Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D Plasma HDTV HT Labs Measures

HT Labs Measures

Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio: 3,581:1

All of the measurements here, unless noted otherwise, were taken in the Cinema or THX Picture mode, in 2D, through an HDMI input, and with the set adjusted as needed for the most accurate image in a darkened room.

Delta E, a number referenced in the following discussions, is a figure of merit that indicates how close a display’s color tracking comes to producing an ideal white balance (a specific 6500K point on the CIE color chart known as D65 or D6500). The lower the Delta E number, the better. Ideally, the Delta E will be identical at every brightness level, but in practice, it always varies. Experts generally agree that levels below 3 or 4 indicate a result that is visibly indistinguishable from perfect color tracking.

The full-on/full-off contrast ratio was calculated from a measured peak white level of 28.65 foot-lamberts and a black level of 0.008 ft-L. The latter was comparable to the black level on the ST30 and slightly inferior to the VT30.

The gammas in both the Cinema and THX modes are fixed with no user settings to change them. The TC-P50GT30’s gamma averaged 2.01 in its Cinema mode and 1.85 in THX. Both are lower than the desired 2.2 value, but the Cinema gamma is significantly closer. Therefore, the TC-P50GT30 was calibrated and evaluated in the Cinema mode. Even then, the TC-P50GT30’s lower gamma was subtly visible in a side-by-side comparison with the VT30 and ST30 (the gammas of the latter two sets averaged just below 2.2).

Before calibration, the TC-P50GT30’s Cinema mode color tracking was the worst of the group, with significantly skewed blue values from low to high, with a minimum Delta E of 7.5 at 70 IRE and a maximum of 23.3 at 20 IRE. After calibration, the Delta E values in the Cinema mode were satisfactory, remaining below 3.3 at all levels except 20 IRE (5.6), 30 IRE (4.1), and 70 IRE (4.7). The TC-P50GT30’s pre-calibration THX color tracking (not shown) is significantly better than the Cinema mode’s out-of-box result. Both modes calibrate well, but as noted above, the Cinema mode was preferred because of its more appropriate gamma.

While the TC-P50GT30 is a good performer overall, it was outmatched by the VT30 and even by the ST30. For that reason, the TC-P50GT30 was not calibrated in 3D.—TJN

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COMMENTS
luckyman777go's picture
Submitted by luckyman777go on August 22, 2011 - 11:53pm

My 65GT30 has better PQ than the 55VT30 I exchaned it for,the overall picture qaulity is stunning.

I,do not know what gives with the smaller
screen sizes of the PANASONIC GT30 series,but they are not in the same league as the larger screen sizes.
I,looked at both the 50" & 55"versions of the GT30 and they did not look any where near as good as the two larger sizes,and I, owned the 55VT30 for a little over a month,and it did not look as good overall as my 65GT30. I have none of the issues,others have complained about, with MY 65GT30, the VT30,however,was another story. What is up with The GT30 series? in comparison to the ST and VT series that seem to test better overall,especially in the smaller screen sizes.
my 65GT30 performs near perfect.

Very good review!

luckyman777go's picture
Submitted by luckyman777go on August 22, 2011 - 11:52pm

My 65GT30 has better PQ than the 55VT30, that I exchanged, for the GT30, the overall picture qaulity is stunning.

I,do not know what gives with the smaller
screen sizes of the PANASONIC GT30 series,but they are not in the same league as the larger screen sizes.
I,looked at both the 50" & 55"versions of the GT30 and they did not look any where near as good as the two larger sizes,and I, owned the 55VT30 for a little over a month,and it did not look as good overall as my 65GT30. I have none of the issues,others have complained about, with my 65GT30, the 55VT30 however,was another story. What is up with The GT30 series? in comparison to the ST and VT series that seem to test better overall,especially in the smaller screen sizes.
My 65GT30 is excellent,I have 0 complaints.

Thanks for, the informative, detailed review!

riverajuan's picture
Submitted by riverajuan on November 28, 2011 - 8:21am

Hello,

I am new to this site, but have been reading all your reviews on the tvs and after so much research and trials with different led tvs and lcds and not happy with the results decided to go plasma.

I decided on the 50gt30 which I have own for the past 15 days from a purchased from BB.

I am extremely happy with this set and have not seen or experience any of the problems mentioned here and in other sites (fluctuating brightness, etc.

My only worry or concern has always been image retention which is not a concern with led tvs.

What do you recommend, keeping the plasma has been the best quality picture I have seen so far or going with an led and if so which led do you recommend that has good blacks?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated

DSharkey's picture
Submitted by DSharkey on January 26, 2012 - 9:13am

Listen, for all of the people looking for a TV that fits in to the category of "I need a TV that is bigger and better than my friend's and father-in-law's, a TV that looks amazing and provides the best viewing experience I can get for under $2k", then this is it.

I did hours of research and read tons of blogs/reviews from people on Amazon, CNET, Crutchfield, etc and there is one basic theme. The majority of the posts include specs and technical functionality that means nothing to me or my wife at the end of the day unless I spend another two weeks learning. And for what? I want a bad ass TV period.

Panasonic Plasma HDTVs are excellent TVs. They definitely have different brightness levels, colors, etc compared to LCDs, LEDs, yada yada yada. The three levels of Panasonic Plasmas vary and the basic just is you pay for what you get.

Here are the things I would advise you to look for (all of these are included in the GT model):

Screen size
1080p (if you are going to spend the money on anything bigger than 42 in, otherwise 720p is fine)
THX Certified (this is the biggest feature...makes ALL the difference)
HDMI inputs (especially if you have game consoles, a blu-ray, cable set top box: that makes 3 already, want an extra?)

These items are the most important for me and talking to others these seem to be the most important to them too. So save yourself some time, and buy this TV. You will not go wrong. I have had my TV for 3 months and placed at 9 feet away, it feels like I go to the IMAX every time I turn it on. Clear, crisp, vibrant picture. What more could I ask for? Oh yea...beer anyone?!?

P.S. Before you're will buy this TV, I suggest check for best deal at: Dealsfine.info/panasonic-tc-p50gt30/

Good Luck!

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