Panasonic TC-P54V10 Review
The V10 series from Panasonic comes in large sizes, being addressed to those videophiles that love a nearly life like experience when watching their favorite shows or movies. Panasonic TC-P54V10 is considered by many to be the rightful replacement for the defunct Kuro from Pioneer. In 2009, Panasonic graced the plasma market with a large gamut of series, from low budget products to expensive and competitive HDTVs. This Panasonic plasma TV is very much similar with G10 series, but it does come with many improvements, like better video processing capabilities, for 1080p/24 frames content, and more picture adjustments settings. In its size category, this 54 inch plasma TV challenges the first place, and no one seems to see it otherwise. In this review of Panasonic TC-P54V10 we will take a look at what exactly this HDTV has to offer.
Important note: This is a brief review of Panasonic TC-P54V10 and it points out only the most important aspects. For a more complete, in-depth review, check out Panasonic TC-P50V10 review. While the model numbers are different, one being a 54 inch model and the other a 50 inch model, they are in fact identical. Both of them being members of Panasonic V10 series, the feature set and performances of TC-P54V10 and TC-P50V10 are the same.
Brief Specifications of TC-P54V10
- Screen size: 54 inch
- Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
- Panel type: NeoPDP (new panel from 2009)
- Contrast ratio: 40,000:1 (native) / 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
- Shades of gradation: 6144
- THX certified: YES
- Anti-glare filter: New AR Filter
- 24p cinema mode: YES
- Digital Cinema Color
- VIERA CAST™
- VIERA Image Viewer™ with AVCHD Playback
- VIERA Link™
- 600Hz Sub-field Drive
- 4 HDMI inputs
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Best black levels from any 2009 HDTV (plasma or LCD)
- Very good video processing with smooth 1080p/24 playback
- THX mode (accurate colors out of the box)
- Plenty of connectivity options (4 HDMI connectors)
- Beautiful slim design (2 inch)
- Plenty of features and picture controls
- Very good anti-glare performance
Cons:
- Colors are not perfect if not in THX mode
- Standard definition performance is satisfactory but not great
- Being a high-end plasma TV, it is relatively expensive
Performance
Besides exhibiting the new NeoPDP panel type and the one sheet of glass design, Panasonic TC-P54V10 lacks nothing in terms of quality. Displaying great black levels and accurate shadow details, coming front with enhanced video processing, when using 96Hz mode, and great connectivity options, this model from Panasonic is rightfully considered one of the best plasma TV’s that were launched so far this year. It would not be a wrong thing to say that this nearly top of the line product should be listed on any videophile’s wishlist.
Exceptional Black Levels
Visual contrast is one of the best of Panasonic TC-P54V10 traits. Due to its exceptional black levels – even though specialists consider that the V10 series from Panasonic has yet to acquire the ink like blacks of the discontinued Pioneer’s Kuro -, the watcher will experience a realistic cinema experience, with great shadow details that makes for great picture quality.
Color Accuracy is Good
While color accuracy does not lack from Panasonic TC-P54V10, one needs to tweak with color adjustments, especially in non THX modes. If it is one point where this model from Panasonic has yet to achieve greatness, than this is the one. Yet, its ability to display great black levels does temper what it is lacking in color accuracy.
Video Processing
Video processing is one of the greatest features of Panasonic TC-P54V10. If you want to watch great quality 1080p/24 frames content, you will need to choose the 96Hz mode, as, with other modes, like 60Hz, or 48Hz, the flicker effect is prone to appear, ruining the watching experience. So, if your Blu player is set to provide this type of content, then it is recommended to use 96Hz frequency, for the best results; you will not be disappointed. If the characteristic called 600Hz subfield drive, then you should know this is merely a buzzword meant to attract more sales, while it does little to enhance motion resolution, which is already great with many plasma TV’s.
Standard Definition
To point a minus for Panasonic TC-P54V10, standard definition content is displayed satisfactorily, with solid noise reduction capabilities, but there are still jagged edges that may appear, dampening a little the praises the model receives for its capabilities.
The bottom line
While it performs better than its little brothers from G10 series, Panasonic TC-P54V10 has a few areas that not quite covered, like displaying great quality picture for standard definition content or the best of the best in terms of color accuracy. Yet, one can hardly hold these against the acclaimed Panasonic TC-P54V10, as it does have excellent black levels, and amazing video capabilities, which makes watching any Blu Ray content in 1080p/24 output mode a great realistic experience.
- 54″ - Panasonic TC-P54V10 -
(the model reviewed here) - 50″ - Panasonic TC-P50V10 -
Because in our experience most of the time it has the best prices on HDTV, our recommended store is Amazon.com. Do look around for the best price, but make sure you don’t skip Amazon.com or you might miss a good deal.
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My challenge is quality vs. size.
Assuming same price what should I purchase 50″ Pioneer Elite or the 54″Panasonic V series
As a first Home Theatre owner I appreciate all comments
Phil
Sorry I should add the viewing area is 11 to 14 feet
Phil
@Phil: I think the V10 is a better choice overall. The Pioneer Elite is better, but not a lot better. It also happens to be significantly more expensive (the price to quality ratio is way better for V10). It is difficult for me to give you an advice because both TVs are exceptional. Since none of those sizes are optimal for you (58-65 inch is better), you will not get the full advantage of the resolution no matter which size you pick. Probably those extra 4″ though not much are good to have. You might want to consider going over your budget for a 58-60 inch model which is MUCH better for your distance. After all, you don’t buy a HDTV every year and since you’re paying so much, you probably want the best thing you can get.
I have the same problem, but at a bigger size and distance. My viewing distance is 15 to 18 feet (I negociate with my wife to decrease the distance to aorund 15 feet, maybe 14) and I hesitate between a 60″ pioneer elite (PRO 141-FD) and a panasonic 65″ TC-P65V10 model. My blu-ray reader will be the pioneer elite DBP09 and my A/V receiver will be the pioneer elite SC-09 TX, with 7.1 or 7.2 speakers. I can get both of them at the same price, so price is not a criteria for decision.
There is another criteria for making the decision. I forgot to mention that I want to play both north american (zone A) and european (zone B) blu-ray disks. For that, I will buy from europe another blu-ray reader. As I will use the HDMI output from both blu-ray readers, and as I think that blu-ray zoning is only taken into account in the blu-ray reader, not in TV and as the HDMI signal is numeric which eliminates all PAL/SECAM to NTSC conversion problems, I conclude that both TV, Pioneer and Panasonic could visualize in 1080p the european blu-rays. Am I wrong? Finally, I am aware of the voltage difference between europe 220V and here 110V.
@Christian: Well, probably the V10 is a better choice since it is bigger. The differences in quality are not big and it’s not like you’d be dissapointed about how the V10 looks.
@Christian: I honestly don’t know for sure. There shouldn’t be any problems, though.