Consumer Reports Ratings for Plasma TV's

From the July 2010 issue:

"If you have a TV budget of $1,000, you won't have to compromise on screen size of picture quality or settle for a bare-bones set. Just don't expect all the newest high-end features."

Here are the recommended models from the ratings charts:

Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1 (42-inch)
77 overall score
Excellent HD picture quality
Excellent SD picture quality
Excellent viewing angle
3 HDMI / 2 Component
58, energy cost per year
Amazon /
$800

Panasonic Viera TC-P46S1 (46-inch)
76 overall score
Excellent HD picture quality
Very good SD picture quality
3 HDMI / 2 Component
55, energy cost per year
Amazon /
$850