July 2007
Panasonic TH-50PZ700U: First Look
We preview a reasonably priced 50-inch 1080p plasma HDTV
Plasma has been playing catch-up with LCD in the 1080p HDTV game, with only a few very high-priced models available until
recently. Panasonic’s new 50-inch TH-50PZ700U is among the first reasonably priced 1080p plasma TVs. At $3,500 it’s hardly
inexpensive, but it’s in the ballpark with 50-inch 1080p sets using LCD technology.
Panasonic 720p plasma sets in general have performed very well in our tests and have been popular choices for consumers. Based on our preliminary reviews, this 1080p model--the first such plasma set we’ve reviewed--is no exception. In fact, it could turn out to be among the finest plasma TVs we’ve ever tested. The company also makes a 42-inch model, the TH-42PZ700U, $2,500, but the larger screen size of the TH-50PZ700U makes the finer picture detail more evident, making it easier to justify the cost. There’s also a larger version, the TH-58PZ700U, which sells for about $4,800.
For more large-screen HDTV options, read our recent report, New big-screen choices which highlights some of the newer LCD and plasma sets that are appearing at retailers now.
For more free shopping advice on HDTVs, see our online TV Decision Guide, watch our online video How to buy an HDTV (Macromedia Flash software required), and check our Plasma TV Ratings
And for the latest HDTV developments, check out our Electronics blog.
Here are our initial impressions of the Panasonic TH-50PZ700U plasma HDTV set:
HIGHS
Outstanding HD picture quality. Top-notch high-definition picture quality, with razor-sharp picture detail, great black levels, and accurate colors. The set’s overall HD picture performance rivals that of the best 1080p LCD and rear-projection sets we’ve tested.
Very good performance with interlaced content. The set has very good deinterlacing--converting interlaced 1080i and 480i programs, such as broadcast TV or DVD movies, to progressive-scan 1080p and 480p. (For more information, see our Deciphering 1080p & other HD formats report and our TV FAQs.)
Ample connections. The set has two HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component-video inputs, all on the rear of the TV, giving you plenty of HD-capable connections (although some sets now have three HDMI inputs, which is even better). It also has composite-video and S-video inputs in front for easy access, a VGA PC input, and an SD card slot for viewing photo slide shows.
Remote can control other Panasonic components. The company’s EZ Sync HDMI-based control system allows the TV’s remote to control other Panasonic components, such as a DVD player or receiver, when they are connected to the HDMI inputs.
LOWS
Reflective screen. Like most plasma TVs, this set has a glass screen that’s quite reflective, despite an anti-glare coating. It can be distracting when you’re watching TV in a brightly lighted room.
Limited adjustability. It’s tricky to optimize the black level to produce deep black in both dark and bright scenes. We found that optimum picture quality could be achieved only when the brightness and contrast settings were at their maximum limit, leaving no room for further adjustments that might be desirable, say, in a bright room.
No screensaver, picture-in-picture, or CableCard. We were surprised to find that this set has no screensaver feature to prevent burn-in, a feature that’s become increasingly common on plasma sets. Less significant but worth noting: the omission of PIP (the ability to show a second picture inset into the primary program) and a CableCard slot.
BOTTOM LINE
With fine HD picture detail, deep blacks, and rich colors, the 1080p Panasonic TH-50PZ700U is likely to be among the top performers when we complete our full tests. Though it costs about $1,200 more than a comparable 720p 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.
Panasonic 720p plasma sets in general have performed very well in our tests and have been popular choices for consumers. Based on our preliminary reviews, this 1080p model--the first such plasma set we’ve reviewed--is no exception. In fact, it could turn out to be among the finest plasma TVs we’ve ever tested. The company also makes a 42-inch model, the TH-42PZ700U, $2,500, but the larger screen size of the TH-50PZ700U makes the finer picture detail more evident, making it easier to justify the cost. There’s also a larger version, the TH-58PZ700U, which sells for about $4,800.
For more large-screen HDTV options, read our recent report, New big-screen choices which highlights some of the newer LCD and plasma sets that are appearing at retailers now.
For more free shopping advice on HDTVs, see our online TV Decision Guide, watch our online video How to buy an HDTV (Macromedia Flash software required), and check our Plasma TV Ratings
(available to subscribers)
.And for the latest HDTV developments, check out our Electronics blog.
Here are our initial impressions of the Panasonic TH-50PZ700U plasma HDTV set:
HIGHS
Outstanding HD picture quality. Top-notch high-definition picture quality, with razor-sharp picture detail, great black levels, and accurate colors. The set’s overall HD picture performance rivals that of the best 1080p LCD and rear-projection sets we’ve tested.
Very good performance with interlaced content. The set has very good deinterlacing--converting interlaced 1080i and 480i programs, such as broadcast TV or DVD movies, to progressive-scan 1080p and 480p. (For more information, see our Deciphering 1080p & other HD formats report and our TV FAQs.)
Ample connections. The set has two HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component-video inputs, all on the rear of the TV, giving you plenty of HD-capable connections (although some sets now have three HDMI inputs, which is even better). It also has composite-video and S-video inputs in front for easy access, a VGA PC input, and an SD card slot for viewing photo slide shows.
Remote can control other Panasonic components. The company’s EZ Sync HDMI-based control system allows the TV’s remote to control other Panasonic components, such as a DVD player or receiver, when they are connected to the HDMI inputs.
LOWS
Reflective screen. Like most plasma TVs, this set has a glass screen that’s quite reflective, despite an anti-glare coating. It can be distracting when you’re watching TV in a brightly lighted room.
Limited adjustability. It’s tricky to optimize the black level to produce deep black in both dark and bright scenes. We found that optimum picture quality could be achieved only when the brightness and contrast settings were at their maximum limit, leaving no room for further adjustments that might be desirable, say, in a bright room.
No screensaver, picture-in-picture, or CableCard. We were surprised to find that this set has no screensaver feature to prevent burn-in, a feature that’s become increasingly common on plasma sets. Less significant but worth noting: the omission of PIP (the ability to show a second picture inset into the primary program) and a CableCard slot.
BOTTOM LINE
With fine HD picture detail, deep blacks, and rich colors, the 1080p Panasonic TH-50PZ700U is likely to be among the top performers when we complete our full tests. Though it costs about $1,200 more than a comparable 720p 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.
