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Panasonic VIERA TH-P50VT30S 3D Plasma TV

16 Jul 2011

Refitted with a new Infinite Black Pro 2 panel, Panasonic's VT30S leads the plasma charge with a 3D THX certified display and the web-flavored VIERA Connect platform. The VT30 also offers improved contrast levels and black depths on it NeoPlasma panel.

Tags: panasonic, viera, 3d tv, smart tv

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HWZ's Overall Rating: 9.0

Design:

8.5

3D Performance:

HD Performance:

SD Performance:

Features:

8.5

Value:

Excellent 3D Quality

Untainted Black Levels

Superb HD and SD Performance

Average Noise Filters

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			<h2 class="header-green">Panasonic VIERA TH-P50VT30S - Prince of Darkness</h2>
		<span class="byline">Reviewed by Andy Sim on Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012</span>
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		 		<h2 class="page-title">Introducing The VT30S</h2>
		 		<h3 class="page_title">Black On Black</h3>
<p>The Viera VT30S made its first appearance during last year's CES if you recall. Despite Panasonic's early announcement, the highly anticipated Full-HD 3D set did not find its way to our shores till the latter half of 2011. That said, there's still some confusion surrounding their recent plasma line-up which we hope to clarify. Panasonic has two main 3D series under their 2011 PDP range. The flagship VT30S will feature the new Infinite Black Pro 2 panel, a THX-certified 3D display, and ISF picture presets for full-scale professional calibration. The ST30S will feature the same panel type as the VT30, but will not carry any THX certification or ISF presets. Noticeably, Panasonic has another 3D-capable G-series which isn't available in Singapore unfortunately. Moving on, the U-series and X-series are essentially non-3D models under Panny's wing. The U30S is a Full-HD set, while the X30S is only an HD-Ready model with a native resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels. </p>
<p>We will be reviewing the top of the line VT30S model through its 50-inch panel in particular, though this model is also available in 42-inch and 65-inch fittings as well. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="rtecenter"><img width="500" height="315" src="/files/img/2012/01/main.jpg" title="Panasonic's VT30S appears to have it all. Besides 3D, this 50-inch PDP touts a revitalized NeoPlasma panel with brighter and faster phosphors, while electrical pre-discharge is minimized to enhance black gradation. This ought to translate to enhanced black levels, but we'll leave it to our tests to determine if this is true grit from Panasonic or pure marketing hoopla." alt="" /></p>
<p>So, what does the VT30S bring to the table? For starters, the new V, S, and U series will feature Panasonic's 14th-generation (G14) plasma panels. The VT20S was using a G13 installment. Formerly known as &quot;NeoPDP&quot;, the G14 panels have been given a new lease of life with a fresh &quot;NeoPlasma&quot; moniker for 2011's releases. If you care not for the technical specifics, what NeoPlasma simply denotes is a more responsive plasma screen with faster switching phosphors. There are no changes to last year's sub-field drive rate of 600Hz though. Another prominent upgrade with the VT30S is Panasonic's newly earned THX accreditation for its 2D and 3D modes. The earlier VT20S was similarly certified but only for its 2D selection. </p>
<p>In a nutshell, THX presets are tuned by THX engineers to recreate color-accurate images with smoother motion processing and optimized video scaling. Think of it as snagging a &quot;cinematic experience&quot; with reduced artifacts within the confines of your own living room. THX presets are also a good way to achieve a neutral picture quality if you are unable to calibrate the set. That said, it's time to meet the 50-inch VT30S in the flesh.</p>			</div>
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	<span class="label" style="">Tags:</span> <a href="/product-guide/all/reviews/tagged/148-panasonic">panasonic</a>, <a href="/product-guide/all/reviews/tagged/427-viera">viera</a>, <a href="/product-guide/all/reviews/tagged/1935-smart-tv">smart tv</a>, <a href="/product-guide/all/reviews/tagged/4876-plasma-tv">plasma tv</a>, <a href="/product-guide/all/reviews/tagged/8185-vt-series">vt-series</a></div>
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Panasonic VIERA TH-P50VT30S 3D Plasma TV

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