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Top ENERGY STAR TVs Plasma TVs 1080P

by Matthew Torres
for About.com

I'm pretty environmentally conscientious so I look for ways I can reduce energy. It's also a money-saver when you consider less energy means less monthly payment.

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.

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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".

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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.

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4. Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ85U 42" Plasma TV

Panasonic has eight Energy Star TVs starting with the PX80U line of 720P HDTVs.

PZ80U Line of 1080P HDTVs

PZ85U Line of 1080P HDTVs

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.

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