Panasonic G25 Series 1080p Plasma HDTV Review | TC-P54G25, TC-P50G25, TC-P46G25 and TC-P42G25

Panasonic’s G25 series of 1080p, Full HD, plasma HDTVs is a near match to the VT25 flagship 3D series which CNET Editors awarded “Best of Show” and “Best in Television” at CES 2010. Some of the headline features include; an expanded VIERA CAST service, Wireless LAN Adaptor Ready, Skype video call facilities, THX certification, THX Movie Mode, ISFccc capability, twin USB ports, VIERA Image Viewer, 600Hz Sub-field Drive, 3 HDMI inputs and a PC input.

Panasonic G25 series 1080p plasma HDTV

The G25 series covers screen sizes from 42 to 54 inches and includes;- the 54 inch (diagonal) TC-P54G25, 50 inch TC-P50G25, 46 inch TC-P46G25 and the 42 inch TC-P42G25. The 2010 Panasonic plasma HDTV models are the first to benefit from design input from plasma HDTV engineers previously with Pioneer. The G25 is characterized by brilliant colors, deep blacks and a huge dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1.

Panasonic NeoPDP Plasma Panel Construction

The G25 plasma HDTVs have Panasonic’s second generation NeoPDP plasma displays. Panasonic has managed to quadruple the luminous efficiency of it’s plasma panels compared to 2007 models thereby yielding an energy consumption reduction of a truly significant 75%. Panasonic’s was named as the 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products.

While the Panasonic G25 series displays are of NeoPDP design they are not the Infinte Black Panel Pro displays of the VT25 and VT20 3D models. To achieve the 120 Hz frame rate required for 3D Panasonic had to reduce the decay time for red and green phosphors. Design and feature improvements which have been included are; dispensing with the second front glass panel, a new anti-glare filter, improved blur reduction and a re-engineered panel scanning system. Panasonic’s Neo Plasma Display Panel is capable of displaying 1080 lines of motion resolution. Unlike LCD HDTVs you don’t get get a loss of screen resolution with fast moving scenes. Read our technology guide on 600Hz Sub-field Drives .

The G25 series panel design has been simplified with just two sheets of glass, instead of three matching the Pioneer Kuro design. The new arrangement reduces internal reflections and increases contrast. The G25 models have a new anti-reflective coating which is bonded to the top glass sheet and significantly reduces reflected glare from external light sources.

Perhaps as a result of Pioneer plasma display engineer’s input, the plasma panel has a new, deeper cell design with revised electrode placement. Panasonic’s NeoPDP panels have already moved significantly ahead of their initial design and performance however, they haven’t been able to achieve the slimness of edge-lit LED LCD displays. The depth of the G25 displays is about 3.5 inches compared to depths of about one inch for edge-lit LED LCD displays. A reduced profile provides greater set-up flexibility for options such as wall mounting and ceiling suspension.

Backlight Uniformity

Because plasma panels are self illuminating they have a solid lighting uniformity advantage over LCD HDTVs. LCD panels rely on a light guide behind the LCD surface to evenly spread the backlighting over the whole of the LCD screen.

Like all Plasma TVs the G25 series has excellent viewing angles compared to LCD HDTVs.

THX Certification

Panasonic’s G25 HDTVs have achieved THX certification indicates a HDTV has been tested and satisfied a wide array of benchmark standards including contrast, color, de-interlacing and black levels to name only some. All THX Certified Displays feature THX Mode which optimizes the viewing experience by providing a single button calibration. Find out more in our technology guide for THX Certification.

Excellent Picture Control Functionality

The G25 models have significant resources for AV buffs to produce picture quality refined to their own personal taste including THX Mode, Studio Ref Mode and Pro Setting. Studio Ref Mode allows users to obtain a Studio Reference picture just the way the film’s director intended it to look on reference monitors in editing rooms. Pro Setting gives the functionality for further fine adjustments of picture controls such as contrast and brightness.

VIRA Cast

Continuing the morphing of HDTVs into entertainment centers, Panasonic have further expanded Internet functionality via VIERA CAST IPTV. USB connectivity, allows for the addition of a Panasonic DY-WL10 Wireless LAN Adapter, keyboard and USB memory. VIERA CAST now provides access to sites such as Netflix, Skype, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. Access is still available to entertainment sites such as Amazon Video On Demand (shop for movies online and watch them instantly!), YouTube, Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg and weather service. To make user input easier the VIERA CAST’ interface implements quick keyword input (like a cell phone). Skype and WIFI connectivity make it possible to make voice and video calls (with optional Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype Enabled Camera) from you HDTV.

Amazon’s Video On Demand service has an extensive collection of more than 40,000 titles. The Your Video Library feature allows customers can keep a virtual library of their purchases and re-watch them anywhere, including their VIERA TV, Panasonic Blu-ray player, or via the web on any PC or MAC. Amazon Video On

VIRA Link with Network Camera

Panasonic HDTVs all have VIERA Link technology which utilises HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and allows the operation of all VIERA Link compatible A/V components using only the TV’s remote control to navigate on-screen menus. VIERA Link permits operation of a Network Camera which can, for example, take baby monitoring to a whole new level.

VIRA Image Viewer

The Image Viewer allows users to view their images (JPEG) and MPEG2/AVCHD videos on a large HDTV screen from a USB memory stick or very conveniently the SD flash memory card from your camera. AVCHD is a format for recording and playback of high definition video jointly developed by Sony and Panasonic.

Sustainability

When purchasing a Panasonic HDTV you can be assured that lead and mercury are absent from the panels. The plasma display panels have a long 100,000 hour life span till half the initial brightness is reached which is 30 years of viewing when watched for 8 hours a day.

Audio

Video is only half the story when it comes to viewing pleasure and this has not been ignored by Panasonic. The G25 models have twin speakers delivering 20W of sound output.

Also included is BBE ViVA, the new High Definition 3D Sound technology which integrates a 3Denhancement effect with BBE High Definition Sound. ViVA creates an authentic and exciting 3D sound effect from stereo speakers while preserving the clarity, definition, presence and texture for which BBE High Definition Sound is acclaimed. See the fact sheet in Resources section below for more detail.

Connections

HDMI (3 , 1 side)
Composite Video Input (2 , 1 side)
Audio Input (for Video) (2 , 1 side)
PC Input D-sub 15-pin x 1 (side)
USB 2x
SD Card Slot
Component Video Input 2x
Audio Input for Component Video 2x
LAN Port
Digital Audio Output (Optical)

Panasonic’s G25 series plasma HDTV models offer excellent value for a Full HD a HDTV ahead of more expensive LED LCD models. If you wish to compare this model with a similarly featured LED LCD HDTV, read our Samsung UNC6800 review or Sony BRAVIA EX700.