Geared towards budget-conscious customers, the Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25 combines good performance with 3D capability to provide a nice option for people who are reluctant to splurge on expensive 3D HDTVs. The 3D-compatible TC-P50GT25 may not match the cutting-edge features and outstanding performance of Panasonic flagship models, but it sure gives enough bang for the buck.
Design
Sleek design and awesome frills are not Panasonic’s strongest points, and the Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25 expectedly shows it. The plain-looking all-black body that is a tad thicker than competing
Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25
brands is barely accented: a copper-coloured band at the bottom frame, a silver line that defines the base of the swivel stand, and barely noticeable decals, sensors and power indicator mar the TV front.
The clicker that comes with the TC-P50GT25 is a nice surprise with its backlit and well-laid out keys but unfortunately, the remote cannot control other devices directly via infrared. Setup and operation is straightforward with the revamped blue and yellow menu system showing icons on the left and options as well as onscreen explanations on the right column. However, one must purchase the optional 3D BD player and 3D glasses to truly enjoy 3D viewing.
Screen/Picture Clarity
Unlike other Panasonic models, the Viera TC-P50GT25 offers 3D conversion from standard 2D sources, including those streamed from the Internet. While not a real deal-breaker, this feature does allow people to get the feel and benefits of passable 3D without breaking the bank.
On the downside is the absence of the 96Hz refresh rate available on higher-end models – this makes handling of 1080p/24 sources problematic and causes image to stutter and flicker on the default 60Hz mode. This HDTV also handles standard-def sources poorly, failing to resolve all the details of DVD scenes and often leaving artifacts on screen.
THX mode out of the box offers excellent images that need only some tweaks for better performance. Like other Panasonic plasmas, the Viera TC-P50GT25 delivers deep blacks and realistic images with excellent colour accuracy. Picture quality may not be as impressive as the flagship releases in side-by-side comparisons, but definitely at par or better than most LEDs and LCDs in the market. Black-level fluctuation that has been observed in earlier plasmas is less noticeable in this model, while shadow detail is above-average, particularly in THX mode.
Features
Being at the lower end of the price spectrum, the Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25 is understandably less blessed with features and options. It has three HDMI ports (when four is now standard), a SD card slot that allows playing MP3 and JPEG files, VGA input, composite, component and RF inputs, digital audio output and two USB ports.
One can use Ethernet or the optional WiFi dongle to access the proprietary Viera Cast system that includes Netflix and an array of content providers. The TC-P50GT25 also offers Skype calling provided speakerphone and camera are installed, while browsing is made easier with the customizable Viera Cast homepage and ability to use a standard USB keyboard for navigation and typing.
While affordable 3D experience is the main selling point for the Panasonic Viera TC-P50GT25, it has enough features and gives a solid performance that is sure to satisfy even reluctant HDTV buyers. The plasma’s reliable brand name is just icing on the cake.
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