Panasonic Viera TH-50PX25U/P

At only $6,999.95, the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TH-50PX25U/P seems like a great deal. The average measured contrast ratio approaches 600:1, which is phenomenal; the average for this roundup is just 327:1. Image uniformity is also excellent. And the dark levels average only 0.15 cd/m2, compared with an average of 0.33 cd/m2 for the plasmas in this group (low scores are best).

A closer look at the numbers, however, reveals a glaring flaw. This is one of the dimmest TVs of this size we’ve ever seen. The average white level is less than 90 cd/m2; we’d like to see values two to three times that high. Plasma displays scale voltage so that displaying a full field of white is a worst-case scenario; the unit is brighter when only part of the display shows bright colors. Even so, the number is pitiful, and it’s obvious in casual viewing.

If you view the TV in a dark room, it looks good. The exceptional dark levels are responsible for maintaining a good contrast ratio, and you can still make out detail in dark areas. Color saturation is good, the picture is sharp, and visual artifacts in the ... // 54% Remaining