Panasonic TH-50PX600U Review

What the reviewers like:
The Panasonic TH-50PX600U is one of the most feature-rich plasma TVs available, and it includes picture-in-picture, CableCard support, the TV Guide programming guide, a PC input and more. Connectivity is excellent, with two HDMI inputs (for cable/satellite-TV boxes and high definition DVD players). Image quality and black levels are very good, and even the remote is liked in reviews. Furthermore, reviewers say the integrated audio system provides better sound than most TVs -- handy if you don't want to use separate speakers.

What the reviewers don't like:
While black levels are good, reviews say that they fall a bit short of the best plasma TVs. Although you get a lot of features, this adds to the price, and some users won't use the extra features anyway. Some reviews note that darker image areas sometimes show minor false contouring and low-level noise artifacts.

Panasonic TH-50PX600U review highlights

The 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX600U offers a great blend of image quality and features, according to reviewers. Critics say you should consider this plasma TV if you like extras such as picture-in-picture, a PC input and a CableCard slot. This Panasonic plasma TV also has excellent built-in speakers, so it’s a good option if you don't plan to use a separate speaker system. Picture quality is very good, say testers, though not quite as good as the pricier Pioneer PDP-5070HD (*est. $2,600). The Panasonic TH-50PX600U is being phased out of production, so it might be available at a steep discount.

Although the review isn't very detailed, Consumer Reports includes the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX600U in its testing of plasma TVs. Because each TV is analyzed according to a standard set of tests, users can easily compare scores between tested models, giving a good idea of how the Panasonic TH-50PX600U stacks up against its competition. CNet.com has not tested the Panasonic TH-50PX600U specifically, but editors did test the 42-inch version of this TV. In addition, there's quite a bit of user feedback on the TV at CNet.com, as well as at Amazon.com, Epinions and AVSForum.com.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

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

1. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
Plasma TV Reviews
Editors of Consumer Reports
Feb. 2007

Consumer Reports includes the Panasonic TH-50PX600U in its ratings chart, and readers can easily see how it stacks up in testing. However, the discussion of the individual TVs is limited to just a few lines each, and you have to be a subscriber to read this review.

2. CNet.com
Panasonic TH-50PX600U Preview
Editors of CNet.com
Aug. 16, 2006

CNet.com's editors have not specifically reviewed the Panasonic TH-50PX600U, but they have looked at a related model with fewer features. Editors say the two should perform comparably. In addition, owners have also contributed comments and reviews to this article.

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

This very popular user-discussion site has lots of information about home entertainment equipment, as well as a forum dedicated to plasma flat panel televisions, including the Panasonic TH-50PX600U. This section consists of thousands of posts, but it is helpful if you have a specific question or issue with the Panasonic plasma TV.

4. Amazon.com
Panasonic TH-50PX600U Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The Panasonic TH-50PX600U has only been reviewed by a small number of owners posting to Amazon.com -- not enough to give us a very good idea of overall performance.

5. Epinions
Panasonic TH-50PX600U Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

There are only a couple of reviews posted here for the Panasonic TH-50PX600U, though perhaps more will be added. Right now, Epinions isn't very helpful if you're looking for review on this model.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

Panasonic TH-50PX600U Review