Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT30 3D Network Plasma TV - Review

Introduction

The Panasonic TC-P50GT30 is a 50-inch Plasma TV that incorporates 3D display capability from 3D Blu-ray, TV broadcast, cable, or satellite TV source, along with network media player capabilities, which allows direct access to both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls. The TC-P50GT30 also utilizes an attractive, thin profile, design.

In addition, the 50-inch TC-P50GT30 also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 600Hz Sub Field Drive, 4 HDMI inputs, and a two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. The Panasonic TC-P50GT30 is definitely a feature-packed TV, but is it the right TV for you? To find out read the rest of this review. Afterwards, also check out a Photo Profile and a sampling of Video Performance Tests.

Features of the Panasonic TC-P50GT30 include:

1. 50-Inch, THX Certified, 16x9, 3D capable (including 2D to 3D conversion), Plasma Television with 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, and 600Hz sub-field drive

2. 1080p video upscaling/processing for all non-1080p input sources as well as native 1080p input capability.

3. High Definition Compatible Inputs: Four HDMI, One Component (via supplied adapter cable), One VGA PC Monitor input (via supplied adapter cable).

4. Standard Definition-Only Inputs: One Composite video input (via supplied adapter cable).

5. Analog stereo inputs (supplied adapter cable).

6. 10 watts x 2 sound system. One Digital Optical output for connection to external home theater receiver, stereo receiver, or amplifier.

7. 3 USB ports for access to audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. DLNA certification allows access to audio, video, and still image content stored on network connected devices, such as PC or media server.

8. One RF coaxial cable input connection.

9. SD Card slot for access to JPEG still images stored on SD Cards.

10. On-board Ethernet port for wired internet/home network connection. WiFi connection option via supplied USB Wi-Fi Adapter.

11. VieraCast: Internet apps for access to online content from a variety of sources including Pandora, YouTube, Netflix, Blockbuster, Flickr, Picassa, Facebook, Twitter, and more...

12. Skype-enabled (optional panasonic-compatible webcam required).

13. ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners for reception of over-the-air high definition and unscramb high definition/standard definition digital cable signals.

14. Pixel Orbiting function for prevention of image retention. Image retention repair function also included.

15. Link for remote control via HDMI of multiple HDMI-CEC compatible devices.

16. Wireless Infrared Remote Control included.

For a closer look at the features and functions of the Panasonic TC-P50GT30, check out my supplementary Photo Profile

Plasma TV Basics

Plasma TV employs technology similar to that used in a fluorescent light bulb. The display itself consists of cells. Within each cell two glass panels are separated by a narrow gap in which neon-xenon gas is injected and sealed in plasma form during the manufacturing process. The gas is electrically charged at specific intervals when the Plasma set is in use. The charged gas then strikes red, green, and blue phosphors, thus creating a television image. Each group of red, green, and blue phosphors is called a pixel (picture element). For more details on Plasma TVs and Plasma TV technology, refer to my Guide To Plasma TVs

3D

A 3D-enabled TV will work with 3D-enabled source devices that comply with the industry standards for 3D. 3D-enabled TVs are required to be able to receive video signals encoded in one of several 3D signal formats (Side-by-Side, Top-and-Bottom, Frame Packing). 3D source signals can be provided by 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players, cable/satellite boxes, or game consoles. A 3D-TV converts all incoming 3D signal standards to a frame sequential format for 3D viewing.

In addition, the Panasonic TC-P50GT30 also features real time 2D-to-3D conversion. This is not as good a viewing experience as watching originally produced or transmitted 3D content, but it can add a sense of depth and perspective if used appropriately and sparingly, such as when viewing live sporting events. On the other hand, since this feature cannot calculate all the necessary depth-cues in a 2D image correctly, sometimes the depth is not quite right, and some rippling effects can make some background objects look too close and some foreground objects may not stand out properly.

For viewing either native 3D or 2D/3D conversion on the TC-P50GT30, compatible active shutter 3D glasses are required, such as the TY-EW3D2MU provided by Panasonic for this review or compatible universal active shutter 3D glasses, such as the XpanD X103 which I also used for this review.

Network Features

In addition to its 3D and HDTV capabilities, the TC-P50GT30 also incorporates networking and Internet capabilities, which Panasonic labels as VieraConnect and VieraCast.

The main selections on the TC-P50GT30 are Facebook, YouTube, and AccuWeather, Skype (requires compatible webcam for video calls), Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and FOX Sports.

Additional selections on successive pages of the menu include: CinemaNow, Pandora, NBA Game Time Lite, MLB TV, USTREAM, and Picasa.

Also included is access to a VieraConnect Market, that has listing of many more audio/video internet streaming services can be added to your selection for free, or for a small fee.

The TC-P50GT30 is also DLNA certified, which means that it can be integrated into a home network, with the ability to access digital media files from other DLNA network connected devices, such as PCs and media servers.

Home Theater Receiver: Onkyo HT-RC360 (on review loan)

Blu-ray Disc Players (Both 2D and 3D compatible): OPPO BDP-93 and Panasonic DMP-BDT110 (on review loan).

DVD Player: OPPO DV-980H.

Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 1 (7.1 channels): 2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s, Klipsch Synergy Sub10.

Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 2 (5.1 channels): EMP Tek E5Ci center channel speaker, four E5Bi compact bookshelf speakers for left and right main and surrounds, and an ES10i 100 watt powered subwoofer.

DVDO EDGE Video Scaler used for baseline video upscaling comparisons.

Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used. High Speed HDMI Cables provided by Atlona for this review.

3D Glasses: Panasonic TY-EW3D2MU 3D Glasses and XpanD X103 Universal 3D Glasses.

Wed Cam: Logitech TV Cam For Skype (on review loan)

Software Used

3D Blu-ray Discs: Avatar, Despicable Me, Drive Angry 3D, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Tangled, Tron: Legacy, Under The Sea and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Space Station, and The Green Hornet.

2D Blu-ray Discs: Across The Universe, Hairspray, Inception, Iron Man 1&2, Kick Ass, Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Shakira - Oral Fixation Tour, Sherlock Holmes, The Expendables, The Dark Knight, The Incredibles and Transporter 3

Standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: The Cave, House of the Flying Daggers, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut), Lord of Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander, Outlander, U571, and V For Vendetta.

Proceed to Page 2: 2D and 3D Video Performance, Further Evaluation, and Final Take