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Sunday, July 31, 2011
Panasonic Vierra TX P50ST30 Review
3DTVS used to carry a huge price premium over standard high definition sets, but Panasonic’s ST30 proves this is no longer the case. It might be the company’s mid-range plasma TV for 2011, but it packs in a huge array of features that we would normally expect to see in a more expensive set, including internet TV.
We wouldn’t call the plain grey screen bezel stylish, but it’s at least reasonably compact. A minimalist stand serves its purpose, but can of course be removed if you prefer to wall mount the set. Around the back there’s an ample array of ports, including four HDMI ports, component video and digital optical audio. The TV tuner supports Freeview HD, but not FreeSat. Two USB ports let you attach an external hard disk to play back video files, but recording TV broadcasts isn’t supported. There’s no built-in WiFi, only an Ethernet port, but if you can’t stand the thought of cables an optional adaptor is available separately to add wireless connectivity.
There’s a good reason to connect the ST30 to the internet; Panasonic’s VIERA Connect web TV system lets you access video streaming sites like YouTube, as well as catch-up TV. The highlight is definitely BBC iPlayer integration; it lets you access the BBC HD stream and has a very responsive interface that proved easy to navigate using the remote control. Panasonic can add further channels in the future as licensing deals are agreed, updating VIERA Connect automatically over the internet.
The 50in panel itself has an anti-reflective coating, designed to create a clear picture even in brightly lit rooms and make blacks appear more prominent. In practice, this made darker movie scenes look absolutely stunning; plasma screens tend to have far better black levels than LCD panels, but the ST30 was so dark that in some cases it looked blacker than the bezel that surrounds it. Other options to improve image quality include Panasonic’s 24p Smooth Film intelligent frame creation (IFC), which interpolates frames to make 24p Blu-ray films smoother. There are only two settings to choose from, but the medium option proved more than capable at handling the fast-paced action sequences of our test footage, without creating overtly visible artefacts.
In spite of these refinements, picture quality wasn’t quite as crisp as a top-end LCD screen when viewed up close; at a regular viewing distance, though, we preferred the more accurate black levels of the plasma display. Colours were very accurate at default settings, but there are further options to adjust them to suit personal preference.
High definition content looked very sharp over Freeview HD, as did some of the higher-quality SD channels. Unfortunately a lot of detail was lost on lower-quality channels, with facial features in particular suffering from excessive blurring. The on-screen EPG was just as responsive as the other menus, although it lacked a live preview window.
Plasma TVs are almost always superior to LCD when watching 3D content and the ST30 is no exception. With an almost instantaneous 0.001ms response rate, there was no noticeable screen flicker and there was no visible ghosting in most scenes, with only a few minor artefacts where the effect had been accentuated by the filmmakers. Using active shutter glasses, screen brightness was significantly dimmer than on an LCD screen, to the extent that we would only watch 3D content in a dark room.
We tested the TV with a pair of Panasonic’s own 3D glasses, which unfortunately aren’t included with the set – one of the key reasons that 3D sets appear more affordable this year. You’ll have to factor in the £80-per-set cost into the overall cost of buying the TV.
With very few negative points to highlight, the ST30 looks like the ideal Plasma TV, but there’s one important point to take into consideration. Panasonic’s own GT30 (full review coming soon) currently costs around £50 more at any given size, but includes a FreeSat HD tuner, DLNA multimedia streaming, THX-certified video (which means that colours on a certified DVD should look as the filmmaker intended) and recording to a USB device.
In every other practical respect, it’s an identical set. And even if you might only use one or two of those, it’s not a lot of extra money for a TV this expensive already. That makes the GT30 the better buy for most people.
source : http://www.gbrzone.com/reviews-panasonic-viera-tx-p50st30/
Review LG Infinia PZ950 3D HDTV Plasma
LG Electronics announced its expanded family of plasma HDTVs for 2011 today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8205), a stunning line-up of seven new plasma series headlined by the Full HD 1080p INFINIA PZ950.
The INFINIA PZ950 – with its added online content options through LG SmartTV with Magic Motion Remote for easy navigation, THX Certified 3D display* and picture-enhancing technologies – represents the pinnacle among the more than a dozen new 2011 plasma models from LG Electronics.
“LG is dedicated to re-inventing the boundaries of Plasma HDTVs, and the 2011 line represents another step forward in the industry,” said Jay Vandenbree, senior vice president, LG Electronics USA. “Including features that provide additional content, like LG SmartTV and 3D capability, add to the great picture quality and stylish designs that consumers have come to expect from an LG plasma HDTV.”
Connect, Surf, Enjoy
Two of LG’s new plasma lines, PZ950 and PZ750 series (each available in both 50- and 60-inch class sizes*), come with the new LG SmartTV function. Building on the online content platform the company first introduced in 2008, LG SmartTV provides consumers access to virtually limitless content, thousands of movies, customizable apps, videos and Web browsing, all through an organized, simple-to-use interface*. Making navigation easier is LG’s “magic motion” remote control. This gesture-based remote provides a simple and intuitive way to control the TV as well as LG SmartTV apps. In addition, a free app for iPhone and Android-based smart phones will provide an additional way to control the set, including a full QWERTY keyboard.
The PZ550 series (available in 50- and 60-inch class sizes*) includes online media options from content partners including Netflix, CinemaNow, VUDU, Picasa and many more with LG NetCast 1.0. Providing easy options for connecting to the Internet, in addition to the wired Ethernet jack, all internet-capable sets can integrate into a wireless home network by using a USB wireless broadband adaptor (Included with PZ950, sold separately for other models).
All LG’s internet-capable plasmas have incorporated the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) technology. DLNA allows consumers to access content stored on other DLNA-certified devices within the home, such as computers, making content options almost limitless.
Eye-Popping Picture, Eye-Catching Design
Four of LG’s new plasma series (PZ950, PZ750, PZ550 and PW350 series) incorporate 3D capability, working with the use of active shutter glasses and an RF emitter built into the television. They also incorporate 2D to 3D conversion, which is user-adjustable so consumers can watch almost anything with a 3D effect. The PZ950 and PZ750 have achieved THX 2D and 3D Display Certification – the industry standard for having the correct gamma, luminance, and color temperature. To earn THX 3D display certification, these models passed more than 400 laboratory tests evaluating left and right eye images for color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing performance. In addition to THX 3D Display Certification, this series had to pass THX certification for their superior picture quality in 2D, which must be achieved before passing THX 3D Display Certification. THX Certification ensures that consumers bring home an uncompromised HD experience with picture quality the way the director intended.
All of the new plasma series include LG’s 600Hz Sub-field Driving to ensure that all the action is delivered smoothly with virtually no motion blur. The flagship PZ950 also includes the TruBlack filter for enhanced black levels even in brightly lit conditions. Further, it features LG’s striking INFINIA Design, with a depth of less than 2 inches and a bezel measuring just 1.18 inches wide. Real glass is paired with a hair-line aluminum highlight to create a luxurious, virtually borderless appearance, while a transparent lower panel completes the slim even-bezel look. The overall effect is to draw greater attention to the screen, making for a truly immersive viewing experience in both 2D and 3D. Other 2011 models (PZ550, PW350, PV450, and PT350) include LG’s TruSlim Frame, which cut the bezel to less than 1-inch thin.
Energy Savings
Understanding consumers’ desire for products that reduce their household energy costs, most of LG’s plasma HDTVs have a variety of energy-saving features, such as Intelligent Sensor, to automatically calibrate and optimize brightness, contrast, white balance and color, based on the ambient light in the room, saving on energy output under most circumstances. Additionally, ISFccc calibration options allow consumers to work with a professional to set “day” and “night” levels for optimal viewing and brightness levels. All of LG’s 2011 plasma series also qualify for ENERGY STAR® certification.
In total, LG unveiled 12 new plasma HDTV models for consumers, featuring advanced content options, excellent picture quality, wireless technology and diverse screen sizes. Full details on the series are below:
NFINIA PZ950 Series (50 and 60-inch class size*) – LG’s flagship plasma, Full HD 1080p 3D-enabled HDTV features uni-layer design with ultra-slim bezel, LG SmartTV with Magic Motion Remote, THX 3D and 2D Display Certification. Also includes TruBlack Filter, 600Hz max Sub-field Driving, DLNA, Wi-Fi capability (adaptor included), and Smart Energy Saving features.
INFINIA PZ750 Series (50- and 60-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p 3D-enabled HDTV features uni-layer design with ultra-slim bezel, LG SmartTV with Magic Motion Remote, THX 3D and 2D Display Certification. Also includes 600Hz max Sub-field Driving, DLNA, Wi-Fi capability (adaptor required, sold separately), and Smart Energy Saving features.
PZ550 Series (50- and 60-inch class sizes*) – Full HD 1080p 3D-enabled HDTV features LG’s TruSlim Frame, NetCast™ Entertainment Access, DLNA, Wi-Fi capability (adaptor required, sold separately), 600Hz max Sub-field Driving and Smart Energy Saving features.
PW350 Series (42- and 50-inch class sizes*) – Provides mid- to large-size 3D-enabled HDTV with LG’s TruSlim Frame, 600Hz Sub-field Driving and Smart Energy Saving features.
PV450 Series (50- and 60-inch class sizes*) – Provides consumers with a Full HD 1080p experience with LG’s TruSlim Frame, 600Hz max Sub-field Driving and Smart Energy Saving features.
PT350 Series (42- and 50-inch class sizes*) – Provides mid- to large-size HDTV with LG’s TruSlim Frame, 600Hz Sub-field Driving and Smart Energy Saving features.
With class sizes ranging from 42- to 60-inches, LG’s plasma HDTV models are all built with LG’s four core technologies:
Picture Wizard: Provides consumers with an easy-to-use seven-step calibration process that allows them to change picture settings without hiring an expert.
Intelligent Sensor: Automatically calibrates and optimizes brightness, contrast, white balance and color, based on the brightness and color temperature of lighting in the room – thereby saving on energy output in most circumstances.
Clear Voice II: An enhancement to Clear Voice, this feature customizes volume settings by 12 distinct voice zoom levels, helping ensure consumers don’t miss a single line of dialogue during action sequences.
AV Mode II: Includes three AV modes preset to optimize picture and sound settings based on Cinema, Sports or Game content, which can be easily set with the remote control
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