panasonic viera tc-p50s1 review

The VIERA S1 series LCDs HDTVs feature impressive improvements in picture quality, and are just right for gaming and enjoying your favorite high-definition TV shows.

Panasonic's new VIERA S1 Series LCDs HDTVs feature impressive improvements in picture quality, and are just right for gaming and enjoying your favorite hi-def TV shows. Ideal for gaming and enjoying your favoritehigh-definition TV showsClick to enlarge With VIERA Tools, just press a button and access photos or movies from the menu screen In Game mode, quicker image response increases the enjoyment of video games Remote included, with VIERA Link capability Motion Focus Technology Even fast-moving scenes are displayed sharply and clearly. With a 60Hz video signal input, 120Hz Motion Picture Pro 3 makes 120 frames/sec from 60 frames/sec. This increases the frame count to allow natural frame-to-frame transitions, for smooth motion images with high resolution. VIERA also uses motion focus technology that greatly enhances resolution. Wide Viewing Angle The wide 178 viewing angle ensures clear images even when viewed from an angle. The backlight's wide transmission aperture enhances the contrast between light and dark, and improves motion-image response. VIERA Image Viewer It's easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos right after you take them. Simply insert an SD card into VIERA to display photos on the large screen. You can also choose from among 3 types of background music and 4 display effects. It's much more fun when you can view them on a large-screen HDTV with family and friends in 1920 x 1080-pixel high definition and a wide 16:9 aspect ratio. Fine Black Panel Panel reflections have been reduced to half those of conventional panels, to sharpen images and reduce glare. This also helps to unify the panel design with that of the VIERA lineup. VIERA Link VIERA Link allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable. VIERA Tools With the new VIERA Tools user interface, simply press a button on the remote control and icons such as the photos or movies from the menu screen appear. Now you can just select the one you want. This kind of easy operation means you have more fun and less hassle. Game Mode In Game mode, quicker image response increases the enjoyment of video games when a game console is connected to the TV. What's more VIERA produces the dark images in video games more clearly. This mode works anti-image retention (wobbling) too. Connections SD Memory Card Slot (SDHC Compatible): 1 (JPEG playback) HDMI Input: 3 (1 side) Analog Audio Input (for HDMI): Yes Composite Video Input: 2 (1 side) S-Video Input: 1 (side) Audio Input (for Video): 2 (1 side) PC Input: 1 Component Video Inputs (Y, PB, PR): 1 Audio Input (for Component Video): 1 Digital Audio Output: 1 (5.1 ch) Headphone Jack: 1 What's in the Box Panasonic VIERA S1 Series TC-L32S1 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Remote Control and Batteries, Cleaning Cloth, Pedestal, Operating Instructions, Quick Start Gude, Product Registration Card, Customer Care Plan Card Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room? With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I purchased this on a "one-day" sale from Amazon and have used it for about 3 weeks. I have been very impressed with the picture and the features of the set. One additional feature that I had not considered in the purchase was the SD Card slot for displaying photos. This makes my holiday photos look outstanding! Even though I do have it connected through my receiver, I find that the built-in volume level perfectly adequate for the room (12' x 12') it is in. I chose the 1080p resolution as a non-obsolescence feature but I do plan on upgrading to Blue-Ray shortly. Overall, a great bargain at less than $400.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I love this TV the picture is amazing, it is definately one of the best TV sets I have ever owned, I am considering buying a second one for my father. THe price is great and I received my TV just 2 days after ordering it. The size of the TV is perfect for a bedroom, it even appears larger than other 32 inch models I have seen. I highly recommend this set.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

PROs: Everything everyone else has said. CONs: Didn't buy 2 at the price of $380 each. Simply amazing 32 inch TV. Buy it.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I am glad that I waited a few years to get a larger LCD TV, since prices have dropped so much in the last few years. Once name brand big screen TVs began to drop under $600, it was hard for me to settle for a computer monitor size set. I did several hours of internet and showroom research,and decided to stay away from Sony for both price and reliability reasons, and had to choose between some of the other name brands-LG, Samsung, and Toshiba. Price points are quite similar, with Samsung and LG being on the higher side. Panasonic was generally rated as being a reliable and easy to use TV, which is what I wanted. Many reviewers say that many non-technical users do not need 1080p resolution, but I bought the 720p version, and went to the trouble of returning it. At he price I paid for this TV, I am completely satisfied,and it is as easy to use as any TV I have ever owned. Some reviewers complain about the speakers, but I find that they are perfectly adequate for my needs.So my recommendation is to go with the Panasonic!

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I expected a good product from Panasonic, but this was even better. The sound issue that other reviewers disliked must have been corrected, since I found the sound levels to be perfect. The A.I. default must have been reset, since I changed it and got the weak sound mentioned. Of course I changed it back. I use this in a bedroom, where it replaced a 19" CRT set, and the difference was incredible. The viewing angle for this TV is unbelievable. One of the features that I insisted on was a timer, since this is my alarm clock. This baby has 5 programmable timers. These timers also answer one minor complaint of at least one reviewer. True, the sleep timer only has 30, 60 and 90 settings, but if you use one of the other timers and just set an off time, you have unlimited sleep time, to the minute. To summarize: Pros- Great picture, flexible timers, very versatile set. Cons- none found so far. Got this set at 6ave Electronics through Amazon. Great deal, super fast shipping, well packaged. Amazon delivers the deals.

When it comes to best image quality in a TV at an affordable range, Plasma screens deliver the best contrast ratio and color depth. This Viera plasma includes the new NEO plasma display panel with improved blacks and native contrast of 40,000:1. Neo PDP combines advances for plasma in cell structure, process technology, and new drive technology. Neo PDP is eco-friendly. It's engineered to save power and double the luminance efficiency. It offers thinner screens than previous plasma flat panels. NEO technology screens are rated to have a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. This is more than 30 years of viewing when watched for 8 hours a day, before the TV reaches half brightness. It also has 1080p resolution with 600Hz sub-field drive and Gaming Mode. With all these advances, why settle for an average picture when the Viera plasma display offers so much more. Did you know that some HDTVs deliver considerably less than 1080 lines of resolution, when processing fast motion on screen? VIERA S1 Series Plasma HDTVs ensure full-time 1080 TV lines of resolution, even during fast moving scenes in sports and movies. VIERA Image Viewer provides a better way to share your digital photos. Just pop your SD memory card into the handy slot, and instantly display your digital photos for friends and family to enjoy. With VIERA Link, you can control your compatible Panasonic DVD recorder, Blu-ray Disc player, home-theater sound system and HD camcorder, all with a single remote and helpful on-screen menus. VIERA Image Viewer VIERA Link AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter Game Mode 3 HDMI Inputs 100,000-Hour Panel Life

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

We aimed to buy a TV that offered the latest technology of interest to us and wouldn't be obsoleted anytime soon. This Panasonic is giving us just what we wanted. The picture quality is outstanding, it's viewable from the side, light from our sliding door doesn't create glare, etc. It can access Internet video, including Netflix.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I am really please with the Panasonic. I rated the sound 5 stars, but i have to point out that i have it connected to my sound system and not using the TV's sound. I didn't try it with direct hookup. With this hookup, i have theatre type sound. The picture is really crisp and clear. The colors are vibrant. Hooked to cable using HD service, there is almost a 3D depth to the scenes.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

Product is ok, good price, if your looking for plasma. If your not looking for plasma then there are better tvs for around the same price. The sound is kinda tincanny, and for some reasion if I change the input from say sat to dvd after turning on my dvd player I get a blank screen, have to turn the dvd player on after switching inputs or the picture stays black, but the sound works no mater wich way I do it. Wierd huh. Only other thing to mention is that the tv does not come with any sound output! So if you plan to use the tv to hub your sound to your sterio this tv won't work, have to use the inputs on the sterio. Ergo you need all seven of your remotes for this tv!

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

This was our first flat panel and plasma TV. I checked it out at Best Buy to double-check what the actual picture looked like. This TV has an incredible HD picture! There are vivid and deep colors and little to no reflective glare that I read about in other reviews. I am more than satisfied this Panasonic model and am very glad I stuck to this model and a plasma set.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I can start off with if you read any of these reviews at all read this one first so that when you see some bad ones you wont think about changing your mind. If you click below there is some pictures that say allot. Ok #1 there are some complaints about a humming noise coming from this Plasma tv and yes there is if you dont have any sound on @ all. This is because "there are COOLING FANS IN THE BACK" and to be honest my HP DV6 is about the same. #2 yes it does get warm but no more than a Ps3/X box. #3 I was reading and going to all sores I mean stores in a 30 min drive for 2 weeks before I made this buy and seen 2 reviews that really got my attention, pc screen does not fit and bright rooms dont work with this tv @ all. Well look @ the photo's they say it all!!Ok screen did not fit when I hooked it up via HDMI but I tryd something that I guess the others did not do,"I read the pop up that ask if you would like to fit screen to new HD tv, Who would of thought that something as easy as reading could help? Brite rooms dont work-LIE or one of those people that find a complaint in everything. There can be a slight glar if you sit all the way to the side op of the light blazing in.#4 Sound as on any tv sucks and i must say Id rather watch a 7" with big sound than a 42" with stock speakers any day.I meen whats the point if your OH NO! hold on need more coffee..............ok and were back sorry about that were was I? Oh if your going to get a big screen, high deff with all options for a great mix why not do it rite. Im going swimming but only going to put my feet in? What the heck is that. So back to truth and maybe a bit more wise cracks, I got all my stuff from Amazon because I hate going into stores with sales men that think Ive not done my research or have there own opinion of whats good and whats not and you have people blocking your path asking a bunch of questions that the sales man is going to tell you what it is he thinks you want to here just to get the sale. I cant stress enough about doing research on some thing or all things that are going to be part of you having any regret's or not + warranty price alot better hope we dont need it. I found what i was willing to spend then added 1k on top. (seem to work out well)42" panasonic s1 of course, sony str-dn1000,polk mon 30's mon center and Bic america surrounds and 1 Bose a5 sub and 1 yamaha 10" powered sub (not here yet) all hooked to my ps3 and or laptop.You may need to fool with the settings the colors are of the chart brite and the sync works great.Make sure you go through the instruction well it was not that hard for me but Im still finding things new that did not worked they way i thought they do. So with that said let me close this out with "things We never watched before well HD who cares what its about LOOK AT THAT PICTURE!" My wife said before it came we dont need that! Oh YHA? she has fell asleep in front every night this week lol. IF IT HAD BLUETOOTH OH MY,AND WOULD I RECO THIS TO A FRIEND? Thats a BIG HECK NO!! They would never come here for the games and i hate when friends have something as good or better than me. Not that i need to be better but like to have nice things that i can shear with others.My shopping started off with going to get a 32"LCD and that was it. "AND 1 MORE THING IMPORTANT ! you will read that 720p and 1080p are very hard to tell apart on 42" or smaller. Thats some what true on this tv because it ups signal to 1080p if able to, But on all the other tvs i looked at and im talking 3 1/2 hrs @ best buy and who knows how long @ C City, and ABC wearhouse if you cant tell the dif....On the next trash day go around and look for the big box of a flat screen and come back next week and they should have thrown out there old tv, then you can grab that up and save some money. There was one in front of my house but someone got it." And people if your going to post a photo of your HD tv You need a Hd camera be fair to the product please.

Panasonic's VIERA S1 Series Plasma HDTVs are perfect for sports and cinema-quality movies. Panasonic's Neo PDP technology delivers sharp, detailed images, deep blacks and remarkable brightness, and all with lower power consumption.600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.It's easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos right after you take them. Simply insert an SD card into VIERA to display photos on the large screen. You can also choose from among 3 types of background music and 4 display effects. It's much more fun when you can view them on a large-screen HDTV with family and friends in 1920 x 1080-pixel high definition and a wide 16:9 aspect ratio.VIERA Link allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

This bad boy is BIG! I absolutely LOVE the picture! The TV is also very sleek and slim - it just screams high quality! Watch a Blu Ray on this with a good sound system and it is better than being in the movie theater. Contrary to what many other reviewers have said, I think the internal speakers are great but this is a moot point anyway, since I have it hooked into a surround sound system. The remote and menus are intuitive, visually pleasing and easy to use. As if that wasn't enough...the price is UNBEATABLE for what you get! The best value on the market!

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I bought this set based on Panasonic's reputation and excellent reviews in Consumer Reports and on-line sites. Have had it a month and it works fine. And then I stumbled on the CNET link below... [...] ...which basically tells how Panasonic screwed up the stability of black levels and image retention on their 2009 plasma line and they are not going to do a thing about it since they designed the sets to get worse in use, so they are doing what they are supposed to do. This totally kills Panasonic for me as a reputable company and I feel bad having caused at least four additional purchases of 2009 Panasonic plasmas by friends due to me recommending the brand. Do not buy a 2009 Panasonic plasma and think twice before buying a 2010 "improved" model. Do you really want to support such a sleazy company that tells their customers to just live with design defects? Bye, bye Panasonic. You are losing influential customers due to your sloppy design and arrogance. I just hope Consumer Reports picks up on this as that will force Panasonic to fix their mess.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I've had the TV for 1 day. I'm upgrading from a 5 year old Pioneer plasma 43 inch. I'm blown away by how great this thing looks. A major improvement over my last TV. Watched Star Trek on Blu-Ray. Can't imagine a better picture quality than this. The difference between 1080i and 1080p on Blu-Ray's is not a huge difference, but it is better. I wouldn't buy a new TV just to upgrade to 1080p, I mainly just wanted a bigger TV, and the superior 1080p is icing on the cake. Also, the black levels on this TV are great. If the screen is blank/black, it's really hard to tell weather or not the TV is turned on. One minor thing, the speaker quality doesn't seem to be as good as my Pioneer, it's fine but not as good, but I've got surround sound for the DVD's and for my favorite shows so that's not really an issue for me. Now, about my ordering experience; I orginally ordered this thing on Feb 2nd being sold from Amazon. The first TV was delivered with a broken screen, so I refused shipment and called Amazon right away. They sent out another one but I didn't get it until 5 days after what the Amazon CSR estimated, and guess what? Broken again. This time the CSR said they were out of stock, so he scheduled a pick up and I will get a refund when they get the TV back. In the mean time, I re-ordered the TV through Electronics Expo through Amazon.com, this time the TV arrived fast and undamaged. 21 days after my original order. Also about $50 cheaper than my first order from Amazon. If you're in Northeast Florida, please watch out for Pilot Freight, the company that delivered 2 broken TV's to me. Anyways, I understand things happen, and I will still order from Amazon because they are a great company and usually provide great service. But I just thought I should share my honest experience for this order.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I'll make this quick. I've been in hundreds of homes, seen hundreds of LCD's, LED's, Plasmas. Most are just fine, very nice. This thing is incredible. The level of detail! The colors, the blacks, sports! Each blade of grass. Just unreal. Don't even think about it at $1,600. I waited two years for a set of this quality to hit this price point. To date, the most rewarding purchase I've ever made.

CUSTOMER REVIEW -

I also have two 46" LCD televisions for about 2 year, one Sony Bravia and the other is a Mitsubishi, both have been great sets and were top of the line LCD at the time. However, both pale in comparison to this new Panasonic plasma for picture quality. I also hooked up this set to the panasonic home theater 1250w system. Picture and sound is amazing, blu-ray movies are as good or better than the theater. Both purchases were through Amazon and very pleased with both. As i have been with all of the items i have purchased through Amazon. Also like that the Amazon stock i bought a couple years ago has done so well.