Panasonic 65-inch VT50S - A Very Tantalizing Plasma Display
Panasonic's flagship plasma television boasts of a whopping 65-inch screen estate and improved 2,500Hz Focused Field Drive system to reduce blurring caused by so-called 'trailing' images. We take on the VT50S to see if it's capable of trouncing its VT30S predecessor.
To Infinity And Beyond
Fans of plasma display panels (PDP) will undoubtedly be waiting for the Viera VT50S, which finally arrived on retail shelves a few months ago. Available in 55-inch and 65-inch variations, the new flagship PDP from Panasonic offers a few improvements, on paper at least, over the former VT30S model. To begin with, the VT50S is loaded with Panasonic's Infinite Black Ultra panel, or more precisely, a Generation-15 NeoPlasma panel treated with the Infinite Black Ultra filter. In layman terms, users can expect fewer reflections, improved black levels, reduced light loss, as well as sharper contrasts under brighter ambient conditions. The ST and GT series are still fitted with Panasonic's slightly older Infinite Black Pro filter. Another selling point of the VT50S is its faster Focused Field Drive system, now rated at 2,500Hz compared to more conventional sub-field drive ratings of 600Hz for entry and mid-range PDP sets. If we deciphered Panasonic's marketing jargon correctly, this means the faster pulse emissions should improve the brightness quality and motion rendering on the VT50S allegedly. We'll see if these claims hold true when we report on its detailed test outcome over the next few pages.
Fitted with THX and professional ISFccc picture modes, Panasonic is clearly aiming its crosshairs at serious AV enthusiasts with its latest VT50S plasma display. Can it outdo the VT30S? Well, stay tuned to find out if this 65-inch beast is worth paying $6,499 for.
You might recall that the VT30S does not carry a web browser. That's about to change with the VT50S, for we understand Panasonic has added a HTML5-compatible web browser to its PDP champ. Unfortunately, we were unable to evaluate the web browser or Viera Connect (Panasonic's Smart TV portal) due to office network limitations we're currently experiencing with Pansonic's line of Smart TVs.
Moving on, the full HD TV is equipped with two pairs of active-shutter glasses, although they aren't quite the same as the one bundled with the VT30S. We'll tell you more about them when we get to the 3D portion later. Another new addition from Panasonic this year is the complementary Touch Pad remote, which follows flagship models like the WT-series under the LED edge-lit camp. And before we forget, Panasonic's sought-after THX presets remain as constant fixtures with THX picture modes for both 2D and 3D settings. Advanced picture calibration is also possible via the two ISFccc Professional modes. Now that you're better acquainted with the VT50S, it's time to turn the page and 'meet' this 65-inch Viera we've brought in to our lab up-close.
Every Viera VT50S Has A Silver Lining
Panasonic has rarely been commended for their TV aesthetics. The VT50S' stylized dress-code, however, does make it a tad more attractive than last year's VT30S. The two models share the same single-sheet-of-glass design. At only an inch wide, the VT50S' inner bezel is noticeably slimmer, although the lower bezel is slightly thicker at approximately 1.5 inches. We also noticed that the protective glass screen is less reflective than Samsung's E8000 PDP model in comparison. The main cosmetic highlight which differentiates the VT50S from its predecessor lies with the aluminum trimmings, one that frames the entire periphery of the panel. The accents are quite conspicuous due to their metallic finish, but they do add a touch of class to an otherwise drab design, And thankfully, they are not much of a visual distraction when the display is viewed in a dimmed room as well. This PDP swivels on a smokey-gray pedestal stand. The plastic material, sadly, does not quite complement the expensive-looking panel it supports.
If looks matter to you, then plasma fans might take heart in the VT50S' sharper dress-code compared to its dowdier VT30S predecessor.
Highlights of the VT-series are advertised on this sticker tab. Also notice how the shiny frame accentuates the polished look of the TV's single glass sheet design.
Here's a closer look at the "silver" trimmings which surrounds the panel. We like how it breaks an otherwise monotonous and all-black profile on the VT50S.
Don't be fooled by the polished gleam on the rectangular pedestal stand. It is fashioned out of plastic mostly, but offers decent stability though.
Panasonic is a generous soul when it comes to audio-visual ports. Like the VT30S, this Viera offers four HDMI 1.4 inputs, three USB ports, and an SD Card slot which supports the "larger" SDXC format as well. All of these inlets are mounted by the side panel. Analog options such as composite, component, and VGA, are located below in a downward-facing orientation, along with the Ethernet and RF input. To retain the TV's slim profile, the Japanese firm has adopted the solution of breakout cables for its composite and component ports, much like its South Korean rivals - Samsung and LG.
Expect a dazzling array of AV ports. Lined up by the side panel are four HDMI ports, three USB ports for external storage devices, plus an SD Card slot.
The proprietary composite inlet for the breakout cables is highlighted in yellow, and component in green. Others positioned along the bottom row include a LAN port, RF input, optical out, and VGA.
Push-button controls for volume and source selections are available just by the side of the Viera. The TV's main power switch is located here as well.
The VT50S comes with two controllers: a standard vanilla remote, and a Touch Pad remote to facilitate usage of its Viera Connect apps. Observably, Panasonic has given the standard wand a glossy makeover this time, plus the volume and channel controls have been relocated to the remote's mid-section as well. As its name suggests, a touchpad is available on the secondary remote with basic scrolling and sliding features. It's not the best solution for a Smart TV versus LG's Magic Remote, but it is nonetheless indispensable when navigating the web browser or the integrated applications. Note that you'll need to pair the Touch Pad remote with the TV before you get to use it. This can be done via the TV's Setup menu.
The updated vanilla remote (left) is lighter and glossier, while the Touch Pad remote is useful for navigating the web browser and Viera Connect apps.
User-Interface
As highlighted in our review of the ET5S, Panasonic has reworked their UI with a more attractive layout. It's made up of five main sections - Picture, Sound, Network, Timer, and Setup. To connect the TV up to the Internet, you may choose between wired or wireless options via the network section. There are eight picture presets tuned for consumers and enthusiasts - Dynamic, Normal, Cinema, THX Cinema, THX Bright Room, Game, Professional 1, and Professional 2. To access these professional modes, however, you'll need to activate the ISFccc feature tucked under Setup first. In a nutshell, advanced white balance adjustments are available under the professional options for more savvy users. If you're unable to calibrate the panel, our advice is to go with Panasonic's THX-certified modes. Depending on your room's lighting, you can choose between THX Cinema or THX Bright Room. They offer fairly accurate colors and contrast compared to the other picture presets. In addition, a third option - THX3D Cinema - is also available with a 3D video source.
The VT50S features a total of eight picture presets. Note that the Professional modes are only available after the ISFccc function is enabled under the Setup menu.
These are some of the default picture settings under the THX Cinema mode. We'll see how far this deviates from our calibrated settings in just a moment.
The "1080p Pure Direct" feature may prove elusive with 4:2:2 sources. If your Blu-ray player has the option to enable a 4:4:4 color space, do ensure it's on.
Another new feature on the VT50S is Panasonic's "1080p Pure Direct Mode", and it's only available with 1080p sources, of course. It supposedly bypasses any excessive processing on the TV's end, and according to Panasonic's explanation, "transmits and outputs high-quality YUV 4:4:4 30-bit video signals directly to the TV". In layman terms, a higher chroma bandwidth simply means a better preservation of colored details. Before we look at the TV's performance proper, here's a screenshot of the Touch Pad remote's pairing process and user-interface as shown below.
You ought to see this screen if nothing goes awry with the Touch Pad remote's pairing process. The diagram also indicates the various touch functions available.
Calibration - Spyder3TV Report
To maintain a standard across our review units, we calibrated the Panasonic VT50S with Datacolor's Spyder3TV Home Theater Color Calibration kit prior to our visual tests. This is to ensure we assess the HDTV based on optimal display settings, and not on visual estimation alone. Using the TV's Normal preset, we've also disabled all the necessary enhancement features. Here are the recommended calibrated picture settings using the THX Cinema preset - Brightness: 9, Contrast: 50, Color: 59, and Tint: 0. Black and white luminance were recorded at 0.020cd/m2 and 85.630 cd/m2 respectively. What we can gather from these results is that the THX folks got it right with their Contrast and Tint calibrations. Slight adjustments were required for Brightness and Color, but they aren't a major deviation from the picture settings out of the box. Black luminance levels are noticeably lower (which is good) than the VT30S, which yielded a reading of 0.116cd/m2. However, keep in mind that the Normal preset was used instead of the THX mode during the calibration process for the VT30S.
Calibrated results for the VT50S' THX Cinema Mode are as follows: Brightness: 9, Contrast: 50, Color: 59, and Tint: 0. Black and white luminance were recorded at 0.020cd/m2 and 85.630 cd/m2 respectively.
DisplayMate Tests
DisplayMate is an application which generates a sequence of test patterns to determine the capabilities of imaging devices, like color, uniformity, and gray-scale accuracies for example. For our tests, we've hooked up the Viera VT50S to our display test-bed system via a HDMI connection. Similar to our calibration setup, we have also disabled all visual enhancements on the TV to reduce the variables involved. Here are some of our findings.
256-Intensity Level Color Ramp Test: It's a rare instance when we encounter almost perfect gradients and color reproductions on a HDTV. The Viera VT50S came close.
Dark Screen | There's no hint of "clouding" around the white text when it was introduced on the all-black test pattern. It's a plasma screen we're dealing with after all. Black tones were nice and even throughout the screen. |
Dark Gray Scale | Contrast levels were splendid and so were the deep blacks. This ensured the darker gray blocks were visible. Color tracking errors were absent as well, judging by the relatively neutral and achromatic grayscale. |
Color Scales | Excellent color gradations and accuracy. The same applies to the VT50S' generous horizontal viewing angle too. The darker bands are slightly "clumped" but less so than Samsung's Series 8+ E8000 PDP. |
256-Intensity Level Color Ramp | The four bands - white, red, green, and blue - were reproduced true to form, from the brightest to the darkest zones (see picture above) without traces of color deviations. Slight compression issues, but they're negligible. |
IDT HQV Tests
IDT's HQV Tests (on Blu-ray) are designed to assess image quality and handling of digital displays through a variety of video signal processing tasks which includes decoding, de-interlacing, motion correction, noise reduction, and film cadence detection. We've programmed the Blu-ray player to playback in 1080i to test the TV's de-interlacing capabilities. Here are the results we noted on some of the more crucial HQV tests:-
Digital Noise Filtering test: Panasonic's LCD and Plasma TVs share a common trait - average noise filters. We noticed a palpable improvement in noise levels when P-NR is set to Max. Otherwise, noise reduction was found to be minimal for the Min and Mid settings.
Digital Noise Filtering | Small levels of noise were removed when P-NR (Panasonic's noise reduction feature) is set to Max without any adverse deteriorationin the video quality. Otherwise, the Min and Mid options were ineffective mostly. |
Diagonal Filter Test | Panasonic's video processor handled the moving interlaced image effectively, without signs of feathering or judder on the rotating bar. |
Film Resolution Loss Test | Results deteriorated after Film Cadence Detection was enabled. Although the VT50S is able to decode native 24p content without 2:3 pull-down involved, it has issues decoding original 1080p24 material from this particular 1080i60 video which simulates typical broadcast sources. |
Standard-Definition Test
X-Men: The Last Stand (DVD)
Instances of jaggies were evident on moving objects. On the bright side, we did not detect excess "fuzz" (aliasing artifacts) and mosquito noise on this DVD title on the whole. Response time was excellent as well, for traces of ghosting were mostly absent. Visuals were a tad softer (not necessarily a bad thing) than Samsung's flagship E8000 PDP, although the Viera's black levels were deliciously deeper without succumbing to black crush issues. In other words, shadow detailing was superb. Panasonic's Intelligent Frame Creation feature (with a faster 2,500Hz Focused Field Drive) did help to reduce judder on moving images and scenes with fast camera pans. However, we'd advise you to disable this option if you prefer to watch a more natural, albeit less fluid motion processing onscreen. Overall, Panasonic's THX Cinema mode gave the X-Men film a warmer and more "organic" texture versus Samsung's sharper offering. Like most PDPs, the VT50S is susceptible to screen burn-in when images are paused or left onscreen for too long as well. However, we observed that its retention did not linger quite as long as its Samsung rival. And we reckon this might be due to Panasonic's built-in pixel orbiter feature which subtly offsets static images to prevent the phosphors from leaving a burnt trail.
This scene focuses on Storm (the X-Men character, not the weather). The photo image does not convey exactly what our eyes see, but the black levels and shadow detailing on Panasonic's VT50S are simply mind blowing in reality. Edges are less crisp than the E8000, but the up-converted DVD material is definitely watchable on the Viera.
High-Definition Test
Vantage Point (Blu-ray)
Some irregular movement (or judder) was detected during the disc's menu animation sequence. Thankfully, this wasn't repeated during the Blu-ray film itself. Panasonic's improved Focused Field Drive did help smooth out motion on the VT50S, although the unnatural motion (soap opera effect) was something we'd rather do without. Colors and contrasts were deeply satisfying in THX Cinema mode, with very natural textures and excellent levels of gradation rendered throughout the movie. Shadow detailing was superb as well. The VT50S does not feature automatic cadence detection, but it can be enabled via Film Cadence Detection found under the TV's Advanced Settings. For 24p sources, this set also supports 2:2 pulldown at 48Hz and 4:4 pulldown at 96Hz. The latter feature can be enabled via the "24p Smooth Film" option under the same menu. We did not notice any glaring errors during playback of the Blu-ray 24p content. In fact, motion resolution was greatly improved with Film Cadence Detection enabled. On the other hand, we'd rather do without the "over fluid" 24p Smooth Film selection. All in all, the Viera has the ability to deliver high-definition content with vivid results and refreshingly clear textures, and yet natural enough to simulate the feel of 'reel films' right on the 65-inch screen. For daytime viewing, the THX Bright Room preset is a better choice since the visuals are noticeably washed-out in bright daylight despite the panel's Infinite Black Ultra filter. As an afterthought, the previously mentioned "1080p Pure Direct" mode did not render any perceptible improvements in the TV's color detailing, although it's supposed to produce "colors that are highly faithful to the original" according to Panasonic.
Panasonic states that the improved NeoPlasma panel is capable of 24,576 equivalent steps of gradation. We can't quantify or confirm that number, but the level of detail in the darker areas is observably better than Samsung's E8000. Skin tones are a touch warmer in THX Cinema mode.
3D High-Definition Test
Panasonic TY-ER3D4MA Active-Shutter 3D Glasses
Panasonic's latest TY-ER3D4MA eyewear is noticeably less clunky than previous offerings, like the TY-EW3D2MA bundled with last year's VT30S for example. However, there's good reason why the RF-based ER3D4MA is more compact in size - it's a non-rechargeable model, meaning that the USB charging circuitry used on EW3D2MA is not required here. The single button-cell is housed just above the nose pads, while the "slider" power switch is conveniently situated just above the ridge of the frame. You'll need a mini cross-tip screwdriver to pry open the battery cover by the way. The nose-pads are not interchangeable, which suggests you're stuck with these longish pads, like it or not, and they aren't very comfortable either. Although Panasonic's 3D glasses is fairly light on the whole, they are not made to be worn over prescription glasses like Samsung's SSG-4100GB for instance. You can try, but they don't sit very well. All in all, Panasonic's TY-ER3D4MA is a decent effort on Panasonic's part, but we won't go so far to say that it's the most practical and most comfortable active-shutter solution around.
There're hits and misses with Panasonic's active-shutter eyewear. While they are noticeably lighter and more compact than last year's model, the TY-ER3D4MA is unfortunately handicapped by its non-rechargeable limitations.
This view offers a better glimpse of its power switch, battery cover, and nose-pads. The nose-pads provide adequate support, but they weren't very comfortable when we tried them out.
Monsters vs Aliens (3D Blu-ray)
Before we begin, let us state that our findings with the VT50S' 3D performance was based on the TV's "THX 3D Cinema" mode. First impressions tells us that its default picture settings yields a relatively dim output with slightly warm tones, and you might want to increase the TV's contrast and brightness settings a notch since this "dimness" is also compounded by the darkening effect of the active-shutter glasses as well. Darker details (or shadow detail) may be lost if left uncorrected. However, changes aren't necessary if the room is almost devoid of any ambient light source. Overall, Panasonic's 3D performance was truly outstanding in every aspect compared to the rest of its PDP peers. Stereoscopic depth was perceptibly superior to Samsung's E8000, and there were little hints of crosstalk throughout the animated film. In addition, the 3D effect wasn't compromised at wider viewing angles either. Tucked under Advanced Settings are features such as "24p Smooth Film" and "3D Refresh Rates". Essentially, the former helps to "smoothen" 24p content with four available settings available - Off, Min, MId, and Max, while 3D Refresh Rates enables you to playback 3D materials at optional Auto, 100Hz, or 120Hz shutter rates. A slight amount of flicker was discernible with the "Auto" selection. However, there's no cause for worry as yet since this niggle can easily be resolved by selecting the 120Hz option instead. Although the VT50S is easily one of the best 3D PDPs out there, it is clearly not designed for daytime viewing or under fluorescent lighting. For these purposes, a passive 3D screen would probably suit you better.
The VT50S lives up to Panasonic's Viera PDP legacy with its unparalleled 3D depths and contrasts. If subtle flickering is an issue, try enabling the 100Hz or 120Hz options under the TV's 3D Refresh Rates to resolve it.
Some of the default picture settings available under the THX 3D Cinema Mode. Colors are a touch warmer than usual, but little tweaks are required if you are finicky with the color details. Just keep in mind that this picture mode was tuned for dark viewing environments.
Top Of The Line
Having scrutinized the Viera VT50S from every possible angle, it's time now to access the TV's worth, and more importantly, if it's really worth paying S$6,499 for. Looks wise, we have to admit this 65-inch model is undoubtedly the best looking plasma display from Panasonic's VT-series yet. The metallic trims and single slate of glass design do demarcate the VT50S from its early predecessors, which are relatively "boring" in the looks department for the lack of a better word. We're not too hot about the all-plastic pedestal stand, but at the very least, it does offer a decent amount of stability to the hefty panel. Panasonic's inclusion of the Touch Pad remote is a welcome addition, and it helps when it comes to managing the web browser or Viera Connect applications at that. It's a similar solution to Samsung's Smart Touch remote, but if we had to choose, we'd pick LG's Magic Remote over the two simply for its ease of use. All of the ports are either aligned by the side or below the back panel, and this also makes it less cumbersome when wall-mounting the panel. With an army of HDMI and USB ports (plus an SD Card slot), you can rest assure that there is no lack of AV connectors on the VT50S. The advanced Professional modes also makes this PDP a nice lure for AV enthusiasts who're keen on tuning the finer aspects.
The elegant Viera VT50S not only received a makeover from Panasonic, but its visual performance is a step up from its VT30S predecessor as well.
As for its picture quality, the VT50S breezed through our visual tests unscathed, save for its noise filtering and inverse telecine capabilities. The THX modes offer slightly warmer tones, but judging by our calibrated results, they do not deviate much from the THX default settings in comparison. Black levels and contrasts are deliciously deep and sharp as anticipated. The Infinite Black Ultra filter did help to block a sizable degree of soft ambient light, but they're pretty much ineffective against the harsher glare of daylight. As for native 1080p24 content, like Blu-ray titles for instance, the VT50S is capable of 48Hz and 96Hz (24p Smooth Film) playback without raising odd judders or artifacts. Plasma noise has been visibly reduced as well. Its standard-definition performance is decent, and we would say it's comparable to Samsung's E8000 in terms of their up-converting prowess. However, the VT50S truly made its mark when it came to high-definition and 3D materials. Its low black luminance levels, combined with high contrasts and judder-free motion processing, easily crowns this Viera as one of the most formidable plasma televisions in the market (though there aren't too many PDP models to begin with).
The only problem for Panasonic, however, is that its cheaper and comparable ST-series (minus THX and ISFccc modes) might detract consumers from its heavily marketed flagship model. Then again, one might also argue that the VT-series is the only Panasonic PDP series which carries a 65-inch screen size. And since the VT50S is rather susceptible to image retention, it's also advisable not to leave static images on the screen for extended periods of time. Apart from these niggles, the Viera VT50S is a tantalizing television set which serves as a good reminder on the finer visual qualities of a plasma display, as it enters the market right before the arrival of the OLED based troopers. The 55-inch VT50S is currently priced at $4,299, and that's about two grand lesser than the 65-inch heavyweight.
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