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Panasonic TH46PZ85 Review |
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Reviewed: 12 May 2008
Design
Designed to compete with the new raft of similarly sized LCD TV's, Panasonic's TH46PZ85 does not look significantly larger than its 42in sibling, its compact appearance due in no small part to its very slim profile and a frame that curves subtly backwards along the full length of its sides. A glossy black finish completes the effect with the result being distinctive rather than brash, stylish rather than garish.
The elliptical silver trim at the base of the TH46PZ85 is not the whim of an enthusiastic designer, but actually houses the screens twin speakers. Again, describing this long thin pod like structure gives the impression of over embellishment, whereas in the flesh it comes across as an effective design touch.
Features
The TH46PZ85 sports a Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution which allows the screen to resolve every detail of for example, a Sky satellite standard definition (1080i) source or input from Sony's PS3 games console (1080p), rather than scaling these pictures to fit.
Screen: 46in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound System: Nicam Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 Other Features: V-real pro 3 picture processing, Integrated Freeview. Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, SD card slot.
Increasing the frame rate from 50 frames per second (fps) to 100fps, Motion Picture Pro 2 has been designed to create a more fluid picture while maintaining the screen's resolution.
Complementing Motion Picture Pro 2, the latest incarnation of Panasonic's picture processing engine 'V-real 3' detects on-screen motion and activates backlight blinking to maintain resolution in those areas. Of course there is much more to V-real 3 - Panasonic have apparently re-engineered almost every element of their picture processing engine in its latest guise.
There are two major constituents to the V-real 3 equation, V-real PRO 3 Processor and V-real PRO 3 Driver. The 'processor' element works on the raw video signal to optimize the incoming stream, while the 'Driver' element works with the refined signal and optimizes panel performance to this signal.
Panasonic's latest G11 panel comes with a very fast 0.001 second response time (how long it takes the plasma cells to react after they have been sent an electrical signal) along with a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and no viewing angle limitation.
With 3 HDMI inputs (v1.3), 2 Scarts along with the usual Composite and Component inputs connectivity will satisfy most, and there is also a useful SD memory card slot. Pop in your latest digital camera (SD card) holiday shots into the slot and a slick slide show function appears.
24p Real Cinema has been designed to render a 'judder free' interpretation of films shot at 24 frames per second (most TV is shot at 25 frames per second).
The environmentally aware among you will be pleased to know that production of the PZ85 is lead-free and an 'Eco' mode lowers power consumption.
The PZ85 (along with all new Panasonic plasmas) also feature a new 'Tough Panel' finish, designed to prevent enthusiastic gamers from scratching or even smashing these panels.
As with most of Panasonic's flat panel TV's 'Viera Link' technology is present and uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote.
Performance
With the TH46PZ85 Panasonic have achieved a black level performance that just can't be bettered for the price. Even with the best plasmas we have tested placed alongside this screen (Pioneer's Kuro range) the difference in favour of the Pioneer is barely perceptible. Of course, such an accomplished black level provides an excellent platform for colour rendering.
Having witnessed the exceptional High Definition (HD) performance of the TH42PZ85 we were expecting more of the same form its slightly bigger 46in brother. In fact, HD performance looked even more spectacular on the larger screen. Again, we can only say that there are good HD pictures, and there are HD pictures which compel you to reach out and touch - the impression of reality being so strong. Every imaginable nuance of detail is presented in a flood of vibrantly rendered colours, a truly involving experience.
As with the 42in model, comparing the bright vivid scenes of planet Earth with the dark broodiness of Bladerunner on Blu-ray presented us with that strange rendering of cinematic scenes that frame insertion technologies tend to produce. Close up shots of characters completely lose their atmospheric cinematic quality looking more like an HD version of Eastenders, although the rendering of facial tones is never less than wholly convincing.
Panasonic's take on 100Hz processing appears to be one of the better implementations of this kind of technology, although we came to the conclusion that this is perhaps more to do with the overall ability of the screen in all areas rather than 100hz and 'Intelligent Frame Creation' technologies (we were just as impressed with the screens ability in this respect with the feature turned off). What is clear is that the TH46PZ85 retains a fluidity, smoothness and composure that is a match for any flat panel TV. Even the very trickiest scenes such as football games with the view covering the broadest area of the pitch with the ball fizzing around retain a level of detail and smoothness that most screens just can't match.
With the lower quality Standard Definition (SD) 'Freeview' source, the TH46PZ85 betrays some of the inconsistencies apparent when you translate a signal designed for a 576 line CRT to a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. There was an element of posturization (obvious steps rather than a smooth transition in colour) where the two contrasting colours met. While generally maintaining its composure, some video 'noise' does creep into the picture, although not to the extent that it significantly compromises viewing pleasure. Things improve dramatically with a better quality signal. Some of the better SD pictures we have witnessed on such a large screen were on show when we hooked up the PZ85 to Sky (1080i), the screen making full use of the extra lines of detail.
Despite some minor floors and given its size, the TH46PZ85, in our opinion rates as one of the best SD performers when it comes to standard definition. Motion handling is on the whole excellent, colours are rich and accurate without being overly vibrant and tricky areas such as facial tones are rendered with an accuracy that few flat screens can match.
Unfortunately, the TH46PZ85's speakers can't really do justice to the 46in screen. By no means disastrous, the acoustic ability nevertheless leaves us wanting a more powerful sound system.
Conclusion
The TH46PZ85 enhances Panasonic's reputation as one of the finest producers of plasma TV's around. The high definition performance of this screen is almost faultless while the standard definition pictures are exceptional given the panel's size.
