Panasonic TC-P50S1 Review: 50” Plasma HDTV

Up for review: Panasonic TC-P50S1 plasma TV.  Panasonic brings the latest technology to town by the introduction of the Neo-PDP panel for a rapid decline in power consumption. The black levels are impressively better with a greater contrast ratio of 40,000:1 as well. The Neo PDP panel brings improvements in cell structure, new drive technology and process technology. It is engineered to consume less power but with no compromise in the brightness levels. A review shows that although the HDTV itself is not very thin, Panasonic TC-P50S1 makes up with the panel structure. It is very thin; much thinner than most plasma panels.

The Neo PDP panel in the Panasonic TC-P50S1 can last up to 100,000 hours. Even if you watch your HDTV for 8 hours a day, it will still last you 30 years. The resolution is a good 1080p with 600 Hz sub-field drive. It also has a Gaming mode.

It is important for HDTVs to function at full-HD resolution of 1080p. The Panasonic TC-P50S1 is very particular about this. This feature is brought to the fore during action scenes both in sports and movies.

Panasonic TC-P50S1 Features and Specifications Review:

• 50” screen
• Neo PDP
• 1080p resolution
• Full-time 1080 lines Moving Picture Resolution
• VIERA Link™
• VIERA Image Viewer™
• 600 Hz sub-field drive
• AR filter
• Game mode
• 3 HDMI inputs
• 40,000:1 native contrast ratio
• Infinite black panel

The VIERA Image Viewer helps you share your photos with family and friends. You only have to use the SD card slot to access photos from your digital camera onto the big screen of the Panasonic TC-P50S1. There is also VIERA Link which will “link” various HD-ready devices like the camcorder, Blu-ray disc player, DVD recorder and home-theater audio system with the help of a single remote. Many relevant on-screen menus will also give you clues to navigate around the system.

A review suggests that the movies watched on the Cinema preset are soothing to the eye. However, the color accuracy is not so good. The color varies with the viewing angle. This seems to be an area where Panasonic can make vast improvements. As far as comparing it with the other HDTVs from the G10 or V10 series is concerned, most of the features are same excepting for VIERA Cast and the VGA input. If you can overlook these issues, then the Panasonic TC-P50S1 is the HDTV for your money.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Panasonic TC-P50S1 8/10 stars!