When I wrote about the life left in plasma TVs, I called plasmas the bookends of the display market, representing the extreme low- and high-ends of the 40-inch-plus category.

But being at the extremes doesn’t mean you can’t find great bang for your buck.

The 58-inch TC-P58V10 plasma is at the top of the Panasonic food chain. 6ave.com, an authorized dealer, has the TC-P58V10 for just $2398 with free shipping after coupon code AFLPAN2398.

The 1080p set has a 600hz refresh rate, 40,000:1 native contrast ratio, and THX certification. And with 96Hz 1080p/24 processing and a bezel-less design, this is about as good as consumer-grade displays get (since Pioneer’s exit).

If 58 inches if too big, downsize to the 50-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P50U1 600Hz plasma for $999 plus $50 for shipping from NewEgg.

On the low end of the TV spectrum, Dell Home has the Panasonic TC-P42C1 for only $499 (less with a Dell Preferred Account). The 720p 42-inch display has a 15,000:1 native contrast ratio and 600Hz drive, making it an attractive alternative.

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins is chief technology editor for EH Publishing. He writes product reviews, features, and focuses heavily on 3D TV, iPhone and iPad apps, and digital content.