Panasonic TH50PZ81 Review

50in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Performs well in all areas for such a large screen, just off the pace of the best.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

91%

Reviewed: 18 August 2008

Design

With a graduated elliptical effect at its base covering the full length of the screen, the TH50PZ81 is instantly recognizable as part of the Panasonic plasma stable. A glossy black frame curves away gently at the top of the panel with the subtle approach to styling giving the large 50in screen a discreet rather than an overly imposing presence.

Features

With an integrated 'Freesat' tuner, Panasonic's TH50PZ81 is equipped to access the new subscription free digital service from the BBC and ITV. Freesat currently offers around 80 regular channels with High Definition content in the shape of BBC HD and ITV HD. Being a 'satellite' based service, Freesat is available to around 98% of the UK population. It is worth remembering that a dish is required (you may be able to use your existing Sky equipment).

Screen: 50in 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 Freesat and Freeview tuners, 24p Real Cinema.

Sockets: 3 HDMI (v1.3), 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, SD card slot.

*Note: If you plan to do some comparisons with other 50in plasma screens and separate 'Freesat' set-top boxes, remember that these set-top boxes come in Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) flavours.

The latest incarnation of Panasonic's picture processing engine, V-Real Pro 3, introduces 'Intelligent Frame Creation' technology. Designed to remove 'flicker' from fast moving action, the function adds extra frames to the picture giving them a smoother and more fluid appearance. These extra frames are created using a complicated algorithm which analyses the current speed and direction of on-screen elements. Designed to improve motion handling ability, 100Hz double scan refreshes the screen 100 times a second rather than the usual 50 times a second.

With the latest 11th generation plasma screens, Panasonic's TH50PZ81 delivers an impressive 0.001 second response time (the time it takes the plasma cells to react after they have been sent an electrical signal).

Along with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) pixel resolution, the TH50PZ81 comes equipped with three HDMI inputs (v1.3) two Scarts, and a claimed 30,000:1 contrast ratio.

Proving to be a very simple but popular addition to a growing number of flat panel TV's, the PZ81 sports an SD card slot. Pop in the card from your digital camera and the PZ81 presents the viewer with a slick slide show interface which enables them to display holiday snaps in the full glory of a 50in screen.

The 24p Real Cinema (24 frames per second) feature enables the viewing of films as they were intended, rather than slightly speeded up to 25fps (normal TV is generally broadcast at this speed).

With the latest v1.3 HDMI spec, the TH50PZ81 can utilize the Deep Colour (x.v.YCC) format. Deep Colour produces almost twice the range of available colours, but you will need a source that produces this level of detail (A few HD camcorders offer the feature and possibly in the future, Blu-ray discs played through a Deep Colour enabled player such as Panasonic's DMP-BD30)

Along with the rest of Panasonic's latest plasma offerings, the PZ81 features a new 'Tough Panel' finish, designed to prevent enthusiastic gamers from scratching or even smashing these panels.

The energy conscious among you will pleased to know that along with preset 'Normal', 'Dynamic' and 'Cinema' modes, there is also an 'Eco' mode which adjusts the PZ81's picture setting in response to the ambient lighting conditions, in theory saving energy. The production of these screens are also 100% lead free.

Performance

Inevitably for such a large screen an element of picture noise is apparent with Standard Definition (SD) broadcast. The small amount of posturization (obvious steps rather than a smooth transition in colour) we witnessed on the 42in model is there once again. Put this screen's abilities into context however and you have one of the most accomplished SD performances from a 50in screen. Yes, the latest offering from Pioneer presents a more stable, sharper and more composed picture, but at around one third of the Panasonic's price again. Given also that the Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution has to work hard to translate 576 lines of Freeview, the 50PZ81 performs remarkably well.

Black level performance meets the very high standards we have come to expect from Panasonic with the TH50PZ81 presenting rich deep blacks with a subtle graduation across darker scenes that are the equal of any large flat panel TV in this price category. We have to mention Pioneer again however who with their PDP-LX5090 have introduced a black level performance that is not only streets ahead of the competition but places their outgoing models firmly in the shade. We have a feeling that the level of performance Pioneer has achieved in this respect will now persuade many consumers to consider the extra outlay.

A Full HD (1920 x 1080) pixel resolution contributes to one of the most accomplished High Definition (HD) pictures we have seen. Not quite as pin sharp as the very best, the TH50PZ81 nevertheless produces a truly involving home cinema experience. With levels of detail we have come to expect with HD, we are still in awe of the overall presence of this TV and its ability to make us gasp at the sheer quality of the HD picture.

Even with 100hz and 'Intelligent Frame Creation' technologies the TH50PZ81 reveals a slight lack of composure with fast on-screen action. Fluidity falls just short of the 42in version of this series (which in fact we felt was more a result of the screens overall abilities) which is not surprising given the size of the panel. Given that this is a very large screen however, motion handling capability is excellent and certainly a match for anything else in this class.

Once again, the acoustic performance of a large panel TV proves to be its Achilles heal. Manufacturers, understandably have made concessions to style, with no room for intrusive large speakers and while the sonic performance of the PZ81 is a little 'soft' it is no worse than the majority of flat panels out there.

Conclusion

Integrated 'Freesat' tuner and fine overall performance create an interesting proposition. With intense competition from Plasma and LCD rivals however we feel that the figures don't quite add up. Those looking for the convenience of an integrated 'freesat' solution may come to a different conclusion.


Pioneer PDP-LX5090	Sony KDL-40W4500

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