So, it makes sense to look at the Energy Star ratings on televisions, especially plasma HDTVs since they tend to emit a lot of heat - which leads to using more energy than other types.
The models on this list have large screen sizes. I consider 42" the standard for plasma. Anything from 47-55" is consider mid-range to me and anything beyond 56" is large.
At these sizes, you bet the panel will consume energy. Enter ENERGY STAR.
1. Hitachi UltraVision L47V651 47" Plasma TV
I can't imagine what 281 trillion colors could possibly look like, which is what the Hitachi Ultravision L47V651 claims to do. I bet it looks good.Here is a quick snapshot of the specs:
- 47" is in the mid-range of screen sizes
- 1080P screen includes Hitachi's PictureMaster HD IV video processor that helps improve overall image quality
- 10 picture modes (4 HD and 6 SD)
- Built-in ATSC, NTSC and QAM tuners means a digital-to-analog or digital-to-digital converter box is not needed when using an antenna
- Three HDMI inputs - inputs 1 and 2 are HDCP compliant
- Anti-Reflective Screen
This TV has a lot of features. If it were a car I'd say it was fully loaded. Definitely worth considering.
2. LG Electronics 50PY3D 50" Plasma TV
This listing actually includes two LG models - the 50PY3D and the 60PY3D (same TVs just different screen sizes - 50 and 60"). The 60PY3D costs about twice as much as the 50PY3D.Here is a quick snapshot of the specs:
- 50" screen size is mid-range. 60" is large.
- 1080P screen includes LG's XD Engine, which is a picture enhancer that has 6 processes to improve the image quality
- 60,000 hours panel life - 16 years at 10-hours a day
- 6 modes to adjust aspect ratio and 5 modes to adjust picture
- Three HDMI inputs with HDCP
- Built-in ATSC, NTSC and QAM tuners means a digital-to-analog or digital-to-digital converter box is not needed when using an antenna
This TV is loaded and nice that there are two screen sizes to choose from - 50" and 60".
3. Pioneer KURO PDP-5010FD 50" Plasma TV
The Pioneer KURO PDP-5010FD continues the Pioneer tradition as being one of the best plasma TVs on the market.Here is a quick snapshot of the specs:
- Four HDMI 1.3 inputs that are HDCP compliant
- Built-in ATSC, dual NTSC and QAM tuner. Has CableCARD slot
- 1080P screen includes Pioneer picture enhancement technology that is one of the best I've seen to date
- Six screen adjustment modes, multiple PIP in adjustments and a seamless auto-converter between 4:3 and 16:9
- Bottom speaker is detachable
- Pretty heavy panel at near 100 lbs.
The KURO line of plasma display panels is one of the best on the market, if not the best. I reviewed the KURO PRO-950HD last year and it was a favorite. The 5010FD looks good to me also.
4. Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ85U 42" Plasma TV
Panasonic has eight Energy Star TVs starting with the PX80U line of 720P HDTVs.
- TH-42PX80U - Compare Prices
- TH-50PX80U - Compare Prices
PZ80U Line of 1080P HDTVs
- TH-42PZ80U - Compare Prices
- TH-46PZ80U - Compare Prices
- TH-50PZ80U - Compare Prices
PZ85U Line of 1080P HDTVs
- TH-42PZ85U - Compare Prices
- TH-46PZ85U - Compare Prices
- TH-50PZ85U - Compare Prices
The PZ85U is most expensive followed by the PZ80U and PX80U. Specs are virtually identical between all eight. The PZ85U line is the top, PX80U is entry-level model and PZ80U is in the middle.
