Panasonic TC-50PX14 Review: 50” Plasma HDTV

Up for review: Panasonic TC-50PX14 50-inch Plasma TV.  The 2009 Panasonic TC-50PX14 incorporates the “must-have’s” for HDTV viewing and leaves out some of the frills. The Neo PDP panel featured on most Panasonic HDTV’s is absent in this model. Another major let-down is the 720p resolution. Of course, practically speaking, 720p is enough to allow you to watch pictures in high definition but for a 50-inch Plasma TV, it is definitely inferior to 1080p.  Keep in mind that 720p is still a great picture but if you plan on watching Blu-ray movies, using 1080p gaming devices or watching some of the TV networks that broadcast in 1080p, you aren’t quite getting the best possible picture.

A further review of the picture quality shows that the contrast ratio has been drastically reduced to 15,000:1 from higher numbers in other models. This is expected to largely affect the brightness of the images. The absence of the Neo PDP panels might contribute to the lessening of the contrast ratio. However, about 100,000 hours of viewing is guaranteed by Panasonic. If you watch 8 hours every day, you will end up watching this HDTV for 30 long years. All the HDTV’s from Panasonic have met the Energy Star requirements so low power consumption is to be expected.

Panasonic TC-50PX14 Features and Specifications Review:

• 50″ Screen
• 720p Resolution
• 600Hz Sub-field Drive
• Contrast Ratio Native 15,000:1
• Infinite Black Panel
• Over 900 lines of Moving Resolution
• VIERA Link™
• VIERA Image Viewer™

There is much talk about the Infinite Black feature in the Panasonic TC-50PX14. This new feature from Panasonic makes the black and dark scenes in TV or movies extra dark.  You may have noticed on other LCD or Plasma TV’s that  black isn’t actually black.  It often looks gray-ish. The HDTV will behave as if the power has been switched off. This contributes to power saving as well. The black levels are enhanced and the pictures are more natural and life-like. You can observe even the tiny details of the pictures.

A review of the TC-50PX14′s extra features show that it has both VIERA Image Viewer and VIERA Link. You can see digital photos on the HDTV. You can also establish control over the different connections with a single remote. The remote will control all the electronic equipments connected over the HDMI inputs.

It is very apparent that the Panasonic TC-50PX14 isn’t the top of the line but for the price, you get a pretty solid, good looking HDTV from a proven, reputable company.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Panasonic TC-50PX14 7/10 stars!