Panasonic TH-50PF9UK Review

What the reviewers like:
When it comes to image quality, reviews indicate that the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PF9UK professional plasma display has few rivals. They also say that black levels are among the best of any plasma display and that color performance is excellent as well.

What the reviewers don't like:
While the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK plasma monitor provides one of the finest images available from any plasma display, reviewers question whether the 1080p resolution is worth the premium price over 720p displays. Like all monitors, the Panasonic professional monitor lacks its own tuners, so you’ll need to rely on an external cable or satellite TV box for that, and you won't be able to get over-the-air TV with just an antenna. Speakers and a stand or wall mount are not included. Connectivity is limited, and an HDMI input is an extra-cost option.

Panasonic TH-50PF9UK review highlights

The 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PF9UK is one of two current 1080p (currently the highest available resolution) plasma monitors available. Panasonic professional monitors, including this 50-inch model, are consistently complimented as having the deepest black levels. Color performance is also very good. But because it is a professional monitor, the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK has few features and no tuners or speakers. Still, the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK is an excellent choice if you are a cable or satellite subscriber and plan to use your own speakers. The only other 1080p plasma display currently available is the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 HD monitor (*est. $5,000). Critics give the Pioneer a slight edge in image quality, but it is more expensive.

We found several credible and detailed reviews for the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PF9UK plasma HD monitor. The best of these is available at CNet.com. The site reports on many plasma TVs, subjecting each to a standard battery of tests. Every plasma TV receives a numerical score that lets readers compare results. Audioholics.com, an Internet site catering to high-end audio and video enthusiasts, also does a nice job reviewing the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK. However, the site has only reviewed a handful of plasma sets and, while ratings are given, there's no easy way to see which ones actually are the best in the editors' eyes. Peter Putman's HDTVExpert.com doesn't provide ratings, but delves far deeper into technical details than most other reviewers.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. CNet.com
Untitled
David Katzmaier
Jan. 29, 2006

CNet.com's electronics editors review and update their list of top performing plasma TVs on a regular basis. Reviews are detailed, and since most plasma TVs are reviewed by the same team of testers, editors are in a good position to rank plasma TVs, including the Panasonic TH-50PH9UK, among the competition.

2. Audioholics.com
Panasonic TH-50PF9UK Review
Tom Andry
Feb. 7, 2006

Tom Andry subjects the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK to a battery of lab and real life tests. Andry notes that while some critics question if most viewers will see enough of a difference between 720p and 1080p, to his eyes the difference is unmistakable even at normal viewing distances.

3. HDTVExpert.com
Panasonic TH-50PF9UK Plasma Monitor Review
Peter Putman
Dec. 29, 2006

Peter Putman's review of the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK is packed with tons of details for those who like to dive deep into the technical side of TV performance. That said, it’s written in such a way that it’s accessible for those new to HDTV as well.

4. AVSForum.com
Plasma Flat Panel Displays
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This popular user forum has a lot of information and reviews, but as with all such sites, it takes a while to weed through all the comments. The Panasonic PH9UK series of plasma monitors (including the Panasonic TH-50PF9UK) has its own thread, which is over 4,100 posts long. The monitor is also discussed in other threads on the site.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

Panasonic TH-50PF9UK Review