Panasonic TC-P50VT20

Motion 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.
• Very smooth picture. • Very few artifacting issues. • Has some issues with artifacting when using 3:2 pulldown. • Testing done using DisplayMate Software
	Color Accuracy	Page 5 of 18	Viewing Effects

Motion Smoothness (8.75)

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 performed pretty well on our motion smoothness tests. The TV does have a blur reduction feature, but we didn't think it did much to reduce blur (what it does do is reduce minor artifacting issues). We didn't see any blurring issues on pictures that pan around the screen—not even around the eyes, which typically lose a lot of detail.  (More on how we test Motion.)

Motion Artifacting (8.25)

Without the blur reduction feature on, we noticed a halo of artifacting around areas of high contrast. With the feature on, however, a lot of the artifacting issues disappeared. The only other problems we saw were minor, such as fine lines appearing jittery.

3:2 Pulldown & 24fps (6.5)

The TV had some issues with 3:2 pulldown. There is a 3:2 pullldown mode, but it's definitely not a cureall: it removes some of the flashing that can occur in fine patterns, but the paterns themselves turn into thick gradients or bars.

The TV supports 24p video.  (More on how we test 3:2 Pulldown and 24fps.)

Resolution Scaling (7.47)

Every TV has a native resolution and has to either up-convert or down-convert content to fit that resolution. This involves some processing, which can lead to artifacting or other unwanted issues.

The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 performed well on our resolution scaling tests overall, but it did have some issues once interlacing came into play.  (More on how we test Resolution Scaling.)

480p
We really didn't see many issues with 480p content. There was some light false coloration in fine patterns, but that was about it.

720p
There were a few problems with 720p playback, but the TV did well overall. The main issue we saw was with moire interference in fine patterns: alternating fine lines either turned into gradients or other patterns entirely.

1080i
The TC-P50VT20 had the most trouble with 1080i playback. The moire interference was at its worst, and none of our test patterns were displaying as they should have. The TV turned a series of alternating black and white lines into an array of blotchy squares.

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