Best 50″ Plasma TV
These are the best 50" 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 50″ 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.
- 18 feet for 480i SDTV & 480p EDTV (common SD programs and regular DVD movies)
- 9.8 feet for 720p HDTV (high definition TV programs – most sports channels)
- 6.5 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-P50V10 Plasma TV
(9.5)
The Panasonic TC-P50V10 is the best plasma TV model from 2009. While it doesn’t completely beat out Pioneer’s Kuro (now discontinued) in black levels, it does beat out any other HDTV (including LED LCD TVs). Its color accuracy is solid when using the THX mode and its video processing is solid.
Pros
- Best HDTV on the market
- Exceptional black levels
- Very good color accuracy (has THX mode)
- Solid video processing capabilities
- 2 inch slim design
- Great anti-glare performance
- Internet services enabled
Cons
- Colors not as accurate in non-THX modes
- Average standard definition performance
- Expensive
Samsung PN50B650 Plasma TV
(9.5)
This year, Samsung managed to bring significant improvements to their plasma TV black levels. Samsung PN50B650 is a model that clearly benefits from this, being quite close to Panasonic high-end models. Aside from the impressive black levels, the PN50B650 is blessed perfect colors out of the box. In terms of features and controls it slightly tops Panasonic models, offering more picture adjustment modes.
Pros
- Very deep black levels
- Exceptional color accuracy (better than Panasonic)
- Less power hungry than previous plasma TVs
- Yahoo widgets, network streaming and built-in content included
- Superb overall quality
Cons
- Glitch in 1080p/24 mode causes picture setting change
- Lack of S-Video inputs
- Expensive
Panasonic TC-P50G10 Plasma TV
(9.0)
The TC-P50G10 has great color accuracy thanks to its THX mode. It is one of the best plasma TVs from 2009. Samsung remains superior feature set, but the G10 has everything a consumer could want. However, the V10 series does have less problems with 1080p/24 content.
Pros
- Similar black levels to the V10 series
- Colors are superb in THX mode
- VieraCast – Internet services like stocks, weather, etc.
- Good primary color gamut
- Good value for money
Cons
- Issues with color accuracy in non-THX modes
- Flicker appears in 48Hz mode during 1080p/24 content
Panasonic TC-P50S1 Plasma TV
(8.5)
Similar to V10 and G10 models, the TC-P50S1 is the one of the best mid-level plasma TV on the market. With a solid picture, and it doesn’t have THX certification, resulting in lower color accuracy. But it is still one of the best plasma TVs out there. While the TC-P50S1 has less features than the high-end models, this keeps its price low.
Pros
- Less power hungry as other plasmas
- Good colors, though not perfect
- Very good black levels
- Well priced
Cons
- Primary colors and color temperature aren’t accurate
- Lacks some “fancy features” that high-end models have
Samsung PN50B550 Plasma TV
(8.5)
Samsung PN50B550 has a better price to quality ratio compared to PN50B650. It can’t outperform the Samsung series 6 models, but its black levels and colors are commendable. It has plenty of features, but mostly the basics. It has no Internet connectivity, DLNA or other interactivity. But for the price, it’s a solid HDTV.
Pros
- Good color accuracy
- Decent black levels
- Energy efficient
- Inexpensive
- Great if you don’t demand a lot from your HDTV
Cons
- No interactive features
- Black levels below those on Panasonic models
Panasonic TC-P50X1 Plasma TV (720p)
(8.0)
The Panasonic PC-P50X1 is the best 720p plasma on the market in the 50 inch class. Being an entry-level plasma TV, it is 720p and doesn’t match the quality and features of higher-end models. It’s cheaper and for an entry-level plasma TV and has an outstanding picture quality, nonetheless.
Pros
- Good black levels for an entry-level HDTV
- Inexpensive
- Very good overall value for an entry-level model
- To keep its price down, it sacrifices resolution rather than picture quality
Cons
- “Only” 720p. In many cases it is not an dissadvantage at all
- Color accuracy is not its strong point – some base colors can be off.
- Very few picture controls
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