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Technical Details
- Brand Name: Panasonic
- Model: TC-P50S2
- Display Technology: Plasma
- Display Size: 50 inches
- Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com
Building on its award-winning 2009 Plasma line, Panasonic's 50-inch VIERA TC-P50S2 Plasma HDTV features a new panel with NeoPDP technologies that provide the best balance of black and white under brighter environments while also offering higher energy efficiency. The new NeoPDP Plasma panel also further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. This S2 series model provides 1080p resolution, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity.
 This and other models in the S2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote. This model also includes Panasonic's Clean Touch Bezel, which resists fingerprints to help keep the surface clean. Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. And you'll get a long Plasma panel life of up to 100,000 hours--more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day--before the brightness of the panel decreases to half.
|  Panasonic's VIERA S2 series Plasma HDTV. |
Key Features
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Key Specifications
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Connections
Dimensions
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What's in the Box
Panasonic S2 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions| Series: | VT25 Plasma | GT25 Plasma | G25 Plasma | S2 Plasma | U2 Plasma | C2 Plasma | U22 LCD | X2 LCD | C22 LCD |
| Models: | TC-P54VT25 54" TC-P50VT25 50" | TC-P50GT25 50" TC-P42GT25 42" | TC-P54G25 54" TC-P50G25 50" TC-P46G25 46" TC-P42G25 42" | TC-P65S2 65" TC-P58S2 58" TC-P54S2 54" TC-P50S2 50" TC-P46S2 46" TC-P42S2 42" | TC-P50U2 50" TC-P42U2 42" | TC-P50C2 50" TC-P46C2 46" TC-P42C2 42" | TC-L42U22 42" TC-L37U22 37" TC-L32U22 32" | TC-L37X2 37" TC-L32X2 32" TC-L22X2 22" | TC-L37C22 37" TC-L32C22 32" |
| VIERA Cast |  | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| VIERA Image Viewer | (AVCHD/MPEG2/JPEG/MP3 playback) | (AVCHD/MPEG2/JPEG/MP3 playback) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) | (JPEG) |
| VIERA Link | webcam capable | webcam capable | webcam capable | | | | | | |
| NeoPDP Panel | -- | -- | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| THX Display | | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite Black Pro / 5,000,000:1 Native | Infinite Black / 5,000,000:1 Native | Infinite Black / 5,000,000:1 Native | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 20,000:1 | Dynamic: 20,000:1 22": 15,000:1 | Dynamic: 18,000:1 |
| Moving Picture Resolution | 1080 lines | 1080 lines | 1080 lines | 1080 lines | 900 lines | 720 lines | -- | -- | -- |
| Anti-Reflective Filter | | | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Display Capabilities | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p | 720p, 480p | 720p, 480p |
| 600Hz Sub-field Drive | | | | | | | -- | -- | -- |
| Game Mode | | | | | | -- | -- | | -- |
| Speakers | 3; 30W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total 22": 6W | 2; 20W total |
| Surround Sound | | | | | | | | | |
| HDMI input | 4 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 2 | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) 22": 1 | 2 |
| Component input (Y, PB, PR) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Composite input | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) 22": 1 | 2 |
| PC input | 1 (side) | 1 (side) | 1 (side) | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| USB | 2 | 2 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Ethernet LAN input | 1 | 1 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Digital Audio output | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| iPod Universal Dock | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | -- |
| Energy Star | | | | | | | | | |
| Series: | VT25 Plasma | GT25 Plasma | G25 Plasma | S2 Plasma | U2 Plasma | C2 Plasma | U22 LCD | X2 LCD | C22 LCD |
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
 | With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
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What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
123 of 129 people found the following review helpful
1080p HD Picture Quality: The picture presentation of the from the 50S2 is still very bright and with the improved black levels much improved. Black levels are deep and strong with an HD signal input through HDMI. While not the best we've seen lately, they lose the dark gray haziness that the S2 can display with a 480i signal. Color is plenty saturated and dark shadow detail remains excellent.
Picture Presentation from 480i signals: We always test every TV with a 480i resolution. It is a great test of a TVs upconversion and processing chip sets. The signal may be likened to what you would see with your normal digital cable or satellite signal.The TC-P50S2 series plasma contains the new an updated version of the NEO PDP (i.e. plasma screen) from Panasonic. This is the same screen used in some of the higher end Panasonic series which should make this model a good value if picture quality is your primary objective. We find the picture quality overall improved from the prior S1 series. The drives do a little better job of eliminating motion artifacts than the S1 series did. Color rendition is still with black levels being the primary progress area of the S2 series delivering more depth and solidity. As was the case on the S1 series, brightness is a strength of the these newer Panasonic plasma models.
Calibration Notes: Overall, calibration to D6500K was very easy with this TV. Though there are no white balance adjustments available on the menu without entering the service menu, the 50S2 calibrated so close to D65 from the start that it would have improved the TV inappreciably. We started our calibration from the custom setting in the Warm 2 color temperature position. The S2 series TV does not contain the THX picture setting option. Follow the following settings to calibrate to a nearly perfect D65. These picture settings are best viewed in a controlled light environment fairly dark room:
Picture Mode: Custom
Color Temp: Warm2
Brightness: +74
Contrast: +75
Color: +45
Tint: -2
Sharpness: +15
Color Mgmt: OFF
x.v.Color: OFF
C.A.T.S.: OFF
Video NR: Weak
Block NR: Off
Misquito NR: Off
Black Level: Light
3:2 Pulldown: Off
HD Size: 2
Black Level/Contrast: Black levels were an area that the S1 series needed a makeover on. They got it with this S2 series. These are not going to be the best black levels we see this year and we dont anticipate them coming close to some of the Samsung plasma black levels. However, Panasonic has brought black levels back into welcomed focus. Final ANSI contrast measurement was 1261:1 which is a nice improvement over last year but far from what we want. One of the TVs greatest strengths lies in its white brightness which measured an average luminance of 31.50. This result nears LCD TVs in brightness and points to Panasonic's desire to compete with LCD TVs in this area.
Dark Shadow Detail: Partly due to the high brightness of this plasma dark shadow detail is excellent. Panasonic plasma TVs have long been a favorite of ours in this important area.
Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Color rendition is much more saturated with HD content. The TV excels with HD content and is much more subdued in presentation with lower signals. Colors can seem a little weak and hazy at times with lower end signals. I will give them the thumbs up on reality however.
Features: One of the key feature differences of the S2 series with the G20 series of plasma by Panasonic is the absense of The Viera Cast feature set, which enables online content via a web interface. As a result, there is also no Ethernet port. The included Viera Link feature allows the user to control other Viera link capable outboard equipment. Viera Image viewer is the Panasonic compatible technology which enables use of SD memory card viewing via the SD card slot.The S2 has discrete picture settings for each input as well as Panasonic's new "600 Hz" specification for blur reduction.
This TV is Energy Star compliant due to an energy saver feature option. Power consumption for the S2 has been reduced from the S1. This is one of the main feature differences aside from improved black levels. Panasonic started improving efficiency in their plasma TVs in 2007 and have improved it 400% with this S2 model. They are now close enough to LCDs in energy efficiency that is should not matter.
To see the overall ratings and full review of this TV head over to Plasma TV Buying Guide
Picture Presentation from 480i signals: We always test every TV with a 480i resolution. It is a great test of a TVs upconversion and processing chip sets. The signal may be likened to what you would see with your normal digital cable or satellite signal.The TC-P50S2 series plasma contains the new an updated version of the NEO PDP (i.e. plasma screen) from Panasonic. This is the same screen used in some of the higher end Panasonic series which should make this model a good value if picture quality is your primary objective. We find the picture quality overall improved from the prior S1 series. The drives do a little better job of eliminating motion artifacts than the S1 series did. Color rendition is still with black levels being the primary progress area of the S2 series delivering more depth and solidity. As was the case on the S1 series, brightness is a strength of the these newer Panasonic plasma models.
Calibration Notes: Overall, calibration to D6500K was very easy with this TV. Though there are no white balance adjustments available on the menu without entering the service menu, the 50S2 calibrated so close to D65 from the start that it would have improved the TV inappreciably. We started our calibration from the custom setting in the Warm 2 color temperature position. The S2 series TV does not contain the THX picture setting option. Follow the following settings to calibrate to a nearly perfect D65. These picture settings are best viewed in a controlled light environment fairly dark room:
Picture Mode: Custom
Color Temp: Warm2
Brightness: +74
Contrast: +75
Color: +45
Tint: -2
Sharpness: +15
Color Mgmt: OFF
x.v.Color: OFF
C.A.T.S.: OFF
Video NR: Weak
Block NR: Off
Misquito NR: Off
Black Level: Light
3:2 Pulldown: Off
HD Size: 2
Black Level/Contrast: Black levels were an area that the S1 series needed a makeover on. They got it with this S2 series. These are not going to be the best black levels we see this year and we dont anticipate them coming close to some of the Samsung plasma black levels. However, Panasonic has brought black levels back into welcomed focus. Final ANSI contrast measurement was 1261:1 which is a nice improvement over last year but far from what we want. One of the TVs greatest strengths lies in its white brightness which measured an average luminance of 31.50. This result nears LCD TVs in brightness and points to Panasonic's desire to compete with LCD TVs in this area.
Dark Shadow Detail: Partly due to the high brightness of this plasma dark shadow detail is excellent. Panasonic plasma TVs have long been a favorite of ours in this important area.
Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Color rendition is much more saturated with HD content. The TV excels with HD content and is much more subdued in presentation with lower signals. Colors can seem a little weak and hazy at times with lower end signals. I will give them the thumbs up on reality however.
Features: One of the key feature differences of the S2 series with the G20 series of plasma by Panasonic is the absense of The Viera Cast feature set, which enables online content via a web interface. As a result, there is also no Ethernet port. The included Viera Link feature allows the user to control other Viera link capable outboard equipment. Viera Image viewer is the Panasonic compatible technology which enables use of SD memory card viewing via the SD card slot.The S2 has discrete picture settings for each input as well as Panasonic's new "600 Hz" specification for blur reduction.
This TV is Energy Star compliant due to an energy saver feature option. Power consumption for the S2 has been reduced from the S1. This is one of the main feature differences aside from improved black levels. Panasonic started improving efficiency in their plasma TVs in 2007 and have improved it 400% with this S2 model. They are now close enough to LCDs in energy efficiency that is should not matter.
To see the overall ratings and full review of this TV head over to Plasma TV Buying Guide
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
I bought and evaluated this TV for about two weeks before taking it back and purchasing the new Sharp 52LE810UN edge-lit LED. I have since taken back the Sharp and will be picking up the TC-P58S2 tomorrow. Here are my thoughts:
Overall Picture Quality: Overall the S2 has superior picture quality to the Sharp Edge Lit. The LED's only advantage is the Film Mode/Motion Flow, which gives the picture a very smooth video like appearance. Some people don't like this as it doesn't represent the film in the manner the Director originally intended.
Black Levels: The S2 has great inky blacks. These black levels hold whether in a completely dark or brightly lit room. The LED edge-lit black levels were no where near as good. In a dark room the Sharp's screen looked white/cloudy, even with the backlight turned all the way down. A full LED set with local dimming would likely fair more favorably against the S2.
Constrast: The S2's contrast was far better than the Edge Lit LED. Again, in this area Plasmas still dominate.
Bright Room Performance: The S2's matte screen did an excellent job of handling bright rooms and it's backlight was plenty strong to handle even direct sunlight. The glossy screen of the Sharp was very, very reflective and seriously detracted from the viewing experience, despite it's very powerful backlight.
Viewing Angle: The S2's viewing angle is phenomenal. You can sit at any angle to this TV and still have a bright and vibrant picture. While the Sharp LED had good viewing angles, it can't keep up with the Plasma and began to get washed out at about 70 degrees.
Network Connectivity: The S2 does not have internet connectivity like the LE810. The LE810 has a host of internet widgets and features. This was not an issue for me though, as I utilize my PS3 for internet connectivity and BLU-Rays, meaning the Sharp was redundant for my purposes.
Connectivity: The S2 does not have a d-sub input. This could be an issue for some, but was not for me, as I have an HDMI output on my laptop.
Design: Thin Edge-lit LEDs have great visual appeal, but they sacrifice performance for looks. The S2 is comparable in design to mid-priced LCDs, though slightly heavier. The buttons on the S2 and its remote function well and are well laid out. The buttons on the Sharp are "supposed" to be touch sensitive, but require A LOT of pressure to activate. The Sharp's remote is stylistically and functionally similar to the S2. Again, this sacrifices looks for function. The Sharp's base is solid glass, whereas the S2's is plastic.
Sound: Surprisingly, the Sharp delivers great sound (for a flat panel) despite it's thin design. The Sharp pumped out more volume at 25% than the S2 did at 50%. The Panasonic has weak sound for large rooms. I'd recommend using a HTIB or Receiver/Speakers with the Panny. The S2 now sells for $899 on Amazon. This is a great value! The $1,200+ price of the 58 inch S2 is truly compelling. With the Sharp, for $1,799 your getting the newest LED technology with internet connectivity in a slim design.
Value: I purchased the S2 for $1099. The Sharp cost $1,799. The Panny outperformed the Sharp in almost every area and does so at over $900 less.
I highly recommend the Panasonic to anyone looking for picture quality first and design second.
Overall Picture Quality: Overall the S2 has superior picture quality to the Sharp Edge Lit. The LED's only advantage is the Film Mode/Motion Flow, which gives the picture a very smooth video like appearance. Some people don't like this as it doesn't represent the film in the manner the Director originally intended.
Black Levels: The S2 has great inky blacks. These black levels hold whether in a completely dark or brightly lit room. The LED edge-lit black levels were no where near as good. In a dark room the Sharp's screen looked white/cloudy, even with the backlight turned all the way down. A full LED set with local dimming would likely fair more favorably against the S2.
Constrast: The S2's contrast was far better than the Edge Lit LED. Again, in this area Plasmas still dominate.
Bright Room Performance: The S2's matte screen did an excellent job of handling bright rooms and it's backlight was plenty strong to handle even direct sunlight. The glossy screen of the Sharp was very, very reflective and seriously detracted from the viewing experience, despite it's very powerful backlight.
Viewing Angle: The S2's viewing angle is phenomenal. You can sit at any angle to this TV and still have a bright and vibrant picture. While the Sharp LED had good viewing angles, it can't keep up with the Plasma and began to get washed out at about 70 degrees.
Network Connectivity: The S2 does not have internet connectivity like the LE810. The LE810 has a host of internet widgets and features. This was not an issue for me though, as I utilize my PS3 for internet connectivity and BLU-Rays, meaning the Sharp was redundant for my purposes.
Connectivity: The S2 does not have a d-sub input. This could be an issue for some, but was not for me, as I have an HDMI output on my laptop.
Design: Thin Edge-lit LEDs have great visual appeal, but they sacrifice performance for looks. The S2 is comparable in design to mid-priced LCDs, though slightly heavier. The buttons on the S2 and its remote function well and are well laid out. The buttons on the Sharp are "supposed" to be touch sensitive, but require A LOT of pressure to activate. The Sharp's remote is stylistically and functionally similar to the S2. Again, this sacrifices looks for function. The Sharp's base is solid glass, whereas the S2's is plastic.
Sound: Surprisingly, the Sharp delivers great sound (for a flat panel) despite it's thin design. The Sharp pumped out more volume at 25% than the S2 did at 50%. The Panasonic has weak sound for large rooms. I'd recommend using a HTIB or Receiver/Speakers with the Panny. The S2 now sells for $899 on Amazon. This is a great value! The $1,200+ price of the 58 inch S2 is truly compelling. With the Sharp, for $1,799 your getting the newest LED technology with internet connectivity in a slim design.
Value: I purchased the S2 for $1099. The Sharp cost $1,799. The Panny outperformed the Sharp in almost every area and does so at over $900 less.
I highly recommend the Panasonic to anyone looking for picture quality first and design second.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By C. Freeman
Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been in the market for a new TV for a long while now, but finally my old 42" bit the dust and it was time for an upgrade. I did a fair amount of research in regards to both quality and price and this tv was hands down untouchable. Amazing picture, great black levels, and finally an option for HD picture that allowed my mac mini to be connected without overscan, the picture ratio is prefect. Amazing tv, looks great, great price and a great picture. I'm very satisfied so far. Speakers leave something to be desired, but with a TV this big you're going to want to hook up a 5.1 or 7.1 anyway.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Lasted less than years then PDP (plasma display panel) cracked
Installed in mid 2011, picture was very good.
However, PDP just cracked from the inside a few weeks ago.
Product was out of warranty (one year from DOP). Read more
However, PDP just cracked from the inside a few weeks ago.
Product was out of warranty (one year from DOP). Read more
Published 10 days ago by Roger Dias
1.0 out of 5 stars
Crap!!!
I bought this TV on January 1, 2011. I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews, and this one seemed like a no brainer, and it was fine, nothing earth shattering, but fine... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Matthew D. Krysinski
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome TV
I purchased this TV hoping I wouldn't be disappointed and it has fulfilled and really exceeded all expectations. The picture is absolutely fantastic. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mark L
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great picture, confusing menus
I ordered this from Amazon, and was extremely pleased with the price and the delivery. It was brought into my living room, unpacked, and tested. Read more
Published 19 months ago by D. Allin
1.0 out of 5 stars
Only lasted 7 months
This TV has a really nice picture. However after the first 7 months the left part of the screen went out. Panasonic replaced the TV with a new one. Read more
Published 22 months ago by TV fan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Buyer's Remorse, sorta
I was in love with this thing when I first got it on 7/7/10. That honeymoon lasted until a couple of weeks ago, right before the warranty expired. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Eric Prescott
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great TV
This is an excellent tv set and I am more than happy with the picture quality and all of its added features. The sound, while not great, is definitely serviceable. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Dave
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great TV
I would rank this a 5 but nothing is perfect. Great tv coming from a 27" tube tv. This tv is worthy of being a home-theater tv.
Published on May 12, 2011 by Blake
5.0 out of 5 stars
Plasma TV
I am very satisfied with this TV. I hope to get many years of service out of it with no problems.
Published on March 16, 2011 by TooZippy
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Better Bang for the Buck
I purchased the 50" plasma just before Thanksgiving last year (2010) and I have been very, very, pleased. Read more
Published on March 9, 2011 by G. Petersen
