Panasonic TC-P50GT25

When it comes to getting a new 50-inch TV, it should be loaded with some extra features that support the high image quality so there is no real reason to upgrade for the next few years. Fortunately, manufacturers are working hard to make “future-proof” models so users can make the most out of their displays. In fact, Panasonic is joining the 3D bandwagon by outfitting several of their best VIERA models with 3D features. The Panasonic TC-P50GT25 HDTV is the larger of the two models in the GT25 series and it has a lot of impressive features that rank up closely even to the flagship models.

Panasonic TC-P50GT25

Features

The 3D capabilities are what separate the TC-P50GT25 from most of the other plasma displays. It is necessary to have a 3D display like the TC-P50GT25 in order to take advantage of any 3D Blu-ray titles which means that the experience is optimized for the Active Shutter glasses that must be purchased separately. A 3D Blu-ray player also needs to be hooked up via HDMI but if no player is available, any 3D programs that are being broadcasted can be enjoyed to the maximum effects. However, this TV is not for 3D viewing alone as the 5,000,000:1 Infinite Black display makes it an excellent standard plasma display. There are 3 HDMI ports available for other devices to link with this display.

Technologies

This particular VIERA model tries to surpass the competition by equipping the display with a couple of technologies that specifically boost the 3D experience. The first technology is the Frame Sequential Technology which alternately shows pictures directly to each eye to yield that 3D effect in perfect synchronization and at Full HD 1080p 60 frames per second. The secret to this technology is the way it shortens the luminescence time and make way for the luminescence intensity so even the 3D images look bright and take good advantage of the Infinite Black panel. The other technology is known as the Crosstalk Reduction technology which works with the Active Shutter 3D glasses to eliminate afterimages.

Black level performance is way above average and the Infinite Black Panel really makes a difference when it comes to showing details in very dark scenes. This is important for people playing video games or watching movies. It also has the x.v.Color standard for more natural colors and a unique “Game Mode” which reduces lag and enhances the image details. The 600Hz Sub-Field drive does the rest in smoothing the HD motion.

Extra Features

In addition to the 3D and powerful performance features, the TC-P50GT25 can do so much more in the Internet as long as there is an Ethernet cable connected to the router. If the router is wireless, an alternative would be to purchase the wireless LAN adaptor accessory and insert it in the USB port. Once a connection is made, the VIERA Cast feature can kick in and offer an interface that brings various Internet services to the screen for users to choose conveniently. These services include YouTube, Pandora Internet Radio, Picasa Web Albums, Netflix and various other sources including some news sites. Operating through the interface is rather simple with the remote control as the VIERA Tools displays image selections right from the home screen. The remote is even more useful for operating any portable Panasonic device that supports VIERA Link. A USB keyboard can also be connected to the display so browsing site like Facebook and Twitter are more convenient. It is useful for chatting through Skype as well but the TY-CC10 camera is needed for people that want to chat directly from their display without requiring a TV. Even if both USB ports are used, camera owners can still take out their SD cards from their camera and insert it in the TV slot so any JPEG, MP3, AVCHD, and MPEG2 formats can be read.

Bottom Line

At around $2,000, the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 VIERA model serves as very good 3D HDTV with some wonderful accessories that can drive the experience even further. The Infinite Black Panel definitely shows the difference and the Internet extras are adequate. It has the THX certification to show that the Panasonic TC-P50GT25 is series about quality. It will even get better as new 3D Blu-ray movies, games, other 3D content are added into the mix.

Average User Rating:
Actual User Reviews:
• “We took advantage of the great cyber monday deal to get the Blu-ray player, 2 pairs of glasses & 3d plasma TV for only $1600. I use this 3D TV at work for desktop VR. Finally, high quality consumer 3d displays are affordable for home use. We couldn’t be happier! This is a huge upgrade from my previous CRT TV. I used to avoid purchasing high quality AV toys for my home because they couldn’t compete at all with the sort of very high tech equipment i use at work. It will be nice when there are more commercial 3d Blu-rays, but we’re also planning on using it for creating our own 3D content with our laptops & media computer. The only criticism we have is that there is a lot of noise in the blacks, but when sitting back a reasonable distance you can’t see it.” – T.Margolis (CA,USA)

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• “Received the TV with the Avatar glasses and 3D Blu-ray player bundle 2 days after I ordered it, which I found amazing in itself, since the TV had to be trucked in from PA I believe. The TV and Blu-ray player with glasses all work as advertised, none of the items was defective. The picture as shipped was on the dark and yellow side, I played around with the custom video setting quite a bit, increased the brightness, decreased the contrast and changed the color temperature to cool 2, which was the key adjustment in my opinion to obtain natural looking skin tone. I know a lot of people rave about the THX picture setting, it doesn’t work for me, I find it too dark. I do not have any problems with reflections on this TV, especially compared with the Philips 1080i tube TV it replaces. I play the sound through my receiver, the speakers on the TV are OK but nothing special. I do not feel this unit produces much heat at all, after hours of operation, the back is barely warm in some spots. There can be some buzzing depending on the color on the screen, an all white screen seems to produce the most noise, but it is not a big issue. The TV lacks PIP, I don’t know if this is typical of plasmas. The quality of the picture depends entirely on the quality of the broadcast or video source you are playing, HD commercials probably look the best I’m sad to say. I played the Avatar disc that came with the package, the 3D playback works well, but the lenses on the glasses are rather small and dark which makes the movie look rather dark. Maybe I’ll try the Vivid or Game video setting next time to brighten things up. Overall, I’m quite pleased with this purchase, especially since I got all three pieces for under $1500 delivered in 2 days! “ – R.Freudenburg (MA,USA)

• “This was the big gift for my parents’ house this year–the normal family meeting place over the holidays. They already had DirecTV with the newest receivers, so there was 3D content to watch right off the bat. Over the course of the holiday break, there was Knicks-Bulls, a few college football games, and the Pens-Caps outdoor game. Live sports in 3D just works. Sometimes, the ESPN 3d stuff looks better than being at the stadium. Didn’t try watching anything in 24 frames mode, so I can’t comment on various reviews and forum posts about problems using this feature. In fact, aside from watching Avatar, we didn’t use the TV to watch 3D movies. As far as the online features, Netflix is there, though I wasn’t able to get 5.1 sound via the TV’s optical output. Don’t know if that’s a limitation of the TV or the software. Vudu was sadly absent, even though it appeared on the 3d blu ray player that came as part of Amazon’s Panasonic 3d package. Not sure what logic there is behind the myriad of licensing deals out there on this stuff, but I don’t get it. “ – J.Simpson (NY,USA)

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