Panasonic TH50PZ700 Review

50in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

A hugely accomplished screen with excellent features but at a price.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

91%

Reviewed: 25 June 2007

Design

Like Panasonic's PX70 range of Plasma screens, the TH50PZ700 combines a glossy black frame with matte black pedestal and lower frame edge. In addition, either side of the screen are very neat inlaid speakers about an inch wide. The TH50PZ700 is an impressive and imposing unit, and while it doesn't quite have the wow factor exhibited by the likes of Samsung or Pioneer, it has enough presence to induce a certain amount of envy amongst friends and neighbours.

Features

The ace up the Th50PZ700's sleeve is a Full HD native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The extra pixels allow the TH50PZ700 to resolve every detail of 1080i and 1080p sources, rather than scaling these pictures to fit.

Screen: 50in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: 5,000:1

Other Features: Vreal Picture Processing, Deep Black Filter, Real Black Drive.

Sockets: 3 HDMI, 3 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.

Connectivity on the TH50PZ700 indicates that Panasonic are serious about making this screen their most highly specked unit to date. An impressive 3 HDMI along with 3 Scarts are joined by Component and Composite Video inputs. In addition there is a SDHC/SD card reader which enables the display of JPEG digital photos along with a PC input and built-in digital tuner.

The TH50PZ700 represents Panasonic's 10th generation of plasma screens and as such has a completely new panel, the G10.

At the heart of the TH50PZ700 is the latest incarnation of Panasonic's picture processing technology, Vreal2. Vreal2 brings together an impressive range of technological picture processing wizardry adapted for the 10th generation screens. A Digital Optimiser has been designed to reduce digital noise originating from the video source itself, and also motion pattern noise which produces false contouring during motion.

Complementing Vreal technology is Panasonic's 'Deep Black Filter' and 'Real Black Drive' technologies which build upon the companies already legendary black level performance capabilities.

Panasonic's impressive 'Viera Link' technology is present on the TH50PZ700 and uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote.

Performance

Even without the Full HD resolution, the TH50PZ700 would be a highly accomplished screen. Combine Panasonic's latest 10th generation screens with Vreal processing and Full HD however and you have what is possibly the best High Definition (HD) performance available today. The level of sharpness and detail is absolutely stunning, showing every possible nuance of detail imaginable.

Even more impressive is the black level performance of the Th50PZ700. The new generation screens deliver stunning black levels with a standard of graduated shadow detailing that is simply unmatched.

Fast moving sporting action or movie scenes are handled by the TH50PZ700 with aplomb, displaying none of the motion pattern noise that afflicts many plasmas. Even with the fastes moving action, the TH50PZ700 manages to retain its composure.

The Colours on the TH50PZ700 are another highly impressive aspect of the screens performance. Never short of superb vibrancy, the subtle delivery of colour detailing with areas such as skin tones is second to none.

Make no mistake about it, the TH50PZ700 will be in most consumer thoughts as a possible centrepiece of their new home cinema system, but plug in a Standard Definition (SD) source and you will be pleasantly surprised. Picture quality does not come close to HD or even CRT, but programmes are wholly watchable with very little intrusion from video noise. With terrestrial Freeview, you will need to keep your distance to keep the experience pleasurable, but sources such as Sky (1080i) bring the benefits of the extra pixels which the screen can make full use of.

Acoustically, the TH50PZ700 delivers a competent rather than an accomplished performance. The twin speakers either side of the screen along with TRS Tru Surround deliver a powerful enough Pseudo surround experience that never really convinces. Panasonic assume rightly or wrongly that screens of this size will invariably form the heart of a home cinema system with consumers adding their own sonic upgrades

Conclusion

The Panasonic TH50PZ700 charges a considerable £900 or so premium over the similar and highly capable TH50PX70. This is a considerable outlay for what amounts to Full HD and slightly better connectivity, but if you want the best ...