Panasonic TC-P50V10 Plasma TV Review

One of the most praised plasma TVs released this years is Panasonic TC-P50V10. The model has enjoyed, ever since its release, a huge popularity not only in specialists’ circles, but all over the Internet and brick and mortar stores. While a luxury product, Panasonic TC-P50V10 scores high in everyone’s eye, but it is still considered to be behind the famous Kuro Elite from Pioneer, in terms of performance. Since the latter is no longer in production, the first place remained unclaimed, that until Panasonic has implemented its newest technologies to increase its plasma models. For a 50 inch plasma TV, the model reviewed here presents about every feature we would expect to find in a high end product. Panasonic TC-P50V10 is even more feature packed than the previous series, G10, and its overall quality is the best that is out there.

Features at a Glance

• New NeoPDP panel from 2009 – offers improved performance over the previous panels
• 1080p Full-HD Native Resolution
• 40,000:1 contrast ratio
• THX certification
• New AR (anti reflective) Filter
• 24p cinema mode for 1080p/24 playback of Blu-Ray content
• Digital Cinema Color
• VIERA CAST
• VIERA Image Viewer with AVCHD Playback
• VIERA Link
• 600Hz Sub-field Drive
• 4 HDMI inputs

A particular attention must be paid to Panasonic TC-P50V10 exquisite set of features, including novelties like Digital Cinema Color, providing what’s needed for expanding the range of colors that can be achieved. Viera Cast advancements are also part of the menu; owners of a Panasonic TC-P50V10 will find it easy to watch YouTube videos, photos on Picasa, or keep in touch with the weather. You can also use Amazon Video on Demand service, that lets you watch a preview of the movie you want to purchase, before doing this. It is a good thing that Panasonic TC-P50V10 features the new energy saving panel, because, even with it, it is still a heavy consumer, an aspect that some people would find not so likeable.

Connectivity options

As expected from a product of this magnitude, its connectivity options are truly expanded. Panasonic TC-P50V10 features no less than 4 HDMI inputs, 2 video inputs, one AV input, one optical digital audio output and one analog stereo audio output, plus a VGA input, used for getting your PC hooked to your plasma TV, in order to play the latest games in HDTV. One thing must be mentioned, however: the VGA input can deal with resolutions up to 1,366×768, so, if your needs are superior, then it is advisable to use a HDMI source.

Appearance

There is no wonder that Panasonic TC-P50V10 has the looks of a winner. Its design is elegant, classy, and one of a kind. Its thickness merely touches the 2 inch limit, making this product one of the thinnest plasma TVs on the market. Add to that the new design that the company thought over, like a sheet of glass covering the screen, that gives the product a seamless appearance, practically oozing elegance. You should know, however, that the extra sheet of glass adds to the final weight of the product. But this shortcoming cannot balance against the general feel of the product, especially since the model comes with a swivel stand, a mark of the expensive plasma TVs.

Performance

Expensive may be the right word to define Panasonic TC-P50V10, but great performer is appropriate as well. There is little to criticize about it, and much more praises are in place, despite the hefty price tag. The model is remarkable because of its exceptional black levels, color gamut, and great video processing capabilities. Panasonic TC-P50V10 is superior is many ways, and that reflects on the price, as well.

Black level performance

The black levels on Panasonic TC-P50V10 are the best seen in 2009, and they do not only surpass all LCD TVs except Samsung UNB8500 models, but also the other plasma models existent on the market. Yet, if one would put Panasonic TC-P50V10 next Kuro from Pioneer, they could tell that the latter is still the best, but, since Pioneer interrupted its production, the Panasonic plasma remains the king for now. Black levels represent one area that Panasonic aimed at achieving greatness, and the company almost succeeded, as all the plasma models they released in 2009 display competitive black levels. That is why Panasonic TC-P50V10 is maybe only a tad different from the G10 series when it comes to comparing black levels, and only a practiced eye could hardly tell the difference. Great black levels are accompanied by great shadow detail, lending the picture on the screen a touch of realism difficult to equal by competitors.

Colors

Panasonic TC-P50V10 comes with THX certification incorporated, which stands for great colors out of the box. The model does face, however, some minor color accuracy issues, especially if non-THX modes are being engaged. If you do not want to use a THX mode, and still wish to fiddle with the controls, in order to achieve great colors, it is needed to tweak the color saturation, while in Custom mode. By doing this, you can get rid of the slight tint of red that may affect skin tones in some scenes, or the green hues when not needed. What lacks in color accuracy, Panasonic TC-P50V10 compensates through its incredible grayscale, which contributes a lot to the image enhancement in order to achieve natural colors. Also, the incredible black levels it sports eliminate thoroughly any blue tint from dark scenes, which is a common problem, especially in LCD TVs. At an absolute level, focusing solely on color accuracy, this set doesn’t match the all-time favorite Pioneer Kuro Elite, it also falls behind LG LH90 LCD TV series and the high-end Samsung plasma and LCD models (including UNB8500 LED backlit series). That being said, the exceptional black levels that TC-P50V10 has, really help with the overall appearance of its colors. That is, in real life you will likely find the colors of TC-P50V10 to be better looking.

Video processing

The novelty introduced by the company with Panasonic TC-P50V10 and the whole V10 series is the 96Hz mode for running high definition content from Blu Ray players in 1080p/24 mode. While the G10 models face issues with their 48Hz mode, not the same thing can be said about V10’s video processing abilities. The 96Hz mode works like a charm, without flicker or any artefacts on the screen, when a video source of 1080p/24 is used. It is even recommended to use this mode, as the others – 48Hz and 60Hz – are marred by some annoying hitching, that for sure won’t make the best out of your watching experience. High definition based sources are displayed without any problems, and the results are amazing, which is, basically, what counts, in terms of video processing.

Anti-Reflective Capabilities

Plasma TVs still fail to achieve the same performance as some LCD TVs when it comes to anti-glare abilities. The manufacturer tried to overcome this by introducing a new anti-reflective screen, available for the G10 and V10 series, Panasonic TC-P50V10 included. If you intend to watch TV on your newly acquired plasma, in a very brightly lit room, you will still notice that the colors are not as bright and clear as under dim light conditions, so it can be said that the new AR filter performs well, but not exceptionally. For most setups, the glare will be low enough not to distract the viewer, however if there is a lot of light (especially direct sunlight) in the room, this set will not perform as well as some Sony LCD TVs which have matte screens.

SD Performance

Panasonic TC-P50V10 is surely not the type of HDTV that you buy if all you want to watch is standard definition programs or regular DVDs. This model comes with solid noise reduction, but the overall SD performance is not the greatest, as artefacts, such as jaggies, are still prone to appear. Also, the objects displayed in the scenes do not look as sharp as they should, and this softness does not sit well with the not so picky watcher. You will also have to work a little on the Video NR and MPEG NR settings, just to remove the so called ‘snow’ from the sky shots. If you want better standard definition performance you should consider the Sony or Samsung HDTV models which in most cases do a better job with SDTV.

Panasonic TC-P50V10 vs TC-P50G10

There are two series from Panasonic that subscribe themselves to the high end line, and these are G10 and V10. While the V10 series’ levels of blacks are on par with those displayed by G10 plasma TVs, Panasonic TC-P50V10 does not cost more just because of one letter changed in the title. First, its video processing capacities are enhanced, and there is no challenge the model cannot take in terms of high definition content, no matter the resolution involved, or the source. Both TC-P50V10 and TC-P50G10 are great performers, and for many the differences between them are not big, however if you want the absolute best plasma TV, TC-P50V10 is the one.

Conclusion

Panasonic TC-P50V10 is a luxury product, no doubt about it. This statement is not only related to the price issue, which is expensive, indeed, but also to the large set of features and novelties in technology it features. The model’s design spells elegance and it is fit to adorn an equally luxurious room, modern and up to date. Its Viera Cast advancements are made for fun, its connectivity options are extensive, and its overall performance is amazing, justifying the price. The bottom line is that, for now, Panasonic TC-P50V10 is the must buy for the customer that wants the best plasma TV on the market.