Panasonic TC-P55ST50 3D Plasma HDTV Review

Connectivity

There are three HDMI ports and two USB ports on the side part of the connections layout, on the back of the Panasonic TC-P55ST50. These ports are standard for televisions these days. There are a couple of unusual choices back there too though. Panasonic, being a prominent digital camera company, has a spot for an SD card, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

We immediately noticed the lack of a PC connection, like a VGA port. Connecting a computer to a television is a very popular pastime for enthusiasts, being able to show any content from the hard drive, or internet movies. We assume that the ability to connect to the internet, as well as a USB hard drive connection, replaces the need for a VGA connection. Anything you can do with a mirrored computer screen can be done right on the Panasonic TC-P55ST50, presumably.

Other than the antenna port for a cable connection and the adapted composite/component connection, there is only the LAN port. The selection or ports is small, but covers the basic necessities, and the TC-P55ST50 could easily be used as a home theater.

You will find all the ports in a cutout on the back left side of the display, with most of the connections on the side. Only the adapted port, the LAN connection, and the cable RF plug are arranged along the bottom. The stand swivels about 20º in either direction making access to these ports on the side very simple.