37-inch Plasma TVs: What They Offered and Why They Disappeared

37-inch plasma TVs were a popular mid-2000s choice for their contrast and motion handling. Early models had issues - weight, power use, and image retention - that manufacturers mitigated with panel and firmware improvements. By the mid-2010s, mass production of plasma panels ceased as the market moved to LCD/LED and OLED. Today, OLED serves most buyers seeking the deep blacks and viewing angles that plasma once provided.

What a 37-inch plasma TV was

In the mid-2000s, 37-inch plasma TVs were a common consumer choice for living rooms. They used gas-discharge (plasma) panels to light individual cells and produced deep blacks, strong contrast, and smooth motion - qualities that made them popular for movies and sports.

Early drawbacks and improvements

Like any early flat-panel technology, plasma TVs had trade-offs. Early models were heavier and more power-hungry than later LCD/LED sets. They could show image retention (temporary ghosting) and, in some cases, long-term burn-in if static images were left on-screen for long periods.

Manufacturers addressed many issues through software and panel improvements: improved phosphor materials, pixel-driving algorithms, and screen protectors reduced visible retention and improved longevity. By the late 2000s, plasma picture quality had matured and was widely praised for natural motion and consistent color from wide viewing angles.

Who made 37-inch plasma TVs

Several major consumer-electronics brands produced plasma panels, including Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, Philips, Pioneer, Toshiba, and Westinghouse. Model availability varied by region and year; by the early 2010s, many companies shifted their R&D and production to LCD/LED and, later, OLED and quantum-dot technologies.

Pixel defects and panel policies

Panel manufacturers and retailers often issued return or warranty policies for visibly defective pixels, though specifics varied by company and model. Small, isolated pixel defects were sometimes tolerated under warranty terms, but policies differed widely and changed over time.

Why plasma faded and what replaced it

Plasma's strengths - excellent blacks, contrast, and motion handling - were ultimately outweighed for many buyers by LCD/LED advantages: lighter weight, lower power draw, higher peak brightness, and lower manufacturing cost at scale. More recently, OLED has become the preferred option for viewers seeking similarly deep blacks and wide viewing angles, while QLED/LCD remains strong for bright-room performance and price-per-inch.

Legacy and current relevance

As of the mid-2010s, mainstream production of plasma TVs largely ended and the technology is no longer a current production category. Many owners still value working plasma sets for their picture characteristics, but replacement parts and service can be limited. For similar picture qualities today, buyers typically consider OLED or high-contrast LCD variants.