Showing posts with label viera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label viera. Show all posts

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock Review

Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought three new 32-inch LCD TVs in one week, and returned the first two because of faulty video inputs. The third TV I bought is this high-quality, Panasonic TC-L32X2 TV, which was just released in February 2010. My experience enabled me to compare three similar TVs, giving me good insight to write this review.
I initially bought two other 32-inch LCD TVs; a Vizio VO320E and a Sony BRAVIA BX 300 Series (model KDL-32BX300). I returned both of them because of identical video input problems. I connected two different brands of DVD players to each TV, and when I played DVDs, there were alternating horizontal stripes of discoloration on the screen, indicating a problem with the video inputs on the TVs. I returned both TVs to the retailer because both of these DVD players worked perfectly on two other TVs in my house, including a one-year-old Panasonic plasma.
Then I bought the Panasonic TC-L32X2 TV listed here. After the initial setup, the first thing I tested was the video output from a DVD player, and was relieved to find that the video was crisp and clear, with no stripes of discoloration like on the other two TVs. Then I flipped through the channels from a direct cable TV input (no cable box), and the TV output was excellent as well, and definitely better than the other two TVs that I had to return. Also, the build of the TV was noticeably of higher quality than the other two TVs. The remote has plenty of features, and is not cheap (like the ones that came with other two TVs).
This Panasonic TC-L32X2 TV comes with one cable TV input, one set of component video inputs (red/blue/green video and red/white audio), two sets of composite video inputs (red/white/yellow), three HDMI inputs, a PC input, an iPod dock with connector cable and rear input, an SD camera card input, and a Dolby digital audio output.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

Offering excellent picture performance, Panasonic's 32-inch VIERA TC-L32X2 LCD HDTV provides 720p high-definition imagery and includes a Universal Dock for Apple iPod, which enables you to control and play music and video directly from your iPod or iPhone through your VIERA HDTV. This X2 series model also features 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Game Mode for faster image response while playing immersive 3D games, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, and an improved panel with In Plane Switching (IPS) for an ultra-wide viewing angle and higher moving picture resolution that results in clear, bright images.
This and other models in the X2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements.

Key Features Panasonic's VIERA X2 series LCD HDTV.
iPod Entertainment Kit: With the included Universal Dock for iPod, you can control playback of the music and video stored on your Apple iPod or iPhone directly through your VIERA HDTV via the remote control and intuitive onscreen menu system (see more about iPod/iPhone compatibility).

VIERA Image Viewer: View full-HD images with the integrated SD card slot, enabling you to view JPEG photos captured from your digital camera or camcorder on the big screen. Navigate your images via an easy-to-use thumbnail display.


Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic X2 series LCD HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are like me, you put a lot of research into a expensive purchase like a flat screen television, especially since it is something you plan to use for several years. I chose the Panasonic G25 after months of research trying to determine which was "better", LCD or Plasma, while also investigating which brands and models were the best performers.
What's in the box?
*The 50" TV
*Swivel stand
*Lighted remote, including batteries
*Detailed Instruction manual
*Quick Start Guide
I purchased this TV as our main television in our family room. I own two other flat screens, both LCD and both from Panasonic, 32" and 42".
Set up is a breeze. The box is designed to be easily opened by releasing four plastic clips built onto the box. This allows the top (most of the box) to be lifted of the TV, while the TV remains secure and stationary in the lower part of the box. The included swivel stand comes in two pieces and is easily assembled with a few included screws. If you use this stand, you simply have to lower the TV onto the stand. This can be done vertically without laying the screen down on its face, since the design of the TV mounting components are flush with the stand. Some TVs require you to place the TV in a horizontal position to mount it to their stand. You possibly could do this assembly alone, as the TV is not very heavy, but due to sheer size, it is extremely prudent to have someone help you.
Many professional reviews will advise you to beware of plasma "burn in" of images, or using plasma in a brightly lit room. I worried about these two things constantly during my research.
Panasonic's manual does advise you not to leave a 4:3 image, or any still image on the screen on the screen for very long periods as it can contribute to some burn in. But in general, even if you watch 4:3 mode all day long, the TV has a couple of features which helps protect its image, including orbiting pixel technology and a scrolling bar which can be run across the screen to help cleanse it. I have watched a good deal of 4:3 format on this TV and have not had any issues whatsoever. The orbiting technology slightly moves pixels about, undetectable to the human eye, which really minimizes the chance of any burn in.
As far as a bright room, don't worry! My family room is decent size, and has a cathedral ceiling with a skylight, plus a southern wall that is almost all window and a sliding door on the opposite wall. So the room has lots of light. I can watch the TV during the brightest time of day without any loss of quality or viewing ability. The anti-glare feature of the screen reduces the natural reflective characteristics of glass down to practically nil.
I tend to watch most programming on the TV's THX mode. This will give you a somewhat less bright display than the G25's "Standard" or "Vivid" mode or compared to most LCDs, but personally I am looking for the most accurate, pleasing display, not simply "the brightest". If you do prefer a very bright display, the TV's numerous picture settings can easily give you a bright display.
I am a huge Panasonic fan, and that did factor into my choice of TV. I find Panasonic typically gives you high quality at a reasonable price.
As for price, you will spend several hundreds of dollars more for an LCD of comparable size and quality. Some better quality LCDs in this size range will cost double what the G25 sells for.
Most of the features on the TV and remote are intuitive and the menu offers general explanations of the purpose of each setting. The remote itself is well laid out and easy to navigate, although this was not very important to me since I am using my FIOS remote for most typical functions.
There are three HDMI ports on the TV, as well as RCA and component connections and coax input. There is also a PC port as well as two USB ports. The lone port type absent is S-Video. While S-Video is passé, if you have a DVD player that's a few years old, you might be using S-Video to connect to your TV, so be prepared to upgrade or switch cable types if need be.
The TV can also be networked either by Ethernet cable or wireless adapter. You must use Panasonic's adapter if you choose the wireless route, which is one of the few cons on this product. Compatibility with common wifi adapters would have been nice, since the Panasonic wifi adapter is over-priced. Although Panasonic confirmed you must use their adapter, I tried a couple of others any way, but the TV did not detect them. If you network the Tv you can make use of numerous features like direct connection to several services (some of which require a subscription or fee). Examples are Amazon Video on Demand (cost associated), YouTube (free), Pandora (free), Twitter (free, and a few others.
A couple of typical complaints about Panasonic TVs are the sound quality, and starting with the G series from 2009, the black levels displayed on the screen becoming lighter after several hundred hours of use. The sound is decent on the TV, and many people will probably cutover to their home theater for audio when playing DVDs or music-related TV programming anyway. I don't believe the concerns over the black levels are a huge issue. That is just my opinion; I am neither an expert nor any type of engineer. At the end of the day, everything I have read seems to indicate that the resulting black levels from Panasonic's firmware still leaves the display at a better black level than the competing Samsung products, so .........
Aside from being limited to Panasonic's wifi adapter, about the worst thing I can say about the G25 is that for the price, Panasonic could include some sort of cleaning cloth for the screen, which is typical even on their own lower end LCDs.
Overall, this television has astounding picture quality and realistic reproduction which is superior to any LCD or LED TV I've seen. For the price, you cannot go wrong or find a better flat screen HD TV.NOTE:
If you are a making your first flat screen, HD television purchase, please remember that no matter what brand or type you buy, standard display will not be as sharp as high definition programming, and the larger the screen the more noticeable that is.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA TC-P50G25 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Building on its award-winning 2009 Plasma line, Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TC-P50G25 Plasma HDTV features a new panel with NeoPDP technologies that provide the best balance of black and white under brighter environments while also offering higher energy efficiency. The new NeoPDP Plasma panel also further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. This G25 series model provides 1080p resolution, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity.



Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic G25 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
To learn more about Internet-ready HDTVs, visit Internet-Ready TV 101.


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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42S30 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42S30 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am the ecstatic owner of a Panasonic TC-L32X2 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock, so when it came time to move up to a 42" set for the living room (and move the 32" to the bedroom to replace the 27" tube TV), I mostly confined my search to Panasonic. I had considered the previous version of this unit (TC-P42S2) because it was highly rated on Amazon, as well as slightly less expensive, but I decided to take a chance on the newer model--even though it's so new that it has no ratings or reviews. (As of 3/27/11, however, this unit is less expensive.)
I ordered this TV on a Saturday and received it via delivery truck on Wednesday. Setup was painless (it is pretty heavy, though). I was pleasantly surprised to see that it supports Internet connectivity (although it wasn't something I was looking for, the concept has really grown on me), but less pleasantly surprised to learn that the wireless dongle (Panasonic DY-WL10 Wireless LAN Adapter for select Panasonic Viera HDTVs and Blu-Ray Disc Players) is another $99. For that much, I think I'll run a LAN cable. [I did; see below. Also see the comments for another wireless alternative.] I'm using the three HDMI ports for my Verizon FIOS set top box, Apple TV 2, and JVC XVBP11 Blu-ray Player. A set of RCA audio/video inputs takes care of my Pioneer laserdisc player. (Yeah, I'm old school.) I don't foresee using the SD card slot for anything but firmware updates, but I like having USB ports so we can watch our Flip movies in full HD glory--once I learn how to do it, that is.
I was very happy with my LCD TV even in the middle of the day; maybe that's why I never realized just how bright our living room is. The first time I tried to watch this TV from the couch, the reflection from the skylight was terrible. Around noon, the glare was nearly unbearable.
In late afternoon/full dark, this TV looks fantastic. It's so good, in fact, that I couldn't tear myself away from 2 Fast 2 Furious, which says a lot. The problem is that I do most of my viewing during the day, so I'm not sure that it's going to work for me in the long run. I'll have to give it a few more days. The preset color modes aren't perfect, but they're fairly accurate right out of the box. Both Netflix and iTunes movies streamed over the Apple TV look great. When I have some time I'll run Video Essentials to get the levels dialed in.
The speakers are adequate at low volumes, and there are separate bass and treble adjustments, but at normal volumes, certain low frequencies rattle the cabinet. It was particularly bad while I was watching Inception, but my wife even noticed it during "Top Chef." I know I'll eventually have to upgrade my 15-year-old Sony receiver (it has only RCA input, and the TV has only digital audio output), but it's a little irritating that I have to do it just to watch TV without annoying rattles. If the sound quality were better, I would be happy to give this TV a full 5-star rating. (If it were just about the picture, I would.) Additionally, I need to jack up the volume when I use my Blu-ray player--a problem I also have with my 32" TV. I suspect that the player's audio output level is lower than the DVR and Apple TV. NOTE: After the first few days of viewing, the rattles disappeared. Also, I wired up the DVR box and the BD player to the receiver, so I have big sound when I want it (unless I'm using the ATV).
One feature I will never use is called C.A.T.S., which adjusts the TV's brightness according to the room's light level. Evidently it's set to On in Standard picture mode, which I discovered by accident. After exploring the settings, I found it and turned it off. I want my TV to stay at a consistent brightness level no matter what the room light is doing. (I'll bet this is why the picture looked so bad at high noon. We'll see.)
So all things considered, am I happy with my purchase? Yes. The detail and clarity blow my mind. I'll test it with some more Blu-ray movies over the next few weeks and see how it performs during the day, but I think we have a winner. Welcome to the family.
Update 3/19/11: I ran a 50-foot ethernet cable (BluCables 50 ft CAT 5e LAN Network Ethernet Cable 350MHz) from my Verizon FIOS router to the TV. I wasn't able to connect automatically; after a few failed and frustrating attempts that made me consider buying the dongle, I manually input the network settings for the TV (the trick was finding and assigning an unused IP address) and bingo. Bonus: firmware updates over the 'net. I might move the Apple TV to the 32" in the bedroom, but the Viera Cast selections are limited. Netflix is essential and Amazon VOD is nice to have, but I really want Hulu. I'm still very pleased with the TV; my only minor gripe is the amount of heat it puts out. (I understand that this gets better. I hope so.)
Update 3/25/11: For those of you who, like me, are interested in getting Hulu via Viera Cast, I received this from Panasonic: "Thank you for your inquiry. This Model TCP42S30 includes a feature called EASY IPTV. Easy IPTV includes and is limited to: Netflix, Pandora Internet Radio, Cinema Now, Facebook, Napster, & Amazon Video On Demand. Hulu is an application featured in Viera Connect which this TV does not have. The TVs that have Viera Connect & Hulu capabilities are:
PLASMA: TCP65VT30, TCP55VT30, TCP65GT30, TCP60GT30, TCP55GT30, TCP50GT30, TCP65ST30, TCP60ST30, TCP55ST30, TCP50ST30, TCP46ST30, and TCP42ST30.
LED: TCL37DT30, TCL32DT30, and TCL42D30
[Some models are not available yet and are still awaiting release in Late Spring / Early Summer 2011]"
Why there would be a difference between models, I have no idea. But there you go.
Update 4/14/11: I moved the Apple TV into the bedroom with the 32" TV and have been using Viera Cast to watch Netflix movies. I haven't noticed a single stutter so far. Picture quality appears to be the same as with the ATV. My only gripe is that there's no search feature, and the recommendations in each category are limited in number. The best way around this, I've found, is to use my computer to put movies into my Watch Instantly queue and move them to the top. I also replaced my BD player with an all-region JVC XV-BP10 so I can watch my Region 2 Godzilla movies. ("Godzilla vs. Megalon" didn't look this good in the theater!)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA TC-P42S30 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV


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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Panasonic TC-L32U22 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Panasonic TC-L32U22 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bought this TV for the bedroom. It has a fantastic picture and great sound quality. One great feature is the automatic picture adjustment based on the room ambient lighting, saves having to mess around with the picture when you flip on the side table lamp. Also the factory color presets actually support the intended display, example: cinema setting looks more like film.
The only thing this set doesn't have that I would have like is an IP/Ethernet port. Otherwise I am extremely happy. Plenty of HDMI ports too.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-L32U22 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Offering advanced LCD technology for the highest possible picture quality, Panasonic's 32-inch VIERA TC-L32U22 LCD HDTV features an improved panel with In Plane Switching (IPS) for an ultra-wide viewing angle and higher moving picture resolution that results in clear, bright images. This U22 series model provides 1080p resolution, 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, and a 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
This and other models in the U22 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements.

Key Features Panasonic's VIERA U22 series LCD HDTV.



With the VIERA Image Viewer, you can view a slideshow of JPEG photos stored on your camera's SD memory card.

Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic U22 series LCD HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

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Click here for more information about Panasonic TC-L32U22 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

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Friday, October 19, 2012

Panasonic TC-P46S2 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic TC-P46S2 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this television from Amazon & have lived with it for a couple of months.
I did a lot of shopping; finally deciding on this television & I am very happy I did. This TV is fantastic: Beautiful colors - 1080p - 600Hz Refresh Rate - 2,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio. The last two numbers make LCD's come up very short. In case you don't know: The contrast ratio is a measure of the difference between white and black. The higher the contrast ratio, the blacker the blacks & the whiter the whites. The deeper blacks make the colors really pop. This is where Plasma completely dominates LCD.
Sound & Vision Magazine rated these Panasonic Viera Plasma televisions right under the Pioneer Kuros. This is high praise considering that they had rated the Pioneers the best TV, of any kind - anywhere, for the last two years. Considering that the Kuros are 4 times the price, this TV was the obvious pick.
For the last years; the knocks against plasmas were the issues of Burn-In and excess heat compared to LCD's. The issue of Burn-In has been addressed. It is not a problem anymore. In addition, I have not noticed the TV giving off any abnormal heat. As a matter of fact, I don't notice any heat from it at all. Since these issues have been fixed, Plasma's should be much higher on everyone's shopping list.
A couple of side notes: 1) since I got it I have moved from cable to Dish. This has made a big improvement, & 2) the ability of take an SD card directly from the camera, insert it into the TV, and play the images is a nice feature.
I ordered direct from Amazon with the free shipping. The television arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The delivery people were accommodating and professional. They set everything up & were nice enough to even move some furniture around.
If you are considering a television in this price range, I think this is the one to get.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-P46S2 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Building on its award-winning 2009 Plasma line, Panasonic's 46-inch VIERA TC-P46S2 Plasma HDTV features a new panel with NeoPDP technologies that provide the best balance of black and white under brighter environments while also offering higher energy efficiency. The new NeoPDP Plasma panel also further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. This S2 series model provides 1080p resolution, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity.


Key Features

Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic S2 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

Buy NowGet 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Panasonic TC-P46S2 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

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Friday, October 12, 2012

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U 42 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We bought this as an upgrade from a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD HDTV --- an excellent television, but a bit too small for our new, larger living space. I first looked at 46" and 50" sets, but they use a lot more power, and after looking at units in the store decided the 42" was quite large enough (70% more viewing area than our old TV). For environmental reasons we wanted low power consumption --- usually plasmas lose out there, but Panasonic comes through --- only 170 watts, as measured by an independent test, which is less even than some of the similar-sized LCD TVs tested by that same outfit!
The picture is stunning --- though our old Aquos looks great, this Panasonic blows it away in terms of contrast, black levels, and overall picture quality. Properly adjusted, the DirecTV HD channels look fantastic --- much better than they do on the Sharp or most other TVs I have seen. (DirecTV tends to compress its HD channels quite a bit --- yet on this Panasonic, after adjusting it, the image looks very clean and cinematic.)
Blu-Ray discs are unbelievable --- Planet Earth on this set is tremendous. Another thing I really like about the set is it passes through Dolby 5.1 sound from the HDMI connector to the optical digital out --- which I then pass into my Logitech Z-5500 THX speakers (an inexpensive way to get surprisingly good home theater sound) --- the Sharp didn't pass through the signal from our PS3 Blu-Ray player.
As others have noted burn-in and ghosting are mostly non-issues with the new plasma sets --- some basic precautions will prevent any problems, and this Panasonic set comes with some display "reset" patterns to cure any burn-in issues you might face.
The number of connections is extremely handy --- with 3 HDMI connectors I have enough for my DirecTV box, my PS3, and a front connector for the occasional times when I hook up my MacBook Pro via a DVI-HDMI cable.
There's not much to say about the built-in speakers --- serviceable but not great --- but who uses the built-in speakers on their HDTV? I certainly don't...
The picture out of the box definitely needs adjustment for optimal results --- I set the black levels to dark, turned up the Picture (contrast) and brightness, lowered the color and sharpness, in Standard mode. Fiddle with it a bit and you can get a stunning picture.
This set is cheaper than most LCD sets of the same size, and the picture quality is better. Definitely recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV

NEW! 42-inch Class Widescreen VIERA Plasma 1080p HDTV with New Anti-Reflective Filter, Deep Color Technology, Game Mode, Built-In SD Card Slot/GalleryPlayer(R) Ready to View, 3 HDMI Inputs and VIERA Link(R) HDAVI Control.

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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Panasonic TC-L32C22 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

Panasonic TC-L32C22 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am not an expert on LCD televisions, just someone in need of a new TV. It will ultimately be used in the bedroom, but for now it is in the family room. Although it is not a huge room, it opens to the kitchen and the ceiling is vaulted. For months I studied reviews of different models on the internet hoping to at least discover which manufacturers had the most service problems to avoid that aggravation, along with which brand had the best rated picture quality. I also visited showrooms to see what looked best to my eye.
After my research I narrowed my search to a 720p TV because although 1080p of course creates a higher quality picture, it isn't as critical on a 32 inch TV or smaller. Since new televisions usually appear in March, my plan was to buy a discontinued model and take advantage of clearance pricing. Unfortunately I waited too long and the two choices I'd focused on were both no longer available. This TV met my needs, the price was right and Panasonic was one of the two brands I'd settled on.
Light weight and easy to handle, out of the box all that was necessary was putting the stand together with a few screws and then attaching it with a few more to the television. I already had a composite video/audio cable which is good because Panasonic doesn't include one. The cable consists of three male plugs on each end -- one red, one white and one yellow. The red and white are for right and left audio and the yellow is video. There are ports on the back of the cable box and the TV with the same colors so it was easy to connect - video out on the cable box and video in on the TV. An extra step I took, in order to get my local stations' HD programs, was to hook up a basic inside antenna by screwing the antenna cable into the same named jack on the back of the TV. That gave me two advantages - I can see the HD content in full HD without increasing the cost of my basic cable plan - and if the cable goes out I can still watch TV.
I put the batteries(included) into the remote control and turned the TV on. The first screen asked for language preference (English, Spanish or French), next the option to select viewing mode - home use or store demonstration. Then the adjust picture screen came up and I left it at the default "vivid" (choices are vivid, standard, cinema, game or custom.) The darkness of your room will dictate what looks best, and the defaults are easy to change by clicking on the remote -- menu, tools, re-set to defaults. Then it goes to auto channel set-up, but if you are using a cable box you select "not used." If using an antenna, select "antenna" and then select "start" to scan the channels. Next is an option to label each of the inputs for - antenna, DVD player, cable box, etc. Then a screen appears to adjust the clock for the year, month, day hour and minute. The completion message is then displayed and you're done.
The TV can be hooked-up to a PC so it can be used as a monitor. I missed an episode of 24 during the Olympics. The network website permits viewing of the current season's episodes so I simply connected the HDMI cable from my laptop PC into the television's HDMI port on the back. That allowed me to watch the missed episode on TV rather than my small laptop screen.
The speakers are one-way 10 watt speakers and are typical of built-in television speakers. Note that there is no analog audio output or headphone jack. There is an optical digital audio output jack. I did not hook-up a receiver and separate speakers to improve the audio, at least not yet, but if superior sound is a concern, you will probably want to explore the possibilities.
The picture is absolutely fabulous and amazingly enough even when viewed at a severe angle, there is no quality degradation. My only complaint is that the volume doesn't change significantly as you increase it. The TV has an adequate maximum volume setting, but if the setting is at 30 and you want it a little louder you might have to go to 60 before you notice an increase in sound. The increments seem too small.
The TV has a shiny "piano" black case which some people feel is a maintenance problem, but fingerprints and dust wipe up beautifully with a microfiber cloth, and I like the appearance.
The set comes with a twelve month warranty, but I bought an extended warranty for an extra two years from square trade since this is a new model and as such has no history. I have been using the set for two weeks and so far it is completely trouble free, and I am very pleased with the purchase, but I will update the review if I experience any problems.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TC-L32C22 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Offering excellent picture performance, Panasonic's 32-inch VIERA TC-L32C22 LCD HDTV provides 720p high-definition imagery and an improved panel with In Plane Switching (IPS) for an ultra-wide viewing angle and higher moving picture resolution for clear, bright images. This C22 series model also features 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, and an 18,000:1 contrast ratio.
This and other models in the C22 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements.

Key Features Panasonic's VIERA C22 series LCD HDTV.



With the VIERA Image Viewer, you can view a slideshow of JPEG photos stored on your camera's SD memory card.

Key Specifications


What's in the Box Panasonic C22 series LCD HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Panasonic TC-L32C22 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

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Friday, March 9, 2012

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P46S1 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P46S1 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Average Reviews:

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I ordered the TC-P46S1 from Amazon on July 6. TV was delivered exactly one week later by CEVA logistics. Fantastic service!
Now on to the set. I have owned two televisions in the past 15 years. The first was a 19" Zenith CRT. The second was a cheap 27" Apex CRT that I bought from Sam's Club about seven years ago. I had been waiting to buy a HDTV until a decent 1080p set was available for a price that I considered reasonable if amortized over ten years. Each person has their own definition of reasonable, but I felt that time had finally arrived.
I researched this purchase for about two months. Early on I decided I wanted Panasonic plasma. Plasma is currently the only choice for those who want the best possible picture at a given price point. The only question was which model and what size? There were three models in my price range when I decided to buy: the X1, the S1, and the G10. The X1 series is Panasonic's 720p line of plasmas. It comes in 42" and 50" sizes. For my viewing distance (10 feet), 720p was a definite possibility. The S1 series is Panasonic's lowest 1080p plasma line. The G10 is a step up from the S1 and includes a THX mode and Viera Cast, Panasonic's internet and video on demand service. A decent rule of thumb is that each step up in size is about $200 and each step up in model type is about $200. For example, the 42" G10 is about the same price as the 46" S1 and the 50" X1.
I created cardboard mock-ups of the 42", 46", and 50" sets and placed them where the TV would go to help determine the correct size. It quickly became clear that 42" was too small while 50" was too large for my personal taste. The 46" was perfect. Unfortunately, this eliminated the X1 series from contention as there is no 46" set in that line. I would have bought the X1 had it been available. That set is the best HDTV for the money that is offered right now, IMO. Still, 46" was the sweet spot for me, so I was going to have to move up to a better model. Now the question was should I go with the TC-P46S1 or TC-P46G10?
In my case, I was planning on buying the Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray player to go with the set. When I was ready to buy, Amazon was offering $150 off the BD player when purchased with an S1 set or $200 off when purchased with a G10 set. The price of the BD60 itself was $200, so that made the deal irresistible. The BD60 also offers Viera Cast, which would have duplicated that functionality if I went with the G10 set. So the decision came down to whether or not I wanted THX for an extra $150. In the end, I decided the cost was not worth it and went with the S1. I have no regrets about that decision at all.
The color and detail on this set is fantastic. Watching the BBC Planet Earth Blu-ray set in 1080p is awe-inspiring! This set paired with the BD60 is a match made in heaven and a much better setup than many others costing hundreds of dollars more. Colors look realistic (and can be made more realistic with some tweaking or a professional ISF calibration). The set has plenty of connections including three HDMI inputs; however, I've found that pairing this with a good AV receiver that has HDMI output makes the number of the connections on the set irrelevant. Even the onboard sound on the TV is decent, but if you're purchasing a TV of this caliber, you would probably want to hook it up to a decent sound system to fully appreciate the home theater experience. The set also has an SD card slot for viewing photos, so the TV can stand in as a very large digital picture frame if you are so inclined.
One of the knocks against plasmas are that they put off more heat than LCDs. Really, this is a non-issue, IMO. The amount of heat generated is far less than a much smaller CRT. Yes, it's warmer than an LCD, but are you really willing to live with all the faults of LCD (less contrast range, poor off-angle viewing, and poor black levels) just to have a TV that is a little bit cooler? Are you watching TV in your family room or a freezer? One consideration that is a possible concern is that the anti-reflective coating is not very effective. If you have strong reflections that you are unable to control, you may want to consider an LCD, although the best LCDs have glass panels instead of matte screens anyway. Overall, I don't think you can buy a better TV for the money (well, maybe the TC-P50X1). Highly recommended!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P46S1 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

46" Plasma, 1080p, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Panasonic TC L42U12 - 42" VIERA LCD TV - widescreen - 1080p (FullHD) - HDTV Review

Panasonic TC L42U12 - 42 VIERA LCD TV - widescreen - 1080p (FullHD) - HDTV
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I'm only going to comment on the rear connections. Only one set of component in, which is fine because anyone who wants to use this great TV, should have updated equipment. But my cablebox ONLY has component, so I can't use any other outdated systems...everything else must be HDMI to take advantage of TV. Since this is a bedroom tv, not a big deal.
Next...audio quality is poor. Which is fine because most ppl who have a nice TV will support it with extra speakers. I bought the TVee Soundbar because it's simple and doesn't need a receiver. Well...the TV only has ONE audio out. and it's a digital (Toslink) audio out. Website says TWO audio out. I guess they're counting the headphone jack. Looks like panasonic got a little lazy and didn't bother to include support for older devices. Now I'm up a creek because I'll either need to buy a toslink to rca converter or take the dive and get a receiver....but who the heck has a receiver in the bedroom?!

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P42S1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P42S1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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In my quest for a new MB/R TV, I had been researching LCD vs. Plasma, features, pricing, ratings and reviews for more months than I truly care to even mention. I caught a late October in-store special at HHGregg, which not only offered the lowest price I had seen anywhere on this TV, but also a free Panny Blu-ray player. That made the deal both irresistible and unbeatable, at just under seven Ben Franklins for everything. These newer Panasonic Viera plasmas with the fast 600 Hz Neo PDP panels are brighter, more power efficient, have an ultra wide viewing angle, suffer no image retention, run much cooler and are only just slightly heavier than an LCD TV of the same size. The more natural looking plasma picture quality, along with the full-time 1080p zero motion blur, is seriously, as good as your gonna get. Period!! They are an absolute steal in this price range, compared to any fast LCD or LED models. This combined with the legendary Panasonic build quality and reliability made it a no-brainer. The top-of-the-heap ratings from Consumer Reports magazine along with stellar customer reviews, absolutely sealed the deal for me, hands down. Simply put, I just couldn't justify spending 2x-3x the coin for a 240 Hz LCD TV or an even pricier LED TV for about the same (or less) picture quality. You'd have to be a complete fool to spend so much more and get absolutely nothing for it. So I beg anyone to truly compare and understand the specs and features on TVs, (or anything you're buying) and DO IT BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING!!
As for the TV itself, the initial assembly was easy. The stand was very solid and stable, using a total of six stainless steel bolts for fastening to the TV to the stand. The rear panel is also made out of metal - not plastic, which would likely make for more sturdy wall mounting, if that's your choice. The remote also felt solid and worked well. Both the TV and Blu-ray easily programmed with my universal remote, making it even more convenient. The initial TV set-up menus were also easy to navigate and the Viera link automatically recognized and configured the Viera Blu-ray player flawlessly. Watching my local news and the recent World Series with free digital HD broadcast using only rabbit ear antennas in 720p looked awesome. The VZ FiOS TV HD channels looked incredible at 1080i and the Blu-ray movies were nothing short of absolutely breath-taking in 1080p - totally impressive!! The sound on the TV is also well above average for a flat panel, especially after you tweak the bass, treble and surround settings to your taste.
The Panasonic build quality is just what you'd expect: solid with a high gloss, piano black finish. They even include a soft polishing cloth to help preserve the TV's beautiful finish. I am absolutely impressed with the TV and can highly recommend it as an outstanding choice to anyone considering a fine addition for their home entertainment enjoyment. And no matter where you buy, don't be scammed by any in-store, shameless sales-hole trying to hose you with extended warranties or worse yet, overpriced "Monster-profit" HDMI cables. The truth is that you can get a quality 6-9 ft. HDMI cable online at many of the major online sites with no tax and free shipping for about the price of a sandwich! Trust me, there is NO difference; try it yourself and see. Save your hard-earned money for some of your favorite movie titles on Blu-ray. You will absolutely love this TV!! Just be sure and have at least one HD source - like an HD cable/sat. box or a Blu-ray player to enjoy it to it's fullest. I hope my honest review seriously helps anyone out there looking for a great HDTV at a more down-to-earth price. Enjoy life. ((Bob-O!))


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-P42S1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

42" Plasma, 1080p, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P46G10 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P46G10 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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This is based on my experience with the TC-P50G10, which is identical to P46 but with a larger screen. I bought it three weeks ago, and am very happy with it. I did a lot of research and tried out a number of TVs before settling down on this one, so I thought I would share some of the information and my experience with the TV, and hopefully make your decision in choosing the TV a bit easier.
First thing first. According to my research, the Panasonic G10 probably has the best picture quality among all TVs in mass production as of the time of this review (May, 2009). Most importantly it has pitch dark black level, scorching brightness, high color accuracy, and good motion processing.
I chose the Panasonic plasma over Sony and Samsung LCD for a few reasons. (1) Compared to 120Hz LCDs, Panasonic is significantly cheaper than Sony and Samsung. (2) I think the G10 is better in handling motion than the 120HZ LCDs. (3) The colors on the plasma are more appealing to me than those on the LCDs. (4) It has superior viewing angle. It looks perfect from any angle you will actually watch the TV without washing out the color, prserving the quality of the color.
The third point on color appeal is subjective and calls for description of subjective experience. There are lots of technical comparison of the colors on different displays on the internet, but my perceptual experience is that the colors on the panasonic plasma is very vibrant, punchy, tantalizing, and mesmerizing. The colors look like things in real life, but they are more intense than real life. A friend said "it's prettier than real, but not distorted. It is just like an enhanced colorful world." If you prefer high fedelity to real life colors, you can use the THX mode to tune it down to be very faithful to studio color measures. LCD in comparison is also very vibrant, but it doesn't look as realistic. It's more like computer graphics and less like colors of living things. Technically, this may have to do with the deeper black level on the plasma than the LCD.
Before the G10, I had the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ80U 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV. Both TVs have very appealing colors, but I returned the PZ80U and got the G10 because the G10 has a number of important improvements over the PZ80U: it has a brighter plasma display, has a VGA PC input, lower energy consumption, and more accurate color. Also, its frame is more compact, so I can fit a 50" G10 into the space that would only hold a 46" PZ80U. In fact, the G10 is brighter and more contrasty than last year's top model Panasonic TH-50PZ850U 50-inch Viera 1080p Plasma HDTV.
What else do I like about the TV? It is very bright for a Plasam TV. According to tech specs and online reviews, it is the bightest plasma ever made. In Custom Mode, it is more than bright enough to watch in my room with direct sun light (sun light in the room not on the TV). In Vivid Mode, "you should prepare to put on your ski googles". In fact, it's too bright and overly constrasty and saturated for regular viewing. However, it is quite useful in displaying low resolution and low quality online video such as YouTube or Netflix Instant Watch. The extra boost in brightness, contrast, and saturation make the low quality online video look much more appealing and lively.
VieraCast is kinda cool. Not a deal maker but certainly not a drawback. I used third party firmware DD-WRT to set up a Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router as a wireless bridge. So the TV can get online without running a cable to my main router.
I find this TV fits my needs perfectly. But no TV is perfect, at least not for the technically savvy.
So here are the cons:
(1) The sound is mediocre. It is fine to watch a TV show, but lackluster to watch a good movie or music show.
(1.2) True Cinema 24-frame mode flickering is perceptually disturbing because the refresh rate is set to 48 Hz in the mode. It is a pitty because motion does look much more life like and less video like in True-Cinema mode. Wish the TV could run at 72 Hz.
(2) My PC only has VGA out but no DVI out. (This point does not matter for those with DVI out on their computer. A DVI to VGA cable will work fine) The VGA input on the TV does not support 1080 HD. It only supports up to 1280x768. Panny should not cut corner here. Although this problem doesn't really matter for video contents because most computer video resolution is less than 1280x768. And the pixel interpolation effect on the Plasma is more like a CRT and less like an LCD. So the set is reasonably good at displaying contents with resolution lower than its native res.
(3) VieraCast needs improvement. The content is still limited. The search function of Youtube on VieraCast is not as easy to use as on a computer. The Amazon video on demand price is way too high (but this is not really Panny's problem). I would kill for a firmware upgrade that enables Netflix streaming.
(4) The remote is not as well laid out as the one on PZ80. The 3 big buttons above the directional keys are occupied by the rarely used VieraLink, VieraCast and VieraTool. The commonly used Menu key is moved to a small key. Totally wrong choice of ergonomics.
(5) VGA PC input is paired with RCA audio input. I wish it is a 3.5mm (1/8 ") mini jack instead, which will allow a single cable cable integrating VGA video and mini jack audio. Now I have to use two cables.
(6) The stand does not swivel.
Regardless of the above drawbacks, overall I find this TV to have the best picture quality and price combination. The pros by far outweigh the cons. The picture quality of this TV is truly amazing, as such some calls it "The New King of Plasma." Anyone seriously considering an HDTV should take a look at this one, now that the Pioneer Kuro exited the market.
I highly recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P46G10 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

46" Plasma, 1080p, THX, Viera Cast, H.264, IP Camera Ready, PC Input, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
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The P50G10 is my second HD Plasma experience, the first being a 2004 Panasonic, which still looks and works quite well. It has found another spot in our home to make room for the new G10 in our family room. When searching for and finally selecting the new Panasonic G10, I was comparing choices against this first experience considering both the manufacturer and the plasma technology. While I have a few smaller sized LCD's, mostly in the 20-32" range, I have never been overly impressed with the picture. The seem a bit cartoonish, even in HD mode, so I quickly settled on a plasma as my technology choice. Having made that decision the alternatives in terms of manufacturers narrowed quickly. Wh Pioneer exiting the Plasma business, and considering my experience with my original Panasonic plasma the brand decision was made. Selecting which model from Panasonic boiled down to scouring the 2009 product announcements and available reviews (CNET), and making the trade-offs on size, cost and availability. This all led me to the P50G10, which was a good fit on all points.
I have had the unit installed and working for 4 weeks now, and must say its been an extremely satisfying time. The G10 is a major step up, from my previous plasma, in terms of picture, inputs i.e. 3 HDMI vs 1, and ability to control each picture setting independently. I have tweaked the picture setting on the Standard and THX settings a bit to sharpen and brighten the picture a bit, but most of the other settings are very good out of the box. As the unit is stand mounted, and in a room with mostly indirect and overhead lighting there are no issues with glare or light reflection, from the main glass or its glossy black bezel.
In the process I also moved up to a Panasonic BMP-BD60 (will write a separate review on it) Blu Ray player and the 1080P picture is nothing short of amazing. As these are both Panasonic units they inter-operate with VieraLink which simplifies and automates the way the two units operate together, a nice but not essential feature. I setup a Wireless ethernet bridge (Linksys WET54G) to feed the VieraCast function on the G10, and it works flawlessly. At this time the amount of content available is limited, but one can see the potential, if Panasonic can bring more content services to this function. The G10 does employ a set of power consumption controls. There are both Input Idle and In-Activity based auto-power off modes to save on power consumption, which is good as plasma's are a bit power hungry.
To be balanced the G10 does have a few shortcomings. The sound from the onboard speakers is a bit thin. You can mitigate this some by pumping up the Bass control and turning on the Bass Boost, but its just not a rich sound experience. I think Panasonic can do better with some higher quality speakers and a small sub-woofer. I, and I suspect most others, have a surround system connected and utilize it for a better sound experience.
I also preferred when Panasonic placed the additional inputs into a trap door on the front of the plasma, the G10 has these on the left (facing) edge. To me it was more convenient and accessible to have these set of inputs up-front.
All in all, the G10 is a high quality Plasma with terrific features and future expandability. If offers a near perfect picture across multiple inputs and types of content.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P50G10 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

50" Plasma, 1080p, THX, Viera Cast, H.264, IP Camera Ready, PC Input, NEO PDP Panel which is brighter, Full-time 1080p TV lines of moving picture resolution, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 40,000:1, Dynamic contrast infinite black 2,000,000:1, Game Mode, Anti Reflective Filter, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

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