Panasonic TC-P50VT20

Connectivity Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P50VT20. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the TC-PxxVT20 series. The TC-PxxVT20 series includes the following models: (N/A at time of publication. Sorry.)  Read here for more details on series differences.
• Highlights: 4 HDMI, 2 USB, ethernet, WiFi-ready • No analog audio output
	Remote Control	Page 9 of 18	Audio & Menus

Input Ports (7.5)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 has a good number of options for connecting to other media. There are four HDMI ports, two components, two composites, and four analog audio inputs. This certainly trumps the Samsung UN55C7000, which, due its size, was limited in the number of possible ports.

Like most high-end TVs this year, the Panasonic TC-P50VT20 includes a LAN port for internet connectivity. The USB ports also support an optional WiFi dongle (not included). However, the new Panasonic DMP-BDT300 Blu-Ray player we got does come with a WiFi dongle, and we can confirm that it works great on both the Blu-Ray player and the TV.

Because the Panasonic is a much thicker television than the Samsung C7000 series, it can place a number of ports on the side, making it easier to access them in a hurry.

 
Output Ports (1.0)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 has only one output port, a digital audio-out. Surprisingly, there is no analog audio out, which means that you won't be able to connect this to an old stereo receiver. 

Other Connections (6.0)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 has an ethernet port for wired internet access. Using the USB ports, the TV is also WiFi-ready, but you need to purchase a dongle separately. The DMP-BDT300 Blu-Ray player happens to come with that very dongle, and it works well when you plug it into the TV. The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 also supports DLNA. 

Media (5.0)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 has two USB ports that allow playback for photos, video clips, and music clips. Unlike the Samsung UN55C7000, the Panasonic cannot read hard drives. You're limited to thumb drives when using the USB ports. The TC-P50VT20 also includes an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, located on the side. Gee, that's a coincidence, because all the Panasonic-branded cameras and camcorders use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, too. How about that!

Placement (9.0)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20's ports are conveniently placed on the edge of the back panel, as well as along the left-hand side. Because the TV can swivel on its stand, you shouldn't have a hard time reaching anything. 

Other Models in the TC-PxxVT20 and VT25 Series
This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P50VT20. 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-P50VT25 50 inches	Panasonic TC-P54VT25 54 inches	Panasonic TC-P58VT25 58 inches	Panasonic TC-P65VT25 65 inches