Panasonic Viera ET5S - Best Of Both Worlds
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SD, HD & 3D Tests
Standard Definition Test
X-Men: The Last Stand (DVD)
This Viera has the tenacity to flesh out finer picture details from an SD source on its native 1080p screen with convincing quality. At a viewing distance of 2 meters, it is even possible to pass off this movie as a HD clip with a less discerning eye. There’s also a sweet balance of blacks and picture detail, which is rather commendable for a mid-range LCD set. Most notably, there’s an absence of aliasing artifacts, which less capable displays might succumb to. Now, for the bad bits. We can’t ignore the strong bluish hues which seem to permeate the mutants. Move slightly closer, and you might spot the unfiltered noise grains around the film’s subjects. There’s also an annoying ‘shimmer’ which occurs with camera pans. This can be alleviated by enabling Motion Picture Pro, but conversely, the overly smooth production is a little too slick for our taste. Last but not least, we also noted that the TV’s Film Cadence Detection option isn’t available with the X-Men DVD title, probably due to the fact that we’ve set the player’s output to 576i instead of 1080p.
High-Definition Test
Vantage Point (Blu-ray)
Vantage Point was recorded in a CinemaScope format. When played back on a 16:9-based set, like the ET5S, the letterbox bars are also indicative of the display’s black-level retentive qualities.To be fair, it wasn’t the same inky tones we’ve encountered on Panasonic’s VT30S, but it was definitely a mark above the average LCD TV fitted with edge-lit backlights. As noted on DisplayMate earlier, there’s noticeable (but slight) light leakage at the corners which could compromise picture fidelity, but other than that, backlight illumination was evenly spread throughout the screen. Details were crisp, and motion handling was quite impeccable with this BD title. As observed during our DVD test, there’s also a healthy balance of details and blacks. However, the display suffers from minor black crush issues with darker hues, like dark-colored fabrics for example, although it wasn't a major flaw to shout about. Colors are a little off, despite one round of basic calibration with the Spyder. If your eyes are comfortable with a warmer color tone, try switching to the True Cinema preset to enjoy a more natural presentation. Unlike our findings on HQV, where the TV had trouble processing a 24p source from a 60i clip, we’re glad to report that Panasonic’s Film Cadence Detection worked flawlessly with this native 24p Blu-ray content.
3D High-Definition Test
Panasonic TY-EP3D10 Passive Glasses
Let’s start with Panasonic's passive 3D eyewear, which we already know originated from the ranks of LG Display. Although the stylish pair of glasses is a polarized variety, it does bear a similar trait with Samsung’s latest SSG-4100GB active-shutter model upon closer inspection, in that they are both designed to be worn over prescription glasses if necessary. Panasonic’s passive model, the TY-EP3D10, is of course, significantly lighter than its active-shutter rival since it doesn’t require any form of electronic circuitry or batteries. Ironically, Panasonic's model also looks and feels a tad classier than LG's AG-F310 alternative, bundled with their Cinema 3D sets. When tried, Panasonic's wrap-around design ensures a snug and comfortable fit for most adults' head sizes. They do, however, feel a little flimsy, and it’s best to keep them away from curious children if you can. Panasonic is bundling four pairs of these glasses with the Viera ET5S.
Monsters vs Aliens (3D Blu-ray)
Stereoscopic images were delightfully crisp, and as expected with passive 3D screens, there wasn’t a hint of crosstalk throughout the movie. Although the Viera's 3D depth isn’t as punchy compared to some active-shutter models, like the Sony Bravia HX855 for example, the flicker-free pictures and comfortable viewing experience more than makes up for this little visual niggle. Interestingly, the ET5S’ 3D depth did appear to be a notch 'deeper' than LG’s flagship LM9600 itself, if we had to draw a comparison and pray that it wasn't a placebo effect. There were moments when we detected hints of motion judder, although they were rare instances, and only apparent when the camera pans. There’s no sign of Motion Picture Pro in 3D Mode as well, but we reckon it’s probably already running at 300Hz with a 3D source. Panasonic has thrown in a few treats, such as 3D Depth Adjustment and Edge Smoother, but they are largely unnecessary since they don’t effect much of a change in the stereoscopic quality in our opinion. We must, however, highlight that LG's FPR (Film Patterned Retarder) quirks such as the presence of interlaced "scan lines" when the viewing distance is reduced, is also present with Panasonic's set.
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