs – most sports channels)
• 6 feet for 1080i (high definition TV programs) and 1080p HDTV (movies on Blu Ray Disks)

The optimal distances above are for perfect visual acuity. Also, you can sit a bit closer or further away without noticing a loss in detail. 1080i/1080p distances apply only to HDTV models that have 1080p native resolution.

Best Rated HDTV Models for This Size

Panasonic TC-P46G10 Plasma TV

(9.0)

The Panasonic TC-P46G10 has outstanding picture quality. With solid black levels and an added THX picture mode, the G10’s color accuracy is quite notable. It has, hands down, the best features for its screen size. While it does have plenty of features to rave about, the TV-P46G10 is also quite expensive.

Buy from Amazon.com Review

Pros

• Exceptional black levels (as good as Panasonic V10 series)
• Great color accuracy
• THX mode gives superb colors out of the box
• Viera Cast and Amazon Video on Demand

Cons

• Colors are not perfect in non-THX modes
• Somewhat expensive

Panasonic TC-P46S1 Plasma TV

(8.5)

All plasma TVs from Panasonic’s S1 series have awesome picture quality. While black levels are all right, much like on the G10, without THX mode its colors can be a bit off. Its feature set puts the model somewhere in the middle-end range, with an acceptable level of features and pricing.

Buy from Amazon.com Review

Pros

• Not as power hungry as other plasma TVs
• Very good black levels and solid shadow detail
• Relatively good color accuracy
• Very good value

Cons

• Scanty picture controls
• Primary colors and color temperature lack accuracy
• No THX mode

Panasonic TC-P46U1 Plasma TV

(7.5)

Panasonic TC-P46U1 has a 1080p resolution. Its picture quality and feature set does not stand it apart from many similar priced models. Its panel is not the new NeoPDP from 2009, instead it retains an older G12 Progressive HD PDP. Based on its panel, the black levels cannot compare to those on models with the NeoPDP. This is an entry-level model and is cheaper than most plasma TVs.

Buy from Amazon.com Review

Pros

• Full-HD 1080p resolution is better than most entry-level models
• Decent black levels
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Only average picture quality
• Black levels are OK for this class, but significantly below mid-level models
• Under average color accuracy