HDTV-Reviews.co.uk

Tuesday, 10 July, 2007

High marks for Panasonic 1080p 50-inch plasma

Many new Plasma 1080p High-Definition TVs cost nearly twice the amount of a comparably-sized 720p set.

However, Consumer Reports says the new Panasonic 50-inch Plasma set (model: TH-50PZ700U) is “among the first reasonably priced 1080p plasma TVs.”

Additionally, the publication says the set, which retails for $3,500 (cheaper online), could “among the finest Plasma TVs we’ve ever tested.”

Panasonic also makes a 42-inch 1080p Plasma set, but Consumer Reports says the 50-inch model “makes the finer picture detail more evident, making it easier to justify the cost.”

The magazine says the set delivers outstanding HD picture quality “with razor-sharp picture detail, great black levels and accurate colors.”

The set also comes with two HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component video inputs.

On the down side, Consumer Reports says the set’s glass screen is “quite reflective, despite an anti-glare coating. It can be distracting when you’re watching TV in a brightly lighted room.”

CR also said the Panasonic 50-inch set delivers “optimum picture quality” only when the brightness and contrast settings are set to their maximum limit.

But the publication says that although it costs roughly $1,200 more than a 720p 50-inch Plasma from Panasonic, “it should be on your short list if you’re looking for a top-notch set and are willing to pay for performance.”