Panasonic TC-P55GT30

Panasonic TC-P55GT30

Panasonic models have consistently been among our favorite televisions over the last few years, both at the high-end level and the lower--the latter due to historically excellent picture quality for the buck. The GT30 sits in the upper-middle end, a notch below the company's 2011 flagship in panel technology and, we assume, picture quality. It's not without its flaws, but it's still a superb TV overall that sets the bar high once again, and outperforms its step-down linemate, the ST30 series, with better black levels and color. The Panasonic TC-PGT30 series belongs on the short list for buyers who want the advantages of plasma but don't want to pay the premium for a flagship TV. We will be conducting long-term tests on the GT30 and other plasma TVs this year to monitor black-level performance and other picture quality factors. Until then we assume they will behave the same as their 2010 counterparts and show some black-level performance loss as they age (more info). We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50GT30, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series. All sizes have identical specs and according to the manufacturer should provide very similar picture quality.