Samsung PN50A650 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

More than ever before, plasma televisions are being priced within reach of the average consumer. Samsung is one of the leading manufacturers making this possible, and its new plasma model PN50A650 is just one example. (Current Amazon price.)

The PN50A650 comes packed with enough of the latest HDTV technologies, both proprietary and otherwise, to hlep the set hold its own in comparison vs. leading televisions from the likes of Pioneer, Panasonic and others.

For a brief look at why the PN50A650 deserves a spot near the top of your list of plasma TVs to consider, here's a quick features review...

Versus Samsung's plasma models from just last year, the numbers tell the story of how far this technology has come. To begin with, the PN50A650 and other 650-series plasma sets from Samsung boasts a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, which measures the scope of deep, dark blacks to brilliant, bright whites a set is capable of producing.

And the PN50A650 is 3d HD ready, which means as movie studios start releasing films with the latest in 3D technologies, this model will be ready to show you three dimensions of video in all its glory.

But don't forget the sound, since it's half the experience. The PN50A650 comes equipped with the revered SRS TruSurround XT audio system to help reproduce the movie multiplex sound experience in the comfort of your home.

Other technologies included in the PN50A650 include Samsung's well-reviewed Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) which enhances the video from sources like traditional DVDs and substandard television signals to produce a crisp, lifelike picture. And speaking of a crisp picture, nothing can obscure the beauty of an HDTV screen like excess ambient light, so Samsung has included Utra FilterBright™ anti-glare filtering to help the bright, vivid video reproduction shine through. Will the PN50A650 have enough inputs for your AV components? With 4 HDMI connections and a wealth of other input options, you'll be well covered. But this doesn't tell the whole story. Complete your purchase homework by finding out what buyers of the PN50A650 think about it by reading their user reviews at Amazon.com.

Compare the Samsung PN50A650 to these big-screen Plasmas: