Panasonic TC-P50X1 Plasma TV Review

Among the most popular HDTV sold on the market nowadays, we find 50 inch models, and, if we look for a cheap one, the choices are generally narrowed down to a few performers. Panasonic TC-P50X1 is one of them, and it is a low entry Panasonic plasma TV, aimed at the budget conscious with a need for a good quality product. While, at first glance, there is little to differentiate this 50 inch plasma from its C1 counterpart, the truth is that Panasonic TC-P50X1 is better. For instance, while both series share the same 720p resolution, not the same thing can be said about the contrast ratio (twice as big in the X1 series), and the anti-glare screen, found in Panasonic TC-P50X1, but not in C1 models. The latter gives this particular model an upper hand when compared to Panasonic TC-P50U1, which again, does not come with an anti-reflective coating.

Note: To find out a bit more about this model, you can also read Panasonic TC-P42X1 review. Both TC-P50X1 and TC-P42X1 are part of the Panasonic X1 series and have the same performance.

Basic Specifications

• Panel: G12 Progressive HD PDP
• Resolution: 720p
• Contrast ratio: 30,000:1
• Anti-glare filter: New AR Filter

Performance

We cannot talk about performance, unless we also consider the price tag. A thing is sure: Panasonic TC-P50X1 is a good performer, especially seeing what the buyer gets for the price. The image quality relies heavily on the model’s black levels, which are the same one can find in more expensive plasma TV’s, and 2009’s best. It is true that color accuracy is far from being the greatest, and a little uniformity issue brings down the model a few notches.

Black Levels

If there is one aspect that Panasonic succeeded to acquire excellence this year is the technology involved in its 2009 models’ black levels. No matter the series, entry level or high end, all the company’s plasma TVs released this year, Panasonic TC-P50X1 included, share the same exceptional black levels. It’s not a sin to even compare these blacks with the ones seen on the reputable Kuro produced by Pioneer, but since this model is no longer sold, Panasonic has claimed the first place.

Colors

The not so great thing about Panasonic TC-P50X1 is that its colors fail to achieve the same level of performance as black levels. Green and red have some unsolved issues, and a sensitive eye may find them troublesome at times. But it is worth mentioning the great level of shadow detail, never tinted by green or blue, like it happens even in more expensive models, like S1 series.

Uniformity Issues

The aforementioned uniformity issue is related to thin gray lines that tend to appear on lighter portions of the screen. You won’t be able to tell the difference if you sit reasonably far from the TV, but a practiced eye will find it a little annoying.

Anti-Reflective Performance

A step up from Panasonic TC-P50C1, the TC-P50X1 is gifted with an anti-glare coating that diminishes the damaging effect of global lighting for the image quality. While it is not on par with other plasma models, the anti-reflective screen adds value to the model.

Video Processing

Displaying 720p resolution, Panasonic TC-P50X1 does its best, unless you intend to watch Blu-Ray discs or other 1080p video content on your plasma. It does have, however, reliable anti motion blur abilities that render HD content crisp and clear.

SDTV Performance

In terms of standard definition content, Panasonic TC-P50X1 is just an average HDTV. The image is too soft, artefacts, like jaggies, are prone to appear, so, all in all, if all you want to watch is SD content, choose another model.

Conclusion

No doubt, Panasonic TC-P50X1 belongs to a low entry series, and you cannot expect it to work wonders. But, for the price, while you do not receive any trendy features, like THX certification, you still get a good quality product, with great image, and overall more than decent performance.