CNET Tries out the Panasonic TC-P50X1

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50x1/4505-6482_7-33490593.html?subj=fdba&part=rss&tag=MR_Search+Results' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-..._Search+Results</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Often better blacks dictate higher prices, but in the case of Panasonic's newest line of entry-level plasmas, which includes the TC-P50X1, that's not the case. This HDTV reproduces superb blacks and excellent shadow detail, while costing a relative pittance for a big-screen HDTV. Unfortunately, two major problems prevent it from earning higher praise, namely that it suffers from less-than-accurate color and the presence of faint on-screen lines that may be a deal-breaker to sharp-eyed viewers."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//dht/auto/1240852901.usr20447.gif" style="border: 0px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>The survival of Plasma TVs may be in question, but that is not stopping Panasonic from coming out with more models for our home theater dollars.&nbsp; CNET breaks down the TC-P50X1 pretty thoroughly from the finish and design to the remote control to colour reproduction.&nbsp; One thing I found surprising with the TV was that it only went to 1366x768 resolution, which I find unusual for 50 inch TVs, however, the rationale behind it makes sense.&nbsp; Supposedly, most people cannot really see the difference between 720p and 1080p for a 50" screen unless you are sitting closer than six and a half feet.&nbsp; I'm not wholly convinced, but I hope the compromise helped shave a few dollars off the TV.&nbsp; CNET's greatest complaint, the colour accuracy would have me second guessing purchasing this TV though, as if I'm going for Plasma, I want a really good experience and not be niggled with colours not looking right.</p>

[ptyork]

I think the other deal with Plasma's is that their power usage is proportionate to the number of pixels. Thus, if there is no perceptible difference between 1080 and 720, why bump it up?

I think it was this model that NewEgg had a $799 deal on for a few hours last week. I almost pulled the trigger, but the deal disappeared before I could check out. Regardless, though, that's a lot of TV for the money. Slightly inaccurate colors, yes, but no motion blur and black levels to die for.

Incidentally, they also have the S1 series, which does have 1080p and supposedly is about the same in terms of efficiency (thus better since you have the higher pixel count). However, CNet's review is essentially the same with regard to color accuracy.