89

Conclusion: We like it

Like its more expensive siblings, the GT50 and VT50 series, the Panasonic ST50 is an outstanding plasma HDTV, and performs very well in 2D and 3D modes, has the expected range of smart TV functions, and comes close to the higher-end models in terms of black levels, motion handling, and color matching. Its hardware design isn't as sleek as the more expensive models; if you're looking for the slimmest bezel around, you'll have to look elsewhere. It also has just 3 HDMI ports, compared to 4 on the GT50. Like its big brothers, it has a few issues, including two that are common to most plasma sets: high energy usage, and somewhat washed out colors in brightly lit rooms. Overall, however, the ST50 is an excellent performer, and at $1,349 (for the 55-inch model), it's about $600 less than the VT50.

Critic reviews

8.6
7 reviews
  • Picture quality
    9.2
  • Sound quality
    6.6
  • Media support
    8.0
  • Other features (networking, etc.)
    8.0

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User reviews

no user reviews yet
  • Picture quality
  • Sound quality
  • Media support
  • Other features (networking, etc.)
9.0
CNET Mar 28, 2012

The ST50 handily outperforms its predecessor, with deeper blacks, more accurate color, and an improved bright-room image. The picture is so good, in fact, that it scored the same as the flagship VT30 I lauded last year, and in person it's tough to tell the two apart.

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7.0
Wired Jul 13, 2012

Panasonic’s TC-P55ST50 makes a solid case for giving a plasma a shot at the living room, especially for viewers who like their black levels inky and their colors resplendent.

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9.0
TrustedReviews Apr 11, 2012

The Panasonic P50ST50's in many ways outstanding pictures deliver a salutary reminder in these LED-dominated times of why plasma was first invented. It also reminds us why, for us, a top-notch plasma TV continues to produce the most natural and certainly most cinematic pictures the TV world has to...

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9.0
AVForums Mar 22, 2012

...an absolutely fantastic mid-range plasma, offering an impressive level of image accuracy and some of the best blacks we have seen, especially at such a competitive price point.

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9.0
TrustedReviews Oct 5, 2012

If you’re a serious movie fan, the Panasonic TX-P42ST50 is a quite brilliant TV for its money. Dim the lights and you’ll get HD pictures to die for, with stunning contrast, rich and natural colours, bags of detail and superb motion clarity.

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