Panasonic TH50PX60 Review

50in Plasma TV

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Slightly less accomplished than its 600 bigger brother, but still an impressive all round package.

Overall

Target Price: £1400

1366 x 768 pixels

HD Ready

Notes

Panasonic's current range of Plasma TVs are currently available in either 600 or 60 specs (e.g. TH50PX600 or TH50PX60).

The first major difference is addition of a front-mounted SD card slot on the 600 for playing and recording JPEGs and MPEG4 movies.

In addition the 600 versions include the ultra slim 'Advanced Smart Sound Speaker system' with passive radiator woofers, to deliver improved bass power and clarity.

Expect to pay a £200 premium for the 600 over the 60.

In addition to these major specification differences;

CAB (e.g. TH50PX600CAB or TH5060CAB) includes a cabinet style stand.

PED includes a pedestal style stand.

W includes a wall bracket.

Design

As with most Panasonic plasmas the screen is not visually stunning pinned to the wall, but on its stand (CAB) the slimness of this unit is suddenly emphasized, and with its size makes a stunning centre piece to any room.

Features

The Panasonic TH50PX60 impresses with its connectivity, with 2 HDMI, 3 Scarts, component video ports for connecting analogue HD devices like the Xbox 360, and D-Sub PC jack.

Details

Screen size & shape: 37in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound system: Nicam Stereo

Resolution: 1366 x 768

HD Ready: Yes

Contrast Ratio: 10000:1

Brightness: 450cd/m2

OTHER FEATURES: V-Real processing; 7-day EPG; HDAVI connectivity; noise reduction; Ambience audio effect; Q-Link; CI slot; colour/contrast management; Real Black Drive.

SOCKETS: 2 HDMI input, 3 scarts, composite video input, S-video input, PC input, stereo audio, inputs/outputs.

The Panasonic's HDMI connections actually offer advanced two way communication with other compatible devices (HDAVI) which allow the screen and attached HDAVI-compatible Panasonic gear, such as the company’s new DIGA DVD recorders, to be controlled as one, but yes, you've guessed it, only if they're Panasonic.

As with most Panasonics, the TH50PX60 has built-in digital tuner with 7-day Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).

The beating heart of this screen is the V-Real image processing engine which delivers a range of image enhancing innovations. Sub pixel control for greater red/blue/green definition, auto gamma control, and a claimed 29 billion colour spectrum to name a few.

The 50PX60 also sports the latest incarnation of Panasonics long-respected Real Black Drive and new Deep Black Filter systems improving black levels and reducing reflections.

Performance

By far the most outstanding aspect of the Panasonic TH-50PX60 is the trully oustanding black levels it manages to deliver. Performance in this respect is better than any LCD rival.

Colours display a natural tonal appearance that only the best LCD can match with a range that is up there with the best. Moving objects look extremely clean, and there is no trace of LCD smearing.

The quality of High Definition, especially for fast moving content such as football matches is awe inspiring, and seems to be a step up from the equivalent 37in model. Standard Definition reproduction is also up there with the best.

On the 60 sound is rather disappointing, the lack of power and bass being the main culprits.

A lesser spec than its bigger '600' brother relegates the Panasonic TH-50PX60 to a good rating, but only just. It is still an impressive all round performer, matching top LCD performers in some areas.