Panasonic plasma gives great blacks for less

Although it requires more than a few picture quality tradeoffs, the Panasonic TC-P50X1 delivers the best black-levels-to-dollars ratio of any HDTV we've tested.

(Credit: Sarah Tew)

The capability of a TV to reproduce a dark shade of black is the number-one criteria for awarding a good picture quality score here at CNET. 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 onscreen lines that may be a deal-breaker to sharp-eyed viewers. Nonetheless, the Panasonic TC-P50X1's otherwise commendable picture will appeal to numerous HDTV shoppers.

Read the full review of the Panasonic TC-P50X1

Panasonic TC-P50X1 photos

[steve2150]

David, I have the tcp50x1 and i see those faint grey lines. I thought it was SDE, until you brought it up. When you get the explanation from Panasonic, will you post it here or on the review page? Thanks.

[katzmaier]

Yeah, I'll definitely update the review when I hear back from Panasonic--I'm really curious what they'll say. Definitely not standard screen door effect, since previous 1366x768 50-inch Panasonic plasmas I've seen don't have the lines.

[steve2150]

Great. Thanks

[katzmaier]

So Panasonic got back to me yesterday, and here's the official response:

"[Panasonic is] aware of the issue, but currently there is nothing that can be done to alleviate the lines. It is thought to be interference between the panel and front glass. At this time, a fix or software update to correct the phenomenon of the diagonal lines is not available. Engineers in Japan are continuing to study the phenomenon and investigate possible solutions and/or countermeasures. I will keep you informed of any future updates."

Review will be updated with this info too.

David

[steve2150]

Thank you David for your responce. Hopefully they will be able to resolve this issue. Thanks again.

[steve2150]

I meant response.