Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P50U1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 48 x 30.3 inches ; 70.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 91 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B001Q376DY
• Item model number: TC-P50U1
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #55,467 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 14, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer's Description (April 23, 2009)
Panasonic's new U1 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for sports and movies, with crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes. With 1080p Full-HD resolution, a multitude of connectivity options, and the convenience of Panasonic's VIERA Link and Image Viewer, the 50-inch TC-P50U1 is a perfect plasma for those looking to break into the benefits of HDTV in style.

Panasonic's new U1 Series Plasma HDTVs are ideal for sports and movies, with crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes. Click to enlarge or view inputs.

The VIERA Difference
Panasonic VIERA TVs combine high picture quality, smart networking, environmental friendliness, and stylish design. The U1 series features:

• 1080p Full-HD Resolution
• Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1 Native; Infinite Black Panel
• Over 900 Lines of Moving Picture Resolution
• 600Hz Sub-field Drive
• VIERA Image Viewer
• VIERA Link
• 3 HDMI Inputs
• 100,000 Hour Panel Life

Stunning Picture Quality
Time spent with family and friends can be even more exciting when you gather around the 50-inch TC-P50U1. 1080p resolution combines with a 480 Hz processor to bring you exceptional clarity and smooth, fluid motion--even during high-speed action. VIERA HDTVs offer incredible black reproduction, with a rated dynamic contrast ratio of up to 2,000,000:1, so you'll get warm, accurate skin tones, gorgeous greens, breathtaking blues and vivid reds. And now, all of your friends and family can get in on the action thanks to an extra-wide viewing angle that provides an excellent view from almost anywhere in the room.

The advanced AR filter keeps images sharp, with minimal glare.

View breathtaking images with rich, vivid colors from anywhere in the room.

600Hz Sub-field Drive gives you even greater clarity with motion images.

Wide Color Viewing Angle
View breathtaking images with rich, vivid colors from anywhere in the room. Because plasma TVs are self-illuminating, images look beautiful from any angle. Black areas do not fade, and colors look virtually the same no matter where you sit.

600Hz Sub-field Drive
600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.

Over 2,000,000:1 High Contrast (Native 30,000:1)
New VIERA models incorporate an improved panel production process and the new Real Black Drive system. A pre-discharge control system, the Real Black Drive system achieves next-generation black reproduction. When you're watching movies, VIERA renders images just the way the director intended, even in scenes where it's difficult to achieve a proper balance of light and dark.

AR Filter
This advanced filter keeps images sharp, with minimal glare. While dramatically reducing reflections from external light, it helps to produce clear images. This filter creates pure, crisp images in a wide range of colors.

VIERA Image Viewer
VIERA Image Viewer makes it easy to watch full-HD images by using the SD card slot. It lets you enjoy high-resolution, full-HD photos and videos with superb image quality and vivid colors on VIERA's large screen. Simply insert an SD card into the SD card slot to show your photos and full-HD videos on the large screen!

• Shoot still and motion images with a digital camera or HD camcorder.
• Insert the SD card into VIERA's card slot
• View photos and motion images in full-HD quality on VIERA's large screen.

With VIERA Image Viewer, simply insert an SD card into VIERA to display photos and full-HD videos on the large screen.

Network Your AV Devices, Quickly and Easily
With VIERA Link, you can control your compatible Panasonic DVD recorder, Blu-ray Disc player, home theater sound system and HD camcorder, all with a single remote and helpful on-screen menus. VIERA Link is a function that lets you easily operate various AV devices that are interconnected with your VIERA TV, using only the VIERA remote control. You can choose the connection method--either an HDMI cable or a LAN cable--to match your devices and applications. You don't have to keep switching remotes to operate each device, so there's no more hassle and operation is easier than ever. Networking your devices with VIERA Link adds both convenience and fun to AV entertainment.

Exceptional Service
With its lead-free construction, TUF DISPLAY screen, and long lifespan, a VIERA HDTV is a safe, eco-friendly, durable and lasting investment in high definition entertainment. Of course, should your VIERA TV ever need service of any kind, you are entitled to the VIERA Concierge program--a free service made available to all VIERA owners to bring peace-of-mind to your purchase. Benefits of this extensive service program include: use of an exclusive toll-free expert hot line, live chat with a VIERA HDTV expert, priority service scheduling, and a personalized VIERA Concierge benefits card.

What's in the Box
Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P50U1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Remote control, Remote batteries, AC cord, Pedestal with installation hardware, Cleaning cloth, Operating instructions, Quick setup guide

Product Description

50" Plasma, 1080p, 3 HDMI, Native contrast ratio 30,000:1, Infinite Black Dynamic contrast, 600 Hz Subfield Drive

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great TV, February 10, 2010

By	C-Has (Amelia, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P50U1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

Have owned this Model in the 54" variety for about one month now. The high gloss frame looks sharp. Despite some forgetful kids leaving DVD's on pause, I've noticed ZERO Image Retention issue, as Plasma's are known for. In case you do have any Image Retention, the TV has a nice feature that is designed to eliminate or reduce the effects with a scrolling pattern of alternating black/white bars running across the screen. Another issue Plasma's are known for is reflection due to the shiny glass screen. There is an Anti-Reflection coating of some kind on this TV that is evident, as reflective images don't show up clear, but rather hazed. That being said, there are few issues I've noticed with reflection or background light.

Setup was easy, plenty of inputs for A/V Components. I've paired this unit with Dish Network HD service and it provides a beautiful HD pic. Sports and high action are without a doubt superior to LCD's I've compared (both in the store and on my own Panasonic Viera X1 LCD).

I will agree that the sound from the speakers on the unit is lacking, however, anyone that buys this or any other flat panel should be cognizant of the fact that you will not receive the best sound from the internal speakers. The manufacturers are packing quite a bit into a little space. Odds are if you're buying this or a similar unit, you're matching it with a Home Entertainment System or Home Theater Receiver and surround speakers, as I've done which should eliminate "Sound shortcomings."

Through some minor haggling, I was also able to pick up a Panasonic Blu-Ray player for free from the retailer I used. Without a doubt, a wonderful move! What a SUPERB PICTURE!

I would definitely recommend this TV to anyone in the market for a Great Picture, without a lot of fluff and/or frills! Keep in mind; if you're looking for widgets, you can buy a Blu-Ray (with widgets) cheaper than buying a TV like this with widgets added on!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gets the job done for less $$$, May 2, 2010

By	SmokeStack "KC burnt end ribber" (North Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P50U1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

I actually bought the 42" version of this TV and have had it only a few days so my initial impressions are in the inexperienced realm but, worthy of considertion if you're thinking about buying this brand and type of TV. I went back and forth for days leading into weeks as to what TV out there offered the best value, starting with LCD vs Plasma? I already have two LCD smaller screen sets in my house along with a 6 year old Mitsubishi "Big Dog" rear projection 65" beast that serves as my primary unit in the family room.

I wanted to add a plasma set to the stable but was a little shy because of the stories I'd heard in the past about them burning in images onto the screen if kept in pause for extended periods of time. Research on this topic uncovered some comforting data about that problem having been addressed by the industry and resolved. I'll save you the technical jargon on the particulars and just say I was satisfied with the cure which was also confirmed by the knowledgable store salesman. It was he who helped allay my concerns on that issue because of his personal ownership of the same TV and not having any problems. Now, I know, these salespeople probably own every TV in the store depending on who they're dealing with but that's the cynical side of me coming out. Suffice to say, he seemed sincere and believable so, I'll leave it at that.

I took the TV home in a box and set it up myself which wasn't too daunting a task. I'm not mechanically gifted in the least but even I had little problems in attaching the base to the unit. Hooking it up to my Directv hardware was similarly an easy task, made more so by virtue that the Panasonic was replacing my old LCD 32" TV (which I subsequently moved to another room in the house) so it was only a matter of plugging in the HDMI and power cords. When the Panasonic first powered up, I was disappointed by the picture which was okay but looked washed out and had this hazy appearance.

Compared to the sharp image out of the box from the LCD units, I had this sinking feeling that an error in judgment had been made. Then, I began to adjust the settings: Color, tint, sharpness, brightness etc, experimenting to see if I could bolden up the picture. It helped a little. What brought it home was my discovery of the various modes of picture wanted, ranging from standard (the default) to 'Cinematic' and several others toggled through before settling on the 'Vivid' selection. Wow! Now the picture, complete with sharp images jumped off the screen! It's even a little superior to the LCD pictures so now I'm happy.

I've yet to try out the built in SDcard slot for viewing digital camera/video pictures but it was that feature that separated the Panosonic from the others up for consideration. Technology advancing as it always does, makes me feel good about spending the extra bucks for a 1080p resolution TV as opposed to the cheaper 720p units, already being rewarded with BluRay capability with the 1080p status. Buying a new TV is similar to getting a new computer: Do you spend extra for cutting edge current technology to see you safely into the next few years or spend less for aging technology that could be handicapped over the same period of time? I opted for the former and glad of it.

I'll be back to update my experience with this Panosonic TV after I've had it for about a year. In the meantime, I give it a solid thumbs UP rating as it so far has met or exceeded my expectations for being the most TV for the least dollars.

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great bang for the buck!, November 30, 2009

By	J. Cordero - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P50U1 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

This is a beautiful piece of equipment. It matched and surpassed our family's viewing needs. The image is crisp and clear. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the glossy screen. 50" of glossy screen is very reflective. You really need a darkened room to enjoy the set and then it blows you away. Audio quality is improved through a DVD player's features because the TV's audio features are scant. There are plenty of inputs to connect all your peripherals. I just bought it, let's see how it is a year from now when the warranty runs out.