-
Introduction
-
01.Tour & Design
-
02.Blacks & Whites
-
03.Color Accuracy
-
04.Motion
-
05.3D
-
06.Viewing Effects
-
07.Calibration
-
08.Connectivity
-
09.Remote Control
-
10.Audio & Menus
-
11.Multimedia & Internet
-
12.Power Consumption
-
13.Samsung UN55C7000 Comparison
-
14.Sony KDL-46EX700 Comparison
-
15.Panasonic Viera TC-P50G10 Comparison
-
16.Conclusion
-
17.Series Comparison
-
18.Photo Gallery
-
19.Ratings & Specs
-
20.Comments
Panasonic Viera TC-P50VT20
Previous: Page 9
Remote ControlNext: Page 11
Multimedia & InternetAudio & Menus
Good audio performance. Multiple menus can be confusing to navigate.
Audio Quality (7.00)
The audio quality of the Panasonic TC-P50VT20 was above average for a television. Panasonics generally have a good record in this category. The speakers are plainly visible through grating on the back of the TV, so it helps if you have a surface behind that will reflect rather than absorb all the sound. Overall, we though the bass was a little weak, but not muddy or fuzzy.
The TV includes several special audio processing features that can be a little confusing when you first encounter them. ‘A.I. Sound’ simply locks in the current audio settings across all the sources, rather than having a separate audio setting for each source. ‘BBE ViVA’ is a puzzlingly described audio setting that is supposed to increase audio quality. If this feature is on, then ‘BBE’ automatically turns on and the surround sound mode automatically turns off. What is the difference between BBE and BBE ViVA? We have no idea. They don’t sound that different to our ears.
Menu Interface (7.00)
The menu on the Panasonic TC-P50VT20 can be a bit frustrating, but you’ll get used to it soon enough. The problem is that the TV doesn’t always respond like you think it should. For instance, when you select a particular setting, like Tint or Color, and hit Enter, nothing happens. Shouldn’t a little submenu pop up at this point? No, instead you have to hit the left or right button to get a response.
Aside from little annoyances like that, the menu is easy enough to navigate. The main headers are left-aligned along a vertical axis. It can get a little confusing when you’re required to use a completely different menu – the Viera Tools menu – to access content from removable media.
Instruction Manual (4.00)
The instruction manual covers a lot of the questions you might have about your new TV, but not all of them. We always applaud any manufacturer that includes both a table of contents and an index, so if you can’t get an answer to your question, at least you’ll know quickly.
| Other Models in the TC-PxxVT25 Series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| For more information on other models in this series, check our Series Comparison Page. | |||
 Panasonic Viera TC-P50VT25 50 in. |
 Panasonic Viera TC-P54VT25 54 in. |
 Panasonic Viera TC-P58VT25 58 in. |
 Panasonic TC-P65VT25 65 in. |
Latest News
& Reviews
-
18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
This TV has the performance and picture quality to match its good looks. Samsung’s robust Smart TV platform is just icing on the cake. Read More...
-
18-May-2012
Samsung's 2012 Smart TV Platform: Explained
Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV Platform revolves primarily around the Smart Hub. The Smart Hub gathers all content the TV is capable of displaying under one roof: live TV, apps, streaming video and music, and personal media. Read More...
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series
$2,599.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$2,599.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series
$1,299.002
Size: 51 in.Samsung PN51D6500
The Samsung PN51D6500 is one of the best deals for a big screen plasma TV. The performance is strong in most regards and the weakness are endemic to plasma TVs, not with this model in particular. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,749.993
Size: 47 in.LG 47LM6700
In addition to opinion-changing 3D images, this LG has a newly improved Smart TV menu system, and a remote that makes navigating the ever-expanding sea of content less of an odyssey. . Read full review
$1,749.99All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,500.004
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
$1,500.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,299.005
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes
Features
-
TelevisionInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After testing dozens of televisions this year, the staff of TVI has made its official selections for the very best televisions of 2011. Read More...
-
3D TV, Not Ready for Prime Time
If you’ve been shopping for a new TV is the last two years, you’ve probably heard a lot of hype about 3D. As with most new technologies, customers are awash in baffling terminology and misinformation. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the basics. Read More...
-
HDTV Streaming Content Compared
Televisions aren’t just getting their content through the coax cable anymore. Just as the internet has gradually moved towards a video-rich space—YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.—those same sorts of features are creeping into your TV sets. Like it or not, those 1000+ channels of direct cable are not enough anymore. Read More...
-
Technology Preview: Haier Completely Wireless Television
Imagine a TV with no wires. You’re talking about WiFi, right? No, we mean no wires, at all. Haier, the Chinese company better known as an appliance manufacturer, is showcasing a new technology here at CES that conducts electricity wireless to the TV, as well as streaming content. The TV is pretty far from production at this point, but it’s among the more amazing things we’ve seen at the show. Here’s an in-depth look at the technology and how it might be implemented in future products. Read More...
(add your own)