If size matters and you have especially deep pockets, a giant plasma HDTV like the LG Electronics 71PY1M is the way to go. Plasma allows you to get the thin design of a flat-panel television while still enjoying among the largest screen sizes available next to front-projector models. So if you have the room for an ultra-large display, LG has the set for you. The 71PY1M monitor (buyers should note it does not include a TV tuner with purchase) is 71 inches of pure, vivid picture encased in a thin, sleek casing.

The 71PY1M is designed with a minimalist look, so all your attention is focused on the screen. The casing is very slim, and whether the 71PY1M sits on the included stand or is mounted on the wall, the enormous screen makes for an impressive viewing experience. This set weighs in at 191 pounds, however, so your wall may require additional reinforcement before mounting. For this reason, we recommend that you have a professional install this monster.

Once you have it all set up, the 71PY1M's picture will surely make your jaw drop. Video is upscaled using LG's exclusive XD Engine, which employs six processes to improve brightness, contrast and detail while enhancing color and reducing signal noise. All this makes low-resolution analog signals appear almost (but not quite) HD-quality. When viewing HD programming, the 1,080p resolution provides exquisite detail, whether you're watching sports or an action thriller.

While the resolution is top-notch and the picture must be seen to be believed, the screen is somewhat reflective, and we don't mean that in a philosophical way. This 71-inch widescreen set brings a lot of glass into the act, and glare can be a serious problem. To combat this, plan on using opaque curtains on the windows in your viewing room and avoid bright lights. The 71PY1M works best in a dedicated home theater where the ambient light can be controlled. Additionally, plan on a seat front and center. LG boasts of a wide viewing angle, but the 71PY1M doesn't live up to the manufacturer's claim, as there is noticeable color shifting when viewing the screen off-axis. Of course, with a screen this size, you can fit a few seats in the center before reaching the off-axis zone.

As you might expect, the 71PY1M can support a host of devices through its many inputs. The back panel has two HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, an RGB PC input and a collection of standard S-video and composite video inputs, as well as several audio outputs. Additional S-video and composite video inputs are located on the side panel for the quick connection of a video camera or game console.

For multitaskers, the 71PY1M features flexible picture-in-picture (PIP) and split-screen viewing modes, so you can follow multiple games or keep score while watching a movie. Within the PIP or split-screen window, the subwindows can be moved and resized. To fight image burn-in, LG deploys Image Sticking Minimization (ISM), which greatly reduces the chance of damage as a result of stationary images like news-channel scroll boxes and video game status bars. Of course, you don't want to keep your Halo 3 game on pause over the weekend, but if you need to answer the phone, you don't have to worry about damaging the set while leaving the game running.

The suggested retail price is very high, but if you can swing it, the colossal LG Electronics 71PY1M gives you plasma HDTV viewing at its biggest.


Pros: Huge plasma screen offers 1,080p resolution, picture upscaling makes HD and standard content look better
Cons: Very expensive even for a 71-inch set, screen can be difficult to view in bright room

Warranty
2 years, parts and labor