Washington, D.C. (December 5, 2006) -- Looking for a moderately priced 50-inch Plasma HDTV? The Vizio P50HDM, which can be purchased online for as little as $1,399, might be your answer.

That's according to a review at CNET.com.

The technology web site gave the flat-panel display a score of 7 out of a possible 10 in a recent review. The Vizio 50-inch Plasma delivers an "impressive black-level performance (and) accurate color decoding," CNET's reviewer wrote.

On the down side, CNET says the set displays "false-contouring artifacts," particularly in dark scenes; lacks an HDTV tuner and a CableCard. (Note: "Contouring artifacts" tend to squeeze detail from certain colors.)

However, it does have two HDMI inputs and its price is particularly appealing to shoppers on a budget.

"With commendable image quality and plenty of connections, the relatively inexpensive Vizio P50HDM 50-inch plasma is the best value in its class," CNET says.

The web site notes that many consumers are unaware of Vizio, the U.S.-based maker of lower cost flat-panel sets. However, it says that shoppers shouldn't be wary just because of the low price.

"Having never heard of Vizio or its parent brand V, Incorporated, you may rightly be wondering whether that price is too good to be true. In short, it isn't," CNET's review stated.