Samsung PS-42Q97 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Samsung TVs are consistently among the prettiest around, and the PS42Q97HD is a chip off the uber-stylish old block.Its connections will set your pulse racing too, since they include three HDMIs

Pros: Excellent price, Good connectivity, Strong picture performance

Cons: Optimum setup can be hard to find

Verdict: Against the backdrop of its superb price, it's hard not to like this Samsung

Review summary: It's got no 1080p, but Samsung's PS50Q97HDX seems to have everything else: a massive screen, three HDMI sockets, technical virtuosity and a motorised stand - all for £1500

Pros: Picture quality. Smart design. Connectivity. Incredible value

Cons: No 1080p, but everything else is as you'd want it

Review summary: The 50-inch Samsung PS50Q97HD is a massive HD Ready TV that will be a huge feature in any living room. Its quick refresh time makes it ideal for viewing sport and for gaming, and its Freeview picture is excellent for its size

Pros: Size ; three HDMI sockets ; Freeview and HD quality

Cons: Picture noise ; only HDMI 1.3 ; not 1080p

Verdict: Samsung's PS50Q97HD is a good buy if you want the maximum visual impact for your money. The picture isn't perfect, but it does redeem itself with better than average Freeview performance

Review summary: It's not always about being the very best or the cheapest. What many punters really want is a TV that offers a good balance between cost, performance and features - a description that fits Samsung's PS50Q97HD to the letter.

Pros: Excellent connectivity, High contrast ratio

Cons: Not 1080p

Verdict: This all-rounder of a plasma is another runaway success story for the manufacturer - all at an appealing price too