LG 50PG20

The good: Relatively inexpensive; accurate color temperature after calibration; numerous picture controls including color management system; sleek, attractive styling with hidden speakers; plenty of connectivity with three HDMI and one PC input.

The bad: Reproduces a lighter shade of black; less accurate primary colors and color decoding; softer images with PC sources.

The bottom line: Although no slouch especially considering its price, the LG 50PG20 plasma HDTV's picture isn't quite up to that of the best entry-level competition.

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Description: The LG 50PG20 is a 50-inch, plasma television. Compared to other plasma TVs on the market, it is inexpensive at around $1,210. In general, a liquid plasma display can output more realistic black-levels than an LCD display can.

Pros: This television can display images that are sharper and more realistic than analog television when connected to a high definition signal. The 3:2 pulldown feature of this set reduces artifacts that can occur when motion pictures are transferred to a digital format such as DVD.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A plasma TV, suited for home entertainment.

Value: In view of its inexpensive price, this TV has great features for the money.

Suggestions: (1) For assistance in shopping for a new HDTV, review CNET editors' <ref type="link" url="http://cnet.com/hdtv-world/?tag=arw">Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide. </ref> (2) If donating or repurposing your old TV is not a viable option, CNET encourages households to recycle their electronics. Please explore the following website to find a recycling center in your area Electronics Take Back Coalition .