Panasonic TC-P50VT20 3D HDTV-HD Guru Exclusive First Review

The 3D era arrives today with the first sales of complete systems that include a 3D display, a 3D disc player and 3D viewing glasses. Best Buy’s Magnolia stores offer an exclusive featuring the TC-P50VT20 and Panasonic’s DMP-BDT300 3D capable Blu-ray player.

In TV industry parlance the TC-P50VT20 and DMP-BDT300 are referred to as derivative models, both exclusive to Best Buy. The retailer likes selling derivative models since the exclusivity negates the company’s “price match” policy.

Best Buy’s derivative HDTV and Panasonic’s TC-P50VT25 are essentially identical except for the bezel finish (the VT20’s is simulated brushed stainless steel, the VT25’s is a dark simulated brass) and the inclusion of an RS-232 interface in the VT20 that can be used with sophisticated remote control systems such as Crestron’s. ~~We know of no feature differences~~ Update: The difference between Panasonic’s DMP-BDT350 and the derivative DMP-BDT300 is the 350 supports DLNA the 300 does not. The DMP-BDT350 retails for $449.99 and is expected to ship next month.

The TCP-50VT20 retails at Best Buy for $2499.99. The TC-P50VT25 arrives early next month at regional and local retailers at $2599.99 list. Each come packed with a single pair of Panasonic 3D glasses, with addition pairs retailing for $149.99.

I performed tests during a recent visit at Panasonic’s NJ headquarters. Panasonic personnel unpacked the TC-P50VT20 prior to my arrival; all readings are based on out of the box condition with fewer than 10 total hours on the set.

he VT models are Panasonic’s top-of-the-line 2010 plasma HDTVs. In addition to the 3D features, Panasonic added a number of improvements over its 2009 V10 series. Performance enhancements include: shorter decay red and green phosphors, elimination of the 2nd front glass panel with the addition of a new micro-louvered anti-glare filter bonded directly to the glass, a new panel scan system, anti-blur circuitry and higher energy efficiency.

The 50″ TC-P50VT25 includes a swivel table stand and retains 2009 V10 series performance features including THX certification, 96 Hz refresh (in addition to normal 60 Hz 2D and 120 Hz 3D modes), “Custom” mode with user gray scale adjustments, and user gamma settings. For a full list of VT series features, (see link for report-LVD).

Tests began with peak white level readings. The “Vivid” default mode (often referred to as showroom or torch mode and not recommend for home viewing) came in at 65.18 ft lamberts using a 100IRE window pattern. Panasonic’s “Infinite Black Pro” mode kicks in when using the “Vivid” setting and yielded a black level reading of 0.000 (meaning below our Minolta LS-100 light meter sensitivity) with a 0 IRE black test signal, making the contrast ratio indeed infinite. We calibrated the user controls in Custom mode and measured a white level of 32.39 ft lamberts white and .004 ft lamberts black level for a contrast ratio 8097.5 to 1. (The black level reading is about one-half of reported out of the box black levels of the 2009 V10 series). In THX mode (factory default user settings) respective measurements were 31.5 ft lamberts and again an impressive .004 ft lamberts black level. THX factory default contrast setting is at 60 out of 100, a level which provides the ability to increase the white level in bright viewing environments.

Color points were excellent, almost spot on the HDTV standard (in parentheses) measuring in THX mode R= x.642, y.334 (x.64, y.33) G= x.299, y=.604 (x.30, y.60) B= x.149, y.058 (x.15, y.06)

White balance was close to the D6500K (x.313, y.329) in THX mode. 20 IRE recorded at 6578K (x.312, y.323) at 80 IRE 6289K (x.316, y .332). Gray scale adjustments are available in Custom mode, but time did not permit a calibration.

Signal processing using a 480i signal on the HQV test disc was excellent for the color bar test, picture detail and good for the jaggies tests (2 of the 3 Bars). To my surprise the VT20 failed the 3:2 pulldown test with the control set to “Auto” (it passed in the “On” position) . The unit also failed the video noise reduction test, with no effect with the control settings at strong, mid, or weak.

HD HQV tests provided similar results with the VT20 failing 3:2 pulldown when the control is switched to “Auto” from “on” and negligible noise reduction. Panasonic personnel on hand during the testing said they’d study my findings. Considering that last year’s models aced the noise reduction and all 3:2 pulldown tests, we will check to see if Panasonic produces a firmware update for both new production and for sets already in inventory.

The 96 Hz mode eliminates the need for 3:2 pulldown and associated judder. It was flicker free for all HD 2D content viewed.

The FHP disc motion resolution test provided excellent results. Enabling the anti-blur mode made the test pattern rock solid and exhibited full 1080 line per-picture-height motion resolution. The moving sign and license plate tests confirmed a significant reduction of phosphor lag. There were no signs of phosphor lag when we switched to viewing an action movie on Blu-ray disc.

The new anti-glare coating is very effective, providing impressive results with extreme off vertical axis light sources such as ceiling fixtures.

The improved scan and phosphors along with the deep blacks and accurate color provided excellent image reproduction and fine shadow detail. These improvements add up to amazing overall images free of the “video look” associated with 120 and 240 Hz LED LCDs.

My only 3D source was the demo disc packed with Panasonic’s Blu-ray player, which provides clips from “Astro Boy” as well as numerous live sequences including beach shots, dancing, volleyball, super-slow motion sports and a wonderful underwater fish segment.

As much as I tried to see the issues witnessed with the Sony FHD3D TV (the only production 3D models publicly demoed in 3D link) I did not see them. They simply are not present. These include crosstalk seen as ghost images, motion artifacts best described as a motion breakup, sort of like a strobe effect and flickering. (One note: when I switched the user control from 120 Hz to 96Hz, flickering appeared in bright scenes, so keep it at 120 Hz).

The mode memory choices such as “Custom” have offsets built-in to compensate for the brightness reduction of the 3D glasses and any other image picture parameter shifts. They proved quite effective, although until Panasonic or someone else makes 3D test signals available on Blu-ray, there is no way to calibrate the user controls in the 3D mode.

Overall, I find the 3D image outstanding with considerably more brightness and pop than the motion picture theater 3D movie experience.

In other words, if you like 3D in the movie theater, you’ll love the way this TV does it at home.

Panasonic has set the bar high for Generation 1 FHD3D TVs. With the exception of the noise reduction and the Auto 3:2 pulldown not functioning (a minor issue, however, and one that should not appear in any 2010 HDTV) the TC-P50V20 is an excellent HDTV and FHD3D TV. The HD Guru awards the Panasonic TC-P50V20 ♥♥♥♥ 4 out of 5 hearts.

Had lots of opportunity to view Panasonic and other demo’s of 3D at CES. It is in my opinion content driven. IOW having to put on the mandatory wire linked glasses to watch Fox News, is not going to be very important to the general public, and my guess is won’t be broadcast in 3D anyway. 3D was a major part of the TV portion of CES, but as to how it will play out with the public is another thing. Movies made specifically for 3D appears for now to be the direction the industry is headed, that means you will need the 3D capable DVD player to go along with the TV and since there are format issues still, the DVD player and the TV have to be compatible with one another.

I have never had the pleasure of seeing anything in 3D without giving me a headache, I wear prescription glasses with my right eye noticeably weaker.

I guess only perfect vision people can fully enjoy this.

How many millions of people can just hop in the car, go to a store with these for sale and write a check?

Like after Obamacare will give us a job and extra spending money?

NOT!

What we need is NOT a gimmick that could actually cause headaches for some viewers. What we need is less expensive hardware--like the Sony KDL-40EX500 120 Hz 40" flat panel and Sony BDP-S370 Blu-ray player I got recently.

Until you don't have to wear the glasses. This is just an expensive gimmick.

That's the problem, until they come up with 3D TV where you don't need glasses, maybe something like projected laser holograms or something lake that, I doubt these TVs will take off. I wear coke bottle glasses myself, I'm nearsighted myself plus I think I'm headed into bifocal territory too.

IIRC, I think the Soviet Union did experiments with 3D hologram movies in the late 1960's but don't know a lot about them.

I want to pick up that mitsub 82 inch, 837 this summer if it comes down in price a little by the time football starts. It is suppose to be 3D ready if I buy a 3D dvd player and I hear hockey might be in 3D this winter. Have you ever compared that model and what do you think? I’ve had a samsung 720 61 inch for last 4 years and time to get a new one I guess.

AVSforum has technical information on the Mitsubishi, I did see some comments that repair may be necessary, $1100 for the bulb and light engine was one of the repairs required after four years. 3D glasses (at $150 or more per pair) are also required, in addition to the costs of a 3D capable Blu-ray player, if the same technology is required for the Mitsubishi's 3d.

I suggest to all to do your homework before you jump into a 3D capable DLP!

CLICK HERE for comments @ AVSforum: Mitsubishi WD 82837

Thanks Dave, I did have to replace the bulbs twice in my Samsung over 4 years. Also had the 2 fans on main panel go out, fan light came on. Unplug all the cables, pull out main board assembly; it was a 12x12 alum frame; had it on dining room table. Also replaced the color wheel at same time. We heat with wood here in Alaska and I have a habit of blowing everything out with air compressor come summer anyway. I think all the parts came to a little over 200 bucks, but I read somewheres a tv shop got an owner for 600 bucks for something any grade school kid could do.

I'll look on the forum and also have the tech at store pull back off before I buy one and also buy the parts directly off him before I leave with tv. They want $4000 for the tv now, and it might not come down much this summer but it's the nicest bigger tv I've seen so far; we like that 82 inch; nothing like HD for sports. $150 apiece for glasses, high priced. Got to see that 3D just the same. Thanks again

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