Panasonic’s VIERA U2 plasma HDTV series is a more affordable Full HD (1080p) plasma HDTV offering which, although not having Panasonic’s new Neo PDP display, still offers a HDTV with an excellent picture backed by an impressive 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Notable features of the U2 series include; a 600 Hz Sub-field Drive, VIERA Image Viewer for viewing digital still JPEG images, three HDMI for the convenience of one cable video and audio connections and VIERA Link. It may give comfort to know that these Panasonic displays have a far superior energy efficiency to plasma HDTVs of even a couple of years ago and are also environmentally friendly in being lead and mercury free. The Panasonic VIERA U2 is available in two screen sizes; the 50 inch TC-P50U2 and the 42 inch TC-P42U2.

The 600Hz sub-field drive of the Panasonic U2 models provides sharper images, especially for fast on-screen motion, than previous, slower (480Hz) sub-field drives. Plasma HDTVs have a significant advantage in the sharpness with which fast on-screen motion can be rendered. Read our technology guide on 600Hz Sub-field Drives.

Panasonic U2 models have twin 10W speakers which can deliver a surround sound effect.

Plasma display burn-in or image retention is fairly much a thing of the past and to further reduce the possibility Panasonic have a Pixel Orbiter function.

Plasma Advantages

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 display surface to evenly spread backlighting over the whole of the LCD panel.

Like all plasma TVs the U2 series has excellent viewing angles, not suffering the dimming and color shift of LCD HDTVs when viewed from off the center line of the display.

VIRA Link

Panasonic HDTVs all have VIERA Link technology which utilizes 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.

VIRA Image Viewer

The Image Viewer allows users to view their images (JPEG) and MPEG2/AVCHD videos on a large HDTV screen from an SD flash memory placed in the available slot (no USB port on this model). AVCHD is a format for recording and playback of high definition video jointly developed by Sony and Panasonic.

Connections

There are less connection options than some premium models. PC connection is not catered for.

• HDMI (3 , 1 side)
• Composite Video Input (2 , 1 side)
• Audio Input (for Video) (2 , 1 side)
• SD Card Slot
• Component Video Input 2x
• Audio Input for Component Video 2x
• Digital Audio Output (Optical)

Resources – Panasonic’s VIERA U2 plasma HDTV

Specification Panasonic’s VIERA U2 series

Plasma vs LED LCD

HDTV Recommended Viewing Distances

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Panasonic TC-P50U2 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic TC-P42U2 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

VideoSecu super strong plasma LCD TV dual arm articulating wall mount for Panasonic TC-P54G20 TC-P50G20 TC-P50U2 TC-P42U2 TC-L42D2 TC-P42S2 TC-P46S2 TC-P50S2 TC-P54S2 display

Panasonic Viera TC-P50U2 50" Plasma TV

Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2 42" Plasma TV

Panasonic Viera TC-P50U2 – 50 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV – 2,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio

Panasonic TC-P42U2 – 42 Widescreen 1080p Plasma HDTV – 2,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio