A review of the Panasonic Viera TXP50G20B

Introduction

Panasonic’s most powerful recent offering, the Panasonic TX-P50G20B, is a solid flagship product. Panasonic really put their all into this update; As the most internet, HDMI and digital ready plasma TV ever produced, it easily pays its price in dividends. If you don’t like the silly glasses required for 3DTV, this is the set for you, as the Panasonic TXP50G20B has chosen substantial features and lower costs than the fledgling technology. As you will see, the Panasonic TXP50G20B is one of the best plasma televisions on the market today.

aesthetic

It’s a common tactic for reviewers to criticize Panasonic’s standard piano black finish, but the fact remains that it looks good in any room. This “boring” aesthetic is part of Panasonic’s secret to success, as the Panasonic TXP50G20B will blend into any room’s décor. The brand does not focus on exterior appearances, but on internal features. Let’s just say we’re still big fans of the boxy, black look that was SO five years ago, so let’s get down to business.

image quality

This is where the Panasonic TXP50G20 really shines – it offers some of the best images money can buy. Just two words: THX certified. We normally think of THX as a sound certification, but the pictures on this machine are so close to cinema quality, so close to the original picture, that it gets this prized rating for its visuals. It got this by virtue of its 24p frame rate, 5 million-to-1 contrast ratio, 1080p resolution, and incredibly vivid colors. For Blu-ray and HDTV that feel like you’re floating right above the action, the Panasonic TX-P50G20 is your TV to buy.

next generation internet

The Panasonic TXP50G20B is the most Internet-ready plasma TV Panasonic has produced to date. With Ethernet and WiFi capability and a service called Viera Cast, which allows you to connect to sites like YouTube and Dailymotion, this is easily the TV of the future. Viera Cast itself is quite intuitive to navigate, making innovation much easier to handle.

audio quality

The Panasonic TXP50G20’s audio isn’t that great, but then again, no HDTV has ever had built-in audio worth its price. If you’re going to spend money on this top-of-the-line plasma TV, you might as well get a sound system to match the pictures. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about poor audio. Move on.

DTT and Freesat

Saving the best for last, integrated Freeview completes the Panasonic Viera TX-P50G20B. This allows users to get HD channels for free, avoiding the subscription fees charged by Sky and Virgin. Freeview isn’t available in all regions, so this plasma TV also comes with Freesat, which allows you to connect it to a satellite dish for free satellite HD. The Panasonic Viera TX-P50G20 is a TV designed for HD, and Freeview only serves to benefit any HDTV enthusiast’s experience. Easy access to HDTV via powerful pictures and Freeview should be enough to sell the Panasonic TXP50G20 to those who love the clarity, depth and immersion that high definition offers.

Final report

Old-school styling, unmatched visuals, internet capability, mediocre sound, and free HD? A definite buy!