Panasonic, Japanese multinational corporation, launched its new series TC-PG20/25 which promises to offer a highly tempting mix of features, value, and initial picture quality. Its superb black-level performance; accurate primary colours in THX mode; great colour saturation; effective antireflective screen; uses less power than previous 1080p plasmas; VieraCast provides access to select Internet services and improved customization are some of its marked features.
Panasonic claims that its 2010 models, like the TC-PG20/25 series, have modifications that “result in a more gradual change in the Black Level over time.” How gradual, and how much of a change, the company won’t say. But lets eye its key features.
- Display technology: plasma
- Screen finish: Glass
- Refresh rate(s) 48Hz, 60Hz
- Internet connection
- Streaming media: Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and Amazon Video on Demand
- Connectivity : HDMI inputs 2 back, 1 side Component video inputs 2 back and Composite video input(s) 1 back, 1 side
- Internet apps : Skype, Twitter, Sports, Stocks, Picasa and Weather
- Other: Optional Wi-Fi dongle (DY-WL10, $99); Optional network camera for G25 series
Performance:
The TC-PG20/25 delivers an excellent overall picture quality. Deep black levels is a strong point, colour accuracy is very good in THX mode, and the typical uniformity advantages of plasma over LCD, excellent off-angle fidelity, uniform brightness and colour across the screen are in abundant evidence. The THX mode is most clear and accurate before adjustment. It gives a smooth grayscale that fall within the D65 ballpark (although it was minus-blue overall), decent gamma (2.07 average, versus a target of 2.2). Best of all, there is no obvious greenish tinge because of its improved colour decoding.
However, Panasonic avoided any major style statements with this understated black plasma. The only departure is a subtle horizontal accent strip in the midst of the lower frame, running above the slightly curved bottom edge. So it can be a decent choice for a decent class.
Tags: 1080p plasmas, accent strip, colour saturation, composite video input, greenish tinge, hdmi inputs, internet apps, plasma screen, primary colours