The Neo PDP panel is one of Panasonic’s latest innovations, which cuts down energy consumption in half. increases brightness and helps to create eye-popping black levels. You can find it on high-end Viera models or more affordable ones like the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1, which has many other great things to offer.
Design
The design of the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 is fairly simple, but stylish enough. A large power button, an indicator light and the Panasonic and Viera logos blend in nicely into the glossy black bezel, which has
Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1
rounded corners and curves at the bottom just above a thin silver strip. The speakers are cleverly hidden while the matching stand, though still lacking in swivel capability, provides maximum support.
Unfortunately, the clicker that comes with it fails to impress. Although most of the buttons are easy to distinguish from each other because of their unique shapes, sizes and colors, none of them are backlit and you’ll have to look a bit harder to spot the tiny Menu button. The on-screen menu sports the same yellow-on-blue color scheme, but has more rounded edges and extra icons. Explanatory text, like those found on Samsung and Sony models, is still absent.
Screen/Picture Clarity
As mentioned previously, the TC-P65S1 creates not just outstanding black levels, but infinite blacks, which, combined with excellent shadow detail and rich colors overall, creates amazing images. Because of its wide viewing angle, these images remain equally superb no matter where you are seated in the room. It has a full 1080p resolution and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, as well.
As for video processing, the TC-P65S1 delivers line of 1080p and 1080i content, and though it falls short when processing film-based sources, the problems are hard to discern for ordinary viewers. Its 600Hz Sub-field Drive guarantees smooth frame transition and excellent motion resolution so images remain crisp even when the action picks up.
Features
Videophiles may find the picture controls of the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 lacking, although four adjustable picture modes, three color temperature presets and five aspect ratio options are provided. There are also built-in mechanisms to treat and prevent screen burn-in. Three HDMI inputs are provided, as well, along with two component-video inputs and an SD card slot on the side for easy photo sharing, although a PC input and a standard analog audio output are not.
Without interactive features and less than extensive connectivity, the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 may fall short of expectations. Still, these can be overlooked in favor of its breathtaking picture quality, especially for those who are only looking forward to spending countless hours watching their favorite shows and movies. And if you count the fact that the TC-P65S1 is one of Panasonic’s least expensive full 1080p HDTVs with a Neo PDP panel, you might just find yourself looking at a great bargain.
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