Product Listing

Pansonic VIERA TH-P50VT20S 3D TV - Dark Knight Rising

By Andy Sim - 19 Oct 2010
Launch SRP: S$5999

Conclusion

Our Final Word

The 3D TV panorama is far from settled, judging by how things are progressing. With Toshiba entering the fray with a glasses-free prototype, we guess anything is possible as far as 3D standards go from here. Panasonic, however, has made the most convincing stereoscopic effort thus far compared to their rivals. Looks wise, the 50-inch VT20S doesn't sport anything tenaciously attractive, not unless you are drawn to bulky chassis and deep brown glazes. Barring that, the VT20S' simple outfit actually belies a vicious streak lurking beneath its humble hood.  With the arrival of VIERA Cast, this PDP is no longer shy to stand up against opponents such as Samsung or LG and their brood of online application platforms. Panasonic has yet to create an app store, but its incorporation of common and useful apps such as Twitter, Skype and YouTube should win it some accolades. Bolstered with Internet connectivity, DLNA and a decent multimedia playback capability, such perks would undoubtedly draw consumers in. Of course, there's no lack of AV connectivity options on the flagship VT20S to boot.

Naysayers against the plasma clan might have to suck it up if they want a decent 3D panel. This PDP might not be perfect on all counts, but it is evident that Panasonic has set the bar in 3D performance with the VT20S.

Having said that, the V-series champion has yet to attain perfection with its set of minor caveats. It does not offer the most comprehensive advanced picture adjustments, and its noise reduction algorithms and cadence detection needs to be worked upon . Conversely, the unit's THX certification and aggressively specced hardware such as an improved NeoPDP panel and drive mechanisms are sound enough to impress even the most discerning eye.  This HDTV hit all the right notes in the 2D and 3D arena, with an indisputable black-level quality and visual performance. The real icing on the cake, however, lies in the TV's price tag. It's a given consumers have to pay a premium for 3D panels, sometimes twice as much as a conventional 2D display, if not more. With Panasonic's relatively conservative pricing of S$5,999 plus all those freebies thrown in, it will be hard for the average Joe to resist the charm of this compelling dark knight.

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9.0
  • Design 8.5
  • 3D Performance 9.5
  • HD Performance 9
  • SD Performance 9
  • Features 9
  • Value 9
The Good
Stellar 3D & 2D Performance
Deep Blacks
Useful VIERA Cast Feature
The Bad
Lacks Film Cadence Detection
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