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

Dark Knight Rising

Are there any serious challengers left to challenge Panasonic's position in the PDP industry with the iconic Kuro out of the picture? Let's not forget Panasonic did adopt some of Pioneer's PDP technologies before Kuro's final exodus. That's just a thought. On a tangent note, anyhow, we did receive a press release from Panasonic Corporation as 2009 drew to a close. The article revealed intimate details of their prototype 3D TV soon to be revealed at CEATEC then. The document spoke of a "50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel, and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in the living rooms", if we may quote them. Furthermore, the article hinted at Panasonic’s newly-developed high-speed 3D drive technology, which supposedly provides rapid illumination of pixels without sacrificing brightness. According to what was written, the panel incorporates a crosstalk-reduction technology to minimize ghosting which may occur when left and right eye images are alternately displayed. Now, that does sound like an tenable 3D panel if it holds true, doesn't it?

Of course, this was months before Samsung, LG and Sony officially sank their teeth into the 3D TV pie. Today, however, with major television makers taking a full swing at the 3D TV genre, it is evident Panasonic isn't alone in the race. Soon enough, other bigwigs such as Phillips and Sharp will soon have their own versions. While 3D TVs may have started out with highbrow shelf tags, falling prices in recent times and gradual increase in content availability should promote the growth of 3D TVs from hereon. Or should it? This trend is further echoed by DisplaySearch's recent findings.  According to the research firm, 3D TV shipments make up an insignificant percentage, 2 percent to be exact, of all flat panels shipped in 2010. That isn't very promising. However, these numbers are expected to balloon to 41 percent come 2014. Given the way things are going, it's not surprising that most consumers would likely wait for prices to dip even further before they part with their greens for that grand 3D screen.

Before we digress too much, let us evaluate the 50-inch VIERA P50VT20S that has finally hit retail after a long wait since its earlier prototype days. If you happen to notice the odd "T" inclusion in the VT20S moniker, well, you might want to know it's Panasonic's 3D TV identifier for their fresh V-Series range. Join as we delve deeper to find out if the VIERA P50VT20S can overthrow the first movers of the 3D TV race. But before that, you might want to get cozy with the TV's specs first in the tab above before hitting the jump.

Design

With its chunky 90mm girth, don't expect the VIERA VT20S to be your typical slim HDTV archetype like its skinny cousin for instance. What it lacks for in slenderness, however, the VT20S more than makes up for with a practical design and a handsome charm of its own. You'll need to fasten a total of seven holding screws to secure the panel onto its stand. The TV and base amount to 30.5kg, so take extra care when assembling this unit. While this plasma panel might not impress everyone with its unassuming looks, the VT20S' deep leather-like brown coat does set it apart from common black iterations. Besides its swiveling feature, what's commendable about the VT20S is Panasonic's stepped-up efforts in providing more multimedia connectivity features. In this regard, some of you might recall that previous VIERA generations used to offer a paltry SD Card slot alone. On the contrary, the VT20S is now armed to the teeth. Apart from a SD Card reader able to decipher the next-generation SDXC format, the PDP is also decked with dual USB 2.0 ports designed to read external drives, an optional Wi-Fi dongle and USB keyboard as well. The latter aspect is critical, especially when dealing with text-heavy applications such as Twitter on the TV's newly introduced VIERA Cast feature.

Judging from how its back panel was designed, wall-mounting this display will require some form of space concession since it most of the ports have a rear-facing placement. Apart from that, you need not have to worry about a lack of AV connectivity. On the analog front, the VT20S has three Composite ports to begin with and two Component connectors to boot. At the digital end, three of its four HDMI slots are located behind. More importantly, however, Input 2 supports HDMI 1.4's Audio Return Channel feature which enables the TV to send or receive audio signals via the same HDMI cable. This should minimize wire clutter if you are pairing it with a AV receiver. Little changes have been made to its remote stick. The wand offers a circular D-pad, a dedicated key for its VIERA Tools interface, and large numeric buttons. To manage a compatible Panasonic Blu-ray player via VIERA Link, for example, you may use the switch on the remote to toggle between the player and TV. On another note, the only gripe we have is the rather confusing mix of Menu and Option buttons. For that matter, hit the Menu button if you want to manipulate the TV's display settings and other adjustments.

Features

Panasonic's displays have considerably fewer picture adjustments compared to the likes of LG or Samsung. What the VT20S has, essentially, are basic color temperature presets (Cool, Normal and Warm), 24p Smooth Film decoding, and a "Resolution Enhancer" for digital sources which doesn't seem to do much. More pertinently, Panasonic's flagship 3D PDP has two primary marketable traits to keep rivals on their toes; a THX certification and VIERA Cast feature. By that, users can rely on the THX viewing mode for a "more faithful" visual experience if calibrating the TV isn't an option. Most notably, of course, is Panasonic's anticipated VIERA Cast platform which enables the TV to draw Internet content on the fly. Panasonic's media platform is considerably late to the party on the local models, but it's better late than never, so they say. With VIERA Cast, you can look forward to a slew of integrated applications such as Picasa, Twitter, YouTube, Bloomberg as well as receive weather updates from The Weather Channel. On top of that, Panasonic also enhanced their VIERA franchise with a Skype widget with their latest offering. However, you'll need to fork out some dough for the optional Skype cam, which offers unidirectional microphones and 720p video resolution support for Skyping visually. You may hook the TV up to the Internet, either through its Ethernet port or use the optional Wi-Fi dongle. Like its competitors in the same league, DLNA is another key feature with Panasonic's 2010 VIERA line up. 

Calibration - Spyder3TV Report

To maintain a display standard across our review units, we calibrated the Panasonic VIERA VT20S with the 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 purely on visual estimation alone. At this point, we've also disabled all the necessary bells and whistles such as color and edge enhancement features. After the calibration process, optimized values were as recorded as such: Brightness at 38, Contrast at 85 and Color at 51. Black and white luminance readings were measured as 0.020 cd/m2 and 130.224 cd/m2 respectively. Judging from the calibrated values, little changes need to made to the panel's Color, Contrast and Tint since they were already pre-tuned close to the sweet spots. On the other hand, Spyder3TV thinks the default Brightness value needs to be brought down a notch. Interestingly, the VIERA scored very similar black luminance values as LG's LX9500, which carries an LED-backlit LCD panel if you recall. White luminance readings were significantly less intense at 130.224 cd/m2, when pitted against the brighter LX9500 with a value of 203.497 cd/m2. For that matter, Panasonic is touting a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 5,000,000:1 off its spec sheet.

DisplayMate Tests

DisplayMate is an application which generates a sequence of test patterns to determine the capabilities of imaging devices like color and gray-scale accuracies for example. For our tests, we've hooked up the VIERA VT20S to our display test-bed PC via its HDMI connection. To be fair across the board, we have also disabled all visual enhancements on the TV in order to reduce the variables involved. Here are some findings based on the relevant and critical test patterns:-

Screen Uniformity

Predictably, the VT20S served up better screen uniformity compared to general LCD candidates. Uneven backlight bleeds were non-existent since we are dealing with a plasma panel. These findings were ascertained on both white and black test patterns. One concern we have, however, is the unmistakable presence of digital noise. 

Dark Gray Scale

Gray scale reproduction was almost pitch perfect with the VIERA. If we may add, blacks were also satisfyingly deep and dark, with thanks to Panasonic's new fangled Infinite Black Pro perk. LED-backlit screens may come close to black-level perfection, but all it really takes is a decent plasma to remind you otherwise. One trade off is we had to bump up the brightness in order to discern the darker gray blocks. In a few words; awesome blacks with excellent gray scale accuracy. 

Color Scales

Gradients were even and gradual on the color bars, except for the lighter blue strip which darkened a shade too quickly. Color performance was on track, although we had to pull down the contrast levels (as shown on our Spyder3TV report) to reduce the TV's overcompensated visuals. Whites were also visibly more pristine after tuning its colors and tint. 

256-Intensity Level Color Ramp

Darkening gradients diminished at slightly different rates across the four color bands, more so on the blue strip. Apart from that, the plasma display exhibited little signs of unnatural compressions. Viewing angles, as anticipated, were excellent.

IDT HQV Tests

IDT's HQV Tests are designed to assess image quality and the handling of digital displays and players 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 in order to stress the TV's video processor. This compels the TV's processor to convert interlaced signals into progressive to accommodate the HDTV's panel. Here are the results we noted on a few of the most crucial tests:-

Digital Noise Filtering

The VIERA VT20S has four levels for its noise reduction algorithms; Off, Min, Mid and Max. The good news is, they did little to affect picture detail at best. Bad news is, they also did little to remove video noise present.  

Diagonal Filter Test

The rotating bars were almost "jaggy" free, which demonstrated the VIERA's video reconstruction finesse. Samsung's C8000 impressed us with its diagonal filtering performance, but we have to admit the VT20S is closer to de-interlacing perfection. 

Film Resolution Loss Test

Unfortunately, the VT20S wasn't very comfy in dealing with the inverse telecine process or the reproduction of 24p video. Besides a lack of native film cadence detection, we couldn't locate any feature on the TV to apply the appropriate inverse cadence on the test pattern.  

High Definition Tests 

Before we dive into the Blu-ray pool, let's briefly run through DisplayMate's and HQV's results. We know that the Full-HD VT20S is capable of solid blacks and accurate grays. Picture quality was a little overstated on the Normal preset but calibration fixed that. HQV warned us about the TV's lackluster noise reduction algorithms and 24p processing, although its de-interlacing and motion handling engines were undoubtedly positive. For that matter, similar results were gathered on Corpse Bride. Black levels were astounding, meaning we were looking at black renditions almost as deep as the letterbox bars themselves. One of the biggest challenges facing TV manufacturers is the ability to marry picture detail with deep black levels. Suffice to say, Panasonic has managed to accomplish that on the panels now armed with Infinite Black Pro, which includes a new filter to fend off ambient lights, plus larger plasma cells to pull greater luminance punches. That said, we reckon this feature could be closely related to the bought over patents from Pioneer's Kuro technology, if we may hazard a guess.

On Vantage Point, we paid closer attention to color reproduction and how the TV coped with moving images. Colors leaned towards warmer hues, but only just. Hues were less plump in THX mode, but nonetheless ideal for those unable to calibrate the VT20S.  Back to the Normal calibrated preset, we can't dispute the PDP's outstanding visuals, attention to detail and jet-black pitch. If your eyes are more forgiving, you can also turn up the brightness a notch without sacrificing much in black levels. Moreover, we didn't have to meddle too much with the advanced RGB values to garner a decent picture. Other observations, such as "trailing" tendencies were also non-existent on Panasonic's refreshed breed of short-persistence phosphors. On the contrary, signs of image retention did persist with still images. To minimize this effect, set the Side Panel's setting to "High" if you can help it. The Intelligent Frame Creation feature did smooth out the occasional judder, but we have yet to see any form of active cadence detection on Panasonic's PDPs although the specs sheet might claim otherwise. All things considered, we conclude that the VT20S is one heck of a promising PDP which truly shines with Blu-ray content for the most part.

Standard Definition Test

The VT20S promises 1080 moving lines of picture resolution and a 600Hz Sub-field Drive. In real world conditions, this would translate to Full-HD glory with moving sequences, and 12 replicated sub-fields for each frame assuming it's from a 50Hz feed. They sound awfully delicious, but what about the VIERA's upscaling powers? In a nutshell, the VT20s did very well with standard definition videos. Tested with the X-Men: The Last Stand DVD, upscaled images were translated convincingly on the 50-inch screen, plus the TV did not introduce unnecessary artifacts from the 480i source along the way. As established by HQV, the VT20S de-interlacing capability was beyond questioning and motion handling was superb as well. Apart from the minor grievances, it does look like a win-win situation on both Blu-ray and SD assessments. Audio wise, the dual 10W speakers and woofer packed quite a hefty thump. If you are looking for a wider spatial effect, go with V-Audio ProSurround instead of the V-Audio Surround setting.       

Panasonic's 3D Eyewear

Panasonic's TY-EW3D10 could easily pass off as an Oakley derivative, given its silver accents and curvaceous design. This pair of active-shutter glasses comes with two detachable noise pads and a lanyard, packaged within a protective hard shell case. That's a plus if you plan to carry your 3D glasses around for some reason. If you can stomach its flamboyant styling, Panasonic's active shutter glasses actually provides a comfortable fit behind the ears and on the nose despite its swanky appearance. One handy feature is the glasses automatically power off after five minutes when the display source is switched back to 2D mode. Weighted against others however, LG's 3D eyewear does have an edge since their glasses are rechargeable via a USB port. Naturally, and in Panasonic's case, you'll need to replace the flat-cell battery (CR2032) once it runs out of juice. On the bright side, the power button is found just below the left hinge which makes it easy to reach. We have, in addition, an interesting piece of trivia for you. You might notice that most active-shutter glasses for 3D LCD TVs tend to 'blackout' or darken significantly when viewed in the vertical position. This won't happen with the VT20S plasma if you care to know. Currently, Panasonic is throwing in two pairs of glasses, a DMP-BDT300GA 3D Blu-ray player, plus two 3D Blu-ray titles as part of its bundle at no extra cost. Whilst stocks last, of course. 

The 3D Experience 

We have two 3D Blu-ray titles on hand to help us determine this PDP's 3D prowess - the "IMAX Space Station" documentary and DreamWorks' "Monsters vs Aliens" animation.  The VT20S supports various 3D picture formats, such as Side by Side, Top and Bottom, and Original types. If you are planning to stick with the default Frame-Sequential standard from your 3D Blu-ray source, we'd recommend sticking to the "Auto" setting as it is to avoid any complications. Needless to say, we will be pairing the VT20S with the BDT300GA player for our 3D tests. With the Space Station disc, foreground subjects tend to lack sharpness or focus in a some instances. Apart from such sporadic occurrences, however, the NeoPDP panel was all about solid black levels, crisp visuals and a decent stereoscopic delivery. The darkening effect caused by the lenses are a necessary trade off with active shutter glasses, but the clinical whites of the astronauts' suits contrasted against the deep blacks of space did impress our eyes. Crosstalk, or ghosting, caused by poor syncing and separation between glasses and display source, is less pertinent on the VIERA compared to the LCD genre such as Samsung's C8000 and LG's INFINIA LX9500. 

Mostly, the same positive 3D experience was replicated on Monsters vs Aliens. We'd like to draw your attention to the persistent crosstalk annoyances we have faced with other 3D panels in the recent past. In one particular scene, Susan Murphy was discussing her honeymoon plans with Derek Dietl beneath a pavilion. Noticeably, the vines, and even the trees in the background were constantly plagued by ghostly "doubles". Fortunately, Panasonic's VT20S managed to get the 3D dynamics right in this instance. Immersion, or the entire stereoscopic experience, hinges a great deal on how convincing the panel is at creating a perceptible 'depth' and defined subjects. We understand Panasonic has 'improved their PDP's drive mechanisms on the VT20S, augmented with short persistence phosphors to minimize crosstalk. To add, other 'problematic' instances such as the hangar scene shown below also yielded less ghostly images to boggle our brains. In summation, it is possible to sit through an entire 3D movie with the VIERA without experiencing vertigo or the terrible onset of a migraine. Heck, you might even enjoy the 3D ride.

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.

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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