Ask the Editors: Plasma's dead. Should I buy plasma?
Is plasma still a safe investment? We say 'yes.'
(Credit: Panasonic)
Q: "Want to buy a new plasma but don't know that the face of plasma has changed with the withdrawal of two of its top players need some advice plasma or LCD?"--George Carter, via email.
A: Well George, personally I think there's no reason to avoid buying plasma just because Pioneer and Vizio dropped out.
In case you haven't heard, dear reader, George is referring to announcements by Pioneer and Vizio, two companies from the high-end and the low-end of the plasma market, respectively. Both will no longer produce plasma TVs. Recent comments by an LG executive has also sparked speculation that LG would be next to drop plasma, although a company press release says otherwise, stating that it will continue with its 2009 plasma releases, including the PS80 series that we selected as a Best of CES 2009 finalist.
Despite seemingly dire news for plasma, we expect LG, Samsung and especially Panasonic to sell a lot of plasmas in 2009. And I'll feel perfectly comfortable continuing to recommend people buy them, assuming they score well in reviews.
Plasma is not dead yet
Even if it was, George, and 2009 marked the last year for the flat-panel TV technology, there's no reason not to buy one anyway. Manufacturers will continue to stand behind their products, and of course, the "obsolete" and "dead" HDTVs will continue to produce beautiful pictures--just ask owners of all those "dead" Pioneer Kuros.In fact, with the introduction of new 1080p NeoPDP plasmas by Panasonic, which promise better black levels than ever in combination with improved energy efficiency, we see no reason why the technology won't do well, especially among savvy enthusiasts. Even the entry-level 720p TC-X1 series Panasonic models are quite compelling, currently selling for as low as US$800 for a 42-inch version and US$950 for the 50-incher and, if last year's PX80 series is any indication, delivering great bang-for-the-buck. Ultimately, if anything can save plasma, it will be competitive pricing.
Samsung and LG, the other two plasma nameplates also performed well last year in our tests, and for 2009 both bring some new innovations, such as improved adjustability and Netflix streaming (US-centric) for LG, and an inch-thin panel, among other improvements, for Samsung.
Call me a plasma booster, but I hope the technology continues to improve and offer an alternative to LCD for years to come. I've consistently found that the best plasmas outperform the best LCDs in side-by-side comparisons, making them the de facto choice for buyers whose primary concern is getting the best picture for the money.
Latest comments
For me owning both I like plasma over lcd for picture quality theres just no substitute......play plenty of games and movies havent ever had a so called burn in problem .....think the tech...still has life left in it for even more improvements ...until full fledge LED comes out "not led edge" then it will be for me ...I think LED is the only next level for true pic. quality and color but even then if plasma tech continues to grow you will have a price to "wow" factor....The marketing and sellers try to downplay plasma by always having them in super bright stores with the screen contrast on high ....but try taking that set home and watching it with the brightness cranked up and your eyes will tell you differently ........But hey we know that time after time the old Kuro standard was very hard for even the best to match ......
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