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50, flat, and cheaper: big-screen plasmas less than $3,000

David Katzmaier
David Katzmaier
Senior editor
Updated February 1, 2006

Flatter is better when it comes to iPods, cell phones, and televisions. If given a choice between a free big-screen flat-panel TV, such as one of the models below, and a free big-screen rear-projection TV such as the Sony KDF-E50A10, 95 percent of TV shoppers would probably take the plasma in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, HDTVs aren't free, but the falling prices of 50-inch plasmas are enough to make many shoppers think twice about their big-screen technology--and form factor--of choice. At less than $3,000, each of the models below costs about $1,000 more than the Sony and other typical 50-inch DLP and LCD models. Is flat worth an extra grand? Check your MP3 player and your phone before you answer.

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Product name Maxent MX-50X3
Maxent MX-50X3
Vizio P50HDM
Vizio P50HDM
Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK
Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK




Review date February 1, 2006 September 13, 2005 November 11, 2005




Editors' rating
(Editors' rating explained)
6.4 out of 10 6.4
Good




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Review summary The 50-inch Maxent MX-50X3 plasma is an excellent value by virtue of its impressive picture quality, but don't expect high style or numerous features. With commendable image quality and plenty of connections, the relatively inexpensive V Vizio P50HDM 50-inch plasma is the best value in its class. Although it's missing a couple of inputs, the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK surpasses any 50-inch plasma we've reviewed in terms of image quality and overall value.




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User comments 8.3 Excellent (from 9 users) 8.1 Excellent (from 99 users) 8.8 Excellent (from 40 users)
Basic Specs
Weight 110.2 lbs 
121.7 lbs 
94.8 lbs 




Resolution 1366 x 768  
1366 x 768  
1366 x 768  




Input Video Formats 480p , 480i , 1080i , 720p  
480p , 480i , 1080i , 720p  
480p , 480i , 1080i , 720p  




Image Aspect Ratio 16:9  
16:9  
16:9  




Multi-channel Preview Picture-in-picture (PIP)  
Picture-on-picture (POP) , Picture-in-picture (PIP)  
Info unavailable 




Sound Output Mode Stereo  
Stereo  
Stereo  




Speaker System 2 speakers  
2 speakers  
Speakers not included  




 
 
 
 
Product name Maxent MX-50X3 Vizio P50HDM Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK




Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications




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