Panasonic TC-P46U1 Plasma TV Review

In very few words, Panasonic TC-P46U1 represents the low entry model from Panasonic that comes with a 1080p resolution. This is about the only characteristic that makes this Panasonic plasma TV to have the upper hand, when compared to another cheap series from the same manufacturer, C1. While C1 has only 720p resolution, which makes it fall short in eyes of many, U1 models shine through with a superior resolution. Do not let yourself be mistaken: this 46 inch plasma TV does not have any of the fancy features that made Panasonic plasma TVs, like those from G10 or V10 series. So expect no THX certification, or Viera Cast interactive features, because you won’t get them.

Features

• Panel: G12 Progressive HD PDP
• Resolution: 1080p
• Contrast ratio: 30,000:1
• Shades of gradation: 5120

The first thing one may notice when looking at Panasonic TC-P46U1, is the lack of a new NeoPDP panel, the well known energy saver, implemented by the company on its more expensive models. Another downside would be the lack of trendy features, such as THX, and 24p cinema mode, created for watching Blu-ray discs in all their glory. But, on the other hand, we can remark that the contrast ratio is on par with the one from X1 models, which makes Panasonic TC-P46U1 a little better than C1 representatives. You will not be able to see any motion blur issues, as the model is appointed with 600Hz sub field drive, in order to achieve and display smooth images even when watching sports or other fast moving sequences. The model does sport the 24p Playback feature, for watching movie content at the same cadence used when the content was filmed, but its performance does not match the one from expensive plasma models. A good thing is that Panasonic TC-P46U1 does have some pluses, like Viera Image Viewer and Viera Link features, another step up from low entry models.

Connectivity

With this model, connectivity is only bare bones. Panasonic TC-P46U1 has two HDMI inputs, a composite video input, an S-video input, two component video input, a digital audio output and an SD card slot, but that is all, and nothing more. It must be mentioned that you don’t get a VGA input especially designed for hooking your PC, but you will still be able to hook up your video console, or your Blu-ray player, to this model.

Design

There is almost no difference in shape and style between Panasonic TC-P46U1 and any model from the C1 series. Like the latter, the model has a fixed stand, and a black bezel with glossy finish as a mark for design. While it’s not something to take your breath away, this plasma TV is classy and elegant, despite sharing the same look with last year’s models.

Performance

Panasonic TC-P46U1 is still a low entry plasma, the main thing it has over its C1 brothers, being the superior resolution. It must be added, though, that its contrast ratio is better, and the general feel of its image quality is above what we see on C1 models’ screen. The company has implemented the same Infinite Black technology on this model, as on its more expensive series, and this is a warrant in itself, for getting the best black levels ever seen in 2009, in the post-Kuro world. Color accuracy is not the best, but it is somewhat better than what you get from C1 representatives. Not to mention the fact that, having 1080p resolution, no content is off limits for Panasonic TC-P46U1. Of course, these differences are also reflected in a steeper price, if compared to C1 plasma models, but we think it’s justifiable.

Black Levels

The reason why Panasonic TC-P46U1 can deliver the best black level performance on the market these days carries a name: Infinite Black technology. This technology was implemented by Panasonic on all the series the company released during 2009. The pixels that are situated in a dark area at a certain moment, when images are displayed on the screen are completely switched off, the result being ink like blacks. This is one aspect that makes Panasonic TC-P46U1 superior to many LCD TVs, known for their lesser performance in this area.

Colors

For its low entry models, Panasonic did not manage to solve the well known color accuracy issues. Green has a lot to do with the downfall of color accuracy in Panasonic TC-P46U1, and tweaking is also limited, which makes not so happy customers, after all. If only the model had come with THX certification, the problem would have been partially solved, by granting the user the ability to tweak with the controls, until achieving the most convenient colors.

Video Processing

Unlike C1 plasma models, Panasonic TC-P46U1 can deal with higher resolution content, as its native resolution is 1080p. This means that HD content in 1080p is rendered on the screen with great results, despite the fact that the model delivers only 900 lines of moving resolution. Here is one thing that drags Panasonic TC-P46U1 away from S1’s performance, which, indeed, can deliver all the 1080p lines. This is not exactly a slip from Panasonic, yet it actually shows one thing: that Panasonic TC-P46U1 is still a low end product, and, for the money paid, you cannot expect the same level of quality as found in mid or high ranged products. Otherwise, the company will end up making just one product, which, of course, it is not at all market wise. Video processing capabilities for Panasonic TC-P46U1 are, however, reliable, and the model can display Blu-ray content, without too much headache, a thing that cannot be said about the C1 series, that can display only 1080i signal based content.

Anti-Glare Performance

While X1 model do have an anti-reflective screen, Panasonic TC-P46U1 does not have one. Without anti-glare coating, this 46 inch plasma behaves in the same way as other plasma TVs without protection from glare. Watching your favorite shows in a room brightly lit will be a lesser experience, as the colors on your plasma screen will tend to look a little washed out and lifeless than when watching TV in the dark.

Standard Definition (SDTV) Performance

In terms of high definition content, we have seen what Panasonic TC-P46U1 is capable of. Can the same thing be said about standard definition content? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The image on Panasonic TC-P46U1 when watching SD content is softened, and diagonal lines are prone to show jaggies. In the same time, in this respect, it seems that Panasonic TC-P46U1 is in good company, as neither more expensive models from this company can deliver a great quality picture for standard definition content.

Conclusion

It would be the right thing to say that Panasonic TC-P46U1 has its issues. But, on the positive side, if we bring the price in the context, we can easily see that the performance delivered matches the price, and even a little more. Let’s remember that the U1 series has good black levels, and that, for a low entry product, native 1080p resolution is a rare thing to see. All in all, we would recommend this buy, especially because of the satisfying performance/price ratio.