PN63C8000 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 63” Screen
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for smooth motion and great performance even for fast action sports/movies.
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• Clear Image Panel: Reflection reduction technology
• FilterBright Antiglare technology to minimize reflections and glare from ambient light
• Elegant aesthetics with an ultra slim design and Samsung’s Touch of Color design
• Wireless DLNA support for streaming video content from DLNA devices
• Internet@TV to connect seamlessly with several online services like Pandora, Netflix, Youtube, etc.

PN63C8000 Screen Size and Appearance

The PN63C8000 Plasma 3D TV represents the best design innovations and performance found in Samsung’s 2010 lineup of Plasma televisions. The 63 inch PN63C8000 features an elegantly styled brushed metal gray cabinet that is just 1.5 inches deep. It is also lighter than Samsung’s previous generation of Plasma HDTVs and is also more energy efficient than their previous line of plasma televisions.

While the PN63C8000 is certainly a very attractive display, it lacks the Oomph! factor that some of the LED edge-lit TVs have in the looks department thanks to their ultra-slim and sleek dimensions. On the plus side, it does bring to the table the advantages that Plasma panel displays have over LED/LCD displays when it comes to 3D TVs as well as a cheaper price tag than comparatively sized LED-LCD 3D TVs. If looks are very important to you, you might be better served by considering Samsung’s LED TVs instead.

PN63C8000 Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the PN63C8000 is a plasma panel display. Thus, it brings along all the advantages inherent to Plasma displays for displaying 3D content. The ultra fast response times of plasma displays means that the PN63C8000 exhibits extremely low cross-talk and motion-blurring and other motion artifacts that commonly plague LCD based displays.

Picture Quality of the PN63C8000 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of PN63C8000 display till we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that one of the strong points of Plasma HDTVs like the PN63C8000 is its excellent viewing angle specifications along with excellent color fidelity and exceptional black levels (thanks to the absence of an active backlight in plasma displays). This plasma 3D TV also features Samsung’s new Real Black Filter technology which minimizes glare and reflections from external light sources, thus allowing for improved image quality and better black levels in viewing environments that have ambient light.

Flatpanel resolution

The PN63C8000 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher than 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The Samsung PN63C8000 plasma display features Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. If you’re wondering just what the heck that means, be sure to check out our guide regarding subfield drive in Plasma TVs. Essentially, this number is meant to compete with the ever growing refresh rate numbers being quoted by LCD TV manufacturers. The take home message for you, the consumer, is that these Plasma 3D TVs have exceptionally fast response times which allows for very smooth display of fast paced 3D content without any cross-talk and ghosting artifacts.

Samsung’s Motion Judder Canceller (MJC) technology also helps remove stuttering effects due to the pulldown effect, and provides a smoother display of video content on the PN63C8000. Additionally, their CinemaSmooth technology also helps with the smooth display of 24fps content from 1080p BluRay discs.

Viewing Angle

While we don’t have any official numbers yet, Plasma TVs are acclaimed for their exceptional viewing angles that are close to a 180 degrees. We expect nothing less from Samsung with the PN63C8000 3D TV.

3D Technology

Samsung, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the PN C8000 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice for now. The 1080p display will allow viewers to enjoy full HD 3D content in 1080p. Samsung has already released Active Shutter 3D Glasses for their lineup of 3D TVs in 2010.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The PN63C8000 features an upgraded Internet@TV from Samsung that includes new apps allowing consumers to easily navigate a wide selection of content and applications from services such as AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV , Netflix, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, Vudu and a number of other online content/service providers. These applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. In addition to the free apps that have already been released with the PN63C8000, there will be a number of premium, paid apps released later in the year.

The PN63C8000 also also has DLNA networking capabilities for streaming content from other DLNA devices. It comes with a slew of A/V ports including 4 HDMI 1.4 ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 high speed USB ports.

Conclusion

The PN63C8000 is a great 63 inch Plasma 3D TV from Samsung and brings a number of new technological innovations to the table. With enhanced image quality and black levels along with all the advantages of a plasma panel display for 3D, this is certainly a great 3D TV to consider for your home. Additionally, these plasma panels will be cheaper than similarly sized LED LCD televisions, so it is definitely a great buy for the budget conscious consumer.

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Features and Specifications of the PN50C7000

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 50 inch Screen
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for smooth motion and great performance even for fast action sports/movies.
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• Ultra slim design
• “Cinema Smooth” technology for judder free viewing of 24fps movies (Blu-rays and DVDs)
• Clear Image Panel: Reflection reduction technology
• FilterBright Antiglare technology to minimize reflections and glare from ambient light
• Samsung’s Touch of Color design for an elegant and stylish look
• Internet@TV to connect seamlessly with several online services like Pandora, Netflix, Youtube, etc.
• Picture in picture capabilities
• Home networking capabilities via DLNA

Screen Size and Appearance

The Samsung PN50C7000 3D TV has a 50 inch plasma panel and it features an elegantly styled brushed black bezel with a cabinet that is just 1.5 inches deep. The PN50C7000 is both lighter and more energy efficient than the previous generation of Samsung Plasma HDTVs.

While the PN50C7000 is certainly an attractive 3D HDTV, it is perhaps overshadowed in the looks department by some of its sexier edge-lit LED siblings that feature ultra-slim cabinets and excellent aesthetics. On the plus side, it does bring to the table the advantages that Plasma panel displays have over LED/LCD displays when it comes to 3D TV technology as well as a cheaper price tag than comparatively sized LED-LCD 3D TVs. If price is not an issue and you are looking for the most elegant looking 3D capable TVs for your home, then you might want to look at some of Samsung’s LED TVs instead, however, if you, like most people are on a budget, then this is an excellent television to consider for your hometheater system.

Display Technology

The PN50C7000 features a plasma panel display that brings with it all the advantages inherent to plasma TVs. In particular, the ultra fast response times of plasma displays means that the PN50C8000 exhibits extremely low cross-talk and motion-blurring and other motion artifacts that commonly affect LCD based displays.

Picture Quality

While we are yet to take an in-depth look at the PN50C7000, from initial impressions, it seems to have great picture quality. One of the strong points of Plasma HDTVs like the PN50C7000 is its excellent viewing angle specifications along with excellent color fidelity and exceptional black levels (thanks to the absence of an active backlight in plasma displays). Additionally, the lack of a backlight in plasma panels prevents any of the issues with non-uniform backlighting and “cloudiness” that can be observed on some LED TVs. On the downside, plasma panels are not as bright as LED LCD TVs. Thus, viewing 3D content through 3D glasses can be a bit dimmer on Plasma 3D TVs as compared to LCD 3D HDTVs. If you tend to watch movies and TV in a very bright environment, you might want to consider getting the UN55C8000 instead of the PN50C7000.

This plasma 3D TV also features Samsung’s Real Black Filter technology which helps to minimize glare and reflections from external light sources, thus improving the image quality and black levels in situations where there is considerable ambient light.

Flatpanel resolution

The PN50C7000 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher than 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The Samsung PN50C7000 plasma display features Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. Make sure to check out our guide regarding subfield drive in Plasma TVs if you aren’t clear about the meaning and implications of 600Hz sub-field drive technology in Plasma 3D TVs. Essentially, this number is meant to compete with the ever growing refresh rate numbers being quoted by LCD TV manufacturers. The take home message for you is that the PN50C7000 display has extremely fast response times which allows for very smooth display of fast paced 3D content without any cross-talk and ghosting artifacts.

Samsung’s Motion Judder Canceller (MJC) technology also helps remove stuttering effects due to the pulldown effect, and provides a smoother display of video content on the PN50C7000. Additionally, their CinemaSmooth technology also helps with the smooth display of 24fps content from 1080p BluRay discs.

Viewing Angle

While we don’t have any official numbers yet, Plasma TVs are well acclaimed for their exceptional viewing angles that are close to a 180 degrees. We expect nothing less from Samsung with the PN50C7000 3D TV.

3D Technology

Samsung, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the PNC7000 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice for now. The 1080p display will allow viewers to enjoy full HD 3D content in 1080p. Samsung has already released Active Shutter 3D Glasses for their lineup of 3D TVs in 2010.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The PN50C7000 features Samsung’s Internet@TV that includes new apps allowing consumers to easily navigate a large assortment of content and applications from services such as AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV , Netflix, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, Vudu and a number of other online content/service providers. These applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. A number of paid apps will also be made available for the PN50C7000 throughout the year.

The PN50C7000 also has DLNA networking capabilities for streaming content from other DLNA devices. It comes with a slew of A/V ports including 4 HDMI 1.4 ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 high speed USB ports.

Conclusion

The PN50C7000 from Samsung is an excellent 50 inch 3D Plasma TV for consumers who are on the lookout for a relatively cheap 3D capable TV that still retains excellent image quality and the ability to deliver an immersive 3D experience. It is also cheaper than the PN50C8000 and there isn’t much of a difference between the two, so we would gladly recommend the PN50C7000 to most consumers.

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PN58C8000 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 58” Screen
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for smooth motion and great performance even for fast action sports/movies.
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• Clear Image Panel: Reflection reduction technology
• FilterBright Antiglare technology to minimize reflections and glare from ambient light
• Elegant aesthetics with an ultra slim design and Samsung’s Touch of Color design
• Wireless DLNA support for streaming video content from DLNA devices
• Internet@TV to connect seamlessly with several online services like Pandora, Netflix, Youtube, etc.

PN58C8000 Screen Size and Appearance

The PN58C8000 Plasma 3D TV represents the best design innovations and performance found in Samsung’s 2010 lineup of Plasma televisions. The 58 inch PN58C8000 features an elegantly styled brushed metal gray cabinet that is just 1.5 inches deep. It is also lighter than Samsung’s previous generation of Plasma HDTVs and is also more energy efficient than their previous line of plasma televisions.

While the PN58C8000 is certainly a very attractive display, it lacks the Oomph! factor that some of the LED edge-lit TVs have in the looks department thanks to their ultra-slim and sleek dimensions. On the plus side, it does bring to the table the advantages that Plasma panel displays have over LED/LCD displays when it comes to 3D TVs as well as a cheaper price tag than comparatively sized LED-LCD 3D TVs. If looks are very important to you, you might be better served by considering Samsung’s LED TVs instead.

Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the PN58C8000 is a plasma panel display. Thus, it brings along all the advantages inherent to Plasma displays for displaying 3D content. The ultra fast response times of plasma displays means that the PN58C8000 exhibits extremely low cross-talk and motion-blurring and other motion artifacts that commonly plague LCD based displays.

Picture Quality of the PN58C8000 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of PN58C8000 display till we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that one of the strong points of Plasma HDTVs like the PN58C8000 is its excellent viewing angle specifications along with excellent color fidelity and exceptional black levels (thanks to the absence of an active backlight in plasma displays). This plasma 3D TV also features Samsung’s new Real Black Filter technology which minimizes glare and reflections from external light sources, thus allowing for improved image quality and better black levels in viewing environments that have ambient light.

Flatpanel resolution

The PN58C8000 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher than 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The Samsung PN58C8000 plasma display features Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. If you’re wondering just what the heck that means, be sure to check out our guide regarding subfield drive in Plasma TVs. Essentially, this number is meant to compete with the ever growing refresh rate numbers being quoted by LCD TV manufacturers. The take home message for you, the consumer, is that these Plasma 3D TVs have exceptionally fast response times which allows for very smooth display of fast paced 3D content without any cross-talk and ghosting artifacts.

Samsung’s Motion Judder Canceller (MJC) technology also helps remove stuttering effects due to the pulldown effect, and provides a smoother display of video content on the PN58C8000. Additionally, their CinemaSmooth technology also helps with the smooth display of 24fps content from 1080p BluRay discs.

Viewing Angle

While we don’t have any official numbers yet, Plasma TVs are acclaimed for their exceptional viewing angles that are close to a 180 degrees. We expect nothing less from Samsung with the PN58C8000 3D TV.

3D Technology

Samsung, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the PNC8000 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice for now. The 1080p display will allow viewers to enjoy full HD 3D content in 1080p. Samsung has already released Active Shutter 3D Glasses for their lineup of 3D TVs in 2010.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The PN58C8000 features an upgraded Internet@TV from Samsung that includes new apps allowing consumers to easily navigate a wide selection of content and applications from services such as AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV , Netflix, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, Vudu and a number of other online content/service providers. These applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. In addition to the free apps that have already been released with the PN58C8000, there will be a number of premium, paid apps released later in the year.

The PN58C8000 also also has DLNA networking capabilities for streaming content from other DLNA devices. It comes with a slew of A/V ports including 4 HDMI 1.4 ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 high speed USB ports.

PN58C8000 Review Conclusion

The PN58C8000 is a great 58 inch Plasma 3D TV from Samsung and brings a number of new technological innovations to the table. With enhanced image quality and black levels along with all the advantages of a plasma panel display for 3D, this is certainly a great 3D TV to consider for your home. Additionally, these plasma panels will be cheaper than similarly sized LED LCD televisions, so it is definitely a great buy for the budget conscious consumer.

No related posts.

PN50C8000 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 50” Screen
• 600Hz Subfield Motion for smooth motion and great performance even for fast action sports/movies.
• 1080p Full HD resolution
• Clear Image Panel: Reflection reduction technology
• FilterBright Antiglare technology to minimize reflections and glare from ambient light
• Elegant aesthetics with an ultra slim design and Samsung’s Touch of Color design
• Wireless DLNA support for streaming video content from DLNA devices
• Internet@TV to connect seamlessly with several online services like Pandora, Netflix, Youtube, etc.

PN50C8000 Screen Size and Appearance

The PN50C8000 Plasma 3D TV represents the best design innovations and performance found in Samsung’s 2010 lineup of Plasma televisions. The 50 inch PN50C8000 features an elegantly styled brushed metal gray cabinet that is just 1.5 inches deep. It is also lighter than Samsung’s previous generation of Plasma HDTVs and is also more energy efficient than their previous line of plasma televisions.

While the PN50C8000 is certainly a very attractive display, it lacks the Oomph! factor that some of the LED edge-lit TVs have in the looks department thanks to their ultra-slim and sleek dimensions. On the plus side, it does bring to the table the advantages that Plasma panel displays have over LED/LCD displays when it comes to 3D TVs as well as a cheaper price tag than comparatively sized LED-LCD 3D TVs. If looks are very important to you, you might be better served by considering Samsung’s LED TVs instead.

PN50C8000 Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the PN50C8000 is a plasma panel display. Thus, it brings along all the advantages inherent to Plasma displays for displaying 3D content. The ultra fast response times of plasma displays means that the PN50C8000 exhibits extremely low cross-talk and motion-blurring and other motion artifacts that commonly plague LCD based displays.

Picture Quality of the PN50C8000 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of  PN50C8000 display till we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that one of the strong points of Plasma HDTVs like the PN50C8000 is its excellent viewing angle specifications along with excellent color fidelity and exceptional black levels (thanks to the absence of an active backlight in plasma displays). This plasma 3D TV also features Samsung’s new Real Black Filter technology which minimizes glare and reflections from external light sources, thus allowing for improved image quality and better black levels in viewing environments that have ambient light.

Flatpanel resolution

The PN50C8000 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher than 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The Samsung PN50C8000 plasma display features Samsung’s 600Hz Subfield Motion technology. If you’re wondering just what the heck that means, be sure to check out our guide regarding subfield drive in Plasma TVs. Essentially, this number is meant to compete with the ever growing refresh rate numbers being quoted by LCD TV manufacturers. The take home message for you, the consumer, is that these Plasma 3D TVs have exceptionally fast response times which allows for very smooth display of fast paced 3D content without any cross-talk and ghosting artifacts.

Samsung’s Motion Judder Canceller (MJC) technology also helps remove stuttering effects due to the pulldown effect, and provides a smoother display of video content on the PN50C8000. Additionally, their CinemaSmooth technology also helps with the smooth display of 24fps content from 1080p BluRay discs.

Viewing Angle

While we don’t have any official numbers yet, Plasma TVs are acclaimed for their exceptional viewing angles that are close to a 180 degrees. We expect nothing less from Samsung with the PN50C8000 3D TV.

3D Technology

Samsung, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the PN C8000 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice for now. The 1080p display will allow viewers to enjoy full HD 3D content in 1080p. Samsung has already released Active Shutter 3D Glasses for their lineup of 3D TVs in 2010.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The PN50C8000 features an upgraded Internet@TV from Samsung that includes new apps allowing consumers to easily navigate a wide selection of content and applications from services such as AccuWeather.com, The Associated Press, Blockbuster, Fashion TV , Netflix, Picasa, Pandora, Twitter, USA TODAY, Vudu and a number of other online content/service providers. These applications can be downloaded and viewed while watching TV. In addition to the free apps that have already been released with the PN50C8000, there will be a number of premium, paid apps released later in the year.

The PN50C8000 also also has DLNA networking capabilities for streaming content from other DLNA devices. It comes with a slew of A/V ports including 4 HDMI 1.4 ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 high speed USB ports.

Conclusion

The PN50C8000 is a great 50 inch Plasma 3D TV from Samsung and brings a number of new technological innovations to the table. With enhanced image quality and black levels along with all the advantages of a plasma panel display for 3D, this is certainly a great 3D TV to consider for your home. Additionally, these plasma panels will be cheaper than similarly sized LED LCD televisions, so it is definitely a great buy for the budget conscious consumer.

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The LG 47LX9500 is the smaller of the two 3D capable HDTV announced by LG so far. While the final release date for this HDTV has not yet been announced, it has been suggested that the LX9500 series of 3D TVs will be released to the market in the middle of April, 2010.

47LX9500 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 47” Screen
• 480Hz Trumotion
• Full LED slim display panel with local dimming (240 zones)
• Elegant aesthetics with an attractive ‘glass like’ appearance and ultra-thin bezel
• THX certified display
• Wireless HD streaming for a cable-less setup
• Magic Wand Remote Control
• Internet enabled with NetCast for seamless integration with several online services

Screen Size and Appearance

The aesthetics of the LG 47LX9500 was one of the standout features in this review. With a revolutionary ultra-slim 8.5 mm bezel, this 47 inch 3D flatpanel is all image, and that is a good thing. This allows the viewer to take in the rich colors and vibrant images on the screen without being distracted by a thick bezel. We hope that the 47LX9500 sets the bar for other manufacturers and that they will follow suit by moving towards producing HDTVs with ultra-thin bezels.

LG has taken a minimalist approach in the design of the 47LX9500 with an elegant glassy look for this 3D TV. As you can see in the images, the base of the TV as well as most of the body has a very elegant, glass like appearance. We love the look of the 47LX9500 and it looks to be one of the best looking 3D TVs of 2010.

The 47LX9500 flatpanel display is also quite slim, measuring just 0.92 inches thick. While this is certainly not as thin as some of the edge-lit LED 3D TVs like the Samsung 3D ready TVs, it does have the advantage of not being edge-lit, which allows for a more uniform backlighting in the 47LX9500.

All in all, the LG 47LX9500 is definitely a great looking display with its minimalist, glassy look and an ultra-thin bezel.

LG 47LX9500 Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the 47LX9500 is an LCD display with LED backlighting. Additionally, this HDTV features local dimming technology with 240 separate dimmable zones. Local dimming technology allows for deeper black levels which helps mitigate one of the chief drawbacks of LCD displays, namely the backlight bleeding in dark regions of the screen. While some of the earlier televisions featuring local dimming suffered from having very few independent dimmable zones, the 47LX9500 has 240 zones which should allow for a significant improvement in the quality of the local dimming. Keep in mind that Toshiba has surpassed the LX9500 series in this area with the Toshiba Cell TV that features a whopping 512 locally dimmable LED zones.

Picture Quality of the 47LX9500 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of the 47LX9500 display till it is released and we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that the 47LX9500 is a THX certified 3D television. What this means is that this HDTV has passed over 30 rigorous tests that are designed by THX. THX certification implies that the 47LX9500 should deliver an exceptional movie viewing experience.

Flatpanel resolution

The 47LX9500 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher that 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The LG 47ZX9500 features a 480Hz trumotion display that achieves this ultra-high refresh rate by using the scanning backlight technique. While the 480Hz number definitely seems impressive on paper, we are quite sure that you would be hard pressed to tell any difference between this television and a regular 240Hz 3D display. Also, make sure to turn off any processing and motion interpolation for regular 2D content and movies as the extra interpolation tends to give the movie a very cheap looking quality.

Viewing Angle

The 47ZX9500 viewing angle should be in line with most other LED televisions and is around 40 degrees. Plasma 3D TVs definitely have a better viewing angle. However, make sure to read our guide on 3D TV viewing angles before you choose a 3D HDTV based on the viewing angle specifications of the TV.

3D Technology

LG, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the LX9500 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice. The 240Hz refresh rate per eye will allow for an immersive and smooth 3D viewing experience. In addition, the 1080p display will enable HD enjoyment of 3D content on the 47LX9500.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The LG 47LX9500 has a large number of A/V ports including 4 HDMI ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 USB ports. This television set also supports DLNA, which means that you will be able to easily stream media to your 3D TV via devices that support DLNA.

One of the awesome features of the 47LX9500 is Wireless HD, which allows you to connect all the input video cables to a mediabox instead of the actual TV. The mediabox can stream full 1080p content wirelessly to the TV, thus allowing for a cable less setup for your TV in your home. You can also connect to the internet wirelessly and using LG’s online suite of internet Apps titled NetCast you can access a host of services including Yahoo, VUDU, Pandora, Netflix, Accuweather, Skype, Youtube, etc.

Conclusion

The LG 47LX9500 is a very capable 3D TV with a great feature set. In particular, we liked the aesthetics of this television, coupled with its 240 zone, locally dimmable LED display, Wireless HD support and internet support. While the 480Hz rating is certainly nice to look at, we highly doubt that it will produce any easily discernible benefit over 240Hz displays. We believe that if the 47LX9500 has a competitive price in comparison to Toshiba and Samsung’s latest 3D TV offerings, then it will certainly be an attractive option for consumers. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review of this 3D TV.

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The LG 55LX9500 is the largest 3D capable HDTV announced by LG so far. While the final release date for this HDTV has not yet been announced, it has been suggested that the LX9500 series of 3D TVs will be released to the market in the middle of April, 2010.

55LX9500 Features and Specifications

• 3D Ready HDTV
• 55” Screen
• 480Hz Trumotion
• Full LED slim display panel with local dimming (240 zones)
• Elegant aesthetics with an attractive ‘glass like’ appearance and ultra-thin bezel
• THX certified display
• Wireless HD streaming for a cable-less setup
• Magic Wand Remote Control
• Internet enabled with NetCast for seamless integration with several online services

Screen Size and Appearance

The aesthetics of the LG 55LX9500 was one of the standout features in this review. With a revolutionary ultra-slim 8.5 mm bezel, this 55 inch 3D flatpanel is all image, and that is a good thing. This allows the viewer to take in the rich colors and vibrant images on the screen without being distracted by a thick bezel. We hope that the 55LX9500 sets the bar for other manufacturers and that they will follow suit by moving towards producing HDTVs with ultra-thin bezels.

LG has taken a minimalist approach in the design of the 55LX9500 with an elegant glassy look for this 3D TV. As you can see in the images, the base of the TV as well as most of the body has a very elegant, glass like appearance. We love the look of the 55LX9500 and it looks to be one of the best looking 3D TVs of 2010.

The 55LX9500 flatpanel display is also quite slim, measuring just 0.92 inches thick. While this is certainly not as thin as some of the edge-lit LED 3D TVs like the Samsung 3D ready TVs, it does have the advantage of not being edge-lit, which allows for a more uniform backlighting in the 55LX9500.

All in all, the LG 55LX9500 is definitely a great looking display with its minimalist, glassy look and an ultra-thin bezel.

55LX9500 Display Technology

As mentioned earlier in this review, the 55LX9500 is an LCD display with LED backlighting. Additionally, this HDTV features local dimming technology with 240 separate dimmable zones. Local dimming technology allows for deeper black levels which helps mitigate one of the chief drawbacks of LCD displays, namely the backlight bleeding in dark regions of the screen. While some of the earlier televisions featuring local dimming suffered from having very few independent dimmable zones, the 55LX9500 has 240 zones which should allow for a significant improvement in the quality of the local dimming. Keep in mind that Toshiba has surpassed the LX9500 series in this area with the Toshiba Cell TV that features a whopping 512 locally dimmable LED zones.

Picture Quality of the 55LX9500 3D TV

We will hold off on a final verdict on the image quality of the 55LX9500 display till it is released and we get a chance to have a closer look at it. However, we should mention that the 55LX9500 is a THX certified 3D television. What this means is that this HDTV has passed over 30 rigorous tests that are designed by THX. THX certification implies that the 55LX9500 should deliver an exceptional movie viewing experience.

Flatpanel resolution

The 55LX9500 has a native resolution of 1080p, i.e. 1920 x 1080. This is pretty much the standard for all 3D TVs being released in 2010. The only exception to this rule is the Toshiba Cell TVs which have a native 2K display. However, given that there aren’t any sources of HD content with a resolution higher that 1080p, this resolution should be plenty for the next 5-6 years.

Refresh Rate and Processing

The LG 55ZX9500 features a 480Hz trumotion display that achieves this ultra-high refresh rate by using the scanning backlight technique. While the 480Hz number definitely seems impressive on paper, we are quite sure that you would be hard pressed to tell any difference between this television and a regular 240Hz 3D display. Also, make sure to turn off any processing and motion interpolation for regular 2D content and movies as the extra interpolation tends to give the movie a very cheap looking quality.

Viewing Angle

The 55ZX9500 viewing angle should be in line with most other LED televisions and is around 40 degrees. Plasma 3D TVs definitely have a better viewing angle. However, make sure to read our guide on 3D TV viewing angles before you choose a 3D HDTV based on the viewing angle specifications of the TV.

3D Technology

LG, like most other manufacturers in 2010, has adopted Active shutter based 3D technology for the LX9500 series. Given that the advantages of Active Shutter technology when it comes to LCD and Plasma panels, this seems to be the right choice. The 240Hz refresh rate per eye will allow for an immersive and smooth 3D viewing experience. In addition, the 1080p display will enable HD enjoyment of 3D content on the 55LX9500.

Media, Internet and Connectivity

The LG 55LX9500 has a large number of A/V ports including 4 HDMI ports, 2 sets of component inputs, a VGA port and 2 USB ports. This television set also supports DLNA, which means that you will be able to easily stream media to your 3D TV via devices that support DLNA.

One of the awesome features of the 55LX9500 is Wireless HD, which allows you to connect all the input video cables to a mediabox instead of the actual TV. The mediabox can stream full 1080p content wirelessly to the TV, thus allowing for a cable less setup for your TV in your home. You can also connect to the internet wirelessly and using LG’s online suite of internet Apps titled NetCast you can access a host of services including Yahoo, VUDU, Pandora, Netflix, Accuweather, Skype, Youtube, etc.

Conclusion

The LG 55LX9500 is a very capable 3D TV with a great feature set. In particular, we liked the aesthetics of this television, coupled with its 240 zone, locally dimmable LED display, Wireless HD support and internet support. While the 480Hz rating is certainly nice to look at, we highly doubt that it will produce any easily discernible benefit over 240Hz displays. We believe that if the 55LX9500 has a competitive price in comparison to Toshiba and Samsung’s latest 3D TV offerings, then it will certainly be an attractive option for consumers. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review of this 3D TV.

No related posts.

If you are looking for general information about 3D televisions, be sure to see our article explaining 3D TV technology as well as our 3D TV Buying Guide for buying tips.

Continue reading below for our comprehensive LG 3D TV reviews.

Note: The ratings on this page reflect the price and total feature set of each line of TV models.

LG LX9500 Infinia Series LED TV

The Infinia LX9500 Series is the premium line of LED 3D TVs from LG in 2010. The most notable and amazing feature of the LX9500 series is the practically invisible bezel. These 3D TVs from LG feature a bezel that is only 8.5 mm thick, giving the flatpanel a very attractive look. With excellent colors and contrast, a local dimming LED display, support for Wireless HD that allows a cable-less setup for the TV, NetCast Entertainment access and a whole host of other innovative features, the LX9500 series from LG is an exciting addition to the 3D TV market place.

LX9500 3D TV Reviews and Features

• LG 55LX9500 – Read our review of this 55 inch Infinia display from LG
• LG 47LX9500 – An in-depth look at this 47 inch 3D ready TV from LG

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The VT25 is an upgrade over the VT10 line of Panasonic TVs from 2009. Along with 3D capabilities, the TC-P54VT25 features numerous technology improvements over the previous generation of Panasonic plasma TVs. With improved picture quality and black levels, 600Hz sub field drive technology for enhanced screen refresh rates and butter smooth 3-D performance, the TC-P54VT25 is an extremely attractive choice for consumers. Continue reading our review of the Panasonic TC-P54VT25 to find out if it is the best 3D TV for you.

Highlights of the Panasonic TC-P54VT25 Review

Strengths

• Excellent picture quality with exceptional black levels, color fidelity and details
• THX Certification for excellent out of the box image quality
• Neo Plasma display panel technology enables true 1080 lines of moving resolution for video content
• Anti glare technology for comfortable viewing
• Industry leading 3D display performance. Smooth and flicker free 3D viewing without any ghosting or motion blur artifacts
• Ability to play 1080p 24fps 2D content (Blu-ray and some satellite programming) at 96Hz via 4:4 pull down for smooth, judder free viewing.
• Provides excellent value for money. Cheaper than high-end edge lit LED TVs while retaining a performance advantage when it comes to Picture quality and 3D display technology

Weaknesses

• Display is around 3.5 inches thick. Not as slim as Samsung’s edge-lit LED 3D TVs.
• Only one Panasonic 3D glass included with purchase. Additional active shutter glasses cost $150 a pop.
• Plasma panel is not as bright as LCD panels. This 3D images can seem a little dim at times.
• 3D is still a new technology. It might take another generation of displays to get over the initial teething issues with these televisions.

TC-P54VT25 Picture Quality

Flatpanel Resolution

The TC-P54VT25 features a Neo Plasma Display Panel (Neo PDP) capable of displaying full 1080p content. An important feature of this Plasma TV is its ability to display true 1080p video content since these plasma panels are capable of displaying full 1080 lines of moving resolution. What this essentially means is that the ability of screen elements to refresh at a fast rate on the VT25 Plasma TVs prevents any loss of screen resolution even when displaying fast moving scenes wherein all the screen elements require continuous updating. In direct contrast, LCD display technologies are still limited by their longer hold times and screen refresh rates, as a result of which, even the latest LCD 3D TVs such as Samsung’s 9000 Series are only capable of displaying 800-900 lines of moving resolution. While this isn’t a huge difference, it is still important to note that the TC-P54VT25 provides full 1080p motion resolution.

Color Accuracy

The Panasonic TC-P54VT25 is a THX certified 3D TV just like all other models in the VT25 series. The THX certification implies that these Plasma panel TVs are in line with rigorous THX standards for picture quality and meet critical standards in areas such as uniform brightness, accurate colors and color gamut, low black levels, high contrast ratios and the ability to display full HD video content. For the consumers, the THX certification guarantees excellent out of the box image quality for the TC-P54VT25.

Black level and Contrast

The VT25 series features Panasonic’s ‘Infinite Black Pro’ displays that allow for an astonishing dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. This new technology results in significant improvements in black levels and dark level details as compared to the VT10 Plasma TV panels from 2009. The ability of the TC-P54VT25 to render accurate colors, low black levels and high contrast ratios makes it one of the best television displays of 2010 with significant improvement in the display quality of both 2D and 3D content.

Backlight Uniformity

Unlike edge-lit LED 3D TVs, the Panasonic TC-P54VT25 does not suffer from any non uniformities in the display brightness across the screen. This of course is a fundamental advantage of Plasma technology over LCD technology as the former does not rely on any backlighting for the display of images, but instead relies on the phosphorescence of phosphors on the plasma screen – something that is far more uniform and well controlled.

Refresh Rate and Video Processing

Perhaps one of the strongest fortes of the TC-P54VT25 is its video processing capabilities and its ability to handle multiple sources of video content with differing frame rates without sacrificing the quality of the displayed content.

The VT25 series of Plasma panels incorporate Panasonic’s revolutionary short decay red and green phosphors that have 1/3 the decay rate of conventional red and green phosophors that are used in typical Plasma panels. What this means is that it drastically cuts down on any sort of ghosting and blurring due to the lower decay times of red and green phosphors, something that is an issue on conventional Plasma TVs.

The Panasonic TC-P54VT25 features the ability to display 3D content at 120Hz (60Hz per eye) as well as display regular 2D content at 60Hz for smooth video playback. One should not confuse the 60Hz per eye for 3D content as being inferior to LCD 3D TVs that quote 120 or even 240Hz per eye for 3D content, as the technologies are fundamentally different. Without going into the details here, keep in mind that a good 120Hz plasma panel with 60Hz per eye will produce a better 3D image quality than a 240 or 480Hz LCD panel due to the faster response time of Plasma panels.

Another important feature of the VT25 Plasma panels is its ability to switch to a refresh rate of 96Hz (an integer multiple of 24fps) thus allowing for a 4:4 pull down of 24fps video content (all your blu-ray HD material and some satellite programming) which results in exceptionally smooth video display without the much abhorred judder that is commonly observed in most LCD and Plasma panel TVs.

Viewing Angle

Like all Plasma TVs, the TC-P54VT25 performs very well when it comes to viewing angles. Plasma HDTVs in general exhibit superior viewing angles to LCD HDTVs and the TC-P54VT25 is no exception. This superior viewing angle of the VT25 panels is also beneficial for viewing 3D content and will provide a more comfortable 3D viewing experience for viewers sitting off-axis from the TV.

Optimal Viewing Distance

The optimal viewing distance for this 54 inch 3D TV is approximately 8 to 10 feet. Be sure to read our guide on calculating the best viewing distance and screen size for your 3D TV. It will help you correctly choose the optimal TV screen size and viewing distance for your home.

Panasonic's Active Shutter 3D Glasses

3D Technology and Performance of the TC-P54VT25 reviewed

This television features a number of technological innovations such as shorter decay red and green phosphors, and the elimination of the second front glass panel by bonding an anti-glare filter directly to the glass panel of the screen. A new panel scanning system and anti-blur circuitry helps minimize cross-talk and image ghosting on the TC-P54VT25.

High Speed Drive

Most Plasma TVs are only capable of displaying content at 60 fps. However, to achieve smooth flicker-free 3D viewing, these displays need to display frame-sequential 3D content at 120 fps so that each eye views the resulting video at 60 fps. To achieve this enhanced frame rate of 120 fps without sacrificing the resulting brightness of the output image, Panasonic has developed and integrated a high speed drive technology into the Neo plasma display panels thus enabling fast frame rates without affecting the image brightness.

Crosstalk Reduction Technology

As mentioned earlier, the new fast decay red and green phosphors, along with advanced circuitry enable a 66% reduction in phosphorescence decay times thus reducing crosstalk and ghost images. This is a very important technological innovation for Plasma panels that help the VT25 deliver a superior, ultra-smooth 3D experience free of any ghosting or motion blur artifacts.

Media, Internet and other Connectivity

The TC-P54VT25 3D TV comes equipped with wireless and Ethernet connectivity. You can utilize a number of services such as Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, Twitter, Skype, Video on Demand and much more. This television also comes with one active shutter 3D glass, although additional glasses will cost $150 each. Skype allows for making video calls and videoconferencing using your 3D Plasma TV although you will need to purchase a separate Skype camera to use this feature.

This television comes equipped with a large number of ports as listed below:

4 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a PCI input, and RS232C.

Price and Verdict

The Panasonic TC-P54VT25 features a number of novel technological innovations that enable fundamental improvements in the performance of this plasma panel over last years premium Plasma TVs. With improved black levels, color accuracy, glare reduction, screen refresh rates andenergy efficiency, this TV is a great choice even if you are only looking to upgrade to a better quality TV for 2D content. The 3D is almost a bonus, and it certainly does not disappoint. While there will surely be some teething issues with the first generation of 3D TVs, the Panasonic VT25 series appears to hold the lead over all its other competitors when it comes to 3D performance and 3D video quality. The plasma panel technology also means that this television will be significantly cheaper than some of the ultra-slim LED edge-lit 3D TVs being released by other manufacturers like Samsung. We at Best 3D TVs believe that the Panasonic TC-P54VT25 is an excellent choice for consumers who are looking to buy a high quality 54 inch 3D Ready Plasma TV at a reasonable price. Other 3D TVs that you might want to compare this with are the Toshiba 55ZX900, the Sony Bravia XBR-60LX900, the Sony Bravia KDL-55HX800, the Samsung UN65C8000, PN58C8000 and the PN58C7000.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic’s TC-PVT25 awarded Best 3D TV of CES

Highlights of the Panasonic TC-P58VT25 Review

Strengths

• Excellent picture quality with exceptional black levels, color fidelity and details
• THX Certification for excellent out of the box image quality
• Neo Plasma display panel technology enables true 1080 lines of moving resolution for video content
• Anti glare technology for comfortable viewing
• Industry leading 3D display performance. Smooth and flicker free 3D viewing without any ghosting or motion blur artifacts
• Ability to play 1080p 24fps 2D content (Blu-ray and some satellite programming) at 96Hz via 4:4 pull down for smooth, judder free viewing.
• Provides excellent value for money. Cheaper than high-end edge lit LED TVs while retaining a performance advantage when it comes to Picture quality and 3D display technology

Weaknesses

• Display is around 3.5 inches thick. Not as slim as Samsung’s edge-lit LED 3D TVs.
• Only one Panasonic 3D glass included with purchase. Additional active shutter glasses cost $150 a pop.
• Plasma panel is not as bright as LCD panels. This 3D images can seem a little dim at times.
• 3D is still a new technology. It might take another generation of displays to get over the initial teething issues with these televisions.

TC-P58VT25 Picture Quality

Flatpanel Resolution

The TC-P58VT25 features a Neo Plasma Display Panel (Neo PDP) capable of displaying full 1080p content. An important feature of this Plasma TV is its ability to display true 1080p video content since these plasma panels are capable of displaying full 1080 lines of moving resolution. What this essentially means is that the ability of screen elements to refresh at a fast rate on the VT25 Plasma TVs prevents any loss of screen resolution even when displaying fast moving scenes wherein all the screen elements require continuous updating. In direct contrast, LCD display technologies are still limited by their longer hold times and screen refresh rates, as a result of which, even the latest LCD 3D TVs such as Samsung’s 9000 Series are only capable of displaying 800-900 lines of moving resolution. While this isn’t a huge difference, it is still important to note that the TC-P58VT25 provides full 1080p motion resolution.

Color Accuracy

The Panasonic TC-P58VT25 is a THX certified 3D TV just like all other models in the VT25 series. The THX certification implies that these Plasma panel TVs are in line with rigorous THX standards for picture quality and meet critical standards in areas such as uniform brightness, accurate colors and color gamut, low black levels, high contrast ratios and the ability to display full HD video content. For the consumers, the THX certification guarantees excellent out of the box image quality for the TC-P58VT25.

Black level and Contrast

The VT25 series features Panasonic’s ‘Infinite Black Pro’ displays that allow for an astonishing dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. This new technology results in significant improvements in black levels and dark level details as compared to the VT10 Plasma TV panels from 2009. The ability of the TC-P58VT25 to render accurate colors, low black levels and high contrast ratios makes it one of the best television displays of 2010 with significant improvement in the display quality of both 2D and 3D content.

Backlight Uniformity

Unlike edge-lit LED 3D TVs, the Panasonic TC-P58VT25 does not suffer from any non uniformities in the display brightness across the screen. This of course is a fundamental advantage of Plasma technology over LCD technology as the former does not rely on any backlighting for the display of images, but instead relies on the phosphorescence of phosphors on the plasma screen – something that is far more uniform and well controlled.

Refresh Rate and Video Processing

Perhaps one of the strongest fortes of the TC-P58VT25 is its video processing capabilities and its ability to handle multiple sources of video content with differing frame rates without sacrificing the quality of the displayed content.

The VT25 series of Plasma panels incorporate Panasonic’s revolutionary short decay red and green phosphors that have 1/3 the decay rate of conventional red and green phosophors that are used in typical Plasma panels. What this means is that it drastically cuts down on any sort of ghosting and blurring due to the lower decay times of red and green phosphors, something that is an issue on conventional Plasma TVs.

The Panasonic TC-P58VT25 features the ability to display 3D content at 120Hz (60Hz per eye) as well as display regular 2D content at 60Hz for smooth video playback. One should not confuse the 60Hz per eye for 3D content as being inferior to LCD 3D TVs that quote 120 or even 240Hz per eye for 3D content, as the technologies are fundamentally different. Without going into the details here, keep in mind that a good 120Hz plasma panel with 60Hz per eye will produce a better 3D image quality than a 240 or 480Hz LCD panel due to the faster response time of Plasma panels.

Another important feature of the VT25 Plasma panels is its ability to switch to a refresh rate of 96Hz (an integer multiple of 24fps) thus allowing for a 4:4 pull down of 24fps video content (all your blu-ray HD material and some satellite programming) which results in exceptionally smooth video display without the much abhorred judder that is commonly observed in most LCD and Plasma panel TVs.

Viewing Angle

Like all Plasma TVs, the TC-P58VT25 performs very well when it comes to viewing angles. Plasma HDTVs in general exhibit superior viewing angles to LCD HDTVs and the TC-P58VT25 is no exception. This superior viewing angle of the VT25 panels is also beneficial for viewing 3D content and will provide a more comfortable 3D viewing experience for viewers sitting off-axis from the TV.

Optimal Viewing Distance

The optimal viewing distance for this 58 inch 3D TV is approximately 8 to 10 feet. Be sure to read our guide on calculating the best viewing distance and screen size for your 3D TV. It will help you correctly choose the optimal TV screen size and viewing distance for your home.

Panasonic's Active Shutter 3D Glasses

3D Technology and Performance of the TC-P58VT25 reviewed

This television features a number of technological innovations such as shorter decay red and green phosphors, and the elimination of the second front glass panel by bonding an anti-glare filter directly to the glass panel of the screen. A new panel scanning system and anti-blur circuitry helps minimize cross-talk and image ghosting on the TC-P58VT25.

High Speed Drive

Most Plasma TVs are only capable of displaying content at 60 fps. However, to achieve smooth flicker-free 3D viewing, these displays need to display frame-sequential 3D content at 120 fps so that each eye views the resulting video at 60 fps. To achieve this enhanced frame rate of 120 fps without sacrificing the resulting brightness of the output image, Panasonic has developed and integrated a high speed drive technology into the Neo plasma display panels thus enabling fast frame rates without affecting the image brightness.

Crosstalk Reduction Technology

As mentioned earlier, the new fast decay red and green phosphors, along with advanced circuitry enable a 66% reduction in phosphorescence decay times thus reducing crosstalk and ghost images. This is a very important technological innovation for Plasma panels that help the VT25 deliver a superior, ultra-smooth 3D experience free of any ghosting or motion blur artifacts.

Media, Internet and other Connectivity

The TC-P58VT25 3D TV comes equipped with wireless and Ethernet connectivity. You can utilize a number of services such as Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, Twitter, Skype, Video on Demand and much more. This television also comes with one active shutter 3D glass, although additional glasses will cost $150 each. Skype allows for making video calls and videoconferencing using your 3D Plasma TV although you will need to purchase a separate Skype camera to use this feature.

This television comes equipped with a large number of ports as listed below:

4 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a PCI input, and RS232C.

Price and Verdict

The Panasonic TC-P58VT25 features a number of novel technological innovations that enable fundamental improvements in the performance of this plasma panel over last years premium Plasma TVs. With improved black levels, color accuracy, glare reduction, screen refresh rates andenergy efficiency, this TV is a great choice even if you are only looking to upgrade to a better quality TV for 2D content. The 3D is almost a bonus, and it certainly does not disappoint. While there will surely be some teething issues with the first generation of 3D TVs, the Panasonic VT25 series appears to hold the lead over all its other competitors when it comes to 3D performance and 3D video quality. The plasma panel technology also means that this television will be significantly cheaper than some of the ultra-slim LED edge-lit 3D TVs being released by other manufacturers like Samsung. We at Best 3D TVs believe that the Panasonic TC-P58VT25 is an excellent choice for consumers who are looking to buy a high quality 58 inch 3D Ready Plasma TV at a reasonable price. Other 3D TVs that you might want to compare this with are the Toshiba 55ZX900, the Sony Bravia XBR-60LX900, the Sony Bravia KDL-55HX800, the Samsung UN65C8000, PN58C8000 and the PN58C7000.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic’s TC-PVT25 awarded Best 3D TV of CES

The TC-P65VT25 is a 65 inch 3D ready TV that is part of Panasonic’s flagship Viera VT25 series of Plasma TVs. This is the largest Panasonic 3D TV that has currently been announced. The VT25 is an upgrade over the VT10 line of Panasonic TVs from 2009. Along with 3D capabilities, the TC-P65VT25 features numerous technology improvements over the previous generation of Panasonic plasma TVs. With improved picture quality and black levels, 600Hz sub field drive technology for enhanced screen refresh rates and butter smooth 3-D performance, the TC-P65VT25 is an extremely attractive choice for consumers. Continue reading our review of the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 to find out if it is the best 3D TV for you.

Highlights of the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 Review

Strengths

• Excellent picture quality with exceptional black levels, color fidelity and details
• THX Certification for excellent out of the box image quality
• Neo Plasma display panel technology enables true 1080 lines of moving resolution for video content
• Anti glare technology for comfortable viewing
• Industry leading 3D display performance. Smooth and flicker free 3D viewing without any ghosting or motion blur artifacts
• Ability to play 1080p 24fps 2D content (Blu-ray and some satellite programming) at 96Hz via 4:4 pull down for smooth, judder free viewing.
• Provides excellent value for money. Cheaper than high-end edge lit LED TVs while retaining a performance advantage when it comes to Picture quality and 3D display technology

Weaknesses

• Display is around 3.5 inches thick. Not as slim as Samsung’s edge-lit LED 3D TVs.
• Only one Panasonic 3D glass included with purchase. Additional active shutter glasses cost $150 a pop.
• Plasma panel is not as bright as LCD panels. This 3D images can seem a little dim at times.
• 3D is still a new technology. It might take another generation of displays to get over the initial teething issues with these televisions.

TC-P65VT25 Picture Quality

Flatpanel Resolution

The TC-P65VT25 features a Neo Plasma Display Panel (Neo PDP) capable of displaying full 1080p content. An important feature of this Plasma TV is its ability to display true 1080p video content since these plasma panels are capable of displaying full 1080 lines of moving resolution. What this essentially means is that the ability of screen elements to refresh at a fast rate on the VT25 Plasma TVs prevents any loss of screen resolution even when displaying fast moving scenes wherein all the screen elements require continuous updating. In direct contrast, LCD display technologies are still limited by their longer hold times and screen refresh rates, as a result of which, even the latest LCD 3D TVs such as Samsung’s 9000 Series are only capable of displaying 800-900 lines of moving resolution. While this isn’t a huge difference, it is still important to note that the TC-P65VT25 provides full 1080p motion resolution.

Color Accuracy

The Panasonic TC-P65VT25 is a THX certified 3D TV just like all other models in the VT25 series. The THX certification implies that these Plasma panel TVs are in line with rigorous THX standards for picture quality and meet critical standards in areas such as uniform brightness, accurate colors and color gamut, low black levels, high contrast ratios and the ability to display full HD video content. For the consumers, the THX certification guarantees excellent out of the box image quality for the TC-P65VT25.

Black level and Contrast

The VT25 series features Panasonic’s ‘Infinite Black Pro’ displays that allow for an astonishing dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1. This new technology results in significant improvements in black levels and dark level details as compared to the VT10 Plasma TV panels from 2009. The ability of the TC-P65VT25 to render accurate colors, low black levels and high contrast ratios makes it one of the best television displays of 2010 with significant improvement in the display quality of both 2D and 3D content.

Backlight Uniformity

Unlike edge-lit LED 3D TVs, the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 does not suffer from any non uniformities in the display brightness across the screen. This of course is a fundamental advantage of Plasma technology over LCD technology as the former does not rely on any backlighting for the display of images, but instead relies on the phosphorescence of phosphors on the plasma screen – something that is far more uniform and well controlled.

Refresh Rate and Video Processing

Perhaps one of the strongest fortes of the TC-P65VT25 is its video processing capabilities and its ability to handle multiple sources of video content with differing frame rates without sacrificing the quality of the displayed content.

The VT25 series of Plasma panels incorporate Panasonic’s revolutionary short decay red and green phosphors that have 1/3 the decay rate of conventional red and green phosophors that are used in typical Plasma panels. What this means is that it drastically cuts down on any sort of ghosting and blurring due to the lower decay times of red and green phosphors, something that is an issue on conventional Plasma TVs.

The Panasonic TC-P65VT25 features the ability to display 3D content at 120Hz (60Hz per eye) as well as display regular 2D content at 60Hz for smooth video playback. One should not confuse the 60Hz per eye for 3D content as being inferior to LCD 3D TVs that quote 120 or even 240Hz per eye for 3D content, as the technologies are fundamentally different. Without going into the details here, keep in mind that a good 120Hz plasma panel with 60Hz per eye will produce a better 3D image quality than a 240 or 480Hz LCD panel due to the faster response time of Plasma panels.

Another important feature of the VT25 Plasma panels is its ability to switch to a refresh rate of 96Hz (an integer multiple of 24fps) thus allowing for a 4:4 pull down of 24fps video content (all your blu-ray HD material and some satellite programming) which results in exceptionally smooth video display without the much abhorred judder that is commonly observed in most LCD and Plasma panel TVs.

Viewing Angle

Like all Plasma TVs, the TC-P65VT25 performs very well when it comes to viewing angles. Plasma HDTVs in general exhibit superior viewing angles to LCD HDTVs and the TC-P65VT25 is no exception. This superior viewing angle of the VT25 panels is also beneficial for viewing 3D content and will provide a more comfortable 3D viewing experience for viewers sitting off-axis from the TV.

Optimal Viewing Distance

The optimal viewing distance for this 65 inch 3D TV is approximately 8 to 10 feet. Be sure to read our guide on calculating the best viewing distance and screen size for your 3D TV. It will help you correctly choose the optimal TV screen size and viewing distance for your home.

Panasonic's Active Shutter 3D Glasses

3D Technology and Performance of the TC-P65VT25 reviewed

This television features a number of technological innovations such as shorter decay red and green phosphors, and the elimination of the second front glass panel by bonding an anti-glare filter directly to the glass panel of the screen. A new panel scanning system and anti-blur circuitry helps minimize cross-talk and image ghosting on the TC-P65VT25.

High Speed Drive

Most Plasma TVs are only capable of displaying content at 60 fps. However, to achieve smooth flicker-free 3D viewing, these displays need to display frame-sequential 3D content at 120 fps so that each eye views the resulting video at 60 fps. To achieve this enhanced frame rate of 120 fps without sacrificing the resulting brightness of the output image, Panasonic has developed and integrated a high speed drive technology into the Neo plasma display panels thus enabling fast frame rates without affecting the image brightness.

Crosstalk Reduction Technology

As mentioned earlier, the new fast decay red and green phosphors, along with advanced circuitry enable a 66% reduction in phosphorescence decay times thus reducing crosstalk and ghost images. This is a very important technological innovation for Plasma panels that help the VT25 deliver a superior, ultra-smooth 3D experience free of any ghosting or motion blur artifacts.

Media, Internet and other Connectivity

The TC-P65VT25 3D TV comes equipped with wireless and Ethernet connectivity. You can utilize a number of services such as Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, Twitter, Skype, Video on Demand and much more. This television also comes with one active shutter 3D glass, although additional glasses will cost $150 each. Skype allows for making video calls and videoconferencing using your 3D Plasma TV although you will need to purchase a separate Skype camera to use this feature.

This television comes equipped with a large number of ports as listed below:

4 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a PCI input, and RS232C.

Price and Verdict

The Panasonic TC-P65VT25 features a number of novel technological innovations that enable fundamental improvements in the performance of this plasma panel over last years premium Plasma TVs. With improved black levels, color accuracy, glare reduction, screen refresh rates andenergy efficiency, this TV is a great choice even if you are only looking to upgrade to a better quality TV for 2D content. The 3D is almost a bonus, and it certainly does not disappoint. While there will surely be some teething issues with the first generation of 3D TVs, the Panasonic VT25 series appears to hold the lead over all its other competitors when it comes to 3D performance and 3D video quality. The plasma panel technology also means that this television will be significantly cheaper than some of the ultra-slim LED edge-lit 3D TVs being released by other manufacturers like Samsung. We at Best 3D TVs believe that the Panasonic TC-P65VT25 is an excellent choice for consumers who are looking to buy a high quality, 3D Ready, Plasma TV at a reasonable price. Other 3D TVs that you might want to compare this with are the Toshiba 65ZX900, the Sony Bravia XBR-60LX900, the Samsung UN65C8000 and the Samsung UN65C7000.

Related posts:

1. Panasonic’s TC-PVT25 awarded Best 3D TV of CES