Panasonic TC-42PX14

Plasma TVs don't have to be for those with huge budgets only any more. Thankfully, some modestly priced models are making their way to market in 2009, and one of the better ones is the Panasonic TC-42PX14. While Panasonic has also released a number of the high-end plasma televisions for this year, the TC-42PX14 will work just fine for those who can't afford to spend a fortune.

Some of the features you'll notice that make viewing much more pleasurable with the TC-42PX14 include the Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link.

But it's the resolution that matters most with plasma, and it doesn't come up short here. True, at 720p it's not quite up to the level of the 1080p of most of the larger, 42 inch plasma screens. However, for 90% of viewers in 90% of situations, the 720p works fine and provides a still-lovely image. After all, most TV transmissions are still in 720p, even though 1080p is featured on Blu-ray players and a few TV channels.

Contrast ratio on the TC-42PX14 is 15,000:1, which upsets the brightness level a bit. Still, for the price, you get a rich image and an enjoyable TV viewing experience that you can afford.