Frequently Bought Together
Technical Details
Size: 50-Inch
- 600Hz Sub-field Drive
- Viera Image Viewer H.264 (Photo & Movie)
- Energy Star Qualified
- Easy IPTV DLNA
Product Details
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Product Description
Size: 50-Inch
Amazon.com Product Description
(March 2011)
Internet-Ready Devices (US Only)
Internet-ready devices use your broadband connection to deliver dynamic content to your television, whether it's streaming video from Netflix, new music from Pandora, or a quick glance at today's weather forecast.
Although there is overlap, each manufacturer offers a unique bundle of free or paid services, including streaming video and music, social networking apps, online photo galleries, news and financial updates, weather info, sports scores, and a variety of other smartphone-like applications.
Manufacturers continue to add new content to their offerings, keeping customers current through firmware updates, and making a bit of research a prudent step in your buying decision.
Learn more about Internet-ready devices and HDTVs, how they work, what services are offered by different manufacturers, and exactly what you'll need to get started at our Internet TV 101 customer center.
Note: Panasonic's EASY IPTV™ television applications are embedded and no new apps can be added. Currently available services in Canada are CinemaNow, SHOUTcast Internet Radio, and Facebook.
Make every night family night. VIERA X3 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for watching action-packed sports, shows, and movies with the family. The 600Hz Sub-field Drive offers crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes.
Panasonic Features
VIERA Image VIEWER
Equipped with an SD card slot, VIERA makes it easy to view full-HD photos and motion images that you shot yourself. Simply insert the SD memory card into the slot, and you're ready to view your photos and full-HD videos on the big screen. You can make your slide shows even more impressive by adding background music and attractive frames. With VIERA's big screen and superb image quality, family and friends will love sharing your memories.
VIERA Tools
The VIERA Tools user interface makes it easy to access and understand key functions. Simply press a function button, and an explanation appears on the screen. Keep the button pressed to activate the function immediately.
600 Hz Sub-field Drive
Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-Field Drive technology optimizes the input signal at the sub-field level to achieve a remarkable increase in motion-image rendering performance. The addition of Panasonic's new phosphor and redesigned panel structure further improve clarity in moving images.
Years of Beautiful Images--Long Panel Life (up to 100,000 Hours)
One important way consumers can protect the environment is by choosing high-quality products and taking care of them so they last for a long time. A high-quality VIERA HDTV can help. Thanks to a newly designed phosphor and panel, our 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.
DLNA / Wi-Fi Ready*
Connect a DLNA-compatible VIERA 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's Wi-Fi capability gives you even more layout flexibility.
*Optional wireless LAN adaptor required
Napster/Netflix/Pandora/Amazon Instant Video available in US only.
EASY IPTV™
Simply press the VIERA Tools button on the remote control to directly access a variety of Internet services. Enjoy online music and movies with ease.
Note: In Canada only Facebook, CinemaNow and SHOUTcast are available.
Mercury and Lead Free Plasma Panel
Panasonic is committed to making our products friendlier to the environment. In line with this commitment, all VIERA plasma display panels are free of both lead and mercury. This reduces impact on the environment years down the road when the TV is recycled or retired from use.
Key Specifications
| Connections
Dimensions
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Panasonic 2011 Plasma HDTV Comparison
| Series: | GT30 | ST30 | S30 | X3 |
| Models: | ||||
| Full HD 1080p |  | | | -- |
| HD 720p | -- | -- | -- | |
| 3D Ready | | | -- | -- |
| Motion Picture Resolution | 1080 Lines | 1080 Lines | 900 Lines | 720 Lines |
| THX Mode | | -- | -- | -- |
| VIERA Connect | | | -- | -- |
| EASY IPTV | -- | -- | | |
| DLNA | | | | |
| Wireless LAN | Ready | Ready | Ready | Ready |
| Ethernet | | | | |
| HDMI | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Component (Y/Pb/Pr) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Composite A/V | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Digital Audio Output | Optical | Optical | Optical | Optical |
| PC (DSub) | 1 | -- | -- | -- |
| USB 2.0 Port | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| MP3 Playback | | | | |
| JPEG Playback | | | | |
| MPEG Video Playback | | | | |
What's in the Box
Panasonic X3 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions, quick start guideProduct Description
Make every night family night. VIERA X3 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for watching action-packed sports, shows, and movies with the family. The 600Hz Sub-field Drive offers crisp, focused images during fast moving scenes. 50" Class VIERA® X3 Series Plasma (49.9" Diagonal)600Hz Sub-field DriveFast action stays crisp, every motion appears in vivid detailEasy IPTVEnjoy select Web entertainment on your VIERA HDTVVIERA Image Viewer H.264 (Photo & Movie)View your digital photos and videos on your VIERA HDTVDLNAEnjoy content from your PC and other home network devices on your VIERA HDTVMake every night family night. VIERA® X3 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for watching action-packed sports, shows, and movies with the family. The 600Hz Sub-field Drive offers crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes.600Hz Sub-field Drive*Crisp, clear moving pictures600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into dots. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.*When using cinema mode.Easy Viewing of Photos and VideosVIERA Image ViewerTMEquipped with an SD card slot, VIERA makes it easy to view full-HD photos and motion images that you shot yourself. Simply insert the SD memory card into the slot, and you're ready to view your photos and full-
Available Warranties or Services for This TV
Size: 50-Inch
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
202 of 209 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:42-Inch
Disclaimer: This is all personal opinion.
There was Beta vs VHS...
There is Mac vs Windows...
And there is Plasma vs LCD/LED...
Like Beta and Mac, Plasma is the higher quality technology. Like VHS and Windows, LCD/LED is the user-friendly norm. To each his/her own.
I prefer Plasma.
PROS:
Less pixelation, faster refresh rate, less action-blur, 30 yrs life at 8 hours a day viewing, "image burn-in" almost nonexistent in newer models (would require MAJOR user-negligence, and it's a temporary effect anyway), on the average the sound quality is better/resonance, a more durable screen surface (better for people with pets who throw toys around and children who might push at the screen---ask your local dealer to knock his knuckles against a plasma screen and an LCD one, he won't knock on the LCD screen!), and unlike Macs though..."plasmas" are also the better technology BUT at the cheaper price. Life usually isn't that kind! The better product for the better price:-) Take advantage of it!
NEUTRALS:
Some might see the "higher quality but cheaper price" is a precursor to a technology that is being phased out of service (like the Beta tapes, or even Toshiba's HD-DVDs that eventually lost to Sony's Blu-Ray). That's understandable! But keep in mind, to my knowledge there are no LCD tv's beyond 65" as the technology can't support it. Those "enormo-screens" like Jerry Jones' "Everything is Bigger in Texas" boob tubes are Plasmas! Plasmas aren't going away...
CONS:
Glare. Period. It IS an issue! The only issue. Personally, I think LCDs show their fair share of washed-out, hazy-glare at various angles anyway, but they still reign supreme in high light. Being a former glass-screen, tube-tv viewer...I don't find it any worse, but the "glare is there" so to speak. Can be "mirror-like" in the very worst cases. Blinds can solve the problem and setting the tv at a height of 4' or higher in room makes most sitting-angles, couches/tablechairs fine from window light. Still, it IS an issue.
"Plasma tvs run at a hot temperature and drain more energy." That's kind of out-dated. And the energy-draw is probably like $2 more a month. (Interesting sidenote...when choosing between the Panasonic and the Samsung, noticed the Samsung plasma screen felt rather warm whereas the Panasonic felt room temp.)
CLOSING STATEMENT: Panasonic is/has been Plasma-industry leader since day 1...they've always focused on plasmas unlike Samsung, LG etc (not saying they're bad). Despite selling HDTV's a few years ago at a major chain, I just got my first HDTV a few weeks ago! Couldn't afford one until now. Always kept my eye on the Panasonic plasmas though and the Panasonic TC-P42X3 was worth the wait. I sit (using the old walking-foot count) ~12' away from my tv in an apartment living room w/ 2 larger windows. I'll take the better picture with some "glare-issues" in the morning then the lower quality picture with "little glare" issues anyday!
ANY HDtv is better than the old CRTs (even though I loved them--"pixelation"?!? Who ever heard of "pixelation"?!!!), but I must confess this is a really good tv. I debated b/w a 1080p 32" LCD and a 42" 720p Pan plasma. Wanted great picture. Was afraid I was sitting too close to a 42" at 12'. Not so. An old worker-associate steered me back in the right direction that was my gut instinct to begin with...a 42" Panasonic Viera Plasma! Alvin at hhGregg, Dayton Ohio (sorry Amazon)! His commission was a pittance but his advice priceless.
Hope this review helped...
There was Beta vs VHS...
There is Mac vs Windows...
And there is Plasma vs LCD/LED...
Like Beta and Mac, Plasma is the higher quality technology. Like VHS and Windows, LCD/LED is the user-friendly norm. To each his/her own.
I prefer Plasma.
PROS:
Less pixelation, faster refresh rate, less action-blur, 30 yrs life at 8 hours a day viewing, "image burn-in" almost nonexistent in newer models (would require MAJOR user-negligence, and it's a temporary effect anyway), on the average the sound quality is better/resonance, a more durable screen surface (better for people with pets who throw toys around and children who might push at the screen---ask your local dealer to knock his knuckles against a plasma screen and an LCD one, he won't knock on the LCD screen!), and unlike Macs though..."plasmas" are also the better technology BUT at the cheaper price. Life usually isn't that kind! The better product for the better price:-) Take advantage of it!
NEUTRALS:
Some might see the "higher quality but cheaper price" is a precursor to a technology that is being phased out of service (like the Beta tapes, or even Toshiba's HD-DVDs that eventually lost to Sony's Blu-Ray). That's understandable! But keep in mind, to my knowledge there are no LCD tv's beyond 65" as the technology can't support it. Those "enormo-screens" like Jerry Jones' "Everything is Bigger in Texas" boob tubes are Plasmas! Plasmas aren't going away...
CONS:
Glare. Period. It IS an issue! The only issue. Personally, I think LCDs show their fair share of washed-out, hazy-glare at various angles anyway, but they still reign supreme in high light. Being a former glass-screen, tube-tv viewer...I don't find it any worse, but the "glare is there" so to speak. Can be "mirror-like" in the very worst cases. Blinds can solve the problem and setting the tv at a height of 4' or higher in room makes most sitting-angles, couches/tablechairs fine from window light. Still, it IS an issue.
"Plasma tvs run at a hot temperature and drain more energy." That's kind of out-dated. And the energy-draw is probably like $2 more a month. (Interesting sidenote...when choosing between the Panasonic and the Samsung, noticed the Samsung plasma screen felt rather warm whereas the Panasonic felt room temp.)
CLOSING STATEMENT: Panasonic is/has been Plasma-industry leader since day 1...they've always focused on plasmas unlike Samsung, LG etc (not saying they're bad). Despite selling HDTV's a few years ago at a major chain, I just got my first HDTV a few weeks ago! Couldn't afford one until now. Always kept my eye on the Panasonic plasmas though and the Panasonic TC-P42X3 was worth the wait. I sit (using the old walking-foot count) ~12' away from my tv in an apartment living room w/ 2 larger windows. I'll take the better picture with some "glare-issues" in the morning then the lower quality picture with "little glare" issues anyday!
ANY HDtv is better than the old CRTs (even though I loved them--"pixelation"?!? Who ever heard of "pixelation"?!!!), but I must confess this is a really good tv. I debated b/w a 1080p 32" LCD and a 42" 720p Pan plasma. Wanted great picture. Was afraid I was sitting too close to a 42" at 12'. Not so. An old worker-associate steered me back in the right direction that was my gut instinct to begin with...a 42" Panasonic Viera Plasma! Alvin at hhGregg, Dayton Ohio (sorry Amazon)! His commission was a pittance but his advice priceless.
Hope this review helped...
44 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:42-Inch|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just got a new X3 for a great price, and here's my experience.
As a TV the X3 is excellent. I have it connected to a roof antenna, and the reception is excellent. It has a very good picture on hd broadcasts, and good also on sd broadcasts. The sound is good for a TV. The remote is a good size and easy to use. I could wish for a dedicated sleep-timer button, I suppose, but it's still a well-designed remote. Given that the current price on the 42" X3 is comparable to a non-network TV, just for these virtues this set represents a great buy.
If you want a wifi connection, you'll need a usb network adapter and there are apparently only two choices--the panasonic model DY-WL10 (~$90) or the cheaper Netgear WNDA3100 v2. There is some confusion about the Netgear, since it has to be the v2 and the serial number has to start with 2D4 or 20A (actually, it's really hard to tell the difference between these two sequences when the print is that small--maybe they're actually the same). These are sometimes identified on the package as being compatible with panasonic TVs. There is no particular reason to think the panasonic adapter is better than the netgear. I got both accidentally: the panasonic adapter can be easier to find, but I also found a used netgear on amazon without much difficulty for ~$20.
But my experience trying to get a wifi connection has been frustrating, mainly because of a problem with my dsl modem/router. The setup procedure is simple and straightforward. But I had difficulties and worked through the procedure with a cs rep on the phone with no success. I am glad to report that the cs rep was patient and helpful, even though he couldn't solve my problem.
Subsequently it became clear that my old modem/router was causing the trouble. It used the older "G" wifi protocol, but it was also prone to dropping the internet connection. So I needed to replace it in any event. Anyway, I got the latest "N" protocol modem/router compatible with my ISP. As soon as I set it up, the tv recognised the router's wifi signal with either the netgear or the panasonic wireless usb adapter. The reception of streaming videos is flawless--excellent picture and sound quality.
Another option not quite as elegant as the tiny usb adapter is to configure a second wifi router to serve as a bridge. That would give you an ethernet connection you can place next to the TV, and as a bonus extend the range of your wifi throughout your house. There are lots of guides for how to do this online.
Anyway, the result of all of this is that I've changed my rating to 5 stars for a truly excellent tv. Second, I'm returning the panasonic wireless adapter. The netgear works perfectly for less than a quarter of the price.
I couldn't be happier with this tv now. But I would recommend making sure your router uses the "N" protocol. I'm not certain that this matters, but I haven't had any problems since I switched my router.
Updated 3/26/2011
As a TV the X3 is excellent. I have it connected to a roof antenna, and the reception is excellent. It has a very good picture on hd broadcasts, and good also on sd broadcasts. The sound is good for a TV. The remote is a good size and easy to use. I could wish for a dedicated sleep-timer button, I suppose, but it's still a well-designed remote. Given that the current price on the 42" X3 is comparable to a non-network TV, just for these virtues this set represents a great buy.
If you want a wifi connection, you'll need a usb network adapter and there are apparently only two choices--the panasonic model DY-WL10 (~$90) or the cheaper Netgear WNDA3100 v2. There is some confusion about the Netgear, since it has to be the v2 and the serial number has to start with 2D4 or 20A (actually, it's really hard to tell the difference between these two sequences when the print is that small--maybe they're actually the same). These are sometimes identified on the package as being compatible with panasonic TVs. There is no particular reason to think the panasonic adapter is better than the netgear. I got both accidentally: the panasonic adapter can be easier to find, but I also found a used netgear on amazon without much difficulty for ~$20.
But my experience trying to get a wifi connection has been frustrating, mainly because of a problem with my dsl modem/router. The setup procedure is simple and straightforward. But I had difficulties and worked through the procedure with a cs rep on the phone with no success. I am glad to report that the cs rep was patient and helpful, even though he couldn't solve my problem.
Subsequently it became clear that my old modem/router was causing the trouble. It used the older "G" wifi protocol, but it was also prone to dropping the internet connection. So I needed to replace it in any event. Anyway, I got the latest "N" protocol modem/router compatible with my ISP. As soon as I set it up, the tv recognised the router's wifi signal with either the netgear or the panasonic wireless usb adapter. The reception of streaming videos is flawless--excellent picture and sound quality.
Another option not quite as elegant as the tiny usb adapter is to configure a second wifi router to serve as a bridge. That would give you an ethernet connection you can place next to the TV, and as a bonus extend the range of your wifi throughout your house. There are lots of guides for how to do this online.
Anyway, the result of all of this is that I've changed my rating to 5 stars for a truly excellent tv. Second, I'm returning the panasonic wireless adapter. The netgear works perfectly for less than a quarter of the price.
I couldn't be happier with this tv now. But I would recommend making sure your router uses the "N" protocol. I'm not certain that this matters, but I haven't had any problems since I switched my router.
Updated 3/26/2011
47 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:50-Inch|Amazon Verified Purchase
I ordered this from Amazon for $694 and I got $10 off with a coupon I had plus the shipping was free and they brought it right up into my apartment so all I had to do was install it. The install is very simple just screw it into the stand, plug in all the wires and then there is an automated setup process so you just pick your options along the way.
The stand feels very secure, it's a big black platform about 2'x1.5' with steal rods that go up inside the TV and screw in, there are 3 screws in each rod that connect it to the platform and 2 in each that connect it to the TV. I was able to do all that by myself but just barely and I'm a pretty big guy so considering the size and weight of the TV it should be at least a 2 man job.
If you get the version with the built in Ethernet adapter you can connect to your Netflix, Pandora, Napster and a number of other sites to watch or listen to whatever you want.
Then of course the inputs, 2 HDMI, an SD Card reader, 1xRCA and 1xRCAHD, of course read the specs carefully because there are different versions of this same TV (i.e. one version with an Ethernet adapter and 1 without and there might be one that is also 3D ready but it might be more expensive then the one I'm reviewing)
The color and picture are beautiful, I play a lot of video games so picture quality was important to me, if you're a gamer this TV is for you. I play halo on Xbox 360 and one of my biggest issues was ghosting (when you look around too quickly and everything blurs) with this TV that issue is almost completely taken care of, there is still some blur but it's extremely mild.
As for the picture quality being 720p...well there a lot of people who will say a lot of stuff when it comes to the differences between 720p, 1080p, 720i and 1080i and I can only speak from experience but I do have a 23" computer monitor that is 1080p and I tried to play the same things on there that I did on the TV (and I have a very good computer with a high end graphics card) and yes I know it isn't a perfect test but it's the best I could do and from what I could tell there was very little difference. So in my opinion for the size, quality and price it's a very good deal.
The only real problem with it that I've noticed so far is that if you get too close things look...grainy almost like you can see black spots everywhere on it however if you are even 1ft away you can't see them at all and considering it's 50" I hope you're sitting at least 1ft away lol.
The stand feels very secure, it's a big black platform about 2'x1.5' with steal rods that go up inside the TV and screw in, there are 3 screws in each rod that connect it to the platform and 2 in each that connect it to the TV. I was able to do all that by myself but just barely and I'm a pretty big guy so considering the size and weight of the TV it should be at least a 2 man job.
If you get the version with the built in Ethernet adapter you can connect to your Netflix, Pandora, Napster and a number of other sites to watch or listen to whatever you want.
Then of course the inputs, 2 HDMI, an SD Card reader, 1xRCA and 1xRCAHD, of course read the specs carefully because there are different versions of this same TV (i.e. one version with an Ethernet adapter and 1 without and there might be one that is also 3D ready but it might be more expensive then the one I'm reviewing)
The color and picture are beautiful, I play a lot of video games so picture quality was important to me, if you're a gamer this TV is for you. I play halo on Xbox 360 and one of my biggest issues was ghosting (when you look around too quickly and everything blurs) with this TV that issue is almost completely taken care of, there is still some blur but it's extremely mild.
As for the picture quality being 720p...well there a lot of people who will say a lot of stuff when it comes to the differences between 720p, 1080p, 720i and 1080i and I can only speak from experience but I do have a 23" computer monitor that is 1080p and I tried to play the same things on there that I did on the TV (and I have a very good computer with a high end graphics card) and yes I know it isn't a perfect test but it's the best I could do and from what I could tell there was very little difference. So in my opinion for the size, quality and price it's a very good deal.
The only real problem with it that I've noticed so far is that if you get too close things look...grainy almost like you can see black spots everywhere on it however if you are even 1ft away you can't see them at all and considering it's 50" I hope you're sitting at least 1ft away lol.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent TV
Extremely clear image. It handles motion very well. The blacks are very black, but detail doesn't get lost. Read more
Published 24 days ago by Dennis Comeau
Pansonic Customer Service is terrible !
My TV would not even turn on after just 6 months. It was too late to return but still under warranty. Had to deal with Pansonic which was a nightmare. Read more
Published 29 days ago by rsw
I wish football season had never ended
This is a great HDTV. I was a little concerned that it was a 720p rather than a 1080p, but the 50 inch screen and the colors as well as the action (especially the football action)... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rebelsun
Great TV; great value
My wife and I have been looking to upgrade for a long time. When we saw this TV dip close to $400, we decided to bite - and have been very glad we did! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Getoutoftheboat
Great TV for the price!!!!
This was a great purchase and I'm very pleased with the television. The price was right and setup was hassle free with no problems. Great color & picture. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Pauline Barnett
Xbox 360 in 1080p?
Got the TV shipped to me last week from BHphotovideo for less than $600. Totally awesome deal as I wanted a 50 inch but didn't want to spend more than $600. Read more
Published 3 months ago by D. Johnston
Started so well...had to send back
I was v excited to find this on Amazon. It arrived in 4 days, delivery guys were great. I loved this telly. However, within 4 weeks, a pixel went. Read more
Published 3 months ago by mark
Great TV, but No Web Browser
We got the 42" 720p Plasma last week at Best Buy and it's great, and a luxurious upgrade from our 2004 clunky TV. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kate E.
Great TV for the price!!
I purchased this 50 inch TV from Amazon "Like New" for $558. The TV I received came in it's original unopened packaging. Read more
Published 3 months ago by 2KJ73
Excellent Product - Purchased Used
I purchased the 42" Panasonic Plasma used from "Amazon Warehouse Deals", and it arrived on the promised day (although I did have to call the delivery company to secure this after... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joe
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