Re: PANASONIC LCD-PLASMA 2009
Panasonic TH-50VX100 Plasma Display review
Conclusion
With Pioneer ultimately pulling out of the market, there are many, including me, who feared that the quality end of the display market would suffer. However if the VX100 has done anything to me after spending time with it, it is that my confidence is now higher that quality will still be around in the near future. The Kuro remains our reference point for the time being, mainly because of its brilliant black level performance and price level. It is a reference screen bargain. However that doesn’t mean that this VX100 is a poor second choice. It does a lot of things slightly better within the image where it stands out as a quality option. It will become a hard decision for those looking for quality as the pros and cons are interesting and certainly worthy of debate.
The TH-50VX100 is a quality monitor that offers excellent image detail with a distinct lack of the issues that can affect every plasma screen. The lack of PWM noise combined with excellent colour and shadow detail gradation bring images to life as a quality display should. It is built like a tank and offers the kind of versatility and flexibility that the custom installation market will lap up in their droves. This level of display demands the best quality of sources as well as full professional calibration. It won’t be for everyone and is certainly an expensive proposition, but the quality is certainly there to be seen for those who want to experience it. I can’t help but recommend that if you are looking at this end of the market, make sure you get a demonstration of this screen. Highly recommended.
Pros:
* Nice clean image performance with lack of PWM noise
* Dynamic range amongst best on the market at this price point
* Full greyscale calibration controls
* Excellent design
* Colour and shadow detail gradation
* Excellent calibrated perforamnce
* Good build quality
* Excellent flexibility
* Tranferable input boards, including HD-SDI options
* Independant scaler options
Cons:
* Oversaturated colour gamut out of the box which can be slightly tamed with calibration
* No 3D CMS controls
* Black levels slightly behind the best
* Expensive