(March 10, 2010) The 3D era arrives today with the first sales of complete systems that include a 3D display, a 3D disc player and 3D viewing glasses. Best Buy’s Magnolia stores offer an exclusive featuring the TC-P50VT20 and Panasonic’s DMP-BDT300 3D capable Blu-ray player.
In TV industry parlance the TC-P50VT20 and DMP-BDT300 are referred to as derivative models, both exclusive to Best Buy. The retailer likes selling derivative models since the exclusivity negates the company’s “price match†policy.
Best Buy’s derivative HDTV and Panasonic’s TC-P50VT25 are essentially identical except for the bezel finish (the VT20’s is simulated brushed stainless steel, the VT25’s is a dark simulated brass) and the inclusion of an RS-232 interface in the VT20 that can be used with sophisticated remote control systems such as Crestron’s. We know of no feature differences Update: The difference between Panasonic’s DMP-BDT350 and the derivative DMP-BDT300 is the 350 supports DLNA the 300 does not. The DMP-BDT350 retails for $449.99 and is expected to ship next month.
The TCP-50VT20 retails at Best Buy for $2499.99. The TC-P50VT25 arrives early next month at regional and local retailers at $2599.99 list. Each come packed with a single pair of Panasonic 3D glasses, with addition pairs retailing for $149.99.
I performed tests during a recent visit at Panasonic’s NJ headquarters. Panasonic personnel unpacked the TC-P50VT20 prior to my arrival; all readings are based on out of the box condition with fewer than 10 total hours on the set.
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The VT models are Panasonic’s top-of-the-line 2010 plasma HDTVs. In addition to the 3D features, Panasonic added a number of improvements over its 2009 V10 series. Performance enhancements include: shorter decay red and green phosphors, elimination of the 2nd front glass panel with the addition of a new micro-louvered anti-glare filter bonded directly to the glass, a new panel scan system, anti-blur circuitry and higher energy efficiency.
The 50″ TC-P50VT25 includes a swivel table stand and retains 2009 V10 series performance features including THX certification, 96 Hz refresh (in addition to normal 60 Hz 2D and 120 Hz 3D modes), “Custom” mode with user gray scale adjustments, and user gamma settings. For a full list of VT series features, go to our earlier 2010 Panasonic feature (link).
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2D
Tests began with peak white level readings. The “Vivid†default mode (often referred to as showroom or torch mode and not recommend for home viewing) came in at 65.18 ft lamberts using a 100IRE window pattern. Panasonic’s “Infinite Black Pro” mode kicks in when using the “Vivid†setting and yielded a black level reading of 0.000 (meaning below our Minolta LS-100 light meter sensitivity) with a 0 IRE black test signal, making the contrast ratio indeed infinite. We calibrated the user controls in Custom mode and measured a white level of 32.39 ft lamberts white and .004 ft lamberts black level for a contrast ratio 8097.5 to 1. (The black level reading is about one-half of reported out of the box black levels of the 2009 V10 series). In THX mode (factory default user settings) respective measurements were 31.5 ft lamberts and again an impressive .004 ft lamberts black level. THX factory default contrast setting is at 60 out of 100, a level which provides the ability to increase the white level in bright viewing environments.
Color points were excellent, almost spot on the HDTV standard (in parentheses) measuring in THX mode R= x.642, y.334 (x.64, y.33) G= x.299, y=.604 (x.30, y.60) B= x.149, y.058 (x.15, y.06)
White balance was close to the D6500K (x.313, y.329) in THX mode. 20 IRE recorded at 6578K (x.312, y.323) at 80 IRE 6289K (x.316, y .332). Gray scale adjustments are available in Custom mode, but time did not permit a calibration.
Signal processing using a 480i signal on the HQV test disc was excellent for the color bar test, picture detail and good for the jaggies tests (2 of the 3 Bars). To my surprise the VT20 failed the 3:2 pulldown test with the control set to “Auto” (it passed in the “On” position) . The unit also failed the video noise reduction test, with no effect with the control settings at strong, mid, or weak.
HD HQV tests provided similar results with the VT20 failing 3:2 pulldown when the control is switched to “Auto” from “on†and negligible noise reduction. Panasonic personnel on hand during the testing said they’d study my findings. Considering that last year’s models aced the noise reduction and all 3:2 pulldown tests, we will check to see if Panasonic produces a firmware update for both new production and for sets already in inventory.
The 96 Hz mode eliminates the need for 3:2 pulldown and associated judder. It was flicker free for all HD 2D content viewed.
The FHP disc motion resolution test provided excellent results. Enabling the anti-blur mode made the test pattern rock solid and exhibited full 1080 line per-picture-height motion resolution. The moving sign and license plate tests confirmed a significant reduction of phosphor lag. There were no signs of phosphor lag when we switched to viewing an action movie on Blu-ray disc.
The new anti-glare coating is very effective, providing impressive results with extreme off vertical axis light sources such as ceiling fixtures.
2D Viewing
The improved scan and phosphors along with the deep blacks and accurate color provided excellent image reproduction and fine shadow detail. These improvements add up to amazing overall images free of the “video look” associated with 120 and 240 Hz LED LCDs.
3D Viewing
My only 3D source was the demo disc packed with Panasonic’s Blu-ray player, which provides clips from “Astro Boy†as well as numerous live sequences including beach shots, dancing, volleyball, super-slow motion sports and a wonderful underwater fish segment.
As much as I tried to see the issues witnessed with the Sony FHD3D TV (the only production 3D models publicly demoed in 3D link) I did not see them. They simply are not present. These include crosstalk seen as ghost images, motion artifacts best described as a motion breakup, sort of like a strobe effect and flickering. (One note: when I switched the user control from 120 Hz to 96Hz, flickering appeared in bright scenes, so keep it at 120 Hz).
The mode memory choices such as “Custom” have offsets built-in to compensate for the brightness reduction of the 3D glasses and any other image picture parameter shifts. They proved quite effective, although until Panasonic or someone else makes 3D test signals available on Blu-ray, there is no way to calibrate the user controls in the 3D mode.
Overall, I find the 3D image outstanding with considerably more brightness and pop than the motion picture theater 3D movie experience.
In other words, if you like 3D in the movie theater, you’ll love the way this TV does it at home.
Final Notes
Panasonic has set the bar high for Generation 1 FHD3D TVs. With the exception of the noise reduction and the Auto 3:2 pulldown not functioning (a minor issue, however, and one that should not appear in any 2010 HDTV) the TC-P50V20 is an excellent HDTV and FHD3D TV. The HD Guru awards the Panasonic TC-P50V20 ♥♥♥♥ 4 out of 5 hearts.
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I’ve had this TV for over a week now and I am very pleased with it. The picture quality for HD material is probably the best I’ve seen. There is great depth and dimensionality to HD viewing – likely from the excellent black levels and detail. I found the THX setting to work well for both TV and Blu Ray viewing.
I was just a little disappointed with the sound quality. It’s not bad, I just expected it to be a little more powerful and have better surround sound effects – as this is their flagship model. (I’m using this in my bedroom so I was hoping I would not need any additional surround gear.) The remote for this TV works fine, but it’s pretty vanilla for a flagship model. To be clear – there are no faults here, I just had higher expectations.
I’ve tested the 3D functions (purchased the Avatar movie/glasses kit and Blu Ray with the unit) and I agree with other folks that 3D on this TV is better than at the movie theater. My only gripe is that the Panasonic 3D glasses do not seem to be large enough. I found that the glasses did not cover my entire field of view and I needed to keep my head down, which became uncomfortable) to watch the movie. I haven’t experimented with changing the nose piece so that could resolve this one.
I would recommend this TV to anyone. It’s got a great picture, a pretty good feature set and very competitive pricing.
No regrets here.
The Panasonic 3D glasses are so badly made that out of the 4 pairs I own 2 have broken! At $180AUD each they are made from very weak and brittle plastics. Shame on you Panasonic!!
Brandon N // May 4, 2010 at 11:03 am
I would like to suggest a correction to the review. The differences between the VT25 and the VT20 extend beyond the inclusion of the RS-232 port. According to Panasonics website (from their products pages you can download specifications for each model in pdf format) the VT20 also does not include ISFccc, Studio Ref Mode, and Pro Setting. Without a further description of what Pro Setting is, it would elude to an increase in adjustability. It would be nice if these differences had been included in the review with a comprehensive description of them. I would like to know if the price difference of $100 is worth these features or if they are unnecessary for the mid-end home theater enthusiast.
Where is the answer…..
I wonder if the 3D movies are here to stay or will they disappear from the market after a while. Even if it’s a technical progress I wonder if the audience want to sit at home with special glasses on to watch on the TV in the long run.
I think I’ll go for a 2D LED instead.
re: student debt ; my balls smell like ketchup
No question Panasonic’s VT25 is the best flat panel HDTV available. At our shoot-out is came in first and we crowned it the “King of HDTV”.
For anyone who does not like the glasses I recommend XpanD’s or Monster’s new RF 3D glasses.
-Robert
I purchased the Panasonic 50VT20 last week. Overall an incredible picture, but to achieve such my settings are nothing like those I read online (cnet was the closest, but I still varied in that I used Custom settings and the Cool2 as everything else went really yellow). The amber tints in some material is the only issue, and I can’t dial it out with anything that I have discovered.
Still, some material is better than I have seen anywhere (2001: A Space Odyssey looks fantastic with incredible colors, sharpness and detail). But this amber/yellow thing is a mystery, and there is nothing that seems to completely tame it.
OK, am i going crazy? when i turn on the tv, on a blank input, it goes through the 3 distinct brightness levels (well not really 3, more like 2 and a half). after a couple of seconds it kicks back up 2 full brightness levels. I have CATS and all the other crap turned off. I noticed the increased black level before, but it never did this. This only started after they told me to do a hard reset on the set.
Hi, I’ve been visiting the shop now a dozen of times looking at the Panasonic VT20.
I know have a 2006 Philips Cineos 42″ plasma.
That one had a great picture.
I doubt if the VT20 will give so much better 2D picture that it’s worth to send the Philips to the bedroom.
Any thoughts on that?
I bought panasonic 3D 2 weeks ago and I am not happy with the product at all. the picture quality is fantastic in 3D but the 3D glasses are rubbish, both 3D glasses that includes with the TV are broken, and the other don’t work, the pvc plastic is so fragile that it breaks easy, and both glasses cracked at the same spot on the glasses, so I need to buy new glasses for over 150 dollars each if I want to watch 3D.
Be aware of that if you are going to buy panasonic 3D tv
A great deal has been said in other reviews about the panasonic 3D glasses, saying that they were the least comfortable to wear being too heavy, and that they aloud light in from the sides which made the lenses appear dirty and so on. surprised that no mention was made of these poorly designed glasses, and seeing how a great deal of the 3D movies available are for family/children, they also appear to be too large for smaller heads.
I have a Kuro 600a, and have contemplated selling for the 65″ panasonic when available in Europe, but the poorly designed 3D glasses, fading blacks overtime, are putting me off the idea, despite all the pros.
Does Sony 3d blue ray player work well with this tv? I find the sony one a bit cheaper.
Nice review, but
“with a 0 IRE black test signal, making the contrast ratio indeed infinite.”
This isn’t so. Your instrument just couldn’t measure the low level light so it returned a zero. That doesn’t mean it is zero, and it doesn’t mean the contrast ratio is infinite as you said. It’s probably some very low number the contrast ratio is probably very high. But still not infinite. Never the less, I’m sure it’s one of the best in that regard.
I would like to suggest a correction to the review. The differences between the VT25 and the VT20 extend beyond the inclusion of the RS-232 port. According to Panasonics website (from their products pages you can download specifications for each model in pdf format) the VT20 also does not include ISFccc, Studio Ref Mode, and Pro Setting. Without a further description of what Pro Setting is, it would elude to an increase in adjustability. It would be nice if these differences had been included in the review with a comprehensive description of them. I would like to know if the price difference of $100 is worth these features or if they are unnecessary for the mid-end home theater enthusiast.
I sell these and the G-25 / Vt25 are both awesome. Could care less about 3d so I will buy a TC-P54G25. I have read everything about lasts years versions, compared them to the PN58C6500 / 7000 and its not even close. Dealing with everyday reliability is not even close. If the black levels decrease over time so be it. Fantastic Tv I can live with and enjoy daily. No LCD comes close.
I’m stuck in the same situation. 50G20 or 50VT20? I could care less about 3D. I really wanted the upgraded panel and the 96hz — but not for an extra 1200 bucks! Seems like there should be an ‘in-between’ model.
And at this point, nobody knows how the new 3D panels will age. It’s sort of like buying the first generation of a new computer operating system — you’re essentially beta testing — without the software updates. Firmware to fix some Viera cast thing doesn’t count!!
I’m resigned to save a grand and live with it.
Ignoring the 3D feature, how does the 2010 VT compare to the 2009 V10 set? The article indicates that 2010 black levels are better due to the new panel design. However, I cannot tell whether the overall PQ is equal to or better than the 2009 V10 series. Given that your rating went DOWN to a 4 heart, your plainly were not as impressed. I cannot tell whether the reduction is solely attributable to the 3:2 and noise reduction issues. Comment?
My concern is that Panasonic is going to sandwich the consumer between the lower-end G25, which may have great blacks, but lower overall color or PQ, and the higher priced VT set, which materially bumps the list price over the V10 series due to the 3D feature.
rob h,
u r so lame. if u really had a kuro, u wouldnt be writing wannabe editorials about the tv market…
I agree. Not passing 3:2 Pulldown & Noise Reduction is unexceptable. What a joke! That’s probably why no five star rating. I also noticed “NO” analog Audio/Video outputs. No S-Video outs. So much for VHS/SVHS recording or passing fixed/variable audio to a reciever or stand alone sub.
I really hope panasonic releases a firmware fix that resolves the 3:2 pulldown and noise reduction issues. This is a major performance Issue. There is no reason why a 2010 model cannot passing either one of these, when older models can just fine. They probably should have used a HQV de-interlacing chip. It’s a solid, strong performer. Will wait to see how panasonic acts on this. Currently, there latest firmware update (1007) seems to only address a SD card issue.
@ rob h u r an absolute loser
So in regards to the glasses will all makers of 3D tv’s have their own type of 3D glasses? or could the Panasonic glasses work on the Sony TV. It would be great if the TV manufacturers came out with a standard. I’m gonna be waiting to get a 3D tv not enough content and the price is breakin my balls.