Panasonic Viera TC-P65VT50 3D Smart Plasma HDTV Review

Connectivity

Directly to the left side of the Panasonic TC-P65VT50, you'll find common quick-access ports. USB and HDMI ports are usually placed to the side of the TV, as it's assumed that USB devices and HDMI cables will be switched and changed most often. The P65VT50 has 4 HDMI inputs, and 3 USB inputs. In line with 2011's port choices, the P65VT50 also features a dedicated slot for an SD/SDXC card. Panasonic's app store also sells Panasonic products, not the least of which are SD cards.

The lower portion of the L-shaped port cutout on the back of the TV features vertically inclined inputs, the kind which are usually left in place for longer than USB and HDMI connections. Here, you'll find inputs for an ethernet cable (LAN), a VGA cable for PC connection, the antenna jack for broadcast cable, and a Component/AV splitter. The TV comes with a combined component/composite cable that allows for either an HD (component) connection or an SD (composite) connection. This split connection only allows for one component or one composite connection at a time, so invest in some HDMI cables for your hi-def products.

Compared to the flagship models from LG, Samsung, and Toshiba, the connectivity options on the Panasonic TC-P65VT50 could be called "standard." But it still has, on average, a larger array of ports than most mid-range and entry-level HDTVs.