Panasonic TC-P50S2

Plasma TVs are famous for their larger screen sizes making them a great centerpiece for the home. Compared to LCD models, plasma TVs have a few disadvantages such as lower brightness, shorter lifespan, and more expensive price. LED models were introduced to overcome these disadvantages while retaining some of the best features of plasmas. However, some companies like Panasonic are not ready to give up plasma displays just yet. The introduction of the new S2 plasma display lineup shows that Panasonic is using their own methods to improve the quality of plasma displays. The Panasonic TC-P50S2 is one of the models available and best balances both the price and screen size.

Panasonic TC-P50S2

Technical Features

At first glance, the Panasonic TC-P50S2 sticks to the classic, but sleek design of VIERA models. They are not the thinnest nor the most elegant ever reviewed, but the design does sport a unique bezel that may please people that do not like dirty TVs. This bezel is called the “Clean Touch” bezel and it stands out because the bezel has no lead or mercury present. This makes the TC-P50S2 more environmental friendly than previous models and it increases the lifespan of the unit too. On the outside, the “Clean Touch” bezel is fingerprint resistant reducing the need of cleaning it.

Panasonic is also taking the necessary steps to make their TVs more energy efficient. The TC-50S2 meets the Energy Star 4.0 standards which effectively add more years to the lifespan. It is now okay to use the TV for around 8 hours a day and the brightness will be maintained 30 years onward. The TV will continue to function beyond that point with reduced brightness.

In the brightness category, the Panasonic TC-P50S2 reaches high for the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio so DVD and Blu-ray movies look good. Video games via HDMI look even better especially when the “Game Mode” setting is activated. The dark image clarity is increased along with the image response time. Both devices can be plugged in simultaneously since there are 3 HDMI inputs to spare.

Actual user review:
“We got our S2 almost 3 weeks back. They delivered it on time. We are really satisfied with the picture quality. I like the remote Control and it was very easy to connect with the Digital HD cable receiver. One thing I noticed is that when we switch off the lights in the room the picture changes its brightness… i dont know if there is some kind of sensor that changes the brightness depending on room light. You get used to it after some time.

TC-P50S2 is a 1080p TV. But I heard that almost all cable providers only transmit in 1080i. So even though we bought better technology we are not able to take full advantage of it since the relay is only 1080i. I talked to the cable operator and he said they are more concentrating on 3d and may not change to 1080p transimssion any time soon. So that is a shame. If you have blu-ray disk player you can still enjoy 1080p.

Untill now we love this TV and I would recommend anybody to buy this on Amazon as they were the lowest price when I bought it.” – A. Channaveer(CA,USA)

Technologies

Panasonic did not really go out on the technologies since the S2 plasma series remains a budget model, but the NeoPDP Panel technology is enough for budget consumers to enjoy a smooth experience when they watch their favorite 1080p clips and shows. It is this technology that makes this plasma TV more energy efficient and brighter as well. It is powered by a 600 Hz Sub-field drive made to reduce afterimages.

Extra Features

Although the overall specs are not very advanced, a couple of features are added in to make the Panasonic TC-P50S2 a bit more useful. Digital camera users will like the added SD card slot so pictures can easily be transferred on to the TV for group viewing. The VIERA Image Viewer supports JPG formats and can display clear and colorful HD images. This is the only way to transfer photos since there is no USB port.

Although the VIERA Image Viewer does not support video formats, HD camcorders can be plugged in via HDMI for full 1080p playback. If it is a Panasonic camcorder, the VIERA Link feature can be used to use the TV remote to control the camcorder. This feature works with other Panasonic devices that support VIERA Link as well.

Bottom Line

The Panasonic TC-P50S2 is a massive display that does not really drain the wallet because of its minimal features. Many 50-inch models often come with tempting extras that really extend the experience as well as the price tag. A big screen does have its benefits especially when watching HD content. High-speed action scenes from sports and movies look good and the sound can always be better if a good speaker system is hooked up. Once the entire home theater system is set up with the TC-P50S2, savings should be maximized thanks to its energy efficient specifications. It is also the right kind of upgrade to get for people that are hoping to upgrade the size of their TV without overspending. The existence of this TV and other models belonging to the S2 series are proof that plasma has its place in the marketplace and continues to innovate each year.

Average User Rating:

Actual User Reviews:
• “Been very impressed with the picture quality this TV has been putting out and how good movie watching is on this TV.I was using a Panasonic 37 inch LCD.I must say plasma is the best for picture quality.The screen is excellent,colorful and bright compared to LCD.I am not watching blu-ray movies on this TV yet.My standard DVD player is connected with HDMI and can upscale to 1080p standard DVD movies look excellent on this TV.The HD channels also come is very nice.My only complaint is the sound from the TV speakers are not that great.If you are buying this TV for the TV speakers I recommend adding a surround sound system.The TV speakers are not the best for listening to movies.The other complaint is no PC input which I already knew this TV did not have from other reviews on amazon.I set the TV up by myself lifting it out the box with no problems setting up.The delivery service amazon uses is Pilot freight.They did an excellent job delivering the TV.You can also set the time of delivery which I thought was very convenient.Over all this is an excellent TV for movie and TV watching at home without going to the movie theater.With this TV it will be a long time until stepping foot into a theater.” – E. Ringgold(LA,USA)

• “I did a lot of online research and spent a lot of time at electronic stores before I finally decided on this TV. Great features, great picture, great price, and Panasonic is the best brand name in plasmas in my opinion. I’ve had this for almost 3 months now, and cant think of one thing I could complain about. I wish there was a PC hookup, but I knew that this model did not have one before I purchased, so I cant really complain there. I would make this purchase again if I had to do it all over again. I would strongly recommend this TV.” – Brian(Salt Lake City,Utah)

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