Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV Review

A Review Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV

While Panasonic's top 3D model TV is one of the best 3D TVs available on the market, this is a much cheaper set for those of us who cannot afford the top of the line. The question is, does the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV stand up against the top model? Read on to learn how well it compares.

Key Specifications Of The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV

Costs: USD 817 - 1,550
Introduced: 2010
3D-Ready: Yes, with 2D to 3D conversion
3D Glasses Included?: No
Size of Screen: 49.9 inches
Type of Screen: Plasma HD TV
Resolution: 1920 by 1080 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:09
Contrast Ratio: 5,000,000:1
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Viewing Angle: 178°/178° Horizontal/Vertical
Response Time: 5 ms
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Ready
HDMI Inputs: 3
Dimensions: 48 by 3.5 by 30.3 inches

The Positive Aspects Of Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV

Price

When compared against other 3D TVs currently available for sale, the price point on this device is very good. This price is great because not only do you get a great TV, you get extra online features and a 2D to 3D converter (see below).

Style

The VIERA has a glossy finish, helping it to look stylish and sleek in your home. While this TV is slightly thicker than some others available for sale, this is not necessarily a bad thing, and many may not even realize the difference.

Picture

This device has an excellent quality plasma display, amazing contrast, and good color accuracy. The set also features anti-glare elements, preventing reflections in bright living rooms. While the picture may not be considered quite equal to some of the better Samsung models, it still works quite well.

Conversion

The 2D to 3D conversion is a major bonus in this TV. This allows for a conversion of standard 2D pictures into 3D - this includes VHS, non-3D DVDs, or standard TV broadcasts. On the down side, this feature does not always produce the best pictures, on this TV or others, so bear this in mind before you pay extra for this particular feature.

Internet Connectivity

The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 comes standard with Wi-Fi already built in, allowing you to connect your TV to your internet connection at home. VIERA Cast is the feature that allows access to a wide range of online services, from Video on Demand through Amazon and Netflix, and other online tools such as Skype and Twitter.

Accessories

It's always useful to look at the range of accessories available to expand the use of your new television. This model has available an external USB keyboard that you can hook up to make the most of those internet apps available.

SD Slot

This is a great feature that allows you to pull your memory card out of your computer and directly slide it into the TV. This is great for showing your photos in a slideshow, viewing your HD photos, or sharing videos with family without the hassle of having to all crowd around a small computer screen.

Easy To Use

The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 is very simple to set up allowing you to start watching it as quickly as possible. It searches for your channels automatically, as well as connecting to your Wi-Fi network. The menu system is great and helps you find whatever you need with ease, and there is no heavy manual to read through. With its large range of picture calibration options, it's simple to get things set up just the way you want them.

The Negative Aspects Of Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV

Use Of Energy

While this model claims to use less power than some older plasma models, there is no getting around the fact that any plasma screen will use more energy than a LCD.

No 3D Glasses

There are no glasses in the box, meaning you will need to go and buy for each person who wants to watch at the same time. This tends to get very expensive seeing as these glasses can cost up to $150 per pair.

3D Picture

While this model's 3D is not perfect, it's 2D content looks great. This model is a great value for your money when you compare it to the others on the market. On top of that, you will mainly use this TV for your 2D content, giving you an excellent quality for your money.

Availability Of Apps

As was mentioned above, there are a range of internet apps included as standard on this model. However, the selection on this is not nearly as good as some other similarly-priced TVs on the market.

No Webcam

It may seem odd that Panasonic installs apps like Skype, but does not add on a webcam to the TV. This is an additional expense that you may not realize you will have when you buy it, as it doesn't work with just any cam. You need to buy direct from Panasonic.

Is The Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV Worth Buying?

While the quality of this TV does not quite stand up to the more pricey ones, that's not really what we would expect to see out of this price point. If you're looking for a TV with a perfect plasma screen, Samsung may be a better choice for you. However, if you are looking for an affordable option, with a 2D to 3D converter, the Panasonic VIERA TC-P50GT25 50 Inch 1080P 3D Plasma HDTV is a great choice, and may fit well in your home.

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