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Welcome to the Plasma TV Buying Guide. The information on the page below is outdated, for current information please visit the links below.
Panasonic vs. NEC Plasma TV Review
Model: PANASONIC TH-50PHD6UY vs. NEC 50MP3
Description:50" HDTV Plasma Display Monitors/TVs, Widescreen 16:9 Format
Color:Both Charcoal Gray with a black border surrounding picture
Resolutions: 1366 x 768 (WXGA)
Include: Panaonic: Remote | NEC: Remote
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Review Date: 08-09-04
Copyright © 2004,2005,2006,2007 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com. All Rights Reserved.
on NEC Plasmas using our recommended reseller finder.
INTRODUCTION
The ultimate test of all plasma TV's is how well they show when tested for video/computer display quality. Forget the native pixel resolution, the built in converter/scalar, the sometimes-unrealistic contrast ratio listed by the manufacturer. The real test is how the plasma monitor blends all elements of design and engineering to affect the picture being presented. To truly get an accurate idea of what monitor exceeds another in a particular area, we test the plasma TV's side by side using the exact same input source at precisely the same moment - thus insuring accuracy in the testing. Because the human eye perceives an endless palette of colors, TV's and in particular plasma TV's (which can display twice as many colors as normal CRT's) are susceptible to substantial variations in picture appearance.
PICTURE
(Click on the image to see the full size picture)
Both of these units have spectacular pictures. Previously, I never recommended 50" plasma monitors for home video viewing under 14' distance due to visible pixelation (motion artifacts) with 480 interlaced signal or lower. Now, with the introduction of these new models I feel comfortable stating that these superb models can be viewed from only 8'. However, your video source will determine how much pixelation or graininess and the level of detail you see. If you are planning to watch mostly lower end signals such as cable or satellite TV then I still recommend a viewing distance of 12' or greater with a 50" monitor.
PANASONIC - 97
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While the advertised contrast ratio of 3000:1 is unrealistic, this unit certainly has intense black levels not met by other manufacturers. The built in scalar/converter is right on when converting a 4:3 NTSC signal to full screen viewing through optional modes. The colors on this unit are extremely accurate - lifelike. Due to the cooler settings used by Panasonic for white balance the flesh tones are realistic without taking on the warm red glow of other manufacturers. And the blending of all elements together is superb, producing a versatile monitor for home or office use. With an HDTV signal displayed accurately on this monitor, this is likely the best picture you can see today.
One possible explanation for this is one of the most recent improvements to this Plasma TV - the new asymmetrical pixel cell design, which appears to be having a desired effect of improving light-emitting balance throughout the color spectrum.
Panasonic has had the best picture performance in the 42" plasma monitor category for a couple of years now and this holds true for the 50" model as well. The black levels go deep when inputting a signal of 480p or better. This unit is capable of showing the very best picture with an 1080I HDTV or 480p signal even though the Panasonic and the NEC are close in quality. Out of the box no adjustment was necessary for the Panasonic with the remote control with a good signal. It was just stunningly clean and colorful. Compared to the NEC it was more realistic, more detailed.
With a standard DVD signal of 480I down to a normal NTSC cable signal of 250I to 300I the unit showed a bit more graininess and not as strong black levels. However, in the last two generations (from the PHD4UY) the unit has continued to show surprising improvements. The biggest improvements have been in gray scaling of dark to black scenes. This plasma screen has shown incredible improvement here and Panasonic is leading all manufacturers in black level and gray scaling. There is not even a question that they lead in this area. The deep black filter on the front glass panel continues to get better as it suffuses light admittance through the panel.
The new Panasonic 50PHD6UY offers several preset picture settings, which create ease of use depending upon input signal and ambient light conditions. This is becoming a stock function on plasma displays but that makes it no less important for the average user.
There is little to find wrong with the Panasonic 50" in the picture category. Sometimes, the unit does not look as bright as some of the competitors, but that is a trade off for more realistic color reproduction and gray scaling. In a lone setting, a competitor model does not matter, and realistic color will matter much over time.
When comparing a composite video (RCA) input to an s-video input (from a DVD Player), the Panasonics show a slightly better picture with the composite signal with less degradation and better color saturation (than the S-video signal). This points to a superior Y/C conversion chip set in the Panasonic as opposed to the outboard device being used.
NEC - 94
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The NEC has a great picture as well. NEC plasma panels have always had a white balance which causes the flesh tones to look too red to me. Colors tend to be too warm for my taste in NEC's standard mode of what realism should be. This newest offering from NEC offers some nice new fine tuning options - allowing the user to adjust individual color density without affecting the overall color temperature (in professional mode). With some toying with the picture adjustments, I could get the picture of the NEC 50XM3 looking almost exactly the same as the Panasonic, while pausing a couple of progressive scan DVD players. Following are the picture adjustments I found necessary to make with the NEC remote settings in order to create a more lifelike picture:
Contrast 80%
Brightness 25%
Sharpness 30%
Color 50%
Tint 35-40%These adjustment settings are easy to make and apply to only one input signal. Therefore, different inputs can be set at different picture adjustments. This is a nice little design feature on the NEC, which Panasonic has now emulated. Both plasma TVs have memory settings available.
The built in scalar/converter in the NEC is very good at upgrading low-end signals to around a 480p image quality (by low-end I refer to satellite, cable, VCR) . Internal conversion and especially upgrading technology has always been a strong point of NEC product engineering. It really enhances the picture similar to the way an outboard line doubler might. One negative is that there is some stretching on certain aspect modes when converting. I find it necessary to adjust the aspect mode for every signal to find the mode that best suits the material displayed. This adjustment is simple enough through a button labeled "wide" on the remote control. Anamorphic 16:9 DVD's look best in Zoom mode, letterboxed widescreen DVD's look great in Full, a VCR or TV signal looks best in Stadium mode.
The main improvements of the NEC 50XM3 over its predecessor the 50MP2 are continued increase in black levels, and thus contrast ratio, fine tuning ability with the color fields, and continued improvements in anti-burn in techniques.
Overall the picture is vibrant, and very clear with vivid color. Light comes through the unit in a very bright 3-dimensional manner when reflecting off the subject matter (for instance with the sun or a lamp). It's a very real look a viewer may or may not like. It is a bit much for me at times, depending upon the scene.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
PANASONIC - 94
(Click on the image to see the full size picture)
The Panasonic 50" plasma TV offers 4 aspect ratio adjustments: 1) Normal displays an NTSC or VCR signal at it's standard 4:3 image with side bars. 2) Zoom (best for 16:9 anamorphic) magnifies the central section of the picture. 3) Full displays the picture at its maximum size but with slight elongation (best for widescreen, letterbox, HDTV). 4) Just mode displays 4:3 picture at the sreens maximum size, scaling the picture to fit the entire monitor. The remote control has a button marked "Aspect" to choose this crucially important picture mode choice.
Engineers at Panasonic have corrected the previous default color system setting of, "M. NTSC" out of the box. It is now set for normal NTSC however can sometimes be set to PAL. A black and white scrolling picture will alert you that the plasma display is set to PAL. Highlight the PAL selection and depress the right arrow key to set the unit to NTSC.
The remote control for the Panasonic is adequate, but cheap looking and includes a couple of extras such as a, "surround" button for virtual surround sound if the viewer is using the built amplifiers. The conveniently marked "input" button is used for choosing the input signal and will need to be located frequently. The "aspect" button will also be used frequently to choose the aspect ratio for the incoming signal.
Panasonic has continued to improve the flexibility of their plasma display offerings especially with regard to inputs. The new Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY has flex input terminals to allow the owner to swap input cards depending upon the needs of their configuration. This new feature is accomplished with optional video terminal boards which may be purchased to assist any user with their individual set up. These include component terminal boards, composite terminal boards, and DVI/HDCP terminal boards. There is an optional empty slot in the Panasonic plasma to allow the user to simply unscrew 4 screws on the back of the unit, take off a plate, and slide in an optional video terminal board. This may allow the consumer or professional user to be able to view picture in picture or side by side picture from the plasma - also a new feature.
The connections for this plasma monitor are ample without the extra terminal cards with s-video, composite video, left and right audio, Component/RGB inputs, 15 pin VGA style PC input (also used for HDTV from HDTV decoder box.), a Mac connection, and a 9 pin D-sub serial port. The VGA style 15 pin input may also be used as a secondary component video terminal by using a 3 pin RCA to 15 pin VGA cable. The input cavity is conveniently located on the bottom, back of the unit - giving ample room for a cable door if the unit is wall mounted.
Data signals accepted range from VGA to Wide XGA (at 60 Hz). I normally find SVGA or XGA to be the best alternatives. This unit does a superb job with XGA resolution, which matches well with the native pixel design of the unit. This can be accomplished through many Hertz rate ranges.
NEC - 95.5
(Click on the image to see the full size picture)
The NEC 50XM3 offers the same 4 aspect ratio adjustments as the Panasonic listed above. These are labeled: Zoom, Normal, Full, and Stadium and are accessed by pressing a button mysteriously labeled, "Wide" on the remote controller.
The NEC is set to proper settings to receive a color picture right out of the box. Adjustment to the color is necessary for me as mentioned previously in this review. The monitor conveniently memorizes these settings. There is a scary flicker when changing video inputs signals. Changing inputs is done with the," Video" button on the remote and there is an additional button labeled, "DVD/HD" and another one labeled, "RGB/PC to select in addition to the video button. The "proceed" button is used for picture adjustments as noted earlier.
The zoom function is much improved over the previous 50MP models model with gradual size increases making it easy to find that "just perfect" picture setting.
Aside from the cryptically marked controls on the remote, it is ergonomically pleasing.
The manual for the NEC is much more detailed and technically comprehensive than the Panasonic.
In addition to the inputs listed above for the Panasonic plasma, the NEC plasma has a convenient extra set of component inputs (RCA type). It also has a DVI connection (Digital Visual Interface), and an extra composite input giving it a much more complete set of inputs without having to purchase additional input terminal boards. The input cavity is located annoyingly to some, on the side of the unit.
Data signals accepted range from VGA to Wide XGA (at 60 Hz). I normally find SVGA or XGA to be the best alternatives. This unit does a superb job with XGA resolution, which matches well with the native pixel design of the unit. This can be accomplished through many Hertz rate ranges. NEC specialized in great computer compatibility and commercial display application readiness.
Lastly, the signal loopout capability on the NEC plasma allows for 4 plasma displays to be looped using the same input signal without additional signal amplification or equipment.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Both monitors have 1366 x 768 (horizontal lines) of Native Pixel Resolution
- The Panasonic boasts an unrealistic contrast of 3000:1 while the NEC is more modestly accurate at 550:1. Nevertheless, the Panasonic plasmas always have the deepest black levels and best contrast in the market.
- The Zoom function on the NEC gets the cool award. You can pick out a particular area of the image to enlarge.
- Both the Panasonic and NEC plasma displays can be used vertically as displays, however the Panasonic does require a special fan kit.
- Another classic feature of the NEC is a pointer located on the remote controller which is excellent for presentation material as well as highlighting a clue in the murder mystery.
- Neither model has a tuner built in nor speakers included allowing for flexibility in processing and set up and avoiding unnecessary cost where they might not apply.
- Both models have a built in scan converter. Both do a good job with scaling a 4;3 image to full size with the edge going to Panasonic. The NEC performs better 3:2 pulldown signal enhancements but only slightly.
- Both models contain built in 7 or 8-watt amplifiers and optional speakers.
VALUE RATING
PANASONIC - 93
Recently priced at around $6,500 you pay for the picture. At 33% increase in viewing area over the 42" model the unit is also 33% more in price.
NEC - 92
Recently priced at around $7,000 - a steal!
OVERALL RATINGS (picture is double weighted)
PANASONIC TH-50PHD6UY - 95.25
NEC 50MX3- 93.80Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.
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| Panasonic TH50PHD 50" Plasma TV Customer Reviews |
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-----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: 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 |
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