Until very recently we resolutely believed that liquid crystal had won the LCD versus plasma war, but we were very pleasantly proved wrong with the release of two TVs: the Samsung PS-50Q91HD and this, the Panasonic TH-50PX70A. Both are based on the latest generation of plasma design -- number nine for those counting -- and feature HD resolutions and some of the latest HDMI features. But which is better?
Design
As far as good looking plasmas go, the shortlist is quite short -- after all, it's what's onscreen that matters most -- but the TH-50PX70A is certainly up there. It's not as boxy as some, and the scalloped bottom bezel is quite attractive.
The only minus to the Panasonic's design is the boomerang-tastic stand -- it's not as stable as some, and if we had the choice, we'd wall-mount this TV.
The bundled remote control may not be the most comfortable to hold -- with its strange central column -- but it's certainly big and friendly. We would have liked to have seen the menu controls and channel buttons closer together, instead of at opposite ends of the remote. The remote will also control a Panasonic DVD or VCR.
Features
Some TVs can't handle 1080p sources -- they end up displaying a bunch of zigzagging lines shooting across the screen. The Panasonic TH-50PX70A features a 1080p processor, and though it can't produce a true HD image, it will downscale a 1080p signal so you can watch it on your TV.
Unlike the Samsung PS-50Q91HD -- which claims a bombastic 15,000:1 contrast ratio -- the Panasonic boasts a more sensible, though still "peak", rating of 10,000:1. This still ensures black levels are high -- and light years ahead of what LCD can produce.
The Panasonic comes with two HDMI inputs, and should be more than enough for most users at present. However, its rival comes with an extra, side-mounted port, which enhances its user-friendliness and future-proof-ability.
As we've seen with most TVs released in the past year the Panasonic also comes with a PC, or VGA, input. Not only will this let you connect your laptop to your TV for big-screen surfing, but also VGA-equipped DVD players such as the NAD T585.
Like many other TVs just hitting the market, the Panasonic uses the bi-directional capabilities of HDMI to control all your components with the touch of a single button -- in this case its called Viera link.
If you're a tweaker, you may be disappointed at the limited number of picture options. There are three main modes: the ultra-vivid Dynamic, which is also known as "shop floor" mode because it makes it more impressive in the shop; Cinema, which is a de-saturated and low contrast mode; and Normal, which is the setting we'd opt for.
This "simple" approach extends to the menu -- it's easy to use, but it also doesn't reward tinkering. If you want more control over your picture beyond Colour and Contrast, this may not be the TV for you.
Unlike its main rival, there is no Game or PC mode -- but the MPEG noise reduction can be quite effective at removing blockiness from broadcasts or DVDs.
Performance
Say what you will about the lead actor, but the stylised visuals of Mission Impossible III on Blu-ray make for a good tester. The Panasonic managed to capture both the frenzied movement and the moody, pensive moments of this movie with skill.
In Cinema mode, however, the images can become a little too ... er ... emo, but switching to Normal mode digs out more detail and saturation. Black levels were fine -- though the Samsung was marginally better there, and was better at extracting detail too.
It may not be as impressive as the Samsung in HD -- but pictures still look very good, with a decent smattering of detail. Only on HD games, such as the PS3 MotorStorm, was there a little smearing on movement.
But this was the only time we saw the picture show signs of strain. Even when viewing King Kong on DVD, the picture was relatively free of grain, and movement was very well handled. The picture was also fairly natural during the Brontosaurus Stampede sequence, though bested by its rival.
Switch to the onboard tuner and high definition pictures show plenty of detail -- even the notoriously "low-def" images of Channel 7's HD loop are free of blocking and artefacts. The analog tuner is also fairly good.
When it comes to audio, many people who buy a AU$4000 TV will most likely already have a sound system. The onboard sound in this Viera is fine for a TV, however, and while missing in treble response, it certainly makes dialogue intelligible enough.
In the end, it's a close call between this and the Samsung, but the truth is, if you choose either of these TVs, you will be more than happy. If you want features and outright performance then choose the Samsung, but if you want a TV that just "works" then the Panasonic is the answer.
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john
16/04/2008, 10:09 AM
rating
9/10
Had this set for a couple of months now..very impressed - mainly because you get such a good picture for the price.
Pros: When watching 720p content sourced from something better than the free-to-air HD stuff it looks ABSOLUTELY stunning! Plenty of inputs round the back and 1080p/i downscaling.
Cons: Like everyone else says, the sound isn't great, but so what, use an amp and speakers!
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robbo
15/04/2008, 02:53 PM
rating
9/10
May not have all the on paper whiz bang specs but in the real world for most people this is a great set. Excellent picture and everyone who has seen mine has assumed it was full 1080 as the image is that good. Sound very ordinary but you have a system with a 50" don't you?
Pros: simple easy set up and quality picture
Cons: not as tune-able as some?
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philo
07/04/2008, 05:02 PM
rating
9/10
Picked one up for $1800. Compared it directly with the 1080p model. Couldn't see $1500 of difference. In fact the blacks and colour seemed better on this baby. Specifications aren't everything
Pros: Great picture. Easy to setup.
Cons: none yet
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Darren
18/03/2008, 07:04 PM
rating
9/10
Fantastic large plasma for under $2000, and one of the most reliable brands. The high definition TV picture is just remarkable. On a 50 inch TV, you must use component cables and a progressive scan DVD player to get a good DVD picture. This TV makes watching TV an absolute joy.
Pros: Great looks, great price, great size, great picture.
Cons: None to mention.
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sunzup
06/03/2008, 11:52 AM
rating
9/10
Bargin HD Plasma
Pros: Great all round performer for the money, you can pick this one up for under $2000 for cash at most retailers now. Works great with a Blueray and is the best HD TV I've seen to handle the dreadful Foxtel/Austar satellite transmissions. Oh and by the way I DO sell for a major retailer, and have my pick of any telly – this is the one I took. It may not have the bling of some or the performance of a Pioneer – but for the money – it’s reliable and has the goods to do all jobs well. Full HD this may not be - but side by side in the store - the difference on everyday viewing is not worth another 1000 plus $ for the extra resolution, and certainly not worth thousands more for a Pioneer. And in the days of TV's changing specs every 6 months - you'd think seriously about paying more than a couple of grand for any telly. Panasonic stuff is at the top for reliability for a middle of the road brand, but as with all brands - there are lemons, so far none of these 50inches have come back and they’ve been out for a while. They certainly don't have the trouble that other big name brands do. There is a lot of interesting TV formats on the drawing board – but the plasma and LCD’s are here to stay for quiet some time yet and now that the technology has been paid for – the prices are right. You won’t be disappointed.
Cons: The sound is thin - but who buys a 50 inch plasma without having some sorta 5.1 system these days.
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nerve
03/03/2008, 10:17 PM
rating
10/10
Just got this for $1750... and lovin it!
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nil as of yet
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Gaurav
02/03/2008, 09:39 AM
rating
10/10
I just purchased the set a day ago and not surprisingly it is much better in Display as compared to SAMSUNG or LG.Well LG dosent even come closer.Its an excellent buy for AU$1999 from Harvey Norman.
Pros: Every thing about this TV is great ,you might be a bit disappointed with the sound but I am sure if you are wanting to see a great image you would be smart enough to attach it to a home theater or a descent sound receiver.
Cons: As i said sound only is a drew back,but y would on this earth would you want to have sound from a HD plasma tv,when you can do much better than that,
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Dude
23/02/2008, 12:51 PM
rating
5/10
you say the samsung has better blacks, detail and HD image yet you rate this slightly higher, does this site know what they are doing.
although i do agree the sansung is better, so mark it accordingly.
Pros: SD detail is not bad
Cons: poor audio, average blacks (ive seen better on the sony LCD) detail is average.
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amoc1001
11/02/2008, 02:42 PM
rating
9/10
Just picked up this television. Picture quality is excellent and for the price it is a very good set.
Pros: Excellent picture.
Good price.
Cons: Sound quality of speakers is poor.
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artdude
18/01/2008, 11:30 AM
rating
9/10
What can I say! This HD TV is so awsome and for the price (I paid AUD$ 2400) it's a serious consideration if ur in the market for a HD TV. I got this for the xbox 360 and man is it sweet! The guy who sold me this said out of all the TV's he has sold this one never comes back, Jappanese technology roolz.
Pros: - Xbox 360 looks so awesome in 1080i
- HD tuner is da bomb
- Looks freakin massive!
- Jappanese technology as apposed to Korean which is a rip off.
Cons: - Wii looks sh1te but thats to be expected due to it's 480p source.
- Yeah tweaking sux cause there is nothing to tweak really.
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