Panasonic TC-P54S1 Review: 54” Plasma HDTV

Up for review: Panasonic TC-P54S1 plasma TV.  Panasonic has tried to maintain a balance between the highly sophisticated V10 series and the lower-end X1 series. The result is the S1 series which although lacks some of the quality features of the V10 series, has all the essential features to catch the discerning eye. It continues the trend of integrating Neo PDP plasma panels which brings out the essential goodness in the pictures. The Neo PDP panels are also responsible for saving a lot of power in the Panasonic TC-P54S1. It gives a boost to the contrast ratio but at the same time decreases the amount of power required, without making any compromises with the brightness.

The Panasonic TC-P54S1 misses out on the VIERA Cast internet connectivity. It also lacks the technology to playback video from SD card slot. But it has excellent display characteristics will help you overlook all the defects of the HDTV. A review shows that this TV has “Infinite Black” which means that the screen totally switches off during very dark images.

Panasonic is advertising a lot about the 600 Hz sub-field drive which will reportedly give improved motion resolution. The fast-moving scenes will look better without any blurring or judder. The same anti-reflective filter has been used as in the older models. This indicates that the motion will not be much different. It is difficult to reach the league of the LCDs.

Panasonic TC-P54S1 Features and Specifications Review:

• 54” 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

A review shows that Panasonic TC-P54S1 is trying its best to do away with the burn-in in the plasma TVs. It has employed specific technologies to safeguard the pixels and also rectify the problem arising due to burn-in. The company is trying to market this medium-range HDTV by manufacturing several (six) display sizes. The Panasonic TC-P54S1 is just one of them.

With energy efficiency and better black levels being the magical words expected to increase the sales of the Panasonic TC-P54S1, Panasonic expects people to overlook the absence of VIERA Cast internet connectivity. It integrates VIERA Link and VIERA Image Viewer to provide some support. But it remains to be seen if the Panasonic TC-P54S1 can get the much needed acclaim in the viewer’s eyes.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Panasonic TC-P54S1 8/10 stars!