Best 58″ Plasma TV
These are the best 58" 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 58″ 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.
- 20.8 feet for 480i SDTV & 480p EDTV (common SD programs and regular DVD movies)
- 11.3 feet for 720p HDTV (high definition TV programs – most sports channels)
- 7.5 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.
Best Rated HDTV Models for This Size
Panasonic TC-P58V10 Plasma TV
(9.5)
If you want a large plasma TV with fantastic picture quality, this is it! From Panasonic’s V10 series – the best HDTV series from this year – TC-P58V10 delivers fantastic black levels and highly accurate colors. On top of that you get superb video processing performance and a nice set of features. A side effect of having such a big screen with great picture quality and rich set of features is the high price. If you have the money however, this is one TV that will exceed your expectations.
Pros
- Fantastic overall performance
- Best black levels from any HDTV on the market
- THX mode offering accurate colors out of the box
- Solid video processing
- Rich set of features
Cons
- Expensive
- SDTV performance is not as good as seen on some Samsung models
- Colors are not as accurate in non-THX modes
Samsung PN58B860 Plasma TV
(9.5)
With its slim design, the Samsung PN58B860 is a step-up of the PN58B650 below. Its black levels are intense, much darker than past Samsung models and very close to those of Panasonic TC-P58V10. Color accuracy for the PN58B860 is superb, slightly outperforming Panasonic models. It doesn’t require calibration for picture optimization. Aside from the superb picture, Samsung PN58B860 is also packed with features. While its features and picture are great, its price tag reflects this.
Pros
- Very thin 1.2 inch panel
- Very deep black levels
- Exceptionally accurate colors
- Lots of features including Yahoo widgets, network streaming and built-in content
- Better SDTV performance than Panasonic models
Cons
- Quite expensive, mainly because it is slim
- No S-Video connectivity
Samsung PN58B650 Plasma TV
(9.5)
Samsung PN58B650 has similar black levels as the PN58B860, including exactly the same color accuracy, and a similar feature set. The main difference between the two models is Samsung PN58B650 is a bit thicker than its brother, the PN58B860. In terms of picture quality, both are equal, however its extra inch or so makes it cheaper.
Pros
- Very deep black levels
- Yahoo widgets, network streaming and built-in content
- Exceptional color accuracy
- Relatively energy efficient for a plasma TV
- Better value for money compared to PN58B860
Cons
- Quite expensive still
- Has a glitch with1080p/24 mode causes picture setting change
- No S-Video inputs
Panasonic TC-P58S1 Plasma TV
(8.5)
Panasonic TC-P58S1 is a plasma TV with somewhat better value for money compared to the above models. It has not bells and whistles, its feature set being enough for most needs, but not that rich to increase the price too much. Picture quality wise, though it lacks the quality of the above models and has no THX mode, it does agreat job. Unless you are extremely demanding the picture of TC-P58S1 will please you quite well.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Black levels similar to those on more expensive models
- Color accuracy is good
- Good balance between picture quality, features and price
Cons
- No THX mode and colors though basically good, are not perfect
- SDTV performance is not as good as with Samsung models
Samsung PN58B550 Plasma TV
(8.5)
Samsung PN58B550 doesn’t include Internet@TV, DLNA, and PIP. Without all that, it’s still a great buy, in terms of picture quality. It’s still more energy efficient than similar brands and models and it has good black levels and very good color accuracy as well, though not comparable to more higher-end models. In a way it can be considered as Samsung’s equivalent to Panasonic TC-P58S1, because it offers a similar balance between picture quality, features and price.
Pros
- Good black levels considering the price
- Good color accuracy
- Relatively energy efficient
- Affordable. Offers a good balance between features, quality and price.
Cons
- The black levels though good, are below those of Panasonic TC-P58S1
- Shadow detail is not that great
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