Author Topic: Panasonic 42/46/50U20 FULLHD Plasma Review (Done) (Read 12379 times)

Carlo777 · « **on:** Mar 03, 2011 at 02:03 AM »

I guess this will be the last G13 plasma I'd review before the newer models trickle their way in. Take note these are FULLHD plasma models from the 2010 batch, and despite being "FULLHD", to my knowledge they are not "NEO-PDP", and it would be nice to see their merits against other TVs and the "NEO-PDP" wonder...The V20.

Stand by.

jerix · « **Reply #1 on:** Mar 03, 2011 at 05:47 AM »

The way i see it as compared with other panels in SM, the 46U is relatively cheap but it renders vivid and crisp colors on bluray materials. I dont only know if this is also good for SD 480p materials. I have yet to read an expert review on this on the net. I think this is only offered in Asia. A comprehensive review is really much appreciated.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #2 on:** Mar 03, 2011 at 01:07 PM »

Quote from: jerix on Mar 03, 2011 at 05:47 AM

The way i see it as compared with other panels in SM, the 46U is relatively cheap but it renders vivid and crisp colors on bluray materials. I dont only know if this is also good for SD 480p materials. I have yet to read an expert review on this on the net. I think this is only offered in Asia. A comprehensive review is really much appreciated.

We're going to test it on all fronts when it arrives.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #3 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 10:50 AM »

The U20 arrived yesterday, and so far it looks good. Long and short it's a 1080p version of the excellent C10 and X20. Delivering nearly the same picture quality, however, it's sharper than it's 720p siblings.

More later.

CMac · « **Reply #4 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 12:07 PM »

Quote from: Carlo777 on Mar 03, 2011 at 02:03 AM

to my knowledge they are not "NEO-PDP", and it would be nice to see their merits against other TVs and the "NEO-PDP" wonder...The V20.

have not read about displays for quite sometime now. but aren't the panasonic neo pdp's plagued with rising black levels? if such is the case, this model would be a safer buy and cheaper as well.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #5 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 01:53 PM »

Blu-Ray:

Testing the U20 via a PS3 connected via HDMI and using the player's limited RGB settings. We played our favorite test disc "The Transformers (1st movie)", from chapters 18-24. The U20 delivered crisp visuals, with colors that are fine, vibrant and easy on the eyes. Motion Blur, pixel breaks and ghosting were not seen despite rapid mech transformations and high speed car chases. Flipping to the movie "The Underworld", we noticed that the U20's black levels are well laid out and generous. Shadow details remain intact despite the overly dark tones of the movie.

24p playback was "fair", given that mild screen flickers were still seen with this feature kept on. However, the issue is hard to see, and if you're not looking for them , chances are, you won't see the flickers at all.

"24p Smooth Film" and "Intelligent frame creation" are thankfully absent from this FULLHD panel. Those funky motion handling techniques actually do more harm than good. Having them "on" on my Panasonic V20 induced picture breaks that were totally unacceptable.

DVD:

DVD performance from a Pioneer 410v, was pleasant as expected from a plasma. I could not, however, see the advantage of a FULLHD U20 over the cheaper 720p panels like the C10 or the X20 in this area. If your primary purpose of upgrade is still geared towards this aging format. I suggest you stick to your 720p guns as the U20 won't yield any noticeable difference in picture quality.

Floating Blacks:

Neo-PDP panels I've had the pleasure of owning like the G11 and the V20 had an issue with sudden changes in contrast. Most seen during dark scenes, and so far the U20 did not exhibit any of these issues. Sure, when I put the U20 and the V20 together, you'd notice that the V20 has a more aggressive and a more vibrant over-all picture but one (esp like an anal person like me) can appreciate the more stable black level performance of the U20.

To be continued.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #6 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 02:55 PM »

PS3:

Gaming performance remains speedy with no hints of input lag or pixel response lag with fast games like Marvel vs Capcom 3 on the PS3. First person shooters still exhibit a degree of green phosphor trails when you viciously pan your screen from left to right - A plasma limitation with no clear signs of being fixed now or in the near future. If you're a long time plasma user, this phosphor lag should no longer surprise you and shouldn't be an avenue of much concern.

The basic "Game" picture mode of the U20, is also darker than the V20 and is at par with that of the X20 or the C10. With an advantage over the 720p models only with games that are 1080p native, and those are still few and far between.

The area of digital pomp and vibrancy for games is still the arena of higher end LCD and LED models. The U20 just like most plasma panels will exhibit a measure of temporary image retention after heavy rounds of gaming.

Gabbby · « **Reply #7 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 03:04 PM »

how much are these ?

onepaks · « **Reply #8 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 03:18 PM »

Is it worth to ditch my 50 inch c10 and get a 46 inch u20? I want a 50inch u20 but my budget doesn't allow it. So it's either stick with c10 or get a 46 inch u20 hi def. Is downgrading 4 inches (from 50 to 46) and spending around php 50000 worth having a full hd? I'm just concern that I may never be satisfied knowing I already have a 50 inch and now I'm down to 46 inch. I'm more in to Mkv and bluerays by the way.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #9 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 05:48 PM »

@Gabbby

My wife paid for it, I'll have her post the price when she goes on-line.

@onepaks

Really depends, the C10 is in itself a good TV already! For me I was able to compare the 50C10 to this 50U20 and the subtle difference is in the U20 having the sharper picture definition. Take note of the word: subtle. However, that subtle difference was enough for me to sell off my C10 for this baby.

Again a big thank you to Vic for another smooth and hassle free transaction. Way to go Sights and Sounds!

Carlo777 · « **Reply #10 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 06:08 PM »

Screen performance:

Due to the technology behind plasma, the U20 has a near perfect screen uniformity. There are no overly bright spots and the screen is free of clouding and other screen nuisances that plague LCD. Viewing angle is crisp from all sides and unlike the the V20 plasma - The U20 seems to be free from panel buzzing.

A word of warning though...

The U20 is a very reflective plasma! More reflective than the C10, if I could remember correctly. This is the most reflective plasma I've tested, and watching it in a room with a number of lights will drown out picture detail and mute those well rendered blacks.

It's a good thing we have very low lights in our place, and with that controlled environment comes the benefit of a reflective screen...A glossy picture definition that I've come to love to a point, that yours truly is a big fan of reflective TVs.

onepaks · « **Reply #11 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 10:12 PM »

Sir Carlo, if you were in my position, 50inch c10 or 46inch u20. It between a 50inch hd ready Or a 42 inch full hd.

Carlo777 · « **Reply #12 on:** Mar 04, 2011 at 10:35 PM »

Quote from: onepaks on Mar 04, 2011 at 10:12 PM

Sir Carlo, if you were in my position, 50inch c10 or 46inch u20. It between a 50inch hd ready Or a 42 inch full hd.

Tough choice, but because of the type of movies I watch, I'd go for the 50C10 over the 46U20 and here's why:

-I love gritty old movies like "The Godfather" and having a FULLHD panel will not make a night and day difference. At my viewing distance of 10 feet, I may not even see any difference at all, in-terms of picture sharpness/level of detail (one of the reasons why we go full hd) but the extra 4 inches I'd loose is something I'd see from any distance and/or angle.

-FULLHD panels for me, are great for movies like Ironman, Batman, and those with a lot of digital effects. These are movies I don't really subscribe to and do you know that (to this date) I haven't finished watching any of these shows? I like watching "the Bucket List", "Casino", and the DVD "Philadelphia" and these don't really require uber powerful TVs to appreciate.

-I don't really play a lot of games anymore, the PS3 sits on my rack like a darn heavy paper weight. My wife plays, and most of the time I'd simply watch.

If it were a 50inch vs another 50incher then I'd be singing another anthem.

Take care partner

onepaks · « **Reply #13 on:** Mar 05, 2011 at 12:17 AM »

Thanks. I watch all kinds of movies. I have finally decided to just save up and get a 50 inch full hd hopefully before the year ends. Thanks again for the input, very much appreciated. If ever I decide on which model to buy I will ask your opinion.

jerix · « **Reply #14 on:** Mar 05, 2011 at 09:50 AM »

Beautiful review there Carlo!!

I too i really cant see the better picture quality difference of 1080 over 720p TVs on bluray materials i used on them. What prompted me to settle for 1080 is purely conjecture and for my own "peace of mind."

Carlo777 · « **Reply #15 on:** Mar 05, 2011 at 12:32 PM »

Image Retention:

Just like the V20, the U20 is almost as sensitive as it's more expensive big brother when it comes to Image Retention. A few minutes of gaming produced feint images when checked on a blank background. This is not really a matter of great concern because the "stuck" image washed away within minutes as well. We suspect that after the first 100 hours the panel would be more "I.R" resistant, but if doesn't happen then it's not really a big turn off, we know these "retentions" are just temporary.

Other observations:

The U20 does not have the V20's "resolution enhancer" option, but again, it's not a biggie for us because that feature only attempts to make pictures sharper, but does so in a way that makes images look fake.

It's also worth noting that the V20 has a superior "True Cinema" picture mode that mimics the "THX" settings found in U.S and Japanese versions of high end plasma models. The U20's "True Cinema", unfortunately, falls short in this area by giving us a "True Cinema" picture mode that appears quite bland and uninspiring when pitted against the Neo-PDP V20.

Pros
+Very good color tones
+Deep blacks and near perfect screen uniformity
+Great viewing angles
+Very strong High-Definition and Standard Definition performance
+Spot on input response time for gaming

Cons
-Susceptible to temporary image retention
-Highly reflective screen demands that the U20 be viewed in a controlled lighting environment
-Dull "True Cinema" picture mode, however, only when compared to the more expensive V20

Carlo777 · « **Reply #16 on:** Mar 05, 2011 at 12:56 PM »

Conclusion:

The U20 is your basic "no frills", "straight to the point", FULLHD plasma that performs very well in areas important to the viewer. Accurate and vibrant colors, sharp pictures in a FULLHD package, that won't burn your wallet, even at terrific sizes of 46 to 50 inches! Begging me to say this little known plasma model that sits uncomfortably between the picture dynamo V20 and the super budget whore X20 deserves more than just a simple second look.

It's very rare these days for a company to pump out products that perform wonders from high hill models to unappreciated mid ranges, all the way down to price busting low ends. Panasonic does just that, and rounds up it's stellar cast for 2010 with the U20 in a very convincing supporting role and winning a mid range Oscar (at least in my book)!

Bring on the 2011 models pronto

-Done-

chris_santo · « **Reply #17 on:** Mar 05, 2011 at 08:29 PM »

Very nice review carlo. Its quite interesting that the non neoPDP panels are less prone to IR considering that they are expected to be better. I wonder how the U20 compares to x20 in terms of actual power consumption.

By the way are the speakers of U20 at the bottom/back or at the front? Kumusta yung quality?

Swivel ba yung stand?

Carlo777 · « **Reply #18 on:** Mar 06, 2011 at 11:22 AM »

@chris_santo

Speaker quality is just as good as they could be. I'm not really into TV speakers so my observation could be off

Yes, swivel yung stand.

@jerix

Thanks

@Gabbby

49k for the 46inches at Sights and Sounds.

pilyo168 · « **Reply #19 on:** Mar 06, 2011 at 11:55 AM »

Quote from: Carlo777 on Mar 05, 2011 at 12:56 PM

Bring on the 2011 models pronto

Welcome the Panasonic "30" series.

http://www.3d-led-tv-2011.nl/panasonic-3d-plasma-tv.html

Wildfire™ · « **Reply #20 on:** Mar 06, 2011 at 05:58 PM »

Quote

49k for the 46inches at Sights and Sounds.

brader any idea sa price nung 42"?

Carlo777 · « **Reply #21 on:** Mar 06, 2011 at 07:03 PM »

Quote from: wildfire on Mar 06, 2011 at 05:58 PM

brader any idea sa price nung 42"?

Just a little below 40k, I think.

joelsoldao · « **Reply #22 on:** Mar 08, 2011 at 04:31 AM »

Nice reviews Sir Carlo

seph1018 · « **Reply #23 on:** Mar 08, 2011 at 11:03 AM »

Quote from: wildfire on Mar 06, 2011 at 05:58 PM

brader any idea sa price nung 42"?

P35K if I remember correctly...but the 42" is an LCD I think.

Saw the 42" last week @ SnS...and I must say, I was impressed. Nice PQ and blacks are great.

Thanks for the review sirCarlo...insightful & awesome as usual...

krijtin · « **Reply #24 on:** Apr 21, 2011 at 05:54 AM »

Saw one reputable seller in TPC selling this for 41k (46", brand new) and I'm thinking of buying it. My kuya, OTOH, seems to have fallen in love with an LG LED TV. Prob is, magkahati kami sa gagastusin so we have to pick one.

Is it still okay to buy this 2010 Panny plasma model considering the new model that came/will come out? Or will it be a good investment to save up for the newer (and probably better, feature-wise) tv?

Hero33 · « **Reply #25 on:** Apr 21, 2011 at 09:41 PM »

Great review Carlo. Very informative, keep up the good work!

pilyo168 · « **Reply #26 on:** Apr 22, 2011 at 05:12 PM »

Quote from: krijtin on Apr 21, 2011 at 05:54 AM

Saw one reputable seller in TPC selling this for 41k (46", brand new) and I'm thinking of buying it. My kuya, OTOH, seems to have fallen in love with an LG LED TV. Prob is, magkahati kami sa gagastusin so we have to pick one.

Is it still okay to buy this 2010 Panny plasma model considering the new model that came/will come out? Or will it be a good investment to save up for the newer (and probably better, feature-wise) tv?

That price is very cheap sino yung seller sir? Pa-PM. i just sold all 6 of these sa single buyer. kulang pa daw.

benpascual · « **Reply #27 on:** Apr 22, 2011 at 09:42 PM »

is the new Panasonic LCD U30 series comparable to the current Panasonic Plasma TVS that we have today? Since the new models will have the Motion Picture Pro that the plasma tvs currently have.

benpascual · « **Reply #28 on:** Apr 22, 2011 at 10:26 PM »

@Sir Carlo or any Guru
Which do you think is better for me? Panasonic L42u20 or Panasonic P42x30?
The tv will be dedicated more in watching blu ray movies but sooner or later, will play games occasionally.
Thanks!

Hero33 · « **Reply #29 on:** Apr 23, 2011 at 01:29 AM »

Carlo,

Special request naman, can you test the Sony lower end models up to the high end 40" and above for gaming?

I just want to figure out the lag. Xbox or PS3, just remember to leave scaling to the system and not the TV.

Thanks again for your consistent dedication for the reviews. You keep popping up in my searches. Reviewers like you keep this forum rich with anecdotal information on all the toys we want to have.