Panasonic TC-P50S30 50 inches HDTV may lack all the bells and capabilities that come with the more advanced models, but it does deliver an outstanding picture at a very affordable price and for some people this seems to be enough.
With the Panasonic Viera S30 series all the previous known issues regarding plasma tvs have been fixed. Power consumption is significantly lower, heat output is virtually zero, – with appropriate precautions – burn-in is something of the past, and the new screens have a matte finish similar to LCD models. What remains is a truly awesome picture, with deep, rich colors and wonderful contrast.
Panasonic TC-P50S30′s setup is not difficult and quick. There are 3 HDMI ports, 1 S/PDIF out, 1 Coaxial In, Composite In, Component In, Ethernet, USB, and SD card port. It does not have wireless internet capabilities, needs a wired connection or a Wi-fi adaptor which must be bought separately. This doesn’t have Picture In Picture or a Hulu app in the Viera tools. The provided apps are Netflix, Pandora, Cinema Now, Amazon Instant Video, and DLNA. It also has a SD card slot that will play pictures, mp3s, and videos.
The picture of Panasonic TC-P50S30 is extremely sharp, the colors are genuine, black levels are superb and, due to the 600hz. refresh rate, video games and fast moving sports look great with no visible artifacts. The screen is not as glossy as the majority of other plasma models, so reflections are subdued. Off-angle viewing does not suffer like it happends with LED LCD tvs.
To prevent image retention/burn in and improve the lifetime of the tv and overall the picture quality, it is advisable not to run static images for approximately 100 hours and the contrast and brightness must be turned down. As soon as your plasma television is set up, the very first 100 hours of use is referred to as the “break-in period”. During this period, to reduce any potential for image retention, you should stick to the next steps:
- Ensure the plasma TV is in a viewing mode (aspect ratio) that completely fills the screen. The panel is shipped in this condition, in what is called the “Just” mode.
- Change the Picture Mode from Vivid to Standard or Cinema. Cinema would be best.
- Briefly engage the 4:3 aspect and confirm the side bars are set to “Mid”, or “Bright”. This can be adjusted in the Set Up menu.
- Always return the display mode that fills the screen (such as Just, Zoom, Full, or H-FILL).
- Try not to view channels with stationary backgrounds or logos for extended periods of time.
- Avoid extended display of static images (video games, computer images, DVD title screens, etc.). No fixed image should appear on the TV for more than 15% of the viewing week.
Also, to prevent or fix burn in, Panasonic TC-P50S30 provides you with the opportunity to turn on your screen and that the screen will slowly move around and position itself so standing pixels will at least move. Moreover, there is also a 15 minutes moving white bar pattern that is designed to help eliminate burn in.
Because the speakers are small, the sound is decent, but not wonderful. The optimal viewing for any HDTV is through a sound system, therefore you’ll probably want a surround sound system at some point.
Cons:
- Sound isn’t very impressive
- No 3D – for those who want this feature
- Glare – the matte finish helps, but it’s not perfect
- Menu options very basic by 2011 standards (for those interested in this aspect)
Pros:
- Incredible picture quality including excellent black levels and color depth
- Enough connections
- No 3D – for those who are not interested to pay more for having this feature
- Minimal web widgets which keeps the cost down. Many people still prefer using a PC to surf the net and not their TVs
- Attractive looking even when off
- Matte finish screen to cut down on glare
- Price
- 50 inches size
- 600 hertz refresh rate
- Energy star rated – it may be plasma, but it doesn’t get hot
- Internet connectivity
As soon as the quite simple settings are performed correctly, you’ll be absolutely mesmerised by HD programs. If picture quality is at the top of your list, you won’t be dissatisfied. Run your sound via a quality audio system, relax and be fascinated. Panasonic TC-P50S30 is recommended to people considering an alternative to pricier LCD TVs of comparable size and who aren’t preoccupied about 3D yet.
