Panasonic TC-P65S1 Review: 65” Plasma HDTV

Up for review: Panasonic TC-P65S1 Plasma TV.  Panasonic introduces its less expensive line with the S1 series. These Plasma HDTVs are relatively bulkier and thicker, making wall mounting difficult. But they are expected to be more optimally priced for the average consumer. Panasonic tries to bring the power consumption level of Plasmas to the same level as LCDs by introducing the Neo PDP plasma panel. This feature enables the HDTV to use half the energy to produce a very bright image. The contrast ratio is also improved giving more efficient black levels. The “Infinite Black” feature implies that there is no picture during complete black pictures. It is almost as if there is no power.

There is a 600 Hz sub-field drive which is expected to give better motion in the pictures. A review suggests that the motion will not be much different from the motion in the HDTVs of the previous line.

The remote is quite well-designed with hot keys for VIERA Link and VIERA Tools. The buttons are different in shape, size and color to draw attention to its various functions. The keys are however not illuminated and difficult to see in the dark.

Panasonic TC-P65S1 Features and Specifications Review:

• 65” 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 picture adjustments are very less. There is one main adjustment in the Contrast icon called Picture. Four main picture modes are there including “Standard” which is all adjustable. There are also a “Custom” mode and a “Game” mode. There are also three color temperature presets. The picture can be adjusted according to the ambiance of the room. There are settings to lessen video noise and set the black level.

There are 5 aspect ratio options which include the Zoom mode and the Full mode. The Full mode can output images of 1080i and 1080p sources. This is the recommended mode to be used.

Burn-in, which is a common phenomenon in plasma TVs, has been taken care of in the Panasonic TC-P65S1. A pixel orbiter makes sure that burn-in is avoided or tends to correct the images in case this defect has occurred. Picture-in-picture feature is absent in this HDTV. Connectivity is the same as on other Panasonic models. There are 3 HDMI inputs and an SD card slot. In fact, all the basic features are there in the Panasonic TC-P65S1, making it a good choice for the basic consumer.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Panasonic TC-P65S1 8/10 stars!