[melinda_pagel]

...more expensive? Noticed that Panasonic tends to be the most expensive. Is the quality higher with a Panasonic? Are there other brands that are high-quality but less expensive? Thanks.

[Ken]

I got a 50" Samsung plasma TV from P.C. Richards. I am extremely happy with it. Consumer Reports rates the Panasonic slightly higher, but they rate the Samsung as "Very Good" and it's cheaper.The Panasonic TH-50PZ700U is the highest-rated 50" plasma TV, with the Pioneer PDP-5010FD as 6th best, and pretty expensive.

[Chris B]

Actually Pioneer is arguably the best maker of plasma HDTVs with the deepest richest blacks and nearly 3-dimensional detail. But their 50-inch 1080p model lists for $5,000 (street price around $3800). Panasonic is an excellent lower cost alternative with several 1080p plasma models in the $2000-$2500 range. Consumer Reports rated the TH-50PZ700U as the best HDTV they've ever tested. I've set up and calibrated one (TH-50PZ700U) and I agree that it has a very impressive-looking picture, better than any LCD set I've yet tested or measured. BTW, watch out for the Hitachi plasma sets. There is nothing wrong with them per se, but they use slightly misleading terminology calling their sets "Full HD 1080" when they don't actually offer true 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels, progressive). Hitachi has a 42-inch set with 1024x1080 resolution and a 50-inch set with 1280x1080 resolution. They do this with elongated (rectangular) pixels. Again, nothing wrong with this except that it won't have the full detail of a true 1080p HDTV.Hitachi does make true 1080p models as well. Just check the "native panel resolution" spec to be sure you know what you're getting. Hope that helps,-CB

[russpalmerr]

Here is what I have learned from my own personal experience with electronics; Panasonic is a GREAT company. Their TVs, phones, and music products all have worked perfectly for me, and almost never break. Companies like Sony charge you for the name. Although Panasonic is also a well known brand, they are also charging you for the quality. I strongly recommend Panasonic products, but the only way for you to make this decision is by spending hours (literally) watching HD TVs within a retail store, and making your own judgements.