Panasonic Viera P50GT50

Panasonic Viera P50GT50
Price: Rs 1,38,900
Specs: 50 inches, G15 Progressive Full-HD NeoPlasma 1,080p, Smart VIERA Engine Pro, 18W sound output, HDMI, USB, SD card, Wi-FI, Bluetooth, 120 V power consumption

Launched at the CES in January 2012, the new range of Panasonic Viera TVs boasts an improved panel, better picture and smart functions. We tested the Viera GT50 3D Plasma HDTV from the new range. Why plasma, you might ask. Well, just compare the prices with an LED of the same range and you will realise why.

PERFORMANCE
Switch on the GT50 and the first thing that catches your attention is the blacks on the screen. Yes, they are black, and not any shade of the colour as in some other TVs. The pictures are crisp-if you have FullHD content to inject life into the screen. Lower resolution files will play, but you just won't like the experience on the large screen. The pictures are really crisp and if the content is not up to the HD mark then things look a bit ugly with grains and noise. Even with broadcasts, you better ensure that you have an HD service.

3D
The 3D is not all that great. The picture is more about depth and the outward throw was also limited. The goggles supplied with the TV have active shutters and need batteries to run. But thankfully they are not heavy. The good thing about the glasses is that the power button can be toggled to configure the 3D mode. While converting 2D files to 3D the aspect ratio also changes, cropping out parts of the image. Even then, the results are not spectacular.

SMART
The Viera Connect app centre is almost like an IPTV feature, but for that you will need a good Internet connection. The media player functions are good too with an easy-to-navigate interface. It can show different source options, from the SD card slot and three USBs, at the same time. While it plays most media formats, there is background music thrown in while you are watching photos. The processor in the TV is quite fast and you get a clear idea of this when you flip through hi-res photos in the media player. They can go fast enough to appear like an animated movie. You can also transfer files to the TV through Bluetooth, though the iPad we used for testing failed to recognise the TV.

VERDICT
Good plasma option, 3D capability could have been better.

Courtesy: Gadgets and Gizmos