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The Official Panasonic U50/54 Owners' Thread

post #1 of 1028
5/10/12 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 
I just picked up the 50U54 @ Costco & so far so good. Prior to purchase, I was on Sears somewhat darkened display floor & they had all the budget pdps, including the UT50 & the U50 looked just as good as it's 3d cousin. They had the LG, Samsung budget pdps too, but this U50 looked better than those also.

Colors & blacks look pretty darn good str8 out-of-the-box. Even the wife likes this panny, and she hasn't been a fan of them in the past.

Hoping more owners come here to share their impressions, issues & settings.
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post #2 of 1028
5/10/12 at 2:55pm
What picture mode are you using?

What are your settings?
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post #3 of 1028
5/10/12 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
I'm using Cnet's settings for the UT50, but backing off the contrast from 100>75, until it's broken in.....no slides though, just normal 100 hours of regular 16x9 content.

Here are the settings I'm using for the moment:

--Picture menu
Picture mode: Cinema
Contrast: +75
Brightness: +50
Color: +50
Tint:0
Sharpness: 0
Color temp: Warm 2
Color mgmt: Off [grayed out]
C.A.T.S.: Off
Video NR: Off

-- Aspect adjustments submenu
Screen format: Full
HD size: Size 2
H size: [grayed out]
Zoom adjustments: [grayed out]

-- HDMI settings: [no change from default]

--Advanced picture submenu
3D Y/C filter: Off [grayed out]
Color matrix: HD [grayed out]
Block NR:Off
Mosquito NR: Off
Black level: Light
3:2 pulldown: On
24p Direct in: 60Hz
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post #4 of 1028
5/12/12 at 7:37am
I just picked up the P50U50 and would like to see more. I have yet to touch the settings except to disable CATS.
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post #5 of 1028
5/12/12 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Redeemer View Post

I just picked up the P50U50 and would like to see more. I have yet to touch the settings except to disable CATS.

So you left the TV in Standard mode? You need to at least put the TV in Custom mode or Cinema mode. Standard mode (and Vivid mode) is horrible.

Why aren't you adjusting the settings? It's the first thing i do after i finish setting up a TV.
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post #6 of 1028
5/12/12 at 11:06am
This, to me, is a beautiful looking TV. Very basic, straightforward and simple looking. Wish the higher end ones had more of this look to them, but I'd also like to hear more about picture quality compared to the UT series. Wondering if it's a huge drop in picture quality compared to the ST and GT series.
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post #7 of 1028
5/12/12 at 3:34pm
Interested to see how this set performs. If it can match the UT50 this might be the deal of the year: a dumb monitor with no frills (and no 3d) and good PQ sounds like a winner. I like the 'classic' look with the foot pedestal. The new samsung-wanna-be stands are ridiculous-- they just don't hold the display steady and my father's ST50 is actually *slightly crooked.
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post #8 of 1028
5/12/12 at 3:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vic_0002 View Post

Wondering if it's a huge drop in picture quality compared to the ST and GT series.

I bet it's not. From the limited time I saw one it looks to be on par with my UT50s, which are on par with the ST50...which is on par with the GT/VT50 minus a few bells n' whistles, less shades of gradation, and less control of grayscale that will undoubtedly net you a better picture but not enough for the average do-it-yourself enthusiast at home.

I personally think the blacks are the same across the board no matter which first letter of the alphabet the model starts with. I've now seen the 55VT50 (could have easily bought it) in a dark room and nope sorry the anamorphic bars on my 55UT50 is every bit as dark. No matter what they claim about having a different drive, neo panel, or top secret filter in the step up models.. it's the same panel/tech that's powering the whole lineup (which matters the most for sheer light controlled impact). 2012 will go down as one of the best years for Panasonic both PQ and price wise.

note--> However I'm not positive about the panel on the U50 as I haven't seen one in a dark room, nor messed with it's settings so I can't be certain just yet.
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post #9 of 1028
5/12/12 at 11:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PathofNeo View Post

note--> However I'm not positive about the panel on the U50 as I haven't seen one in a dark room, nor messed with it's settings so I can't be certain just yet.

Thanks for the summary PathofNeo. I know you've discussed the lack of a filter on the UT being a positive rather than a negative (compared to the ST50). I honestly can't say If I agree, because my current LCD has a matte screeen so I really have no idea how much havoc a lack of filter would cause in my living room.

I also agree with sage11x about the foot pedestal... it looks much more stable than the ST line and more professional-looking in my opinion.

Overall the U50/U54 is one attractive looking set which looks better than the GT or VT series, the lack of ethernet or internet apps is also a plus for me...

UNFORTUNATELY I found out these great sets will not be available in other sizes above 50'' ! I really want a 60''...
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post #10 of 1028
5/13/12 at 12:01am
I'm planning on picking up a 50PU54 tomorrow morning. Does it have a glossy or matte screen? I can't find that info anywhere.
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post #11 of 1028
5/13/12 at 12:13am
Thread Starter 
It's glossy..............
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post #12 of 1028
5/13/12 at 1:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vic_0002 View Post

UNFORTUNATELY I found out these great sets will not be available in other sizes above 50'' ! I really want a 60''...

That's when you step up to the 60UT50. The price is jacked at the moment on Amazon but it'll get back to $1549 before long (knowing them). It should be this much at the stores too. I wouldn't steer you wrong.. the UT is i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e.
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post #13 of 1028
5/13/12 at 10:43pm
Thinking about buying the TC50U50. I plan to use it with PS3 and PC.

Couple of questions - has anyone tested the game mode? How bad is the lag? Does it support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling?

Thanks!
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post #14 of 1028
5/14/12 at 1:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahriman4891 View Post

Couple of questions - has anyone tested the game mode? How bad is the lag? Does it support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling?

Thanks!

Not sure about the U50 but the UT50 has 16ms of lag which is better than the GT/VT. 16ms is exceptional for plasma. The only way you could do better is with a CRT.

The UT50 does not support 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.
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post #15 of 1028
5/14/12 at 4:08pm
Thanks PathOfNeo
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post #16 of 1028
5/14/12 at 9:02pm
I just bought this one from Sam's Club today. 50PU54.

I take it the 54 vs the 50 is a Sam's model number?

I've always preferred panasonic plasmas. use to have the 42" 720p. looking forward to enjoying the new 50.

will start to experiment with settings.

Right now I'm on Cinema mode
Contrast: 90
Brightness: 55
color: 50
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 10
Color Temp: Warm 1
all other effects "off"
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post #17 of 1028
5/14/12 at 11:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kray View Post


I take it the 54 vs the 50 is a Sam's model number?

you're correct, virtually identical to the U50.
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post #18 of 1028
5/15/12 at 9:29pm
I picked up my U50 Sunday evening @ Sears. I haven't really been able to view much on it yet (I refuse to pay for cable [my HDTV antenna should arrive shortly]), but I'll test it out with my stored movies & maybe a little netflix when my PS3 gets delivered tomorrow. I copied Toy Story 3 to a USB drive just to take the U50 for a spin, &, even with the low quality file, it looked pretty darn good. Can't wait to pop in a blu-ray & see what this thing is really capable of.
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post #19 of 1028
5/16/12 at 1:30pm
Thread Starter 
I feel this is the best set one can get without 3d capabilities. A good friend of mine recenlty got the UT50 & i saw the crosstalk firsthand. It's unacceptable for sure. And I couldn't justify the additional $$ to pay for 3d, when it's a very small % of our actual viewing. I would say 99% of our viewing is 2d and this is the best set you can get for the price If you have a light-controlled viewing experience. Enjoy!!!!
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post #20 of 1028
5/16/12 at 8:14pm
Hey I agree with you lefty...the U looks like ridiculous bang for your buck. You know me I'm all about the U/UT versus the filtered models. But don't knock the UT's 3D performance too badly as I've discussed in the UT thread that you do in fact need to take the time to adjust settings that's best for your left/right eyes. I gave settings which maximized 3D ability w/ minimal crosstalk *to my eyes* and since everyone's different your mileage will vary. But your more than welcome dialing in my settings the next time you come across a UT50 and see if that improved things for you.

Btw...this thread deserves as much recognition as the UT one is getting since as you said it's probably the best set you can get for you dollar with a light controlled environment.
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post #21 of 1028
5/16/12 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 
I'll take your settings over to my bud & I'm sure it'll help him. Thanks.
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post #22 of 1028
5/17/12 at 12:26am
Thinking about buying the TC50U50.

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post #23 of 1028
5/17/12 at 10:39am
Ordered mine on Monday, waiting for it to be delivered probably next week.
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post #24 of 1028
5/17/12 at 1:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PathofNeo View Post

That's when you step up to the 60UT50. The price is jacked at the moment on Amazon but it'll get back to $1549 before long (knowing them). It should be this much at the stores too. I wouldn't steer you wrong.. the UT is i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e.

Man I too really wish they offered this in 55" and 60" sizes. I really have no need for 3D but I would like something bigger than a 55."

-Guru
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post #25 of 1028
5/17/12 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PathofNeo View Post

I bet it's not. From the limited time I saw one it looks to be on par with my UT50s, which are on par with the ST50...which is on par with the GT/VT50 minus a few bells n' whistles, less shades of gradation, and less control of grayscale that will undoubtedly net you a better picture but not enough for the average do-it-yourself enthusiast at home.

I personally think the blacks are the same across the board no matter which first letter of the alphabet the model starts with. I've now seen the 55VT50 (could have easily bought it) in a dark room and nope sorry the anamorphic bars on my 55UT50 is every bit as dark. No matter what they claim about having a different drive, neo panel, or top secret filter in the step up models.. it's the same panel/tech that's powering the whole lineup (which matters the most for sheer light controlled impact). 2012 will go down as one of the best years for Panasonic both PQ and price wise.

note--> However I'm not positive about the panel on the U50 as I haven't seen one in a dark room, nor messed with it's settings so I can't be certain just yet.


Do we know if the U50 has PQ comparable to the UT50 - which is reported to have PQ quality comparable to the ST50 minus the anti-glare filters?

From the online descriptions of the U50 - it appears to be comparable to the UT50 other than not having 3D or an internet direct connection. Plus the case looks more like last years style. But, possibly Panasonic cut corners on the PQ and that explains the $800 price.
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post #26 of 1028
5/17/12 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe1347 View Post

Do we know if the U50 has PQ comparable to the UT50

IMO, its pq is on par w/the UT50. I saw them side-by-side, and felt there were no differences whatsoever, apart from the 3d capabilities & the newer, samsung-style stand.
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post #27 of 1028
5/21/12 at 12:50pm
i noticed they don't advertise the U50 as having "2500 FFD" whatever that is.
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post #28 of 1028
5/21/12 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elderblaze View Post

i noticed they don't advertise the U50 as having "2500 FFD" whatever that is.

That is motion interpolation technology, it is in addition to the traditional 600hz motion technology. From what I have read it does make motion better.
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post #29 of 1028
5/23/12 at 11:53am
They just lowered the price on this set at Sam's by $50.

For under $700 this is a amazing deal
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post #30 of 1028
5/23/12 at 2:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kray View Post

They just lowered the price on this set at Sam's by $50.

For under $700 this is a amazing deal

Excellent deal, for an amazing tv.......
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