Panasonic TC-P50U1 Plasma HDTV Review - Color Accuracy

Color Accuracy Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P50U1. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the TC-PxxU1 series. The TC-PxxU1 series includes the following models: TC-P42U1, TC-P46U1, and TC-P50U1.  Read here for more details on series differences.
• Excellent color temperature evenness • Expect some color banding in area of gradated color • Testing done using DisplayMate Software
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Color Temperature (9.34)

The Panasonic TC-P50U1 managed to produce a an excellent and even color temperature. As you can see from the graph below, no matter the signal intensity (dark to bright), the color temperature remained consistent enough that you'll never see a difference with the naked eye. 

Color Temperature
Compare the Panasonic TC-P50U1 to other HDTVs
Samsung PN50B430 50 inches	Vizio SV471XVT 47 inches	Sony KDL-52XBR9 52 inches

RGB Curves (7.48)

The Panasonic TC-P50U1's RGB curves were pretty shaky, which indicates that there could be some problem with smooth color gradations. The graph results were no surprise, as we saw in other tests the TV's problem with color banding when it tried to render areas with gradient tones. On the whole, though, it the score is about the same or better than the competing TVs. 

RGB Curves

The strips below are computer-generated visual representations of the red, green, and blue color tones.

Red Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Panasonic TC-P50U1
Samsung PN50B430
Vizio SV471XVT
Sony KDL-52XBR9

Green Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Panasonic TC-P50U1
Samsung PN50B430
Vizio SV471XVT
Sony KDL-52XBR9

Blue Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Panasonic TC-P50U1
Samsung PN50B430
Vizio SV471XVT
Sony KDL-52XBR9

Color Gamut (4.27)

The color gamut measures the TV's accuracy in accordance with the rec.709 color standard. The Panasonic TC-P50U1 scored only 4.27 in the section, but compared to most TVs, it's really not that bad. Few TVs exactly match up to the standard. 

Color Gamut

All Models in the TC-PxxU1 Series
This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P50U1. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.
Panasonic TC-P42U1 42 inches	Panasonic TC-P46U1 46 inches	Panasonic TC-P50U1 50 inches