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Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY / TH-50XVS30 ONYX Plasma TV Review

Model: Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY Plasma Display / TH-50XVS30 Onyx XVS Series Plasma Television
Description: 50" HDTV Plasma Display / 50" HDTV Plasma Television; both Widescreen 16:9 Format
Resolution: HDTV 1366 x 768

Includes:
TH-50PHD7UY: Remote, Built in speaker amplifiers with Optional Side mount speakers, Optional input terminal boards in addition to standard input complement
TH-50XVS30: Included detachable side mounted speakers(16W total output), integrated NTSC and ATSC tuners, included table top stand

Color:
TH-50PHD7UY: Charcoal bezel with black ribbon around plasma screen
TH-50XVS30: Charcoal black

Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: 02-11-05

Copyright © 2005,2006,2007 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com. All Rights Reserved.

   on Panasonic Plasma TVs using our recommended reseller finder.

Note: The TH-50XVS30 ONYX Series plasma television is a new consumer version of the TH-50PHD7UY, which is part of Panasonic's line of professional plasma display panels. Thus, the TH-50XVS30 includes integrated speakers and NTSC/ATSC tuners, as well as some additional available inputs. HDMI and DVI input boards, side mountable speakers, and table stands are optional accessories for the 7UY series. In most other respects, these displays are identical. They utilize the same plasma display element (glass), have the same resolutions, and share most of the same color decoders and scaling/conversion circuitry.

Most similar product to compare: NEC 50XR4, Sony FWD-50PX1, Pioneer PDP-5045HD

 Read User Reviews for this Model

There are several improvements to note with the new and improved TH-50PHD7UY:

TH-50PHD6UY vs. TH-50PHD7UY (Same technology will apply to the TH-50XVS30)

The (7UY) replaces the (6UY) in November, 2004 as the new Panasonic HDTV professional plasma display model. There are very few technical differences (not related to performance differences) to note as follows:

Panasonic has been a leader as one of the first 3 manufacturers of plasma display product and the first manufacturer to obtain CRT-like black levels by reducing pre-discharge emission. They have managed to maintain the competitive advantages which the company became known for in 2000 and 2001 with regard to black levels and gray scaling. Nevertheless, Panasonic is still tweaking performance. The following are a few upgrades:

• Panasonic claims to have improved the phosphors in the plasma display element (glass) - to better enable the plasma display to resist phosphor burn in from static images. They also employ an image shift (non-apparent to the eye) which prevents burn in. While it is difficult to believe that plasma technology has come so far so fast, they now claim near CRT levels with regard to burn in.
• The product life span specification is now 60,000 hours to half life (half of the plasma panels initial level of brightness) in normal conditions. Panasonic has changed the panel structure to a new bound cell design (a technique adapted from Pioneer technology). This structural change improves light emitting intensity and efficiency thus allowing for brightness improvement. Products life span is also extended as a result of the lower power requirement to effectively light cells.
• Panasonic has increased the video input card options to include the new HDMI digital broadcast standard on the 7UY series. The previous 6UY model designation had the nifty flexibility of optional input cards to allow the user to expand their input selection. Optional cards for both the 6UY and 7UY series include composite, component, VGA, and DVI optional input cards.
• Peak brightness has been increased by 10%.

INTRODUCTION

Either of these plasma television models may be purchased for professional broadcast use, but works as well for the consumer in the home market. The ultimate test of all plasma TVs is how well they show when they are actually tested for video quality. There certainly are other considerations, but picture quality with different inputs is the primary consideration. Forget the native pixel resolution, the built in progressive scanning converter, the astronomically unrealistic contrast ratio figure shown. The many new bells and whistles such as the Philips plasmas' Ambilight. The plasma TV manufacturers wanting to sell their product provide the specifications - and they arrive at product specifications in very different ways. Comparing TV's of any kind side by side with the same input source at the same starting point is the way to truly understand how the signal information is converted, processed and shown. Call it the eyeball test. With plasma displays the differences are much more apparent than with conventional CRT direct view televisions due to pixel formation and lighting considerations.

The new Panasonic 50" plasma offers a few nice improvements as stated above from their predecessors. And yes, this is the 7th generation plasma display in the series produced by Panasonic. The improvements offered by these new models address the major concerns of potential plasma TV customers. We receive these questions by the thousands, 1) "How long does the plasma last", 2) "I heard that images easily burn in.", 3) " Is plasma as bright as LCD?" 4) What are the best inputs to use with plasma?" etc. etc. These are legitimate questions given of all the conflicting information consumers are fed. So Panasonic has strived to answer and ease these concerns and has addressed them all with their new specifications and improvements for the 7UY and ONYX plasma television series.

As listed above, life span is up to 60,000 hours, phosphor burn in effects are substantially decreased, power consumption has been reduced, brightness levels are increased. However the very best improvement, and the area in which Panasonic is constantly thumping the competition, is in gray scaling and black levels. Not only have they maintained the gap in gray scale performance, they have widened it by adding (according to their specifications) up to 2,048 shades of gray. This translates into an ever improving viewing experience for the user - by enabling more detail in dark scenes and images. The unit is very sound technically, and easy to use for the average consumer or professional environment.

More detail in dark scenes.

THE PICTURE - 97/100

Since plasma monitors are primarily visual devices the picture displayed is really omnipotent in consideration for which one to purchase. There are a few other considerations (listed in this review under "Other Considerations") but image quality is of primary importance unless computer presentation scaling is the call. These Panasonic 50" plasma TVs again impressed me with one of the best pictures I have seen on a plasma display. With higher end signals of HDTV displayed on the units 1366 X 768 native pixel resolution panel the Super Bowl was stunning, vivid, with incredible depth and clarity. We have reviewed the Gateway, Sampo, Samsung, Akai, NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi and Sony plasmas, and the unanimous feeling among our reviewers is that the overall winner on picture is Panasonic.

Images are exceptinally sharp and crisp for HDTV input signals. Color reproduction was superb but the words most often used to describe the unit's on-screen image versus the other flat screen TV's were "deep, rich and clear, amazing, and one I always look for - realistic." I know the description of the picture sounds a bit like a good cabernet but that was the thoughts as I canvassed the group. There are a couple of standout reasons that the Panasonic Plasmas triumph. One is the gray scaling in dark scenes. Two is the black levels. Three is color reproduction.

1) Gray Scaling: Image detailing in dark scenes is a sticking point with most plasma manufacturers due to the pressure of always attempting to increase black levels and contrast to keep up with Panasonic. Fujitsu and Pioneer have been the only two to match up effectively. With other manufacturers, much feature matter is lost, as what was intended to be dark image matter turns to an oversaturated black - thus losing all detail. Panasonic plasma TVs have been overcoming this problem for years and are only getting better with the new 7UY/ONYX plasma series.

2) Black Levels: The Panasonic TH-PWD7UY continues to show the dominant deep black levels that have won Panasonic so many accolades in this area. As discussed with gray scaling, the important elements are really a combination of excellent black levels and great dark matter detailing within gray scales that create a superb picture for the human eye. Though we don't entirely buy into the Panasonic contrast ratio listing of 3000:1 (we measured the new 7UY at around 795:1 with power on) I do believe they have the best technology in showing video imagery (as opposed to computer). The contrast ratio is the best in the plasma market and rivals even the best CRTs.

3) Panasonic's plasma color reproduction has always leaned toward the cool side. I prefer this for the attestation that flesh tones on many plasma TVs are overly pink/red. This is a distraction to me and only Pioneer and Sony come close to Panasonic when viewing realistic flesh tones which are so vital to the TV viewing experience.

Excellent black levels and great dark matter detailing.

When viewing progressive 720P, 1080I, or 480P I would not hesitate to pit the Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY (or ONYX TH-50XVS30) against any DLP or LCD of similar size. The black levels, realism and gray scaling are just too much for those technologies in this size range, not to mention price. As well, when pitting a quality plasma vs LCD vs DLP the viewer does not have to worry about viewing angle. Most plasmas are 180 degrees, comparted to 140 for the best LCD TVs and even less for DLPs.

Our plasma monitor tests were conducted with several inputs including HDTV broadcast through an Samsung SIRT165 high definition decoder box, Pioneer 47A Elite progressive scan DVD player, a DVD-Ram HD player iDVR100, a VCR, a PC signal with several resolutions, and of course plain old cable input.

When changing the signal from a DVD player to 480I from 480P, there is now an almost imperceptible decrease noticed in the picture quality on this plasma TV. This is due to the new and improved internal progressive scan conversion circuitry in the unit. It does an excellent job of line doubling the signal. An excellent 3:2 pulldown conversion chip for film and video processing is also included to deliver clear, smooth images from film sources. The new Panasonic plasmas also upconvert satellite and cable signals to progressive scan quality, thus providing a much better picture quality than before.

While several manufacturers claim to have almost caught Panasonic in black level production and contrast, the Panasonic HDTV models continue to display the deepest blacks and smoothest gray scaling that I have seen. While viewing the anamorphic widescreen 2.40:1 DVD release of Martin Scorcese's black and white picture Raging Bull -- a dark film by anyone's description -- I was able to discern sufficient definition in the dark detailing of fight scenes, clothing, and distanced objects. As Robert De Niro pummeled opponents relentlessly, I was amazed that even with this black and white DVD release there was no evident banding false contouring effects. It is not even a consideration any more with Panasonic's plasma TV offerings. This accomplishment is very difficult for most plasma TVs. The picture from the Panasonic plasma monitors always deliver the most realistic colors, in part because these units do not get offensively warm with the reds as do so many other models. Gray scaling is drastically improved on this new model-with the most even dark level variations witnessed and monitored by my Philips color analyzer.

False edge enhancement is a big problem with some manufacturers of plasma product. They want sizzle and pop when the consumer walks into that showroom. But this technology wears hard on the eyes and (aside from giving you a headache) does take away from a smooth realistic picture image. Panasonic does a nice job of avoiding this trap.

With a PC, I found the XGA 1024 x 768 resolution preferred by far over other resolutions. Panasonic has significantly improved computer compatibility and operational effectiveness. The new split screen capability will be a hit in the board room for video conferencing/ presentation combinations. There are also many smart board and networking options available as optional assessories for the Panasonic TH-50PHD7Y.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS TH-50PHD7UY - 93/100

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ONYX TH-50XVS30 - 96/100

This plasma tv runs virtually silent. It is fan-less and has one of the lowest power consumption ratings of any plasma display. I could not hear the unit running at all. Not even from two feet away. Panasonic, Pioneer, and Sony lead in this area by far.

The onscreen graphic user display on this plasma television is excellent and easy to use. There are options available for color temp adjustment, sharpness, color, brightness, tint, and picture. Picture controls contrast. If you have a darker room environment it is always a good idea to lower the contrast from the factory presetting of 25 on a scale of -30 to 30. I would lower it to around 20. As well I lowered sharpness to -15 - the minimum setting available. There is a sound adjustment menu if you are using the built in 8 watt amplifiers from which the outputs are neatly placed on the lower right and lower left back of the unit.

The five aspect ratio options include Zoom, Normal (for 4:3 picure), Full, Just (displays 4:3 picture at full screen size but with justification algorithms in effect), Panasonic Auto (used to handle a mix of 16:9 and 4:3 programming, acting similar to Just mode). Color adjustments were spot on for me right out of the box at factory set levels.

Click here for detailed chart of all the aspect display options.

Input connections are sufficient for most uses. The TH-50PHD7UY includes one S-video, one composite video (BNC), a row of 3 BNC connections for component video, a 15 pin VGA, a DB25 tuner in connection, and the two speaker output terminals from the built in amps. Optional input terminal cards can be purchased to install in slots 1, 2, or 3 below and include composite, component, DVI and HDMI. The back bottom input cavity is conveniently located for wall mounting and accessibility. The ONYX TH-50XVS30 plasma includes 1 more composite input on the rear and one in front (3 total), one more s-video input in rear and one in front (3 total), add one more set of component video inputs (2 total).

The Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY features interchangeable terminal boards. The ONYX TH-50XVS30 does not have optional input boards but has more inputs included.

The 7UY series continues with optional video terminal boards which can be purchased to assist any user with their individual set up. These include component terminal boards, composite terminal boards, DVI/HDCP terminal boards and newly - HDMI digital video boards. There is an optional empty slot (Slot 1) on the Panasonic plasma to allow the user to simply unscrew 4 screws on the back of the unit, take off the black plate, and slide in an optional video terminal board. This set up would allow the user to display side by side picture at the same time from Satellite and HDTV, and also optimize the set up for best possible picture. Note that some HDTV decoder boxes have DVI output or HDMI output. Either way, the Panasonic plasma has the input terminal boards to accommodate, and this flexibility is an excellent addition.

Cycle through the Multi PIP button on the remote then hit the select button then the input button to display PIP or Side by Side picture. Be sure to press the select button twice when necessary to change the input selection before depressing Input.

The bezel/frame comes is a dark charcoal gray with black banding around the picture element. It is straightforward, sharp and understated next to some of the new polished silver consumer plasma models. The bezel is only an inch wide on all sides. The construction is solid with the input cavity located on the back bottom of the plasma to allow for easy flexibility when wall mounting. The unit is 3.5 inches in depth and around 95 pounds.

SPECIAL FEATURES

UXGA (1600X1200) computer input acceptance
60,000 hour life span to half life
Real Black Drive System for highest contrast and deeper blacks
Full range of optional video terminal boards
Improved Grey Scales - 2,048
Low Power Consumption - No fans necessary. Very quiet operation
Most realistic color reproduction in the market

VALUE RATING TH-50PHD7UY - 96/100

VALUE RATING ONYX TH-50XVS30 - 87/100

With a new street price of around $4500 the for the new TH-50PHD7UY this is probably the best buy in the 50" HDTV plasma TV market. A very solid product at a very low price. I have not come across a better one. The competing Korean and Taiwanese brands are the only plasma displays selling for similar prices and do not compare quality/picture/performance-wise to the Japanese made Panasonic.

The ONYX plasma has better "other considerations" features, but it's hard to justify the price of MSRP $7999. It's a beautiful unit aesthetically but has the exact same picture quality from what I can see as the TH-50PHD7UY.

OVERALL RATING - (picture double weighted)

PANASONIC TH-50PHD7UY- 96/100

PANASONIC ONYX SERIES TH-50XVS30 - 94/100

   on Panasonic Plasmas using our recommended reseller finder.

Additional Resources

• Picture of the back of the Panasonic 42"
• Close up of the input jacks on the back of the panel
• Panasonic 42" with Panasonic Table Stand
• Panasonic Plasma Monitor Aspect Ratio Modes

Panasonic Plasma TV Reviews

• Panasonic Plasma TV Review: TH-42PWD7UY

Panasonic 50" HDTV Plasma Customer Reviews

Panasonic 50" TH-50PHD6UY Plasma TV Review - 10 Customer Reviews -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Mark Zambron Location:New York City, NY -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY Desribe-Input-Signals: I have not yet tried a true high definition signal into the screen, but component hook-ups from DVD including Playstation2 have proven brilliant, with excellent contrast. DVI hook-up is pending. Broadcast antenna and satellite receiver in SDTV signals have been fair. Desribe-Plasma-Installation: The display is mounted within a homemade entertainment center on a wall mounted swivel system. Very clean look to mounting system and screen. Desribe-Plasma-Functions: The on-screen menu is simple to use, as is the remote. The input selection is basic, and the physical layout of inputs are easy to access and interchange. Desribe-Buying-Experience: I purchased the screen on-line from PlasmaDepot. It arrived about a week later in perfect condition. The website and its links were most helpful in learning about plasma displays, and multiple third party reviews supported the vendor as reliable. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Chris Avron Location: Henderson, NV -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. A: Color is great, the blacks are great in the picture, but the bars on either side or on top and bottom are a bit grey. Only having the TV a few days, and not watching a lot of it in general, it makes it a bit difficult to compare. The brightness is overwhelmingly clear and provides tons of lght and color. There appear to be no differences in contrast between this monitor and my previous 32" CRT TV. The clarity is so good that with an older movie (Lost in Space 1998), the greaphics seems almost childish at some points. Technology has come so far in that field, but it is almost unnoticeable in a CRT. Q: What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it? A: I love the monitor. It is a great addition to my home theater set-up. It sits almost flat to the wall, even tilted. At first, I though that a TV hang 3-5" from the wall would look stupid, but it fits very nicely. You don't even seem to notice that it is there. Q: How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A: The design and looks are fairly plain. It looks like a big TV screen. I actually overwhelmingly prefer the Pioneer Elite PRO 1000's looks and style, but the color repro was not near as good and the price was significantly more due to the Urushi finish. I would like future models to be a bit more stylish since it is almost a piece of art. Q: What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A: Bedroom Q: Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed. I installed it. I built a wall using 2x6's in an existing TV niche built into my home. I then mounted the bracket to the newly built wall and placed the TV in the bracket. Q: Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience? A: DTVCity.com - The experience was phenomenal........I would highly recommend to anyone looking for high-end video monitors to purchase from Laura at DTVCity.com. She was extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. I am 100% completely satisfied with this vendor! -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Jonathan Marsh Location: Roslyon Harbor, NY -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. A: Crystal clear with excellent color and contrast Q: What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it? A: I love it. It's like being at the movies or a sports bar. Q: How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A: Fits with our modern look, but would probably fit in with any decor. Q: Plasma TV Inputs used? A: 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables Q: Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed. Installed on the Bello PVS-4260 plasma system, which is very sharp and modern looking. Q: Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience? A: Purchased from DTVExpress over the phone after researching on the internet. It was very easy start to finish. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: George Rossman Location: Las Vegas, Nevada -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. A: Size & design are very good, we built ours into a motorized cabinet that raises it up out of the top of the cabinet for viewing. Q: What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it? A: I think it's great. Q: How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A: Size & design are very good, we built ours into a motorized cabinet that raises it up out of the top of the cabinet for viewing. Q: What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A: Home Living Room Q: Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience? A: I don't know how DTVCity could improve. They were great in following up with me on a credit card problem. Also the shipping was right on time, good company. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Ailon Grushkin Location: New York City, NY br> -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness. A: The clarity is average when viewing regular cable tv using an analog box. In fact, it may be deemed poor considering it accentuates the defects in the broadcast and i get Humbars on some stations. HOWEVER, when using my DVD player - the TV is absolutely MAGINFICENT! The sound, the colors, the clarity, brightness.... ALL just plain AWESOME! Q: What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it? A: The Panasonic 50' Plamsa TV is truly magnificent. It is just so impressive and awe inspiring hanging on the wall in my bedroom. In fact, I spent the entire day just viewing movies on this wonderful piece of equipment. Q: How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A: Like I said above - the design is sleek and just incredibly impressive when you see it hanging on the wall. It is truly grand and makes a powerful statement. Q: Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience? A: DTVCITY.COM . EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE! Came very quickly. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Bob Terfruchte, Jr. Location: Austin, Texas -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH-50PHD6UY -----ONLINE VENDOR INFORMATION----- Vendor: DTVCity.com Order Number: 819722 CONSIDERATIONS: Delivery date and product condition on arrival BUYING EXPERIENCE: I'll have to admit, the thought of making a six-thousand dollar plus purchase over the internet was quite daunting, but I must say the entire process, from placing my order with Brent at DTV City, to powering on my Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY 50" plasma monitor, was a pleasure from start to finish The staff at DTV City is knowledgeable, courteous, thorough, and professional. They answered all of my questions completely and put my mind at ease from the start. The plasma monitor was shipped with a delivery service that specializes in the transport of high-value, sensitive electronic equipment. It was delivered on time, and not only did the delivery person not object to my inspecting the monitor prior to signing for it, he actually HELPED me inspect it!! The Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY is the finest 50" plasma display on the market. The picture is precise, with deep, realistic color. I couldn't't be happier. One of my first viewing experiences was inviting two neighbor couples over to watch the Texas vs. Arkansas football game in high definition. It was fantastic!! I highly recommend Brent and the staff at DTV City. You won't be disappointed. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Bob Terfruchte, Jr. Location: Austin, Texas -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH-50PHD6UY -----ONLINE VENDOR INFORMATION----- Vendor: DTVCity.com Order Number: 819722 CONSIDERATIONS: Delivery date and product condition on arrival BUYING EXPERIENCE: I'll have to admit, the thought of making a six-thousand dollar plus purchase over the internet was quite daunting, but I must say the entire process, from placing my order with Brent at DTV City, to powering on my Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY 50" plasma monitor, was a pleasure from start to finish The staff at DTV City is knowledgeable, courteous, thorough, and professional. They answered all of my questions completely and put my mind at ease from the start. The plasma monitor was shipped with a delivery service that specializes in the transport of high-value, sensitive electronic equipment. It was delivered on time, and not only did the delivery person not object to my inspecting the monitor prior to signing for it, he actually HELPED me inspect it!! The Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY is the finest 50" plasma display on the market. The picture is precise, with deep, realistic color. I couldn't't be happier. One of my first viewing experiences was inviting two neighbor couples over to watch the Texas vs. Arkansas football game in high definition. It was fantastic!! I highly recommend Brent and the staff at DTV City. You won't be disappointed. -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Steve Sharp Location: Los Gatos, CA USA -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH-50PHD6UY PICTURE: Overall, the panel has met or exceeded my expectations. I have it set up with two composite/S-video inputs, one each for my DirecTV/TiVo box and my ReplayTV (connected to a DirecTV receiver). I'm experimenting with composite versus S-video, but haven't found a clear winner yet. I've also adjusted the picture somewhat based on various web forum input to reduce brightness, contrast, and color to extend panel life and smooth out the SD satellite input. Viewed from about 10-12 feet the picture is as good as my old 27" tube set, but much larger (obviously!). The Panasonic "just" or "auto" modes do a pretty good job stretching the image to fit the 16:9 screen without making it look obviously distorted or losing too much of the picture I've got a new Sony DVD with progressive scan component outputs connected to the component inputs. Even with almost no picture adjustment the picture is just awesome! A DVD I have made from an IMAX film gives incredible detail and smoothness, even from viewing as close as 8 feet. I don't have a true High Definition source (yet!), so I can't comment on that mode, but if the DVD is as good as it is, then HD input should be great, too INSTALLATION: The display is installed in our living room on a Panasonic pedestal stand as a temporary measure until we decide just where to mount the articulating wall mount we purchased with the display. Our sitting position is slightly off center to the spot on the wall where it will be mounted, so the ability to have the display at an angle to the wall was a plus The display looks great even when off with it's subtle charcoal color border. It looks even better when it's on (of course!) PLASMA FUNCTIONS: The remote is simple but has the necessary functions easily at hand. I use the TiVo remote for almost everything as it will also control the display's power, input selection, and volume. Only when I need to adjust the display picture settings or aspect ratio do I use the display remote The menus are simple and easy to follow, even for things such as picture settings The display came with inputs for PC (RGB), Component/RGB, and composite/S-video. I purchased an optional input module so I could have two composite/S-video inputs. I can easily replace this with a DVI/HDCP module in the future when (not if) I go to HD satellite. I like this flexibility The input selection is simple, but I wish it would skip inputs with no signal on them. I don't have a PC connected to the RGB connector and leave the DVD player turned off most of the time, but you need to cycle through all the inputs to get from composite input #2 to #1. There is a shortcut if you use the display remote where you can select the PC input directly, then press "input" once to get composite #1, but I can't do this from the TiVo remote Most of my complaints are really more nit picking, as overall I think this display has great picture and input/up-conversion flexibility. I am very happy with it QUALITY RATING: 9 -----CUSTOMER INFORMATION----- Name: Krishna Swaminathan Location: Ocala, FL, USA -----PLASMA TV INFORMATION----- Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: TH50PHD6UY -----ONLINE VENDOR INFORMATION----- Vendor: PlasmaDepot.com Order Number: 81342800 CONSIDERATIONS: Reliability Prompt service No hidden fees BUYING EXPERIENCE: I needed the tv for christmas. I ordered quite close to the date and was anxious to receive it on time. I was pleasantly surprised to receive the set the next day!! Found a defect with the set two weeks later, to do with a line of static on the screen. A new set was delivered promptly, no questions asked. VENDOR RATING: 9

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