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We have collected 3 reviews of the Panasonic TC-P50ST50E. Experts rate Panasonic TC-P50ST50E 8.7/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Panasonic TC-P50ST50E and Panasonic Plasma TV.
The Panasonic ST50 forms part of the firm's trimmed-down 2012 plasma TV range, and is designed to replace last year's ST30. This new plasma boasts a 2,000 Hz Focused Field Drive mode to help keep fast-action scenes smooth, as well as active-shutter 3D and web-connected functions and services, including a web browser. The ST50 is available in four sizes: 42" (TX-P42ST50), 50" (TX-P50ST50), 55" (TX-P55ST50) and 65" (TX-P65ST50). This TV's casing has been redesigned for 2012. The screen bezel has been trimmed down to 2.5 cm, which isn't the slimmest bezel out there, but it's still pretty nice. However, Panasonic has added an extra transparent plastic frame around the inner bezel—a bit like in Samsung TVs—that we're not huge fans of. But while the ST50 may have gained a clear plastic frame, it has lost an HDMI port, as Panasonic's 2012 model has three rather than four HDMI connections. We would have preferred it the other way round, to be honest. Apart from the vanishing HDMI port, the connections haven't changed, and still include two USB ports, an Ethernet port, built-in Wi-Fi, an optical audio out, and component and composite video connections.
Panasonic plasma HDTVs have a well-deserved reputation for producing very dark black levels, and the TC-P55ST50 continues that trend. The 55-inch plasma panel not only delivers inky blacks, it's out of the box color accuracy is outstanding too. At $1,699.99 (list) it's not exactly a steal, but it's not quite as expensive as our reigning Editors' Choice plasma, last year's Samsung PN51D8000 ($2,299.99, 4 stars). The TC-P55ST50 is 3D ready, but it doesn't include glasses, which means you'll have to shell out upwards of $300 for active shutter 3D glasses for a family of four. You'll also pay more to run this set, since like many plasmas, it's not particularly energy efficient. Editors' Note: This review is based on tests performed on the Panasonic TC-P55ST50, the 55-inch model in the same series. Besides the screen size difference, the $1,399.99 50-inch TC-P50ST50 is identical in features, and while we didn't perform lab tests on this specific model, we expect similar performance. Design and FeaturesWith the TC-P55ST50 Panasonic moves away from the glossy black bezel design used on earlier models, including the Panasonic P50GT30 ($1,199.99, 3.5 stars) we reviewed last year. This time around the panel is framed by dark gray bezels with a slice of clear trim around the outer edge.
Last year after reviewing numerous TVs, my holiday recommendation for bang-for-the-buck was the Panasonic ST30 series. This year I won't be surprised if -- after reviewing however many other 2012 TVs come down the pike -- that recommendation will go to the ST50. Yes, you can get a cheaper TV, but the ST50 is pretty affordable even now, and worth the money for any buyer serious about picture quality who can't wait for holiday price drops. The ST50 handily outperforms its predecessor, with deeper blacks, more accurate color, and an improved bright-room image. The picture is so good, in fact, that it scored the same as the flagship VT30 I lauded last year, and in person it's tough to tell the two apart. If anything, the ST50 looks better. It sets a lofty standard for HDTV picture quality this year, and one I feel confident only a few TVs will approach. I doubt any of them will do it for less money. The CNET Editors' rating above factors in a new Value score that joins Design, Features, and Performance in our ratings calculations for TVs. In the case of the Panasonic TC-PST50 series, the Value score is 9. I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 55-inch Panasonic TC-P55ST50, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series.
| Retailer | Information | Prices | |
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Panasonic Viera TC-P50ST50 50 3D 1080p Plasma TV - 16:9 - HDTV 1080p | $980.29 | See it |
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TC P50ST50 - 50 Class ( 49.9 viewable ) plasma TV | $1139.99 | See it |
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TC P50ST50 - 50 Class ( 49.9 viewable ) plasma TV | $1309.99 | See it |
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Panasonic Viera TC-P50ST50 50 3D Plasma HDTV 1080p 600Hz | $1503.06 | See it |