Panasonic TC-P46S1 Plasma TV Review

A very good thing about the S1 series from Panasonic is that the company has thought about delivering models in all sizes, fit for almost any pocket. Panasonic TC-P46S1 is one example, a 46 inch plasma TV that comes packed with great quality picture and black levels, without going over the top with extra features, that usually get you spending more money, just for their sake. It is true that this Panasonic plasma TV is not as good as luxury models like V10 and G10 series, but it is more than the X1 series, because it features 1080p resolution.

Note: You might also want to read Panasonic TC-P50S1 Review. That review also covers features, design and connectivity, as opposed to this one, which covers only the most important aspects related to picture quality. Both models are part of Panasonic S1 Plasma TV series, and except the size, they are identical.

Brief Specifications

• Panel: NeoPDP
• Resolution: 1080p
• Contrast ratio: 40,000:1 (native)
• Shades of gradation: 6144
• Anti-glare filter: New AR Filter

Performance

Overall, Panasonic TC-P46S1 is a very competitive product, mainly because of its great picture quality. It lacks THX certification – found only in expensive models, like V10 and G10 plasma TVs – which means that you cannot tweak the colors too much, and other minor issues also occur, mainly related to color accuracy. Still, these flaws are small, and they do not affect the general quality of the product, which is by far, one of the best in its size and level category.

Black Levels

Picture quality is especially granted in this particular product by its black level performance, which scores the best score on the market these days. Despite the fact that Panasonic TC-P46S1 is deemed only as a mid range product, its blacks levels are far from being average. One could easily say that the blacks on this plasma TV are as close as any could get to the blacks once exhibited by the Kuro model from Pioneer, unfortunately, no longer in production. A plasma model cannot get better praise than this, and the excellence in black levels this model sports is the basis for the overall great picture quality it has.

Colors

Panasonic TC-P46S1 does not have the best colors around, but they are nothing to be disappointed of, either. A problem seems to appear towards the edges of the screen, where they look a little bit washed out, and, again, there is the problem with the green tint that can affect, to some extent, skin tones in certain scenes. Lack of the THX certification doesn’t help, either, and you do not get the same great colors as you would, if you buy a V10 or a G10 model.

HDTV Performance

Panasonic TC-P46S1 is better than X1 models, if only for the fact that it features 1080p resolution. This also means that it can deal with high definition content with great results, the only drawback being the lack of 24p cinema mode, especially designed for watching video content filmed in 24 frames per second cadence.

SDTV Performance

Upscaling from lower resolutions is not Panasonic TC-P46S1’s forte. When watching DVDs or standard definition programs, you will notice a certain softness of the image that it should not be there. Also, jaggies appear around diagonal lines, being a little disturbing, at least, for a trained eye.

Conclusion

Panasonic TC-P46S1 is a reliable product, with great picture quality, minus fancy features that you can only find in luxury products, such as Panasonic’s V10 and G10. It comes with a reasonable price tag, which means that you will not be tricked. Even more, you will get more than what you pay for, because of the new technologies invested in this plasma TV.