The 50-inch XT50 (MSRP $799) is one of Panasonic's low-end plasma TV series, manufactured for 2012. Unlike almost all of their other TVs this year (plasma and LCD alike), the XT50's maximum resolution is not 1080p, but 720p instead. This, above all else, is what contributes to its relatively cheap price. Surprisingly, this low-end plasma is also smart and 3D capable. Even more surprising is what a solid performer it turned out to be. With a smaller resolution as its only "drawback," the XT50 is an excellent deal.
The XT50 (which is only available in a 50-inch screen size) is a smartly designed plasma that follows in the footsteps of Panasonic's 2012 flagship. By that, we mean it looks pretty good for sporting one of the less daring TV designs to pass into our labs this year. Like the VT50, the XT50 keeps things classy by adhering to a traditional HDTV appearance, while sprucing things up with more subtle touches. A strip runs along the lower bezel that reflects a monochromatic gradient, giving the occasional appearance of a waterfall of light branching over the TV's face and stand. It's not as contemporary as some of the TVs from Samsung and LG, but it definitely works.
50 inch panasonic plasma tv 720p 50
Those flaws aside, the XT50 is a high-quality plasma television. Its performance was very impressive, testing with highly accurate color and superb motion handling. A 50-inch plasma with flagship-worthy performance that's also smart and 3D ready for only $799? Sign me up.
If you're working with a budget, you can't go wrong with the C2 Series. These are the least expensive plasmas that Panasonic will offer this year. Each of the three models offers a 720p image. The 600Hz technology promises a super-sharp picture with excellent motion performance, whether viewing action flicks or family photos. Speaking of photos: These sets, like the others Panasonic has planned for 2010, feature VIERA Image Viewer, which makes it easy to turn that big screen into a photo display everyone can enjoy - just pop your SD card out of your camera and into the TV's SD slot and you're good to go. Another VIERA feature is VIERA Link, which puts compatible devices under one VIERA remote control. This is Panasonic's variation of HDMI CEC.Now let's get geeky: For specs, all three models offer a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, Deep Color support and x.v.Color technology, and two HDMI inputs.
All year, we've been hearing buzz about 3D. Panasonic has been creating some of that buzz, becoming one of the first manufacturers to release 3D TVs to the public. The VT20 Series was that release. For now, the "series" is actually just one model, the TC-P50VT20. This 50-inch plasma is a Best Buy exclusive, and it's currently available in stores only, not online.
HDTV from our DirecTV HD satellite feed looked equally superb. Again, there was plenty of detail, and the picture did not appear soft, the way it does on some EDTV panels. Dark material in HD also looked clean, with plenty of shadow detail and a minimum of low-level noise and artifacts. With the notable exception of the industrial TH-42PHD7UY, the TH-42PX50U offers the best home-theater image of any 42-inch plasma in its class.
It has very good color accuracy, with a perfect color gamut. Its viewing angle is huge, and its motion performance was great. While not terribly bright, it's dark enough to brandish its plasma tech proudly, and its contrast ratio is still slightly above average. The 50-inch version carries an MSRP of $799, and includes smart access to the big name content providers, and usable, if imperfect, 3D tech. You're getting a lot for a relatively low price.
For even deeper, richer blacks, the TH-42PD12UK plasmas achieve a contrast ratio of an incredible 30,000:1. Also these 720p displays is improved video processing that provides crisp, clear motion images with the equivalent of an industry leading 5,120 shades of gradation.
Lisa KnightBethel Park, Pa. A I commend you for seeing through the sales pitch and making your own decision about picture quality, and to let you know you got it right. If you are looking at televisions 56 inches or larger, I would lean toward 1080p, but on smaller sets, 720p will be fine.
The NPD Group also reported that Plasma sales were on the rise. The Port Washington, N.Y. based market research firm reports that the Green Bay Packers weren't the only big winners of the Super Bowl: Sales of plasma TVs jumped 45% in units, and 11% in dollars during Super Bowl week, compared to the same period last year. About half of those sales were of 50-inch plasma sets, with an average price of $670, down $170 from last year. The average price of 42-inch plasmas fell $100 to $451, according to NPD. 2ff7e9595c
Comments