panasonic p50g10 review

If you demand the best from your viewing experience, the G10 Series of Plasma HDTVs was created just for you. They boast cinema-quality movie reproduction, clear, smooth sports and gaming action - even Web entertainment. All made possible by the Neo PDP technology, which delivers sharp, detailed images, deep blacks and remarkable brightness, and all with lower power consumption.

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Received the G15 instead of the G10. The only difference is the thickness, the G15 is slimmer. The picture on this TV is absolutely amazing, the best I have ever seen. My friend has a new Samsung LED LCD that cost him over $2,000 and the Panasonic, which cost me $800, has a better picture.

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I absolutely loved this TV when I got it. Set up was easy and I had the Olympics on and looking great! On day number 2, I was watching a blue ray movie and the TV just turned itself off. It died. I tried to get it to reset while my son searched the internet for troubleshooting tips. A red light on the TV would blink 7 times, wait, and then blink 7 more times repeatedly. My son said, "Here it is dad- I found an article called 'Panasonic's 7 blinking red lights of death!' and the symptoms were exact. (I thought this was hysterical at the time...) I've waited over 2 weeks for a repairman to come and fix it, but the part is backordered. Apparently that part is in demand for some reason. (I wonder why???) Even so- I LOVED this set when it was working and hope to have my problem resolved and my TV nightmare ended soon. Meanwhile I have a Panasonic surround system, a Panasonic BluRay player, and a Linksys Media Center expander sitting in the floor waiting to hook up to a working PANASONIC TV!!! If they fix it, I'll get over my misery. If they don't fix it soon, I'm going to replace it with something that works. I've had a Sony in another room for 4 years and it works great... tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock ...

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There's a reason why prices for the TCP42G10 have cratered. In set audio for the TCP42G10 is really inferior. If you are going to listen to any music at all (like movie or TV show sound track, at least) you will need to buy at extra cost a separate sound system that plugs into the back panel RCA jack for audio out. And mute the in-set audio. The in set audio does all sort of weird things to music and even voice unless you turn all the audio "enhancements" off. You will also need to make sure the audio sound system has its own remote control for volume because the set's remote does not control the volume of the RCA audio out. I got a Frisby 5.1 which does the job. Internet via Viera is even worse, abysmally mickey mouse. The Panasonic server forces you to download "new" software before you can access and unless your router firewall is totally off, the download always fails. Nice. Many other times they tell you their server is "busy" or "overloaded." Even if you can get thru that minefield, internet access is slow and loaded with weird problems, like some videos from a given user on youtube are mysteriously missing, etc. etc. Picture strength is weak for a normally day lit living room. And pull down menus are more complex than needed -- too many submenus. If I had to do it again, I would look for better HDTV alternatives.

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I picked up this television a couple of weeks ago and have been very pleased with it. This is the first Plasma television I've owned and I love it! Researching this television I learned more about Plasma's, like the history of burn-in issues, that they don't work well in brightly lit environments, and that they are a lot more affordable now than in years past. Image burn-in issues are perhaps fully resolved with the newer Panasonic Plasma's. They even have a feature accessible in the menu where you can "sweep" the image processor's, or pixels, clearing any possible issues out. My other televisions are a 17" Samsung LCD from 2003 which actually run me several hundred dollars more than this machine, and a 1080p Sony projector which is a joy to own. On the negative side of my projector, it is virtually unusable during the day, and bulb life can vary, depending upon whether I use a lamp directly from Sony or a cheaper alternative. A Sony bulb will last several years with 10 hrs. a week use, but will run several hundred dollars. A cheaper bulb might only last 200-300 hrs. I would recommend 1080p projector: you get a great 113" image, and the projector itself is unobtrusive, out of sight when not in use. So I wanted to get a better television for regular use (during the day, casual viewing, etc.) and I started off with a 32" Samsung LCD, which I liked a good deal, but was not satisfied with the image quality when viewing regular DVD's, which is important to me. The images frequently exhibited a waveryness quality, or a digital noise quality, where parts of the picture were not solid, especially as the camera would pan, creating movement in a scene from the camera's perspective. I thought about just getting a nicer LCD, but there were no televisions for under $1,000 which garnered universal praise. It seems as though the LCD television I would want may cost quite a bit more, as many run into the $2000 range and up. Then I began to learn about Plasma televisions, and how there are some pretty nice ones for under $1000 (in some cases $300-$400 under). It doesn't seem as though 1080p for a screen of this size or smaller is really a big deal, but it didn't really cost much more for the price that I got this one, and why not? If the price isn't much different, then why not go for 1080p, even if the difference in image quality is small. I do own a nice Sony Blu Ray player (5000 ES) and I want the image to look as good as possible, but I think I would be happy with this televisions equivalent in 720p. I am very impressed by how well made this television is. The build, the image quality, etc. I would not recommend this television to be used in a brightly lit environment. The screen is quite reflective and I tend to draw the blinds as it were when viewing it. It is not nearly as bright as The Samsung 32" 350 LCD model I tried. There is a vivid mode which does make it much brighter, but it is virtually unwatchable if you care about crisp lines. Things tend to bleed together in that mode in a very unfortunate way. I tend to use the THX mode for most viewing and it looks great. But you can customize your own settings to brighten things up a bit if you need to. Just at the time when I was settling in on this purchase, reports online were coming to the fore describing problems with the black levels over time, where the picture would arbitrarily "brighten" at certain intervals in a pre-programmed order to compensate for the aging, and maturing of the plasma display materials. This was resulting in a reduced image quality over time, where the black levels would not be as good as when the television was new, and consequently the leading review site online changed their review of this television (and perhaps relevant to other related plasma models from Panasonic's 2009 range) to say that they no longer recommended this television. This report was almost enough to stop me from making this purchase, but at this price point, well under $1,000, there is not a perfect television. Samsung has a very well reviewed plasma television in this range (price, size, 720p vs. 1080p) and should be worthy of consideration, but I just decided to go with this one and am hoping for the best. Not everyone has had the same experience of diminished performance (perceived or otherwise) with this set over time and again, for the price it is worth it to me. If I were spending 2 or 3 times what I spent on this, then it would be a different story. As it is, I needed a good television and I'm very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to others. The image quality is stunning. To be honest, if they continue to make significant improvements in regards to reliability and quality over the next 3-5 years, and televisions of this type continue to be this affordable or even more so, then I'll replace this one if it should somehow fail, or diminish in quality. I hope this one lasts a long time, but I'm willing to live with the risk, however slight it may be. Better value at this price is not obvious to me right now, and I just want the nicest television I can get for this price and this one does not disappoint. I picked mine up through 6thAVE for the best price going, and it arrived double boxed in perfect shape, free UPS shipping and zero tax. I can't complain. The 720p Samsung and Panasonic plasmas are very well reviewed, and I'm planning on getting one of those for my father sometime soon depending upon price/availability.

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I bought this same TV at Sears for $720.00 and it was a 50". So for another $20.00 you can get a larger TV. I also seen this same TV at Wal-Mart just recently & for the 50" it was $699.00. So far I've been pleased with my purchase. This TV was easy to set/hook up and the picture quality is real good! Just wanted to say this is really not "The Best" deal out there for this model TV.

Hercules "Super Strong" Features: Universal Mounting fits Most Flat Panel TV's from 34" to 60" Displays Casted from 2.0/2.5mm thick cold steel Tilts -15 to +15 Degrees Supports up to 175 lbs Universal mounting system Heavy duty dual arms Up to 20.3" extension Patented tilt system Built-in bubble level Included safety screws prevent TV shifting

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I was a little worried trying to suspend a 46" hi-definition TV over my fireplace. I just KNEW that the wall mount would sag and make everything look terrible. Well, I was wrong. After I put the Hercules mount on the wall, I cautiously started pulling my body-weight up on the mount [I weigh 230 pounds]. I ended up doing a quick pull-up work-out on the Hercules without ANY sag. I mounted my TV [less than 70 pounds] and I swear I heard the mount say, "Is that all you got?" Nice product - GREAT price.

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THIS PRODUCT WAS EVERYTHING THAT THEY SAID IT WAS AND THE COMPANY SENT IT IN RECORD TIME I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS AND I DON'T HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS

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I did a bunch of research before buying this mount. While the instructions are spotty, the mount itself is very strong. I bought it for my Bravia '46, but plan on getting an LG '55 soon, so I wanted a mount that would handle both. When I see how strong it is, I have no doubt it will be able to handle the bigger set. One thing is that it is very stiff when trying to pull it out from the wall, but the side to side adjustment is easy.

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THE GOOD - The mount itself I rate as a 5 and highly recommend. Like the other reviews, I agree it is a great value, solid (built like a tank), high quality, and relatively easy to install (with good hardware-see below). Mounted a 50" plasma that weighs ~80 lbs. I cannot detect a degree of sag when the TV is turned and extended from the wall. THE BAD - I rate the hardware that comes with the mount at a 1. There is no excuse for hardware this cheap. Like a couple of other reviews, I drilled the proper 3/16" size hole in the stud to mount the lag screw. With a 1/4" rachet drive, and moderate pressure, I twisted the head of the lag screw right off 3/4 of the way in. This presents a major problem, because I measured very carefully, ensuring that the unit was centered on the wall, level, etc. With the broken shank of the lag bolt embedded in the wall, there is no way to get it out, and the hole becomes unusable. Therefore, I needed to drill 4 new holes just higher, get better lag bolts and start again. Annoying and time consuming! THE UGLY- One of the allen screws that anchors the TV hanger clips was so bent that it would not screw in without striping the threads. Hardware is cheap, unrated junk. Too bad, I would gladly pay an extra $1 for better hardware. SOLUTION - If planning to install this TV mount in wood studs, before the mount arrives, go to the hardware store and purchase (4) 5/16" X 3 1/2" zinc plated lag screws. Anything at the hardware store in the US will be better than what comes with the mount. I actually think it might be illegal to sell unrated bolts and screws(All bolts should have numbers and markings on the head, indicating strength/use. This hardware has none.). Drill a 3/16 hole (going from memory - whatever diameter is in the installation instructions) at least 3" into the wall. With the thickness of the drywall/plaster (typically 1/2" - 3/4") you will end up with a ~2 1/2" deep hole in the stud. A trick my father taught me - get a dry bar of soap and drag the lag screws across the soap bar, getting "shreads" of soap on the threads. This will make it easier to turn the lag screw and reduce the chances of the lag bolt breaking. Don't forget to use the washers on the end of the lag screws, and the cheapies that come with the mount should be fine. Hopefully you will not also have a bent allen screw, otherwise that will be a separate trip to the store. Good luck!

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I purchased this wall mount for a LG 55" LCD TV which weighs about 80 lbs. I am happy with the price ($87 inc shipping) from TV Wall Brackets and the quick (within 7 days) delivery. I read the reviews from other users prior to purchasing so I had a good idea what I was buying. The reviews are much more helpful than the product details or instructions for installation. The mount is very sturdy and has an excellent range of motion to turn and tilt the TV to the best viewing. It does not turn with a fingertip and requires a good bit of effort, even after lubrication. I turn it about twice a day and don't mind it being a little stiff as long as it feels sturdy. Take the time to level the TV and wall brackets (don't use the little level that comes attached - use your own 2-3ft level) and buy good quality bolts and screws from your hardware store. I saw other mounts, that did not seem as strong, in stores for 3 times as much so I am very satisfied with the purchase.

46" screen (measured diagonally) * widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) *

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I own this TV, and love it. Mine still has low hours on it. However, Panasonic has designed the software in most of their 2008 and 2009 model plasma TV's to change the black level over time. This means that the ultra-deep black levels you saw when you first got it will go away after about 1000 to 1500 hours of use, rendering the blacks to look more like dark grey. Panasonic has admitted to this, CNet has verified the dramatic change in testing, and now a class action lawsuit has just been filed against Panasonic. I would advise everyone to stay away from Panasonic plasmas. Panasonic has indicated they will not be fixing this problem, as they don't see it as a problem. That's the mark of a really bad company.

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I'm not one to write lengthy reviews. Short version is that it's exactly what I expected it to be. Gorgeous picture, easy enough to use. I did a lot of research and this was very good value. I'm very pleased.

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After years of researching and then not buying a HDTV for one reason or another we finally bought the Panasonic G10. VERY happy with it. LCD or Plasma is now really a choice of look rather than which technology caveats are worse, at least IMHO. We bought the TV from Amazon and got a great deal that included delivery and set up. Fantastic. I do have to thank the (surprisingly) very knowledgeable kid at Best Buy that A/B'd the LCD and Plasma sets for us in the Magnolia Theatre room. We really saw the difference in picture there with the same Blu-Ray program going to both screens. We liked the Plasma "look" hands-down. But I realize this is a very subjective thing that you need to judge for yourself. This plasma screen is also barely warm, which was a factor in being ok with the plasma. Anyway, the TV is great. Lots of options. I have the TV and the Blu-Ray player (You absolutely MUST get a Blu-Ray player) connected to the internet. The Blu-Ray BD-Live thing is so far, a wet firecraker but using the internet connected to the TV and able to access Amazon Video-On-Demand (VOD) is really great. AND, since I purchased the TV from Amazon I got a $100 credit to try out the service. I can get some great movies without even using my Comcast service which I really like because well, I;m NOT a fan of Comcast. The service itself is good but their customer service is a pathetic joke and if they had any real competition in our area they would go out of business. The customer service people are all nice but they can't seem to do ANYTHING to solve any problem. But they are nice as they can't help you, I'll give them that. But I seriously digress, the TV is great, the price was great, the delivery and setup were great. I would recommend this TV to anyone that likes the more cinematic (IMHO) look of a plasma set. I also recommend the experience of buying a large ticket item like this through Amazon. I was a little concerned about doing that but I am glad I took the "chance". And I am now a bit of an HD snob. My friends told me this would happen but I thought they were a little silly. Turns out they were correct. Once you get used to HD, it's hard to return to SD (Standard Definition). Be prepared if you haven't had HD before.

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I received this TV yesterday two days ealier than it was scheduled...amazingly fast free shipping (ordered Sat, and received Wed). Like so many others have said, the picture is amazing. I am running bunny ears to pull local HD programming and it looks amazing. My old DVD progressive scan player also looks amazing. I've got a Roku in the mail from Amazon as well...and have gotten away from the cable guy except for internet service. Who needs it? Prime time sitcoms and sports and countless netflix movies and TV shows is all the TV I need in my life....more of a music guy. This TV looks as good or better than any TV I have ever seen anywhere....really happy with this purchase. Also, some people buy from big box overpriced stores because they don't like the idea of something this large being shipped to them. How do they think it got to the store? Also, have you TRIED to return anything to BB? Amazon's return policy is better anyways. Brick and mortar retail is dead within 10 years. Panasonic VIERA G10 Series TC-P46G10 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

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Those who are still shopping for LCD HDTV models should simply look at Cnet ratings and HD-geek forums. Plasma rules! Unfortunately many major manufacturers left plasma market to save on the cost of running in 2 categories. Good for Panny, as they are practically monopolists in quality plasma TVs. G10 series gives you everything you wished for in the HDTV: great colors, blacks, image quality - enough said in other reviews. Sound is Ok for a rater slim design TV set, which means good/great for most users. With RJ-45 cable (not included) connected to your router you get instant weather and youtube thru Viera Cast - nice features. However, Amazon's direct movie rental is pricey and I would much prefer access to Netflix. I connected it to my PC via VGA cable for picture and A/V for sound. The best PC picture I got after adjusting the resolution to 1366x1024 (note that TV menu does not show that option so you have to do it on your video card).