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Ok so I saw this Sanyo 50" plasma HDTV for $900, its contract ratio (STATIC) is 10,000:1 , its a brand new model. has angle views of more than 178 degrees and more details:

Key Features & Benefits:

50 Diagonal 720p Plasma HDTV

With a wide screen 16:9 Aspect Ratio and a native panel resolution of 1365 x 768 pixels (WXGA) for excellent picture quality


Integrated Digital Clear QAM ATSC + Analog NTSC Tuner

Receives conventional analog broadcasts and digital broadcasts, including HDTV programs where available

Wide Viewing Angles: 178 H x 178 V Degrees

Allows you to view comfortably at the angle you prefer

Additional Features

191 Total channels
Receives ATSC signal formats (including 480i/p, 720p and 1080i/p) converted to 720p display
3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter
MTS/SAP Stereo & Digital Audio
Two 6 x 12 cm speakers
Picture Shapes: 1-7 (w/remote control PIX Shape Key)
Picture Selections: Movie, Sports, News, Game, Standard, Manual, Advanced Manual Sound Selections: Auto, Standard, Manual, Advanced Manual
XDS-Extended Data Service capability
V-Guide Parental Control
Trilingual Menus: English, Spanish, French
Closed Caption Compliant: NTSC-608, ATSC-708CC
Sleep Timer: 1/2 - 3 hours
Auto Channel Search
3 HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) input
2 Component (Y-Pb-Pr with R/L audio) inputs
1 S-Video Input (overrides composite input)
1 Composite Input (V,L/R)
1 Coaxial Digital Audio Output
1 Fixed Analog Audio Out (R/L)
1 RF Input ( Analog/Digital Antenna In)
Detachable Stand / Universal 480 x 200, 480 x 360 Wall Mountable (with optional kit not supplied)
Energy Star compliant
Dimensions w/stand: W49.0 H33.1 D14.2, 84.0lbs.
PC/Mac capable input (VGA D-Sub 15 pin) with mini Audio input
1 USB input with Photo Viewer

I say no. You can get more TV for about the same money.

First, throw the contrast ratio number out the window. All the TV makers cheat on this. When tested to ANSI specs those numbers are more like 500:1 or 900:1 etc.

The best true contrast ratios for plasmas goes like this (for now) Pioneer Kuro is the best. Then after that, the best Panasonic models. Just a hair behind them are the best plasmas that Samsung has made. And by the way, the LCD panels usually get numbers like 250:1


Anyway, the resolution isn't bad, but for such a large screen it's not that great. I've seen this set, it's not bad, but I'd rather get a Vizio (some use Panasonic glass) or just go Panasonic. They now have the best plasmas now that Pioneer is ducking out of the plasma business.

I'd look into the Panasonic plasmas, and to save some bucks, check out the line that just went out, ending in z85u those are 1080p, check out the 42 or 46 inch size. Those panels will blow the Sanyo away you just might not get a 50 incher out of the deal.

I'll say this for the Sanyo, it's a lot of screen for the money. But if pic quality is at the top of your list go Panasonic. If screen size is king in your book, it's not bad. If they chopped another 100 of the price, it would be a bang for the buck deal.

I would say No.If you want good plasma I recommend good brand like Panasonic or Samsung,a little bit higher cost but better quality than Sanyo.Try Samsung PN50B450 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UJK...
or Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P50X1 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SN7...

Both are great plasma for under $1000.