subject: Panasonic TC-P50G20 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV Review [print this page] Panasonic TC-P50G20 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV Review
According to Panasonic, theirTC-P50G20 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV should be the "center of your entertainment universe". Does it really boast enough features to warrant such a statement?
Overall Thoughts & Points From Misc. Customer Reviews:
One of the most impressive benefits that the TC-P50G20 provides is access to Viera Cast, which when enabled via internet connection, gives you access to many online entertainment options, including Netflix, Pandora radio, YouTube, Skype, etc.
This Viera 50 TV has "Infinite Black Panel", which Panasonic claims improves contrast and viewability of dark colors (especially blacks) in more well-lit areas. It is also supposed to improve the look of dark film scenes (e.g. night shots). This, combined with NeoPDP and 600Hz Sub-field Drive, is supposed to give some of the best 1080p viewing Panasonic's plasma HDTVs have provided to date.
You can also easily view your pictures taken with your HD camera with the Viera Image Viewer just insert your SD card into the slot directly on the TV. Connect all your audio and visual components with HDMI cables (you'll need to purchase extras), and you can even use Viera Link to control them all with just your Viera remote.
Customer reviews across Panasonic's website, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.com were very positive almost across the board. The majority of customer reviews were 4 out of 5 or higher many times 5 out of 5.
Customers were generally very pleased with the visuals on this Viera 50, and were impressed with the overall presentation of the TC-P50G20. Multiple satisfied customer reviews stated that this plasma even looked better than comparable LCD or LED HDTVs. The accessories (number of HDMI ports, USB connectivity, etc) was also looked upon very favorably.
The one complaint that was brought up more than once, though, was the fact that the only audio output was digital optic. If your surround sound isn't a fairly new system, then you might not be able to use your home theater with this TV, so be sure to check that out before purchasing.
Most customers did feel that while this was a more pricey HDTV, it was well worth the asking price.
The Panasonic TC-P50G20 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV comes with the TV itself, removable stand, remote control, batteries for said remote, and assorted paperwork/instructions.
TC-P50G20 Details and Specifications:
Misc. Details:
50-inch Plasma HDTV with full 1080p HD resolution; THX certified display
VIERA Cast for streaming online content plus video conferencing via Skype (using optional webcam)
Infinite Black panel blocks ambient light and produces deep blacks and bright, vivid images with minimal reflection
Product Specific Specs:
Series: G20
Screen type: Plasma
Screen size: 50 inches
Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Contrast ratio: Infinite Black with 5,000,000:1 native/dynamic contrast
Shades of gradation: 6,144 equivalent
HDTV display capability: 1080p, 1080i, 720p
EDTV display capability: 480p
Speakers: 2 full range, 20W total power; surround sound capabilities
Image viewer: AVCHD, MPEG2, JPEG compatibility
Aspect control: Normal, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill for TV/AV modes 4:3, Full for PC mode
Optional wall-mounting bracket: TY-WK4P1RW
Multi-lingual menu: English/Spanish/French
Energy Star qualified: Yes
Connections:
HDMI: 3 (1 side)
Component (Y, PB, PR): 2; each with audio input
Composite A/V: 2 (1 side); each with audio input
Ethernet: 1
USB: 2
PC input (15-pin, D-Sub): 1
Digital audio output: 1
Dimensions:
TV with stand: 48 x 31.9 x 13.2 inches (WxHxD); 63.9 pounds
TV without stand: 48 x 30.3 x 3.5 inches (WxHxD); 57.3 pounds
