Introduction

Panasonic's XT50 series is unique within its 2012 line-up. We say that because of a few features it has, and one that it doesn't. Unlike almost every other TV on the market right now, the XT50's maximum resolution displays at 720p. That's still a high-def resolution, but we're in a world where 1080p has become the "gold standard."

Most of the big-name manufacturers have a series like this in their catalogue: 720p, one screen size, and considerably cheaper than the rest of the line-up. Panasonic's happens to also be 3D and smart, which we weren't expecting. A 50-inch, smart, 3D HDTV at an MSRP of $799 sure seems like a good deal on paper.