Samsung HP-S5053 50-Inch Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After shopping for several months I finally took the plunge and purchased this TV from a national chain. I finally decided plasma over DLP because of the vertical fading effect I saw with all the DLP sets. I took two of my own DVDs in to the store with me and made the staff there hook up a player so I could see both the fast action of The Matrix and the beautiful scenery of Spring, Summmer, Fall, Winter, Spring. The picture on the Samsung HP-S5053 was the second best of the many plasmas that I examined. The Pioneer had a better picture but was significantly more expensive. I do not use the built in speakers because I had an existing 5.1 speaker system. I really like the minimal black casing since the silver finishes are distracting-at least to my eye.
The menus are extremely intuitive. I didn't have to read the instructions at all to get anything working within an hour of unpacking my system. I purchased an upconverting DVD player and an HDMI cable at the same time I purchased this TV. My old DVDs look great on this TV. The 10-15 HD channels I get with Cox cable also look incredible. The one fault I've found is that if I use the HDMI cable from my cable box or DVD player and connect to the TV and then connect the digital audio out of the TV to my receiver I only receive stereo sound even when the original broadcast is 5.1. I get around this by using composite video cables from the cable box and DVD player to the HPS5053 and also run a digital audio line from each source to the receiver. The HPS5053 has plenty of inputs to support almost any type of user.

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Offering an incredible feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung's fifth-generation 50-inch HP-S5053 plasma TV uses the company's proprietary electronic chassis and the latest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery).
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S5053 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
This set features a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 175-degree viewing angle, brightness rating of 1300 cd/m2 (candela per square meter), and an amazing 10000:1 contrast ratio. (The higher the contrast ratio, the greater a TV's ability to display subtle color details and not get washed out by ambient room light.) The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.
The anti-glare plasma panel offers several protective features to resist burn-in, including auto pixel shift, signal pattern processing, and white screen function. It's rated for a 60,000-hour panel life (6 hours of usage a day for 27 years). Other features include:
Picture-in-picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources.
Parental Control (V-Chip) helps parents monitor what their children watch on TV by establishing rating limits.
Auto volume leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.
Multi-lingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
Side A/V input

High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the sides of the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass. It produces 10 watts of power per channel (for 20 watts total) and offers the following connection options:
Composite (RCA audio/video): 2 inputs (1 on the side)
S-Video: 2 inputs (1 on the side)
Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 2 inputs
HDMI: 2 inputs
PC: 1 D-Sub15 input
RF: 2 inputs
Digital audio: 1 coaxial and 1 optical

Tech Talk HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV--all over a single cable. HDMI supports standard, enhanced or high definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It supports all ATSC formats--standard (SDTV), enhanced (EDTV), and high (HDTV).
TruSurround XT audio adds three new audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into ÒfocusÓ during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.
Component video (also called Y/Pb/Pr) features a three-jack video input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. You will need a separate RCA left/right audio cable for sound.
What's in the Box Plasma TV, remote control (with batteries), power cord, printed operating instructions

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Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42-Inch Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this TV a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it, and I haven't even connected HD yet (Comcast to add HD service next week). The analog stations look beautiful, which is very important since most channels don't come in HD.
Out of the box it's very bright and the contrast is kicked up to the top so it didn't look great at first viewing. I found a legitimate website that calibrated this particular television and recorded the settings for optimal picture quality. After changing my settings to match their findings, the picture looks twice as good. Here they are:
Picture Mode: Standard
Picture: +22
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -14
Color Temperature: Warm
Big multifunction remote with easy-to-read keys. The on-screen menu is easy to use and you can rename the inputs to one of several options (DVD, Cable, etc.). Plenty of inputs, including 2 HDMI ports, which is unheard of in this price range.
One final note, if you're sitting close to the TV (6' or less), I would recommend going with a smaller model than the 42". I find that when viewing non-HD programming at that short distance everything looks grainy. Once you step back to 8' or more, everything just pops into place and looks crystal-clear. If your viewing distance is 10' or more, then you might consider stepping up to a larger model such as the 50" of the same line (also a beautiful picture).
I did lots of homework and this was by far the best buy!

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Featuring Panasonic's 9th generation gas-plasma screen, the 42-inch TH-42PX60U features a width-to-height 16:9 aspect ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing a theater-like experience at home. Its maximum of 29 billion colors and over 3,000 shades of gradation provide exceptionally fine detail for outstanding HDTV reproduction. The set's built-in ATSC (DTV) tuner pulls HD signals (480p/720p/1080i) right from the airwaves, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming. It also includes a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot, enabling you to take an SD card directly from a digital still camera or camcorder and insert it directly into the TV for quick and colorful photo slideshows.
A plasma screen renders vivid colors like you've never seen before (as in, up to 29 billion in this case), extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--the TH-42PX60U is a mere 3.7 inches deep, one of the slimmest plasmas around--perfect for desk or wall mounting. Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.
The TH-42PX60U features a 1024 x 768-pixel resolution and an amazing contrast ratio of 10000:1. (The higher the contrast ratio, the greater a TV's ability to display subtle color details and not get washed out by ambient room light.) The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time, to reduce dramatically edge image artifacts while improving transition detail. Other features include V-Chip parental controls, on/off sleep timers, closed-caption decoding, aspect ratio control, and video input labeling.
The TV's internal stereo speakers are powered by 10 watts per channel (for 20 watts of total power). It features the following connection options:
Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 2 inputs (with 2 audio inputs)
HDMI: 2 inputs
Composite (RCA audio/video): 3 inputs (1 on the front), 1 output
S-Video: 3 inputs (1 on the front)

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any AV source with an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV). HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multi-channel digital audio--all using a single cable.
If a component doesn't have an HDMI connection, you'll also get great picture reproduction using the three-jack component video (Y/Pb/Pr) input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. Component video output is available only for DVD playback.
What's in the Box Plasma TV, remote control (with batteries), pedestal base, power cord, printed operating instructions

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Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P54G10 54-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Edited 2/4/10
I wanted to edit this review with an update. In the past couple of weeks there has been alot of attention on the Panasonic Vierra series plasmas due to many reports of the black levels changing suddenly and getting brighter, degrading the quality of picture. While it apparently has not impacted alot of users, a small portion have noted this, enough to be concerned. You can see the original thread at Avsforums and is being discussed by the original reviewer at CNET (see link below).
While I still stand behind my review below, and I have not experienced this changing black levels, I will be monitoring it and I just wanted people reviewing this TV to know about this potentially troubling issue. Panasonic has issued a statement (in the Cnet link below)stating they auto set the darkness after a period of time to help maintain optimal picture quality over time. In this case, it appears they over compensated. It is a problem and Panasonic needs to step up with a fix.
[...]
-----------Original Review--------
I just got the TCP54G10. STUNNING! A little history. I have been looking at HDTVs for about 3 years, and looking at DLPs originally, then went into this year thinking LCD is the way to go. I'm glad I waited, the inverse relationship between the technology and the prices is right this year.
Before you go buy an HDTV, do yourself a favor, look at this TV, and do some research. Read other reviews. It turned me around to plasma and to this 2009 model plasma from Panasonic in particular. I knew plasmas simply have a superior picture, but I thought the price and issues with plasmas were a detriment.
I came into this dead set on an LCD, most likely from Samsung, that was before I started doing research on the latest Plasmas. Picture quality compared to an LCD, it's simply stunning, LCD has nothing on the plasmas. The Panasonic G10 is nothing short of amazing. The upconvert DVDs on this are amazing, and with our Pioneer Blu-Ray it is jaw dropping.
While I knew the picture quality on plasmas can't be beat in terms of picture quality and the ability to handle fast action in movies or sports with no problem. Versus LCD, Plasmas can handle a nearly infinite color palate so the pictures come out very natural, and you can see all the nuances of colors (like the Planet Earth series). An LCD looks, well, manufactured in terms of the picture, and can only handle so many colors.
I thought the issues of plasmas still outweighed the plusses. But they don't with the new plasmas and especially this G10 series from Panasonic. A) No Buzzing, (we live in Colorado where you would get this at higher altitudes), B) wattage, very comperable to LCDs, negligable difference between LCDs, C) price, better than LCDs. D) The glass on this sest is covered in a very resilient scratch resistant plastic screen. E) Burn in or retention of picture. No problem there with this series. F) Heat, not noticeably hotter than an LCD (this is BIG) G) It is very quiet, I can stand right next to it after an hour of watching a movie and hear no sound from the fans or anything. H) Brightness: User adjustable picture, it seems very bright, and it's antiglare coating on the screen is very good.

Oh the dirty little secret from some of my research. The other manufacturers alledgedly are getting out of plasma, why? Because Panasonic apparently owns the manufacturing plants, and they would have to pay Panasonic, or they have invested in LCD technologies elsewhere and it is thus they have greater margins for LCDs vs plasmas. Thus they can't compete on price. I've seen many reviews now where folks are going plasma vs lcd after their research.
The G10 series handles fast action with no blurriness and no flicker (LCDs have just started to get around this with 120 hz). You'll read about the 600 HZ subfield drive on this latest model and it works fantastic.
(New edit: We just hooked up an over the air digital antenna to watch our local football games, the local channel is in HD. The TV handled this just fine and even displayed it in HD with it's built in digital tuner. We saw no blurrieness in the action at all! THe picture was sharp, and crystal clear in HD.)
In terms of movies and blu-ray: This handles 24p very nicely. For 24p processing, you can choose between a 48hz mode (where you will definately notice flickering), but it defaults to 60hz, with no flickering and few "judders" that we can see, in processing 24p at 60hz.
Some reviews say "well it still doesn't handle "true cinema" 24p because the 60hz is not at the same multiple of the 24fps in which the media was filmed, and thus you won't see the film at quite the original cinematic cadence as in the theater. While this is technically true, we watch 1080p/24p from the source with 3:2 pull down off, beautifully. (Though avforums, as one of the comments to this review pointed out, has more detail on this, and probably more than you would want). Would I notice "true cinema" 24p at 96hz and like it better, not for the price difference between this and the V series (~$600-$700). Plus, for us, the very durable plastic screen on the G10 was more attractive to us versus the glass on the V10.
While I don't think most users will want to get too involved in the weeds with this, for a great simple explanation of this 1080/24p see a great explanation at Cnet: [...]
For an excellent review of the Panasonic V10 the step up from the G10, and this discussion of 24p processing, see Krueger's review here at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1P7WSX9L0J94W/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B002C8LX6S&nodeID=#wasThisHelpful
He has the V10, and while it is also an excellent Plasma, according to him, the differences between seeing 24p at 96hz (a multiple of 24 frames per second, allowing the original cadence of the film to be maintained) vs the 60hz processing with the G10 is not a huge difference in viewing, you are getting a stunning picture either way. (BTW, those looking at LCDs, just because an LCD can refresh at 120 hz, a multiple of 24, I have seen in AV forums that this doesn't mean the set can handle 24p at that rate. You must look at the more technical details for the 24p processing).
Suffice to say, the G10 handles blu-ray action stunningly, and 24p just fine at the 60hz. We have the Pioneer BDP-51FD BonusView Blu-ray Player plugged straight into this with the HDMI cable (which for a blu ray player is a fantastic player). No Issues. We are running straight 1080/24p from it. No flickers, no blurriness, no jaggies or artifacts that we have seen. I'm hard pressed to see any "juddering" in large pan shots either (i.e. Batman Dark Night). Stunning clarity. This plasma is nice and bright (plus you can adjust the picture in alot of areas, but perhaps not as much as some videophiles may like), and the deep blacks are stunning with little shadowing (i.e. loss of detail) that we can see. It does have a THX certified display setting, which may be too dark for many users, but this can be adjusted. You also have a custom setting where you can set the basic picture settings to your taste, which should be plenty for the average user, though again, it doesn't have some of the more detailed settings available that some videophiles may like.Bottom line, from someone who was dead set on an LCD: this turned me around to an even greater picture with plasma. For us the G10 is a stunning TV, you can't go wrong. It gets very positive reviews from all that I have read. We LOVE it. Panasonic also has great reliability history. We looked at Samsung but they looked like they had some issues with their sets that Panasonic doesn't have in the G10 series. We love the G10, and are extremely happy with our decision to wait! Both the G10 and the step up V10 are both stunning TVs, and easily in the top TVs for 2009, you won't go wrong with either of them.
On shipping from Amazon, fantastic experience. The shipper called ahead, worked out a time, TV arrived 1 day earlier than estimated, they brought the tv down to our home theatre room in our finished basement, setup the TV, put it up, plugged it in, checked it out at a high level, offered to take the packing material away. A+ service.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P54G10 54-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Black

Product DescriptionIf you demand the best from your viewing experience, the 54-inch TC-P42G10 was created just for you. The new G10 Series boast cinema-quality movie reproduction, clear, smooth sports and gaming action--even Web entertainment. All made possible by Panasonic's Neo PDP technology, which delivers sharp, detailed images, deep blacks and remarkable brightness, all with lower power consumption.Key Features
1080p Full-HD Resolution
Neo PDP
Full-Time 1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution
Contrast Ratio: 40,000:1 Native; Infinite Black Panel
Brighter Panel

VIERA CAST
THX-Certified Display
VIERA Image Viewer with AVCHD Playback
VIERA Link
AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter
Game Mode
3 HDMI Inputs
PC Input
100,000 Hour Panel Life

Stunning Picture Quality Time spent with family and friends can be even more exciting when you gather around the 54-inch TC-P54G10. 1080p resolution combines with a 480 Hz processor to bring you exceptional clarity and smooth, fluid motion--even during high-speed action. VIERA HDTVs offer incredible black reproduction, with a rated dynamic contrast ratio of up to 1,000,000:1, so you'll get warm, accurate skin tones, gorgeous greens, breathtaking blues and vivid reds. And now, all of your friends and family can get in on the action thanks to an extra-wide viewing angle that provides an excellent view from almost anywhere in the room.

600Hz Sub-field Drive 600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.

Over 2,000,000:1 High Contrast (Native 40,000:1) New VIERA models incorporate an improved panel production process and the new Real Black Drive system. A pre-discharge control system, the Real Black Drive system combines with NeoPDP technology to achieve next-generation black reproduction. When you're watching movies, VIERA renders images just the way the director intended, even in scenes where it's difficult to achieve a proper balance of light and dark.

Wide Color Viewing Angle View breathtaking images with rich, vivid colors from anywhere in the room. Because plasma TVs are self-illuminating, images look beautiful from any angle. Black areas do not fade, and colors look virtually the same no matter where you sit.

AR Filter This advanced filter keeps images sharp, with minimal glare. While dramatically reducing reflections from external light, it helps to produce clear images. This filter creates pure, crisp images in a wide range of colors.

THX Certified for Faithful Movie Image Reproduction G10 Series Plasma HDTVs meet the high standards set by the Lucasfilm THX Certified Display Program, to faithfully recreate the visual ambience intended by the original movies creators. If you love movies and demand cinema-quality images in your home, this is the HDTV for you.

The Next Level of Video Gaming Take your team to the championship and your gaming to the next level on the TC-P54G10. A specialized Game Mode helps ensure fluid and seamless gameplay by minimizing time lag when displaying game images. With Game Mode turned on, you get the motion resolution and enhanced details you need to win. And don't worry about racking up all those long hours playing; anti-image retention technology and a remarkable 100,000 hour panel life ensure that your VIERA HDTV will still run smoothly and beautifully long after you score the game-winning goal.

Effortless Connectivity Make the TC-P54G10 the entertainment hub for your friends and family, and the center of your multimedia world. A built-in SD memory card slot makes it easy to share your digital photos and home videos, while H.264 AVCHD video compatibility allows you to get the most out of your high-resolution AVCHD home videos. The new VIERA Cast feature lets you enjoy great web content--such as PICASA online photo albums and YouTube videos--right on your TV. And when you connect your compatible AV components with HDMI cables, VIERA Link technology lets you control them all with one easy-to-use remote.

Enjoy Exciting Web Entertainment in Your Living Room--No PC Required! With Panasonic's VIERA Cast technology, you can enjoy online content like Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube videos, Picasa Web Albums, stock information, weather and more. All through an easy-to-use Web interface that's built right into the TV. No extra equipment required--just surf with your TVs remote, and let the fun begin!

Share Your Digital Photos and Hi-Def Camcorder Videos on the Big Screen VIERA Image Viewer provides a better way to share your digital photos and home videos recorded on your AVCHD camcorder. Just pop your SD memory card into the handy slot, and instantly display your digital photos and hi-def videos for friends and family.

VIERA Link VIERA Link makes it easy to connect all of your compatible AV devices. That means your Blu-ray Disc player, DVD recorder/player, home theater system and hi-def camcorder can be operated by a single VIERA remote control. You can even view digital photos via the SD card slot, which comes standard on the TC-P54G10 and all new VIERA flat-panel HDTVs.

Exceptional Service With its lead-free construction, TUF Display screen, and long lifespan, a VIERA HDTV is a safe, eco-friendly, durable and lasting investment in high definition entertainment. Of course, should your VIERA TV ever need service of any kind, you are entitled to the VIERA Concierge program--a free service made available to all VIERA owners to bring peace-of-mind to your purchase. Benefits of this extensive service program include: use of an exclusive toll-free expert hot line, live chat with a VIERA HDTV expert, priority service scheduling, and a personalized VIERA Concierge benefits card.
What's in the Box Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P54G10 54-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Remote control, Remote batteries, AC cord, Pedestal with installation hardware, Cleaning cloth, Operating instructions, Quick setup guide

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Samsung HPT4264 42-Inch Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There's a HUGE difference in the picture quality between this model and the one from last year. Don't waste your time with the small Terk antennas, they all stink for the money. The ANT301 is the best one I've found (I've tried 10 or more different ones) for OTA HD.
Be SURE to change the picture settings out of the box. The ones it ships with are terrible and might make you think the blacks aren't fantastic on this, when they ARE amazing. You need to set up EACH input.
Here's the settings for the component input (from AVSforum):
Mode: Movie
Contrast: 65 (58 for dark room/low light settings)
Brightness: 35 (36 for dark room/low light settings)
Sharpness: 0
Color: 48
Tint: G 54/46 R
Color temp: "Warm2"
Dynamic contrast: OFF
Black level: OFF
Edge enhancement: OFF
DNIE: OFF
DNR: OFF
Detailed settings:
Color space: WIDE
Gamma: 0
White balance:
R offset: 13
G offset: 15
B offset: 15
R gain: 13
G gain: 15
B gain: 15


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Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4264 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company'slatest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery).Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
Samsung currently offers two 42-inch 720p plasma models; this one and the lower priced HPT4254. this model is set apart from the HPT 4254 by its cosmetic design and by the inclusion of a USB 2.0 connection for playing photo files or MP3s. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you don't need the USB connection, you may want ot consider the the HPT4254.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitationof PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
USB 2.0 Connection: (1 side)
PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
Composite video input: 1 (side)
Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
RF input: 2 (rear)

What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.

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Samsung HPT5064 50-Inch Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Moving to a new house and am buying two new flat panels for living room and bedroom. I had assumed that LCD was the best technology currently available, but after a lot of careful research, found out about the new Samsung Plasmas, the 54/64 series in 50" or 42" sizes.
WOW! This is an amazing set. I am very picky about what I buy, but at the same time try to spread my $ around so that I can have decent components for everything. This TV is in the sweet spot for bang for the buck. I thought that I would really be missing out by not having a 1080p TV, but this thing is truly amazing.
I am running an HD Tivo from DirecTV (HDMI), an Xbox 360 (component), PS3 (component) and Wii (component). They are all amazing, and for the money I saved on not getting 1080p or LCD, I am able to get a 4254 for the bedroom.
The two main differences between this unit (5064) and the other model (5054) is that this one has a slightly stronger anti-glare shield and can view photos off of a USB stick. If you have a 360, you won't likely use this functionality anyway. The stronger anti-glare shield is great if you are putting this in a bright room with lots of windows, but if there is not going to be glare on the tv, go with the 54 series because the glass is clearer due to less heavy glare shield. I will say that the glare shield is really great - my old rear projection Sony reflected every light in the room, this plasma doesn't reflect anything even with every light in the room on.
The fit and finish is top notch, plenty of inputs including 3 HDMI and a PC input. Take care to break your plasma in properly, don't watch too much SD tv with black bars during the first couple hundred hours, at least stretch the picture. This TV is best suited for HD input, it looks fine on Standard Def, but that is not what it was designed for.
If you are in the market for a TV, and your price point is in the "just below $2000" and you want a 50" this is your TV. Smaller size/price point? Go with the 4254 or 4264 from Samsung. You won't regret it.- Update (2/14/2008): with the price hovering just over the $1,000 mark, this thing is an even better buy. 8 months later and no complaints. -Josh
- Update (2/8/2011): Power supply blew. TV was still chugging along until that happened. The good news is that I found the power supply from an online parts shop for $70 and instructions from a forum and downloaded the tv service manual in PDF form so plan to fix it myself. Paying Samsung certified tech to do it would be about $400, not worth it for a 4 year old TV.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HPT5064 50-Inch Plasma HDTV

Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT5064 50-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company'slatest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery).Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
Samsung currently offers two 50-inch 720p plasma models; this one and the lower priced HPT5054. this model is set apart from the HPT 4254 by its cosmetic design and by the inclusion of a USB 2.0 connection for playing photo files or MP3s. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you don't need the USB connection, you may want ot consider the the HPT4254.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitationof PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
USB 2.0 Connection: (1 side)
PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
Composite video input: 1 (side)
Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
RF input: 2 (rear)

What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.

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Sylvania 6842PE 42-Inch Flat-Panel EDTV Plasma Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)BOUGHT THIS TV ON THE 3RD OF DECEMBER VIA AMAZON.COM HOPING IT WOULD GET HERE SOONER THAN IT DID. I RECEIVED THE TV ON THE 14TH OF DECEMBER. NOT THAT BAD, BUT THIS TV SAT IN A WAREHOUSE FOR OVER 3 DAYS, BEFORE I FINALLY STARTED CALLING AND COMPLAINING ABOUT THE DELIVERY TIME. THE DELIVERY TIME HAD BEEN "PUSHED BACK" TWICE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRAVEL TIME WAS OVER 5 HOURS ONE WAY FROM THE WAREHOUSE TO MY HOME AND THEY WERE WAITING FOR MORE ORDERS TO COME AVAILABLE IN MY AREA BEFORE THEY MADE THE 10 HOUR ROUND TRIP. (THEY DIDN'T WANT TO MAKE THE TRIP FOR JUST ME, ALTHOUGH NOBODY SEEMED TO MIND TAKING MY $200 DOLLARS FOR DELIVERY FEE.) I AM PLEASED WITH THE TV I RECEIVED. I DID FIRST WHAT EVERYONE SAYS TO DO. I BOUGHT ONE LOCALLY. IT HAD SOUND PROBLEMS, WAS MORE MONEY, AND IN THE END, IT WAS RETURNED. I BOUGHT THIS TV VIA AMAZON FOR $400 DOLLARS LESS THAN I PAID FOR THE OTHER ONE. (INCLUDING THE SHIPPING FEE) I WAS SCARED AT FIRST, BUT IT ALL WORKED OUT. HERE'S SOME POINTS OF INTEREST ABOUT THIS TV.
1. IT IS JUST A MONITOR, IT HAS NO CABLE TUNER IN IT, MEANING YOU MUST HAVE A CABLE BOX, TIVO, VCR, ECT, TO CHANGE YOUR CHANNELS FOR YOU.
2. IT DOES HAVE SPEAKERS IN IT, HOWEVER, YOU WILL FIND THEM VERY CHEAP SOUNDING, MY COMPUTER SPEAKERS SEEM TO BE OF BETTER QUALITY. THIS IS NOT A JOKE, AND I AM NOT KIDDING, IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOME TYPE OF STEREO SYSTEM, LIKE SURROUND SOUND TO HOOK UP TO, YOU WILL NOT BE AMAZED WITH THE SOUND. THE SPEAKERS ARE OF VERY BAD QUALITY. ALTHOUGH I KNEW THIS BEFORE I BOUGHT ONE.
3. THE VIDEO QUALITY IS ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD, I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT HERE, THE COLOR IS GREAT, NO GHOST IMAGES, WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY.
4. THIS TV HAS AN S-VIDEO #2 HOOK UP ON THE SIDE, PLUS THE SOUND HOOK UP IS THERE AS WELL. MAKING CONNECTION OF KIDS GAMING EQUIPMENT, VIDEO CAMERAS, ECT A SNAP. THE TV I HAD BEFORE WAS UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM, I PRACTICALLY HAD TO STAND ON MY HEAD CONNECT THINGS.
5. THE DELIVERY PERSON WHO ACTUALLY DELIVERED THIS TV WAS OUTSTANDING. HE BROUGHT IT INTO MY HOME, UNPACKED IT, AND WAITED UNTIL I TESTED THE TV BEFORE LEAVING. THEN HE TOOK ALL THE PACKAGING WITH HIM. (YOU KNOW HOW HARD PACKAGING IS TO GET RID OF WITH ALL THE FOAM, PAPER, PLASTIC, AND CARDBOARD.) YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT.
5. I AM GIVING A 4 STAR REVIEW DUE TO THE CHEAP SPEAKERS AND BULKY REMOTE THAT CANNOT BE USED TO CHANGE CHANNELS.

IN THE END I HAVE THIS TV HOOKED TO MY TIVO AND SURROUND SOUND, I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THE PURCHASE FOR THE MONEY, AND WOULDN'T HESITATE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE IF NEEDED. SEARS SELLS THE IDENTICAL TV FOR OVER $400 MORE. THEY WILL NOT PRICE MATCH, I TRIED. THANKS FOR READING MY REVIEW.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sylvania 6842PE 42-Inch Flat-Panel EDTV Plasma Monitor

42" ED plasma TV with on-screen picture control display; auto sleep timer/power off; 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio; HDTV compatible; 1000:1 contrast ratio; 16.7 million color display; 2 side and 2 rear L/R inputs for video; 1 L/R output for video; menu in English, French, or Spanish.

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Panasonic TCP54V10 54 inch Viera Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had researched new TVs for months prior to making this purchase, and judging from the first week of using this product, I feel confident in saying that I made an excellent choice. This TV represents a great combination of Picture Quality and additional features (VieraCast) that provides an outstanding value at this price point.
Being deployed to Iraq this past winter/spring, I had some time digest all of the available data and information without being tempted to make a large purchase before being really prepared to do so. In my months of periodic research, I changed my mind multiple times. At first, I was convinced that LCD was the way to go. Even though I have owned a 2nd generation 42" Sony Plasma for 5 years now, I fell into the LCD marketing-hype that said that Plasma was a "dying technology" and that LCD was the wave of the future.
After doing my own research, I will tell it to you straight...Plasma is NOT a dying technology. Plasma still has several advantages over LCD...including motion-handling, color accuracy, size, and off-angle viewing. Additionally, some of the legacy short-comings of plasma (image-retention and burn-in) have largely been addressed, and are no longer a major concern. For these reasons...I decided to go with another plasma. My old Sony plasma had treated me well, but it was only 1080i (no 1080p capability) and was feeling a bit smallish in my new living room.
Having researched the mid/upper levels of consumer plasma televisions, it became apparent that there are three primary players in the market: Pioneer, Samsung, and Panasonic.
PIONEER was the master of plasma televisions. Their "Kuro" series are quite expensive, but were widely viewed as providing the best pure picture quality of any HDTV. Unfortunately, I say Pioneer WAS the master because they have stopped making plasma televisions. Some are still available, but they will not last long...and I was a bit nervous about buying such a big-ticket item from a company that pulled the plug on their production line. Would it be difficult to get warranty work done on a Kuro if it were to be needed in the future? I don't know...but it concerned me. That uncertainty combined with the much higher price of the Kuro convinced me to look elsewhere. However, if you have money to burn, and are willing to take a risk to have the "best of the best", you may want to look at a Kuro.
SAMSUNG also provides a good picture. Depending on who you ask...Panasonic and Samsung are pretty much equivalent in terms of picture quality. However, looking through the various forums, there are alot of reports of Samsung plasmas having very noticeable "buzzing" and/or noisy fans which can detract from the viewing experience. I was also concerned about other reports of issues regarding general quality control and product support. So...I eliminated Samsung.
That left PANASONIC for me. All the reports I had read about the new Panasonics (G10 and V10 series) indicated that the picture quality was excellent (but not quite as good as the Pioneer Kuros) and there were no reports of any major issues such as with the Samsungs. The G10 and V10 were both much, much less expensive than the Kuros...so I decided to go with either a G10 (less expensive model) or a V10 (a bit more expensive).
The deciding factor for me between the G10 and V10 was the 96hz capability on the V10. Last years Panasonic models, as well as this year's G10 model do not have 96hz capes...only 48hz. Basically, for those of you who don't know...most movies are filmed at 24 frames per second. Having a TV that can process frames at a multiple of 24 (48/72/96hz on plasma TVs...or 120/240hz on LCD) allows these TVs to process what is called a "1080p/24" signal from Bluray players. This (in theory) allows the TV to provide a picture that is more accurate when compared to what you would see in a theater, and therefore more in line with what the director intended. The reviews and reports I read on the 48hz capability on the G10 and last years model indicated that 48hz resulted in a noticeable "flicker" that made it nearly unusable. The 96hz capability on the V10 apparently fixed this issue. Finally...I decided on the V10.
I purchased the 54" V10 from 6ave through Amazon on the first day it was available. "Team Worldwide" delivered the TV on time. The box was in perfect condition with no noticeable dents/scratches/compressions.
The Television comes with the pedestal not connected. Upon seeing this, I grumbled when I remembered what a PITA it was to remove/connect the pedestal to my old 42" Sony plasma. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to assemble on this V10 Panasonic. My wife and I assembled it in just a few minutes. The pedestal attachment is very well designed and so easy to install, that I'm sure a single person (of sufficient strength to lift the ~80lb tv) could do it themselves. The pedestal itself is rectangular with rounded corners. It does not swivel. If you need a swiveling pedestal...the smaller 50" V10 has one.
The TV itself looks very good. The 50 and 54" V10s have a single sheet of glass design that results in a very sleek appearance. Panasonic is expected to come out with 2 larger versions of the V10 (58 and 65") in the coming months, but they will not have the single sheet of glass design.
Ok, finally on to the important stuff...the TVs performance:
Over the past week, I have watched a wide variety of both HD and SD (standard definition) material, including Bluray, standard DVD, HD and SD cable via Cox, and SD and HD (720p) material downloaded via a Roku Netflix player. All of it has looked OUTSTANDING. I continue to be amazed at how far superior the picture is on this V10 when compared to my 5-year old Sony plasma. The technology has come far. The Blacks are much, much blacker, and the colors are much more vibrant. The overall contrast is quite stunning for someone like myself who has been a few years behind the technology curve. I think probably the most impressive thing, however, is the shadow detail. With this TV, you will notice things that you may not have noticed before, especially in scenes that are dark or that have wide range of lighting.
The SD-handling on the set has really impressed me, also. I wasn't expecting the picture on my standard DVDs to improve all that much, but it has. I have a DVD player providing a 480p picture via HDMI cable...and the picture was always been very clear on my old Sony, but the colors and (again) the contrast on this Panasonic are just so much better.
Watching Bluray, however, is where this set shines. I've watched Planet Earth, 300, Dark Knight, Ironman and Twilight so far. It's just awesome. Such clarity and detail...it's difficult to explain unless you've seen a true HD picture. The 96hz capability I mentioned earlier works as advertised. The V10 allows you to switch between 48, 60, and 96hz when it receives a 1080p/24 signal...I've tried them all, and it is true...48hz is basically unwatchable due to the flicker. 96hz, however, works flawlessly. It provides a very cinematic feel. It's not a huge improvement over the standard 60hz capability...so if the price of the V10 is out of your reach, I'm sure the G10 would be a solid choice. The G10 and V10 are practically the same TV outside of the 96hz capability and the improved cosmetic look of the V10.
My expectations for the "Viera Cast" feature were low, but I was pleasantly surprised. The weather and stock-quotes functions are of questionable value since I can get them with my laptop more quickly than through the TV...but the Picasa function is really neat. My wife and I both have thousands of high-res photos from our travels in the military...and it's really cool to be able to set up a slideshow to show the photos on the bigscreen. The resolution and colors are, of course, superb. It's really great for entertaining family, also...instead of passing around a scrapbook or crowding around a small laptop screen...we can just sit around the TV. Very cool. Picasa allows you to upload up to 1gb of photos for free, but you can buy more storage. I purchased the 10gb plan for $20/yr. The Youtube capability is ok...but a bit cumbersome. It would work well for playing your own videos...but surfing youtube on your TV like you would on your computer is out of the question because of the time it takes to type in searches using your remote. I have not used the TV to download Amazon video-on-demand...so I can't comment on that. To use the Viera Cast features, you'll need an Ethernet connection to the back (no wireless)...so just keep that in mind.
Ok...it's been almost purely positive to this point...but there are a couple of small complaints:
1.I'm not a big fan of the THX mode. It's just too dark to watch during the day. I think a properly calibrated and adjusted "custom" mode is more appealing.
2.During the day, or when there is a lot of light in the room, the dark scenes tend to lose some detail.
3.Issues when connecting with Onkyo A/V Receivers. There seems to be some sort of a disconnect between Onkyo Receivers and Panasonic TVs. There are multiple reports of HDMI syncing issues between the two of them when a 1080p signal is being passed... and I'm one of them. My Onkyo 706 reciever and this V10 have issues syncing with a 1080p connection. Cycling the power on the TV or Receiver usually fixes the problem...but it's an irritant. If you already have an Onkyo receiver and plan to do 1080p...you may want to look elsewhere, or wait to see if the issue is resolved via firmware update.
Overall, however, this is an outstanding TV that I highly recommend. For a relatively decent price, you are getting one of the very best HDTVs on the market right now. I have not been disappointed, and I don't think you will be either.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TCP54V10 54 inch Viera Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV

Viera® HDTVs' wide color gamut covers 120% of the HDTV color standard. This approaches the level of colors in cinemas and produces images with extremely rich colors.

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Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK 42-Inch Plasma EDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you subscribe to Consumer Reports--as I do (5 year subscription)--see my review on this magazine--note that the Panasonic plasmas are rated not just a little, but much higher than any other brand name within the comparable price range. Panasonic has plasma down. You must pay thousands more to get a better picture. This is the bottom line at this time. Perhaps things may change in time, but not quite yet. I am not affiliated with Panasonic and am merely summarizing my extensive and thorough research into plasma and lcd televisions.
Now, as to the question of lcd versus plasma, it is also a given at this time that plasma offers a superior picture which must be the primary concern of a videophile. Enough said on this account. If television picture is less important to you than ... whatever (?) --power consumption perhaps?, then you may consider lcd. I considered lcd tv's long and hard, and really wanted to believe in lcd technology, but in the end concluded the larger screen lcd tv's are drastically overpriced while offering poor performance. Perhaps technology will change this scenario one day, but I doubt it.
Now, if you accept my position that Panasonic plasma is the way to go for high def, the next question is, which Panasonic plasma to choose?
Mainly it depends on how much you wish to spend. The more money, the higher definition and the bigger screen you can afford. I found that the best price/performance ratio was to be had with this humble EDTV model. I do not wish to sign up for HDTV at this time due to the higher cable costs, so my motive in buying a higher def TV is mainly for watching DVD movies in their native resolution. I can personally attest that this EDTV is excellent (and is rated excellent by Consumer Reports) for DVD movies of all stripes.
Prior to purchasing, I researched the th-42pwd8uk so much online that I knew its name by heart. Daily I entered this name in Google to read reviews, and observed that it was widely acclaimed for an excellent picture at a reasonable price. At its current price, there is only one serious competitor to the th-42pwduk, and it is the retail version of the Panasonic 42", which has a silver case rather than a black one. The other brand names, Sony, Samsung, Phillips et al, have not at this time received comparable ratings for those units in the same price range (below $3000). A consensus has emerged placing the crown of achievement upon Panasonic's head.
This is the professional version of the 42" Panasonic plasma EDTV; not to be confused with the higher-resolution, and correspondingly higher price HDTV. Also, not to be confused with the ugly silver version of the 42" EDTV being sold at the retail chains. Panasonic has a wide array of models and it gets quickly confusing sorting them all out. I studied them all and settled on this one being the best for my purpose (combined PC / TV use).
The most important difference to keep in mind is that, unlike the retail version, the th-42pwd8uk boasts a VGA connection and is readily connected to any PC, a point many reviewers have sadly overlooked, bedazzled as they are by its amazing TV picture. It also has what many consider to be a more attractive appearance with its neutral black case that does not detract from the decor of a sophisticated home. The price is slightly lower than the silver version, though if you buy the Panasonic stand (TY-ST08K) you pay an extra $200 (including shipping). With the stand, the prices become about the same.
The advantages of the silver-colored retail version of the 42" Panasonic plasma EDTV are that it can be obtained locally at the big chain stores, and already has everything you need built in: speakers, tuner, and stand. I submit, however, that the speakers are of limited value since most people paying big bucks for higher def will connect their sound to an existing surround-sound system. I also find the tuner of limited value to folks who are not subscribed to high-def. The stand is just ugly. And then you calculate the not-inconsiderable addition of sales tax.
What decided the issue for me is that th-42pwd8uk has a VGA connection and simply looks more attractive. I really did not want the silver retail monstrosity in my living room. The stand feet make it look like a robot from a bad 1950s sci-fi movie.
Naturally, you should be nervous buying this unit online--which is why I did my research--but if you buy from a highly reputable dealer, I think you may be very pleased, as I was. I watched "Lord of the Rings" on this monitor and the picture was simply outstanding. If you play many DVD movies, this is definitely the choice for you.
Recommendations:
-if you intend to set the unit on a table, rather than mounting on the wall, buy the TY-ST08K. It is a heavy metal method of securing your plasma TV and keeping it from falling down. I own and recommend it. I want to be very clear that this unit does not come equipped with any kind of stand or feet and *cannot* remain vertical on its own! I had to prop the unit up against a wall for eight days, waiting for the stand to arrive. Decide prior to purchase whether to wall-mount or use a stand. One of the things that really tick me off about certain retailers is they often picture it as having the stand, when it DOES NOT include any such thing!
-You will need female-RCA-to-male-BNC adaptors to connect your RCA cables for the component and composite connections. You definitely should connect your DVD player via the component connection. S-video is a less desirable alternative. Composite is the worst choice and should only be used as a last resort.
-Now comes the favorite part of my review, the VGA connection. According to the manual, you can achieve 852 x 480 resolution on your PC. Going any further risks loss of clarity. I went further, to 800 x 600, and sacrificed some clarity, but don't really mind. The connection to the computer is effortless and plug-n-play. Don't worry, your PC will connect just fine to this television. The only thing you will need to do is go to Control Panel | Display and adjust your resolution to fit this monitor. I do not recommend using 1024 x 768 on this EDTV model. Perhaps on its HDTV cousin, but that's another story.
-I used to recommend buying high-priced, high quality component cables. But since then, I have discovered that you can get a good picture from lower priced, less fancy cables. I have a feeling the "Monster" brand may be a good bit overpriced. I bought 6' Monster component cables, gold-plated, for about $65 from Radio Shack. I connected using gold-plated female-RCA-to-male-BNC adaptors. Remember, this unit requires such adaptors--but they are cheap and easily obtained online, at Ebay for instance, or locally at Radio Shack. But when I bought a Panasonic DVD player, the Monster cables would not fit in its component hookups. So I wound up using the cheap-looking cables Panasonic provided with the DVD player. It doesn't seem to be a big difference.
-try to avoid using the composite video connection. If you are staying with SDTV, like me, try to go with S-video if at all possible. The lack of an HDMI input, unless you have special requirements, is irrelevant; component cables provide quite comparable reception as that newer, "copy-protected" option, which was devised by and is being promoted by the movie industry. Do the research; component input is all you need. It is being phased out of newer models--unfortunately.
-read the manual and take the time to learn the many features of your intelligent monitor. In particular, learn how to switch between the viewing modes.
-I think you should turn the brightness down from day 1 when you receive your monitor. I have this theory they jack the brightness UP as a factory default just so it will look good on a showroom floor and make a good first impression. But the television's longevity matters to me; and I didn't really need the ultra-high brightness.
-another recommendation is to turn the screen saver function ON, just as a precaution, to help avoid burn-in.
-on your DVD player, make sure to change the output signal to "Widescreen" (i.e. 16:9) and "Progressive scan" either 525p or 480p. This, combined with a component cable connection, will get you an excellent picture. If your DVD player doesn't support these options, buy a new DVD player! It's well-worth it. If you're strapped for cash, a new progressive scan player from Samsung only runs about $60 - $70 or so.
-Lastly, let me reiterate that this is a monitor, and has no tuner. To get television reception, you must hook your coaxial cable to a vcr, cable box, or dvd player that does have a tuner. I was doing this anyway for my previous tv, so it was not a big deal to me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK 42-Inch Plasma EDTV

This 16:9 widescreen plasma set a bright display that will look good in any room, on any wall or on any surface. It comes standard with both basic video and PC inputs and is easily expandable to accommodate a variety of different sources.
Image Panasonic's Multi-Facet Asymmetrical Configuration Hyper-Pixel (MACH) panel features new materials and technology that improves the light-emitting efficiency and intensity of their plasma screens. The result is a deeper contrast ratio (up to 3,000:1 in dark areas), 2,048 shades of gradation (4,096 shades via HDMI or DVI connection and optional accessory board),3.62 billion full-time displayable colors. It is compatible with a whole host of HD signals, from 1080i to 480p.

The TH-42PWD8UK also uses a host of Panasonic image improving features. Adaptive Gain Control raises contrast while suppressing noise by detecting and boosting only the image edges. Motion Picture Noise Disturbance Reduction detects motion patterns that tend to generate noise and makes adjustments to maximize image quality without diminishing the quality of stationary background objects. The Active Interlace/Progressive Conversion System reduces interlace to progressive conversion noise that often occurs when reproducing tiny movements, resulting in better vertical resolution.

Connections The TH-42PWD8UK features both flexible A/V and IT system configurations. Built-in video connections include S-video, BNC, and component. Accessory boards expand your possibilities to include SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI, DVI-D w/HDCP, Twisted-Pair cable, and IEEE 802.11b. Have the set do double duty as your PC monitor, too, since it supports VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, and UXGA PC signals and comes with a common PC monitor port. The Remotes System Monitoring Command feature allows users to control their TH-42PWD8UK via RS-232C interface. If you really want to get fancy, a built-in wall processor allows you to array TH-42PWD8UKs in 2x2, 3x3, or even 4x4 multi-screen video walls.

37-inch Wide Screen A general rule of thumb for selecting the right size television screen is that the screen width--not its 37-inch diagonal measurement--should be between three and five times the optimum viewing distance, such as the distance from the TV screen to where your eyes are while sitting on the couch. Less than that and you may be distracted by the scan lines of the picture. More than that, and you may lose the detail of your TV. Based on this guide, the TH-42PWD8UK is ideal for viewing distances of nine to 15 feet.

Other Features Panasonic's new Advanced Dual Picture Mode simultaneously displays images from two different video sources or a video and PC source. 4x Digital Zoom allows you to divide the screen into zones and enlarge images up to 400%. The set also features enhanced screen saver and energy-saving functions.

What's in the Box TH-42PWD8UK plasma TV, remote control unit, battery, band, power cord, warranty, and operating instructions book

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Samsung SPN4235 42-Inch Widescreen Plasma Flat-Panel HD-Ready TV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was considering (having narrowed it to) a couple of different well known brands in the six thousand dollar price range. Having started out leaning towards the bigger name brands the service tech did a fine job trying to keep me in the higher priced models. I'm not sure who wore who out. As I read more about the different models I found them to be very similar in their offerings, however, I kept leaning towards not what the descriptions said, but where I felt it mattered most, in the visual presentation of the picture I saw. I also found that visual presentation to be equally as personal. I asked others (in the showroom) their opinion and no surprise, I got as many differences as there were people. For example, I viewed some that looked to be naturally lighter and some darker and some with the hues more sedate than others that were more brilliant. We all saw them differently, yet the specs were all the same. My decision to buy this Samsung plasma screen wasn't scientific, I bought it because I've had great success with Samsung products in the past and I found the picture to be as pleasing as the more expensive models. With the money I saved, I upgraded to the Bose audio system and still had plenty of money left to buy DVDs and the popcorn to go with them. I would strongly recommend this plasma screen and feel confident that you made the right decision. PS, don't let those clerks up-sell you, let your eye decide, after all it's you that will be watching it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung SPN4235 42-Inch Widescreen Plasma Flat-Panel HD-Ready TV

Now you can use your PC and enjoy home-theater entertainment all from a single, broad flat-panel screen with brilliant colors and extraordinary contrast. Samsung's 42-inch SPN4235 plasma TV offers high-definition compatibility with HD sources and a native resolution of 852 x 480 pixels. Its direct-digital DVI input works with compatible DTV set-top boxes and PCs, and the EDTV set accepts full HDTV inputs (720p, 1080i) and scales them for progressive 480p viewing.A built-in analog tuner, a pedestal stand, and a generous array of inputs and outputs make set up a snap, and the SPN4235's widescreen (16:9) display is specially configured to match or approximate the native aspect ratios of your favorite movies, either from DVD or from HDTV broadcasts when the set is hooked up to a DTV receiver (not included).With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile. The SPN4235 is an astoundingly slim 3.1 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting (the set includes a convenient pedestal stand, pictured). Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.Additional inputs include one HD component-video input (480p/720p/1080i) and one SD component-video input (480i) as well as one each S-video, composite-video, and RF. Samsung's proprietary video-enhancement technology, Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe), performs 3D noise reduction and detail and contrast enhancement for all interlaced (non-HD) sources.The set also houses a 10-watts-per-channel audio amplifier for use with optional speakers, such as those in your existing stereo or home theater, or Samsung's matching PSM4230 speakers. A dedicated subwoofer output is just what you need to hook the set up with a powered sub for rafter-rattling low frequencies from your favorite movies and music. And, if you're listening in stereo or 2.1 (stereo plus subwoofer), onboard Dolby Virtual surround sound will simulate an enveloping surround experience with no need for rear-channel speakers.The set's NTSC two-tuner picture-in-picture (side-by-side, split-screen) grants convenient, simultaneous viewing of two TV programs, and a fanless cooling system ensures quiet operation. Other optional accessories include a wall-mount kit (WMN4230) and a pneumatic floor stand (FS420).What's in the Box TV, pedestal stand, remote control, remote batteries, 3 ferrite cores, 2 speaker cables, 1 RF audio/video cable, 1 S-video cable, 1 PC cable, 1 component-video cable, 1 composite-video cable, stereo analog audio (left/right RCA) interconnect, detachable AC power cord, user's manual, and registration information.

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Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this from Amazon.com, with the scheduled delivery from CEVA. Ordered last sunday, delivery was one week later. Having the option of sunday delivery was great, and the delivery was very professional and definitely white glove.
Two people brought the TV in (carrying properly as this is a plasma), opened the box, put the TV on the stand, powered the TV on and waited for me to check whether there is any problem with the TV. They also offered to remove packaging if I wanted to get rid of it. Sometimes you cannot even get such good service when you pay $100+ for shipping. Given that shipping was free, I was thrilled.
TV is awesome, right out of the box. It looks great, works great. Picture is top notch. I put in an HD-DVD version of Transformers and was amazed at the picture quality. This is my first plasma TV and I believe it is much better than LCD. I had a Samsung 4061F before, and this TV has better picture than that one, despite the Samsung being 1080P and this being 720P. There's no motion blur whatsoever on this TV.
Checking on the web a little, I made the settings to be: pic mode custom, contrast +78, brightness +57, color +53, tint -9, sharpness +29, everything else off, black levels light and temp normal. These settings turned out to be perfect for the TV.
Five stars for the TV, purchasing experience and the delivery service.

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42" Plasma, 720p, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 30,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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Panasonic TH 42PX600U - 42" VIERA plasma TV - widescreen - 720p - HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased the Samsung 46 inch LCD (LN-S4692D). I bought this TV because I loved the style and the no glare aspect of an LCD was appealing to me. When I got it home, I was very dissapointed with the picture quality. The analog channels were unwatchable and I think buying a $3000 TV for a handful of HDTV channels is crazy. I then switched to this plasma because when I asked Best Buy associates to turn the channel to an analog channel, I was very pleased with the picture. I purchased it, took it out of the box and I didn't even have to make any changes! The difference between this plasma and my old LCD was astonishing. Almost every channel is crystal clear and the blacks are deeper than any other TV on the market (even the Pioneer). It's also brighter than the Pioneer, if that is an issue for you. If you are serious about picture quality, purchase this Panasonic. The 600U has a cooler design than the 60U and a cable card which are very important to me. The digital camera slot is pretty cool too.
So, if you are in the buying stage and still wondering if you should go LCD or plasma, here is my take:
Only go LCD if you play video games, have an extremely bright room and watch TV a lot during the daylight hours, or plan on using your monitor as a computer (LCD's are immune to burn in.) If you want a clear picture with eye popping color, buy a Plasma but not a cheap one, buy this Panasonic. Good luck shopping!

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The realism of a TV's image is strongly linked to its contrast ratio, and this plasma features a high contrast ratio of up to 10,000:12. Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colors-and this plasma can display an incredible 29 billion colors for a superior picture. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites allow our plasmas to render bright scenes with vivid realism. Panasonic plasma HDTVs with CableCARD slots can accept a small card that allows you to receive standard definition and high definition digital broadcasts. No bulky set-top cable box-perfect for a wall-mounted plasma TV. Contact your cable company to find out if they offer this service in your area. Sports, movies, and original network programming are all available in high definition from many local broadcasters. Receive and view local over-the-air broadcasts on this plasma in stunning HDTV clarity using the built-in HDTV tuner. If your cable company passes through HDTV broadcasts from local broadcasters, you can decode and tune those as well. If you have even a moderately complicated home theater setup, you probably have a pile of tangled cables on the floor behind it. Imagine replacing all those cables with a single cable that carries both digital video and audio at the same time. With the new HDMI standard, that's exactly what you get. The HDMI connector on this TV accepts high-quality digital video and audio via the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from the source to the TV.

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Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P42S1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)In my quest for a new MB/R TV, I had been researching LCD vs. Plasma, features, pricing, ratings and reviews for more months than I truly care to even mention. I caught a late October in-store special at HHGregg, which not only offered the lowest price I had seen anywhere on this TV, but also a free Panny Blu-ray player. That made the deal both irresistible and unbeatable, at just under seven Ben Franklins for everything. These newer Panasonic Viera plasmas with the fast 600 Hz Neo PDP panels are brighter, more power efficient, have an ultra wide viewing angle, suffer no image retention, run much cooler and are only just slightly heavier than an LCD TV of the same size. The more natural looking plasma picture quality, along with the full-time 1080p zero motion blur, is seriously, as good as your gonna get. Period!! They are an absolute steal in this price range, compared to any fast LCD or LED models. This combined with the legendary Panasonic build quality and reliability made it a no-brainer. The top-of-the-heap ratings from Consumer Reports magazine along with stellar customer reviews, absolutely sealed the deal for me, hands down. Simply put, I just couldn't justify spending 2x-3x the coin for a 240 Hz LCD TV or an even pricier LED TV for about the same (or less) picture quality. You'd have to be a complete fool to spend so much more and get absolutely nothing for it. So I beg anyone to truly compare and understand the specs and features on TVs, (or anything you're buying) and DO IT BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING!!
As for the TV itself, the initial assembly was easy. The stand was very solid and stable, using a total of six stainless steel bolts for fastening to the TV to the stand. The rear panel is also made out of metal - not plastic, which would likely make for more sturdy wall mounting, if that's your choice. The remote also felt solid and worked well. Both the TV and Blu-ray easily programmed with my universal remote, making it even more convenient. The initial TV set-up menus were also easy to navigate and the Viera link automatically recognized and configured the Viera Blu-ray player flawlessly. Watching my local news and the recent World Series with free digital HD broadcast using only rabbit ear antennas in 720p looked awesome. The VZ FiOS TV HD channels looked incredible at 1080i and the Blu-ray movies were nothing short of absolutely breath-taking in 1080p - totally impressive!! The sound on the TV is also well above average for a flat panel, especially after you tweak the bass, treble and surround settings to your taste.
The Panasonic build quality is just what you'd expect: solid with a high gloss, piano black finish. They even include a soft polishing cloth to help preserve the TV's beautiful finish. I am absolutely impressed with the TV and can highly recommend it as an outstanding choice to anyone considering a fine addition for their home entertainment enjoyment. And no matter where you buy, don't be scammed by any in-store, shameless sales-hole trying to hose you with extended warranties or worse yet, overpriced "Monster-profit" HDMI cables. The truth is that you can get a quality 6-9 ft. HDMI cable online at many of the major online sites with no tax and free shipping for about the price of a sandwich! Trust me, there is NO difference; try it yourself and see. Save your hard-earned money for some of your favorite movie titles on Blu-ray. You will absolutely love this TV!! Just be sure and have at least one HD source - like an HD cable/sat. box or a Blu-ray player to enjoy it to it's fullest. I hope my honest review seriously helps anyone out there looking for a great HDTV at a more down-to-earth price. Enjoy life. ((Bob-O!))


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42" Plasma, 1080p, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)The Kuro PDP-6020FD is an exceptional flat panel display. I continue to marvel at the realism when watching High Definition shows. I do not hesitate to recommend this device.
At the end of my review I will include D-Nice's review from the AVS Forum. It will provide a technical evaluation for you to judge the 6020.
The following is my Amazon purchasing experience... In a pre-purchase call to Amazon a representative confirmed that they are an authorized Pioneer dealer and that `White Glove Delivery' was included in the indicated purchase price.
The 6020 was ordered on Sunday and delivered the following Friday. For whatever reason, the order was not coded as `White Glove Delivery'. I eventually prevailed and the delivery was delivered `White Glove'. Regardless of how handy you are, `White Glove delivery' is extremely important. This type of delivery service requires the delivery team to setup and turn on the TV. When a shipment is left at your door it can be defective and you do not discover this until well after the delivery team has left. If you receive a defective TV with `White Glove Delivery', one simply refuses delivery; the delivery team will repackage the device and return it to Amazon. Without `White Glove Delivery' one is stuck with a defective TV and must endure the process of repackaging, storing and returning it.
When the team unpackaged my first set the screen was covered with spider cracks. The device was repackaged and back it went to Amazon. If there is an issue with the delivery, I encourage you to call the returns department at Amazon that handles Plasma TV's. There is a special telephone number. If you reach an overseas Amazon representative ask for the call to be transferred to this department. This department is located in the States. They are available 7 days a week but are not available round the clock. I ended up speaking with a tremendous representative who was a Supervisor. He made sure that a new order was processed, the `White Glove Delivery' was coded clearly on the order and Amazon provided a substantial discount on the order due to the difficulties that were encountered. I received the replacement TV five days later on the following Wednesday. The TV was delivered in perfect condition. The `White Glove Delivery' team setup the TV turned it on and removed the packaging. I also received two other price reductions when Amazon dropped the price of the set in the following two weeks. (Please note that the price reduction policy is no longer offered by Amazon as of September 1st, 2008. Amazon policies are subject to change. Contact Amazon prior to purchase to review the details of the potential purchase and any expectations you may have.)
The issues I had could have happened from any vendor. The difference is that Amazon had a system in place which corrected that matter in an efficient manner with a minimum of inconvenience to me. Amazon also had the best price and delivery options.
The picture quality is stunning. I highly recommend the 6020 and Amazon as a reputable dealer.
I have included D Nice's technical review from the AVS forum to provide the in depth details of the performance of this TV.Pioneer PDP 6020FD Review
Reviewed by D Nice

Overview
Kuro (Kuro), the Japanese word for black, defines the core of Pioneer's Project KURO. Prior to last year, consumers were not privy to have a digital flat panel display that consistently reproduced the absence of color (black). In June 2007, Pioneer released into the wild a PDP display series that was capable of an unheard minimum luminance level, 0.004fL. This new pinnacle in black level not only provided rich, succulent blacks that true videophiles have been yearning ever since the demise of CRT, it also was baseline for depth defying colors that to this day leaves me awestruck. By the end of 2007, the KURO series was herald as the "best display ever". Everyone thought that it would be years before another display hit the market capable of outshining the 2007 KURO series. No one knew that we would only have to wait 6 months........enter the PDP 6020FD.

Panel Design
The PDP 6020FD continues Pioneer's minimalistic, yet elegant figure with its 57 11/16" x 34 1/2" piano black acrylic bezel. Fit and finish is top notch although the overall build quality is less than last year's PDP 6010FD. Pioneer also managed to trim panel bulk by 20% leaving us with a slim, 3.7" depth display.

Features
The PDP 6020FD is equipped with 4 HDMI 1.3a ports (three on the back, one on the left input/control panel), 1 component, 1 S Video, 3 composite, and 1 VGA input. Although this sounds like a plethora of input options, it's actually less that what its predecessor offered. However, Pioneer now allows owners to label each input (a big plus). Also new this year on the non Elite KUROs is a network interface port that allows owners to connect and stream video (limited file types), music, and pictures from their home PC/laptop. Setup and use was a breeze on my network. However, computer challenged owners may have issues using this feature....especially if they have a home network firewall.
Pioneer has also included a new remote with the PDP 6020FD. Compared to last year's remote, the new remote sports a black covering and the layout is more user friendly with the channel and volume controls reversed from last year's layout (finally).
Everything about the PDP 6020 reflects the theme "KURO".....including the new menu GUI. Gone is the "Windows XP" like menu colors that I have been accustomed to surfing on the previous Pioneer generations. They have been replaced with a more "Windows Vista" like "KURO" GUI.
Thumbing through the new menu, one will find 7 Preset A/V picture modes and immediately notice a reduction of user controls. Unfortunately Pioneer has decided to strip the end user of the capability to change the color temperature, gamma, black/contrast enhancement features, and noise reduction.
Instead they chose to hardcode these features in what they call "the most effective combination".
Personally, I think this was a mistake on Pioneer's part. You NEVER, EVER, take away features that you offered in the previous generation. Pioneer is also rumored to has gone two steps further by deleting the RGB controls out of the Service Menu (not confirmed as of yet) and changing the sequence to access the Service Menu (confirmed). These "castrations" do not bold well for those who chose not to shell out more money for the Elite KUROs to "tweak" their panels more to their personal tastes and/or HD standards. Shame on you Pioneer.
I'm sure at this point the question that is on everyone's mind is "What does the removal of these items have on actual PQ?" Well let's find out..........

Picture Mode Overview
Optimum Mode
Out of the box, the PDP 6020FD is set to Optimum mode. Optimum mode is designed to constantly modify the contrast, brightness, color, tint, etc controls based on the room environment. This year, Pioneer added sound control to Optimum mode's "automatic" adjustments. PQ in this mode was good, but I could see edge enhancement on many scenes and test patterns. Although I could not get a completely accurate grayscale reading within this mode due to the constant adjustments, it averaged around 7400K. This will please most viewers during daytime and/or sports viewing as a "bluer" white is more pleasing and can add more "punch" to the picture. However, I do not recommend this mode for critical movie and/or night viewing. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Performance Mode
Now, one would think that Performance mode would be the mode that makes the Pioneer 6020FD shine. Well, this is not the case and it's one of the worst A/V modes available on the
6020FD.Beyond its S shaped gamma curve (hump between 60 and 80% stimuli), this mode produced an 8600K average grayscale and crushed everything in the 0 10% stimuli range with the brightness control set to 0. This mode provides improved shadow detail with a brightness setting of +4, but it still is lacking somewhat. If a 6020 owner previously owed a LCD display, this mode would probably please him as it provides an extremely punchy picture with "crisp" (aka edge enhanced) highlights to boot. Critical viewers should stay away from this mode. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Dynamic Mode
By all means, STAY AWAY from this mode!!!!!!! This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Movie Mode
This is the de facto mode on the PDP 6020FD. It sports an average grayscale of 6350 (6347 to be exact) and a 2.27 gamma. This A/V mode produces the most accurate picture I have ever seen on a non Elite Pioneer.......ever!!! All review material and PDP panel shoot out results were done using this mode. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Sports Mode
This is an absolutely horrible A/V mode. Grayscale is well over 10K with non defeatable edge enhancement and an S shaped gamma curve to boot. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Game Mode
This mode would have been a great mode if it did not have an 8K grayscale. Gamma is ok at
2.17 and it only has minor edge enhancement. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Standard Mode
This is the only mode in which each individual A/V input can house discrete settings.
Unfortunately, this is the absolute worst A/V mode available on the 6020FD. It is similar to Performance mode, but crushed blacks far more. This is the first A/V mode I have ever...Read more›

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Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning. Optimum Mode automatically analyzes and adjusts audio and video settings according to specific room light conditions and type of light and color. Program content is also monitored and finely adjusted so movies, sports and news are all faithfully reproduced. Smooth Film mode eliminates motion jitter in 3:2 Pulldown (60Hz) providing natural even playback of film content.Detachable bottom speaker with fully integrated digital amplifier for pristine clarity and accuracy of sound 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 inputs with HDMI-CEC control and the ability to accept 1080p 24/60Hz signal Room Light Sensor for automatic picture adjustment Standard 3 - 2 (60Hz) and Advanced PureCinema with 3 - 3 Pulldown (72Hz) for accurate playback of film content Fully Integrated ATSC and NTSC Tuner with Clear QAMSupported Formats -Video -WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG4 (SP/ASP), and MPEG4 (H.264/AVC) Audio -WMA9, MP3, Linear PCM (WAV), HE-AAC, and MPEG-4 AAC Photos -JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 (1 side, 3 rear) with PC support, 2 with analog audio, 1 Component, 3x Composite, 1 S-Video Antenna, USB (Mass Storage Class), LAN (10/100 Base-T --Ethernet), and PC input Optical Digital Audio (Dolby Digital/PCM), Audio LR, Subwoofer, SR, and Headphone output Dimensions -Width 57-11/16 x Height 34-1/2 x Depth 3-21/32 / 57-11/16 x 37-5/8 x 3-21/32 with speaker Weight -112 pounds / 131 pounds 8 ounces with speaker and stand

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Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)The P50G10 is my second HD Plasma experience, the first being a 2004 Panasonic, which still looks and works quite well. It has found another spot in our home to make room for the new G10 in our family room. When searching for and finally selecting the new Panasonic G10, I was comparing choices against this first experience considering both the manufacturer and the plasma technology. While I have a few smaller sized LCD's, mostly in the 20-32" range, I have never been overly impressed with the picture. The seem a bit cartoonish, even in HD mode, so I quickly settled on a plasma as my technology choice. Having made that decision the alternatives in terms of manufacturers narrowed quickly. Wh Pioneer exiting the Plasma business, and considering my experience with my original Panasonic plasma the brand decision was made. Selecting which model from Panasonic boiled down to scouring the 2009 product announcements and available reviews (CNET), and making the trade-offs on size, cost and availability. This all led me to the P50G10, which was a good fit on all points.
I have had the unit installed and working for 4 weeks now, and must say its been an extremely satisfying time. The G10 is a major step up, from my previous plasma, in terms of picture, inputs i.e. 3 HDMI vs 1, and ability to control each picture setting independently. I have tweaked the picture setting on the Standard and THX settings a bit to sharpen and brighten the picture a bit, but most of the other settings are very good out of the box. As the unit is stand mounted, and in a room with mostly indirect and overhead lighting there are no issues with glare or light reflection, from the main glass or its glossy black bezel.
In the process I also moved up to a Panasonic BMP-BD60 (will write a separate review on it) Blu Ray player and the 1080P picture is nothing short of amazing. As these are both Panasonic units they inter-operate with VieraLink which simplifies and automates the way the two units operate together, a nice but not essential feature. I setup a Wireless ethernet bridge (Linksys WET54G) to feed the VieraCast function on the G10, and it works flawlessly. At this time the amount of content available is limited, but one can see the potential, if Panasonic can bring more content services to this function. The G10 does employ a set of power consumption controls. There are both Input Idle and In-Activity based auto-power off modes to save on power consumption, which is good as plasma's are a bit power hungry.
To be balanced the G10 does have a few shortcomings. The sound from the onboard speakers is a bit thin. You can mitigate this some by pumping up the Bass control and turning on the Bass Boost, but its just not a rich sound experience. I think Panasonic can do better with some higher quality speakers and a small sub-woofer. I, and I suspect most others, have a surround system connected and utilize it for a better sound experience.
I also preferred when Panasonic placed the additional inputs into a trap door on the front of the plasma, the G10 has these on the left (facing) edge. To me it was more convenient and accessible to have these set of inputs up-front.
All in all, the G10 is a high quality Plasma with terrific features and future expandability. If offers a near perfect picture across multiple inputs and types of content.


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50" Plasma, 1080p, THX, Viera Cast, H.264, IP Camera Ready, PC Input, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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