| What to Buy: Top Picks Flat Panels Over $2,500 |
Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-150FD 60" Plasma
$7,500
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Why We Like It:
The KURO Elite plasma is the best one-piece digital display Home Theater has ever tested, period. Blacks are utterly jaw-dropping, shadow detail is excellent, color points are very accurate and it tracks D6500 incredibly well. You would be hard pressed to find a better image on any display, flat panel or otherwise. The hefty price tag could give pause, but with one glance you’ll see it’s totally worth it. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Four HDMI and two shared component inputs
Accepts 1080p/24 and 1080p/60
Displays 24Hz signals at 72Hz
ISF calibration modes
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Samsung LN-T5281F 52" LCD
$4,500
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Why We Like It:
Samsung attacks some of LCD’s shortcomings head-on with the LN-T5281F. It uses LED backlighting and local dimming to combat the usual high black levels and low contrast ratios associated with LCD flat panels. The result is the deepest blacks we’ve seen out of an LCD flat panel. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI and two component inputs
LED backlighting and local dimming
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Panasonic TH-58PZ750U 58" Plasma
$4,500
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Why We Like It:
The images at 1080i and 1080p on this Panasonic plasma are absolutely terrific. The detail is natural looking as are the colors with just a little over-saturation in greens. Shadow detail shows depth and is crisp. Its black levels might not be equal to a Pioneer KURO, but is far better than an LCD. The one blemish is when source resolution goes down the display accentuates the decrease as opposed to hiding it. All the more reason to watch things in HD. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI and two component inputs
Integrated ATSC tuner
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Pioneer KURO PDP-6010FD 60" Plasma
$6,500
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Why We Like It:
The non-Elite version of the PRO-150FD, Pioneer’s PDP-6010FD displays much of the same stellar performance as its Elite brethren. Its blacks aren’t quite as deep and it doesn’t include the highly customizable ISF calibration modes, but it also has $1,000 off the price tag of the 60-inch KURO Elite. Still with some of the best performance of any display, you can’t go wrong with the PDP-6010FD. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Four HDMI 1.3 and two component inputs
Accepts 1080p/24 and 1080p/60
Displays 24Hz signals at 72Hz
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Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR4 52" LCD
$4,000
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Why We Like It:
The detail on HD content is very sharp, the color is accurate and the black detail is above average. While it does suffer from an elevated black level as do most LCD’s, it is still better than most that use fluorescent backlights. Good off-axis viewing will encourage the friends to come over and watch a movie or the next game. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI 1.3 and two component inputs
Accepts 1080p/24 and 1080p/60
Digital Media Extender expansion port
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Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-110FD 50" Plasma
$6,000
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Why We Like It:
This KURO plasma is so superior that the flat panel competition isn't even comparable. The blacks and contrast set the standard. The resolution (especially over HDMI) was exceptional, the colors were remarkably accurate, and the video processing first rate. This set isn't just good, it might be the greatest flat panel yet. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Four HDMI 1.3 inputs
Accepts 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 signals
Displays 24Hz sources at 72Hz
Windows Home Media Gallery
Monitor only - no tuners
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Sharp AQUOS LC-52D64U 52" LCD
$3,000
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Why We Like It:
This Sharp's AQUOS blacks aren't best in the LCD class, let alone the best plasmas. And, this set doesn't allow grayscale calibration. But the colors are natural, the video processing is outstanding, and the level of detail is truly exceptional. This set's strengths are far more apparent in viewing than its few weaknesses. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI and two component inputs
Accepts 1080p/60, not 1080p/24 (update coming, see review)
Ambient Light Sensor adjusts image for room light
HDMI-CEC allows Sharp remote to control other devices
OTA HD tuner
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Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 50" Plasma
$3,500
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Why We Like It:
The more you watch this display, the more you like it. Its image is clear and free of noise and isn’t taxing on the eyes to watch. The colors are a little too vivid out of the box, a good calibration will give an accurate color picture. And as with most plasmas, the black level and contrast are excellent. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI and two component inputs
ATSC and QAM tuners
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Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR4 46" LCD
$3,300
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Why We Like It:
This XBR4 flat panel features the best blacks we've seen from LCD, and a very sophisticated 120Hz video processing technology that not only reduces motion smear, but also eliminates motion artifacts. The 1080P resolution is oustanding. Pricey for a 46" flat panel, but it performs like it should for extra scratch! |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 native resolution
Three HDMI and two component inputs
Accepts 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 signals
Highly advanced, adjustable 120Hz display
Sony remote controls other HDMI-connected Sony devices
OTA and QAM HD tuners
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