Our constantly updated list of the best 50-inch TVs in the world
While most of the hype and bluster this year has been around LED-backlit TVs, 2010 could be the year for plasma's resurgence – and 50-inches, the original flatscreen TV tech is king.
The reasons are threefold; price, size and 3D. With the planet still mired in a slight depression, price has never been so important – and plasmas TVs are considerably better value than LCD TVs at the 50-inch size (glance at the prices in our list for proof).
Secondly, the demand for ever-larger TVs is on the increase, making plasma even more attractive. And to cap it all off, the most impressive first generation of 3DTVs – some of which are featured here – have been based around plasma tech.
That's not to say that the LED-backlit LCD TV is a false dawn, because there have been some wonderful high-end examples at the 52-inch size (step forward Sony), but you'll pay if you look past plasma.
Panasonic TX-P50VT20 (£1,779)
The 3D Panasonic VT20 is here, and it doesn't disappoint
Panasonic and 3DTV? They invented it, mate! It was no surprise when the Full HD 3D system proposed to the Blu-ray Forum by Panasonic was adopted by the industry at large, and no exactly a shocker when the Japanese brand issued this superlative 50-inch 3D plasma.
The smoothness and clarity of 3D on this plasma is better than any we've seen on rival sets to date that will thrill plasma technology aficionados and the 3D crowds alike.
Read: full Panasonic TX-P50VT20 review
LG 50PK790 (£869)
LG's feature-packed plasma impresses
If plasma tech is to enjoy a 3D-led renaissance, LG looks set to clean up in the 2D market where price-per-inch is al important.
One of the most attractive designs we've ever seen, it's got NetCast, DivX HD playback from USB, 600Hz processing and a fabulous user interface that's simply the finest around – and it achieves some extremely likeable plasma pictures in the process.
Read: full LG 50PK790 review
Panasonic TX-P50G20B (£973)
Pioneer's Kuro plasmas are just a distant memory
Slightly utilitarian design apart, Panasonic's latest is a worthy successor to the Kuro plasmas Pioneer produced until recently.
This 50-incher uses one of the brand's high-spec 'NeoPDP' plasma panels and counts 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, THX endorsement, a THX picture preset, USB HDD recording, a Freeview HD tuner and VieraCast among its many features.
Best of all, this G20 Series plasma boasts truly outstanding pictures.
Read: full Panasonic TX-P50G20B review
Samsung PS50C6900
Fantastic value 3D TV with Freeview HD tuner and web access
While it's certainly possible to find fault with the PS50C6900, it's also got plenty going for it, including pretty looks, tons of connections, copious quantities of multimedia support and, of course, full HD 3D support, all built in with a free pair of glasses to boot.
All of which turns out to be merely an appetiser for that exceptionally affordable price, which makes it easily one of the biggest TV bargains of the year.
Read: full Samsung PS50C6900 review
Sony KDL-52HX903 (£3,000)
Sony ups the ante with this 3D-ready LED-backlit LCD TV
Sony has upped its game in 2010 by adding many more features and a radical new 'Monolithic' design to its high-end Bravia TVs.
Using expensive 'direct LED' backlighting, this 52-incher is 3D-capable if you add a 3D kit (for built-in 3D, choose Sony's LX903 Series), though that will cost you a few hundred.
It boasts one of the most dynamic, natural and colourful pictures we've seen though it does suffer at times with crosstalk noise when showing 3D.
Read: full Sony KDL-52HX903 review
LG 50PK990 (£968)
Just 52mm thin, this plasma packs in Net TV widgets and Bluetooth
LG's flagship plasma TV seeks to regain some ground lost to super-size LED-backlit TVs by squeezing a Freeview HD tuner into a superbly designed frame that's just 52mm deep.
Quite how LG's engineers have achieved such aesthetic brilliance is unclear, because inside are good value pictures (though a touch on contrast away from the best plasmas) and some advanced features – such as USB playback, Net Cast, Bluetooth and Freeview HD – wrapped-up in a delicious user interface.
Read: full LG 50PK990 review
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