Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST50 50-Inch 1080p 600Hz Full HD 3D Plasma TV

by Panasonic

• Full HD 3D
• Infinite Black Pro Panel
• VIERA Connect Wi-Fi Built-In (with Web Browser)
• 3D Real Sound
• TV without stand (Width x Height x Depth): 46.5-Inch x 28-Inch x 1.8-Inch, TV with stand (Width x Height x Depth): 46.5-Inch x 29.8-Inch x 13.2-Inch

Product Details

Data Sheet [PDF]

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Panasonic VIERA: Engineered for Performance [PDF]

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Accessory Compatibility Chart Manual [PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 46.5 x 1.8 x 28 inches ; 48.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 71 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00752VKW8
• Item model number: TC-P50ST50
• Batteries 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (700 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,227 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #2 in Electronics > Televisions & Video > Televisions > Plasma TVs
  • #9 in Electronics > Outlet
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 24, 2012

Product Description

Size: 50-Inch

What the press is saying: "The affordable Panasonic TC-PST50 series exhibited outstanding overall picture quality, characterized by exceedingly deep black levels with great shadow detail, accurate colors, and solid bright-room performance. Unlike LCDs, as a plasma it has superb off-angle and uniformity characteristics. The styling is attractive and the feature set well-chosen, including excellent onscreen help options"...."The bottom line: With flagship-level picture quality for a midlevel price, the Panasonic ST50 series sets the value standard among videophile-grade TVs." ~CNET.com, (March 28, 2012) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ST50 series features 1080p Full HD resolution, an Infinite Black Pro Panel, and VIERA Connect with web browser and built-in Wi-Fi. Other unique features include 2D to 3D conversion and 2500 focused field drive. VIERA Connect IPTV - More Fun Comes Via a Cloud Service VIERA Connect is a cloud service that provides access to apps in categories like video and music, social networking, games, news and lifestyle, sports, health and fitness. Learn more about the world of Smart VIERA and VIERA Connect here. Enhance your TV Experience with Popular Apps Popular apps on VIERA Connect include Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Facebook, Twitter, Wall Street Journal, and huluplus, all optimized for the best possible user experience. In the 2012 TVs, you can have an unlimited number of apps installed because those apps are stored in the cloud, rather than in the TV memory itself. Learn more about "smart" TVs, how they work, what services are offered by different manufacturers, and exactly what you'll need to get started at Amazon's Smart TV Center. Clicker - Video on Demand Cross Searching Find your favorite movies and video content easily with one-step searching, which allows you to cross search from multiple VOD services. For ease-of-use, use the quick keyword input on VIERA Connect to help retrieve your desired content faster and easier. Customize your screen by grouping commonly used apps and displaying them on the screen for easier use. VIERA Remote App Support The VIERA remote app lets you use a smartphone or tablet device as a remote control. Tap and flick-based commands are intuitive. Use your smartphone as a gamepad for VIERA Connect game applications or your tablet as a touch pad to control what you do on the TV screen. Display the same web pages on both your VIERA screen and your smartphone with a simple flick. Simply "swipe" and share your favorite photos, music, and movies from your smartphone to your VIERA TV anytime.               Communicate with Family and Friends The social networking TV app allows you to access social network sites and communicate with your loved ones while simultaneously watching TV. Watch live sports games while upping the excitement by chatting with your friends as the game unfolds. You can also record an original message and set it as your answering voice message. Callers can record messages onto an SD Memory Card (min. 512MB required), while you are away. *Skype camera not included with TV purchase Share Content on the Large Screen with 2D-3D Conversion Unique Panasonic technology converts 2D images into high-quality 3D images. The technology generates a detailed depth effect for each type of image so the 3D effect is natural and realistic. Enjoy Blu-ray movies, DVDs and TV broadcasts in 3D. The Super Resolution function allows images that were converted to be displayed in sharp, clear 3D images. Learn more about Panasonic's true-to-life Full HD 3D technology here. Learn more about 3D, how it works, and exactly what you'll need to enjoy 3D at home at our 3D Center. The Perfect Smart TV Experience: A Suite of Technologies Fast-Switching Phosphor The use of fast switching phosphors has significantly reduced afterglow duration and reproduced clear 3D and 2D images. Fast switching phosphors are used in all full HD models. 3D 24p Cinema Smoother VIERA gives you naturally flowing 24p images with the look and tonal characteristics of film, and familiar TV-like quality. Panasonic's advanced source analysis and frame generation deliver smooth, natural, and lifelike images. DLNA/Built-in Wi-Fi Connect this DLNA-compatible VIERA HDTV and DLNA-compatible AV equipment to your home network, and you can watch movies, listen to music, and view photos from any room in the house. VIERA HDTV's Wi-Fi capability gives you even more layout flexibility. The ST50 series has built-in Wi-Fi so a wireless LAN adaptor is not required. 600 Hz Sub-field Drive and 2500 Focused Field Drive The ST50 features 600Hz technology which allows for superb full-HD motion and still images. Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology which allows for greater clarity with motion images. Each frame is displayed for a shorter length of time to reduce aftereffects. The ST50 also employs Neo Plasma Black 2500 FDD (Focused Field Drive) to provide a crisp image even when the content shows very fast motion. Operate Multiple Systems with Just One Remote Control through VIERA Link VIERA Link The ST50 features VIERA Link, a technology that allows a consumer to operate all VIERA Link compatible AV components using only the TV’S remote control. Just point the VIERA remote at your TV, and the signal will travel over the HDMI wires to the right piece of equipment, whether it be your Panasonic Blu-ray or DVD player or Panasonic Home Cinema Surround System. Deep, Rich Blacks with the Infinite Black Pro Panel The ST50 series feature self-illuminating panels with ultimate black levels. Enhancements to the panel and cells help reproduce images with smooth, natural gradation and deep, rich blacks - even when viewed in bright surroundings. In movies, the true, deep blacks faithfully convey the intent of the filmmakers, adding power and realism to the viewing experience. Environmentally Friendly Panasonic’s commitment to sustainability and producing products that are ecologically sound is evidenced in the 100,000 hour life span of the Plasma Display panel and the lack of lead or mercury in the panels. Thanks to a newly designed phosphor process and rear panel process, Panasonic's plasma panels last for up to 100,000 hours before the brightness decreases by half. That's more than 30 years of viewing 8 hours a day. Plus with Eco Mode, Panasonic TV's turn off and adjust brightness depending on the VIERA's operating status. Settings can be configured by selecting Eco mode from VIERA Tools. The Power Save setting also adjusts screen brightness to reduce power consumption.

2012 Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTV Comparison Chart

Series	VT50	GT50	ST50	UT50	XT50	U50
Models:	55", 65"	50", 55", 60", 65"	50", 55", 60", 65"	42", 50", 55", 60"	50"	50"
High Definition Resolution	1080p Full HD 3D	1080p Full HD 3D	1080p Full HD 3D	1080p Full HD 3D	720p HD 3D	1080p Full HD
Mercury and Lead Free Panel
Long Panel Life
VIERA Link
Game Mode
Media Player (SD, USB, DLAN via LAN)
SD Card Slot
HDMI/USB Port	4/3	4/3	3/2	2/2	2/2	2/1
2D-3D Conversion	w/Face Detection	w/ Face Detection
Wi-Fi Capability	Built-in Wi-Fi	Built-in Wi-Fi	Built-in Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Ready	Wi-Fi Ready
DLNA (via LAN)
Smartphone Remote Function*
Fast Switching Phosphors
VIERA Connect
2500 Focused Field Drive
Skype Communication
Social Networking TV
E-Help
Infinite Black Panel w/ Louver Filter	Ultra	Pro	Pro
Pro Settings
3D Real Sound
24, 576 Shades of Gradation
THX3D Certified
VIERA Touch Pad Controller
96Hz Playback of 24p
ISFccc
Online Movies

INPUT AND OUTPUT
Input/Output connections:3 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side,2 x (4 pin USB Type A),1 x Composite video / component video input (RCA phono x 3),1 x (RCA phono x 2),1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm),1 x Network (RJ-45),1 x Digital audio output (optical)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

364 of 367 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique Perspective June 29, 2012

By Gregorian

Size Name:55-Inch

I don't want to rehash everything the other reviewers have noted, so I'll try to keep my points fresh and quick.

MAIN POINTS:

1. You really need to adjust the picture settings on this TV (duh). Doing so will result in exquisite picture quality. I had heard that this TV gives "flagship quality at a mid-range price" and I am here to confirm that; Game of Thrones on Blu-Ray looks absolutely incredible. (Skip to the end of this review for my picture settings)

2. Virtually no input lag for Xbox games (crucial for FPS).

3. IR (image retention) has not been an issue whatsoever, even after playing Xbox games with a static HUD for a few hours at a time.

4. I am disappointed with the sound quality, mainly because other reviewers said it was better than most other TV's in this price range. While this may be true, in the end I consider it to be barely useable. However, when spending well over 1K on a TV you should probably invest in some sort of sound system also.

5. Buzzing has been nonexistent thus far, will update if I notice it.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Stand does not swivel.

2. Very slick styling; looks great in person.

3. Remote looks like it was made for a 1998 geriatric technology convention. (who cares about the remote, dude?)

4. There is no questioning the excellence of Amazon's customer service, but the "scheduled delivery" is worthless. Mine was scheduled from 9am-12pm. When it finally arrived at 5pm (lol) the driver said, "Nothing runs on time with freight." So be prepared to block out a whole day to receive this item (keep in mind this was my experience, not sure how common this is?). Amazon did give me $60 store credit for my troubles.

5.... I have not had any problems with the ABL (automatic brightness limiting), but I do not watch hockey so if that is your thing then you might want to do more research.

6. I am not evaluating the wifi capabilities or apps because I connect to wifi through my Xbox and stream everything through it.

PICTURE SETTINGS:

-Background (for semi-noobs like myself): it seems many people use D-nice's picture settings (he is a calibrator that posts on the hi tech junkies forum). He recommends downloading some picture prep slides that he posted and running them for 100 hours to evenly age the phosphors on this TV. I didn't do this, mostly because I'm lazy. Other people use David Katzmaier's settings (he is a calibrator and reviewer for cnet). Ultimately I decided to place my settings exactly between these two "expert's" opinions because neither hit it dead on for me. Keep in mind these are dark room settings and that my TV hasn't been "properly aged." Frankly I don't care because these settings look perfect to me, but I may need to readjust in a few months if some "aging" occurs.

-Picture:
Picture Mode: Custom
Contrast: 80
Brightness: 58
Color: 46
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 0 (yes, turn this all the way down from 50)
Color Temp: Warm2
Photo Enhancement: Off
C.A.T.S: Off
Video NR: Off

-Pro Settings:
Colorspace: Normal
W/B High R: +5
W/B High G: 0
W/B High B: +2
W/B Low R: +8
W/B Low G: 0
W/B Low B: +1
Black Extension: 0
Gamma Adjustment: 2.4 (I dropped this from 2.6 because my personal preference is slightly brighter)
Panel Brightness: Mid
Contour Emphasis: Off
AGC: 0

-Aspect adjustments submenu
Screen format: Full
HD size: Size 2
H size: [grayed out]
Zoom adjustments: [grayed out]

-HDMI Settings
Leave all settings in this menu at their default

-Advanced picture submenu
3D Y/C filter: Off [grayed out]
Color matrix: HD [grayed out]
Block NR: Off [grayed out]
Mosquito NR: Off
Motion smoother: Off
Black level: Light
3:2 pulldown: On
24p Direct in: 60Hz

Hope this helps!! Read more ›

492 of 502 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great TV, Great Value, Few of the Issues You Are Worrying About June 25, 2012

By Drew Miller

Size Name:60-Inch

Bottom line: Beautiful picture (black is really black!), nice internet functionality, and little impact from the issues that have been noted here and elsewhere.

Prior to making this purchase I did many hours of online reading that consisted of: CNET, AV/high def message boards and reviews, and Amazon reviews and comments. I asked myself the same questions most TV purchasers ask themselves: plasma vs. LED/LCD, Samsung vs. Panasonic, etc. I purchased the 60ST50 from Amazon and it was delivered in the middle of June 2012. By way of background, I own three other LCD's (one of them an LED/LCD) and this was my first foray into plasma. I felt like plasma was a low risk choice for this TV as it is going in a basement with no windows.

The general consensus online is that the ST50 is the best value available for an excellent picture. Always wanting to get the biggest bang for my buck, this consensus opinion was the number one factor in my decision.

As I said, I read a lot of reviews and, despite the consensus above, had a number of reservations because of issues that others encountered with the ST50. Here is a summary of my concerns and my findings. I should note that I ran the screen prep slides that you can find out there on the message boards and then played around with two different suggested calibration settings. I have no idea whether the screen prep slides are necessary and can't say whether they prepared my screen for calibration. What HAS been proven is that I am a serious nerd.

Screen buzzing: Some reviews have noted screen buzz. I was very concerned out of the gate as the screen prep slides have a white slide. When this slide was shown and all of the phosphors were glowing at 100%, there was a clear buzz emanating from the TV.... You could hear it from everywhere in the small room where I was prepping the TV (what a nerd!). The good news is that the buzzing actually reduced over the time that I ran the slides. In a larger room watching actual TV content, it is not audible from in front of the panel even when the content is quiet. If you stick your head behind it, you can still hear a low buzz. My recommendation: do not buy this television if you plan to watch it from behind. Otherwise, if you will be watching it conventionally you should be relieved to hear that I have no issues with buzzing after the break-in period.

Viewing in a bright room: As noted, this television is for my basement but I had a chance to view it in a fairly bright room and with ceiling lights above. Generally, no issues. The filter works fairly well. I could see issues if you had a room with lots of bright sunlight where the windows could reflect off the panel. If that's your situation, you're probably considering LED/LCD anyway. Only you can decide what's right for your individual circumstances.

Image retention: Another early scare: my Directv rebooted and the directv logo was onscreen for 15 minutes or so. When it was finished the image was retained as a shadow for 30 seconds or so and then it went away. Gave me a quick scare but wasn't anything to be concerned about. I have had the menus open for decent amounts of time. I have watched channels with logos. I have watched several movies with black bars on the top and bottom. No further issues.

Hockey: The one entertaining guy in the Amazon reviews that had hockey issues might have scared me. But I don't watch hockey. I have, though, watched baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, track and field, etc. They all look great. No issues.

Some reviews have noted that the picture is too dark relative to an LED/LCD, has no pop, and looks washed out. I will tell you that the picture is different from an LED/LCD. This television has very lifelike pictures and colors. It's a very refreshing change. The best part of this television are the blacks which are really black. My wife, who usually doesn't notice such things, said, "Wow! The picture is so bright." (Hint for those that don't find it bright enough after calibration - adjust the gamma setting for instant brightness).

I really like this television and am happy with my purchase. If that changes over time, I will update this review. Read more ›

202 of 215 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Panasonic plasma is the way to go March 9, 2012

By TechGuru

Size Name:55-Inch

Received this p55st50 tv on 3/6 from Amazon. Must be amongst the first few owners, ordered without looking at one in store as not available to date. Amazed by the picture quality, black levels and popped up colors.
I have owned a 42" panasonic plasma for last 7 years and has always found it superior in natural color reproduction and movie picture quality when compared to LCDs.
It was a time to upgrade. I did look at some LCDs but never found them any close to plasma in natural color tones and movie picture quality. I think Panasonic offers the best quality plasma amongst very few plasma manufacturers left in market. So picked p55st50 which is at competitive price, superior than last years best rated vt30 and offers most features from higher line ups for 2012.
Here are few major features stood out to me. Will add/edit later..
- Amazing picture and color quality. Noticeable improved motion smoothness, vibrant colors
- profile is prettey slim. Around 1.5" thik. Thickness is uniform from top to bottom exept the edges on all four sides are thinner. The bezel is better(thinner) than last years st30 model. There is a clear plastic extention around the bezel which is not enhancing the the look and I guess is added to provide protection against any damage to the edges. There are no buttons on front of the pannel only the remote sensor the power light and I guess a ambient light sensor. The power, volume, channel and menu buttons are on the right side back of the pannel which easy to access when needed. The black bezel is almost non-reflective and offers no viewing distraction as I have noticed in some other brands. The new antireflective screen appers to be working well.... The screen itself displays very less reflection even while watching in birght room with big multiple windows
- 3 hdmi(1 with arc), 2 usb inputs on left back side which I guess are more than sufficient as most wouldn't hook up more than 3 hdmi sources and those who do and invest in this expensive tv would also have a reciever with multiple hdmi inputs.
- Out of the box the colors were displaying some tint/non-natural tones but after changing/adjusting settings they are looking great. I might have noticed this as I am used to watch a 7 year old plasma. Now actually I started liking the popped up colors and they are definitely look attractive when compared to LCD displays. Black levels and details in dark are amazing. Haven't seen as deep black levels in any other tv yet. I preferred cenema mode for bluerays and custom for HD cable. SD videos showed some pixalation but that is expected on a 55 inch large display. Some lower resolution DVD and SD videos are not as sharp as on my old 42" 480p panny again the magnification factor of 55" display is to blame. But most dvd video with good resolution were displaying perfectly without any pixalation. I was blowen away by the picture sharpness for blueray and hd cable channels.
- Did not notice any of the issues like fluctuating brightness, fbr discussed for 2011 panny tvs in various forums
- Very easy and simple set up
- Installation was quick (except - two people needed to lift and slide the panel into stand. Understandable considering the 55" size). Set up was very simple and intuitive. Connected via 5GHz wireless. There is option of connecting via ethernet but so far I am not noticing any bandwidth issues on wireless.
- The viera connect and internet features are great. DLNA support is amazing. Could connect to ps3 media server application on my pc and stream some dvd movies with dolby 5.1 sound. Browser wasn't installed out of the box, but could install it from viera market. There is android and ios app to control the tv as well as browser from smart phone.
- Netflix HD movies looked great. Was no way to determine the resolution but picture was clearly hi defination, better than dvd format, no buffering/stuttering.
- There are plentey of movie streaming apps including amazon, vudu and others some subcriptin based some free.
- Other than movie streaming and browsers no other viera applications I guess are much useful. There are weather, news, fitness, game applications out there but I think smartphone/tablet is better device to access them.
- The new advertised 8 train speakers with 3d sound - I checked out the tv sound , was crystal clear, with some sourround effect but not something which will replace your 5.1 sorround system. I have Onkyo 7.1 system and the sound was no match to Onkyo. Quickly switched back to Onkyo. Plugged ps3 and cablebox to reciever via hdmi and used optical out from tv to connect to reciever for audio from streaming, audio/video applications, sd/usb streaming. The optical out from tv is passing dolby digital signals but as from online forums the optical connection can pass only two channels. Good for most but if you want all the channels when available you will need hdmi cable with audio return channel and a supporting reciever.
- The browser and the touch pad on android phone to control browser doesn't looked like fully baked in. The cursor is very difficult to move/control. Moves very slowly. The browser also wasn't easy to navigate around. Hopefully Panasonic comes up with updates to browser and phone application to address these areas. The android remote application is fully functional and very handy except the cursor control. Could project photos from my phone onto tv.
I wasn't able to control the cabel box and ps3 connected via hdmi using the viera link. I guess only panasonic products are supported. Would be great to get support for other devices to cut down on number of remotes.
No new compatible Bluetooth 3d glasses available yet. I tried 3d in store on last years gt30 and it was looking awsom. Expect 50 series perform better in 3d display.

So overall Read more ›