subject: Panasonic TC-P50S30 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV Review [print this page] Panasonic TC-P50S30 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV Review
Panasonic says that theirTC-P50S30 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV uses their "own unique image-analysis technology" for clearer and crisper pictures, and to let you "view superb full-HD motion". But does it really?
Overall Thoughts & Points From Misc. Customer Reviews:
Though the Panasonic TC-P50S30 is not one of their "top-of-the-line" plasma HDTVs, it is still a very, very good value for the money. The 600Hz refresh rate provides 1080 lines of resolution for a great clarity. Combined with the matte finish, glare is greatly reduced, x.v. Color compatibility produces colors that are much deeper, there is much more contrast, and dark colors seem deeper' and keep their hue much better.
Viera itself provides some really cool features not all product lines have. Viera on the TC-P50S30, when utilizing Game Mode, will automatically choose the settings for your video games to look their best. Viera Link will allow you to link up several different devices (your TV, Blu-ray player, DVD player, home theater, etc) so that you only need your Viera remote to control them all. (Do remember, though, that this only works if you connect them all with an HDMI cable, so you'll have to remember to purchase a few extra if you need them none are included with the package.)
And of course, Viera allows you to connect to the internet directly (with a connection, of course). That way you can have direct access to Netflix, Pandora, Skype, and other such services directly from your TV.
On average, customer reviews at Panasonic's website, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.com all gave the TC-P50S30 great reviews (mostly 4 out of 5 and higher). However, that doesn't mean this Plasma HDTV is perfect.
One customer review noticed that while movies on Netflix played fine, that he found it be slow and the menus a little clunky when compared to using Netflix on his XBox 360. Across the board, customers seem to really enjoy the picture quality (one even said to not purchase a 3D tv, as this plasma was so good), but have noted that sound, while Ok, doesn't match up to it. If you plan on using it with a surround sound or home theater unit, this shouldn't be an issue however.
The Panasonic TC-P50S30 Viera 50 Plasma HDTV comes with the TV, removable stand, Viera remote control, batteries for the remote, and assorted paperwork/instructions. Things like a wall mount, HDMI cables, etc would have to be purchased separately.
TC-P50S30 Details and Specifications*:
Misc. Details:
Fast Switching Phosphors
Easy IPTV
VIERA Image Viewer H.264 (Photo & Movie)
DLNA
Product Specific Specs:
Series: S30
Screen size (diagonal): 49.9 inches
Native resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
Shades of Gradation:6,144 equivalent (WSXGA)
Moving Picture Resolution: 900 lines
HDTV display capability: 1080p, 1080i, 720p
EDTV display capability: 480p
Speakers: 2 full range, 20W total power,Surround Sound
Image viewer:Yes (AVCHD/MPEG2/JPEG/MP3 playback)
Aspect control: 4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-Fill
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): RCA x 1
Composite A/V: RCA x 1
USB: 2
LAN Port: 1
Dimensions:
TV with stand: 30.7 x 47.4 x 12.8 (H x W x D); 62.9 pounds
TV without stand: 29.3 x 47.4 X 2.8 (H x W x D); 54.0 pounds
