Panasonic TH-50PX80U Plasma TV Review

This model is especially addressed to an audience that does not care for having 1080p resolution for their plasma. Having just 720p resolution, the manufacturers thought about promoting this series as an entry-level plasma, at a price to match. Many may find that Panasonic TH-50PX80U is a good value for the price. Consumer satisfaction level is present to attest this, as the product enjoys great popularity, and a maximum star rating from most of users’ reviews. If the not so accurate colors and the resolution cap do not bother you, than this is the best deal for the buck.

Main Specifications
Screen size: 50 inch
Resolution: 1024×768 (720p HDTV standard)
Other specs can be read at the product’s page on Panasonic official website.

Picture quality

Keeping in mind that this is an entry level type of plasma TV, almost nothing wrong can be said about its picture quality. With great deep black levels, this model has made its place on the market, and there is no wonder where its popularity comes from. It is true, however, that the colors are not that accurate and noise reduction could stand some improvement, but, with prices going down and best deals popping everywhere, it is difficult to complain too much.

Black levels

The black levels that usually Panasonic sports in its plasma models are present for TH-50PX80U as well. It does produce a deep black, and the level of detail is very good. Some issues may appear when dark areas come in contrast with too bright areas, and the lack of gamma correction options does say its word here. Still, the level of blacks and dark details is superior to many models, and, for an entry level plasma, they help improve the scoring. Also, in their category, they do so well compared with other entry level plasma, that the difference in picture quality cannot be overlooked.

Colors

Color accuracy is not the field where Panasonic TH-50PX80U does best. There are several issues that cannot be neglected, like the fact that red is sometimes accentuated, while the green seems, especially in landscape scenes, to be a bit unnatural. Color temperature needs some tweaking, in order to achieve the best looking picture. Also, noise reduction could really use improvement.

Overall picture quality

Many users appreciate picture quality of being nothing less than amazing. Of course, for those that want a more enhanced watching HDTV experience, there are other, more expensive models. As for Panasonic TH-50PX80U, its deep levels of black, good level of details for shadows, recommend it, even if the colors are considered by experts to be inaccurate. It seems that the quality versus price cannot be beaten yet, and other competitors have a tough job ahead.

Anti-glare performance

Although it cannot compare with some other TVs, well know for their effective anti-glare coating, Panasonic TH-50PX80U is not as bad as other plasma or LCD models, when it comes to watching television in a brightly lit room. Brightness and reflections are reduced, even if you watch your favorite shows with all the windows open, when the sun is up, which counts as a big plus for this model. Reducing glare is one of the assets of Panasonic TH-50PX80U and that also recommend it as a good buy. This series has an anti-reflective screen, and you enjoy more fidelity in colors, as well as reduced reflections and shadows that could ruin your watching experience.

Standard definition

Panasonic TH-50PX80U does well with converting standard definition content. You will experience no serious problems whatsoever when watching regular DVD’s. Moving diagonal lines present less jagged edges, yet at an average performance, and the lack in noise reduction capability has a say in this, as well. For that reason, low quality video content is not at its best when it is converted to match the screen native resolution. Still, a good point must be noted. When it enters 2:3 mode, it does it pretty quickly, and with no issues.

High definition

It was already mentioned that this plasma resolution is only 1024 x 768 with 720p display format. But this does not mean that you have to lose a lot for this reason only. If you stay at the optimal viewing distance, you will not get to see the slightly larger pixels, and the watching experience will still be great. If you get too close, pixelation can be a problem, so you need to go a litle further from the screen, and it will fade away. As long as you consult the table of optimal screen sizes, you won’t have a problem.
A problem with 720p resolution is that it fails to de-interlace 1080i video content, but, actually, that is an issue seldom encountered for many other HDTV’s. As long as many channels still have 720p signal, this is also not a big deal with 1080p content, either.

Features

The 1024×768 resolution that Panasonic TH-50PX80U sports, is still OK for this screen size, and the lack of 1080p is not to be felt for most viewers. (Of course, if you are in the market for a 1080p HDTV, you should go for one that fits your budget and your preferences). Among its regular features, some are worth mentioning, like 3D color management functions (for optimizing saturation, brightness and color hue) and Panasonic Sub-Pixel control. This feature is intended for improving picture clarity, through removal of jaggies or excessive blur around diagonal lines. It is also said that this feature helps the HDTV to process each red, green and blue sub-pixel, in order to render a natural looking image.

Picture controls

This model does not have an extensive range of picture controls, like other HDTV’s do. Nothing essential lacks, however, and basic controls are present. There are four adjustable presets, complemented by one custom preset, three others for adjusting color temperature and five aspect ratio presets. There are also two levels of noise reduction and one for black levels.
Image retention is also an issue that Panasonic wants to address with this series. In order to avoid burn in, the user is supplied with a full anti burn in menu, designed in the same way as for other, more expensive, plasma HDTVs. A pixel orbiter deals with moving the image gradually around the display, and you also have an option for setting the 4:3 mode to include grey instead of black, as it is known that grey is far less damaging than black for image retention. Also, a scrolling bar sliding across the screen acts as an “eraser” for the screen, in order to avoid burn in problems.
Another feature is Game mode, which serves for lowering response time when the user plays video games. The time delay between your console or PC and the plasma is reduced, which increases accuracy during play time.

Connectivity

This model of plasma TV has three HDMI inputs, two installed on the back and one on the front. Panasonic TH-50PX80U has two video inputs, one AV input, one RF input, one digital output, and one monitor AV output. You will not find an analog PC input for this model. An SD card slot is also present, in order for the user to enjoy displaying their picture on their large screen HDTV. It is easy to plug in the digital camera memory card in there and see a slideshow with your pictures.

Panasonic TH-50PX80U vs TH-50PZ85U

At the time this article is being written, Panasonic TH-50PZ85U, the newer model from the manufacturer, is still more expensive than TH-50PX80U. How does it score? Is it better than TH-50PX80U?
Tests have shown that Panasonic TH-50PZ85U acquires deeper black levels than Panasonic TH-50PX80U, even if this model still has some very good black levels.
Surprisingly, one area where Panasonic TH-50PX80U stands better than its counterpart is its anti-reflective screen. Even if both models have such a screen, the one from Panasonic TH-50PX80U does a slightly better job.
As far as other important aspects go, there is not an important difference in quality between the two. Both still struggle with poor noise reduction capabilities, and not so accurate colors; plus, they do not have a large set of controls, also the basics are covered.
The bottom line is that Panasonic TH-50PZ85U may be considered slightly better in quality than Panasonic TH-50PX80U, but it will have to beat the price first, in order to get the attention of the budget minded consumer. The bottom line is that TH-50PZ85U is for those that really want 1080p, while the cheaper TH-50PX80U is recommended for those that wouldn’t get an extra benefit from 1080p vs 720p.

Conclusion

Though it is an entry-level model, TH-50PX80U offers very good value for its price. From all the HDTV models in this price class, it is one of the best. Its black levels are the best from all HDTVs (both plasma and LCD) in this class. Colors are not accurate, however you can improve the picture quality significantly if you calibrate it. It lacks all the “bells and whistles” that more expensive models have but this keeps the price very low. It is a very good HDTV for people without high demands.