Panasonic Viera S2 50" plasma TV - or LCD?

by Paul
(United States)

Aged 61, first time HDTV want a be buyer. The 50" Panasonic Viera S2 plasma TV was going to be my purchase until I started reading about the black level situation. Is this something the average guy would notice? Would it still be better then an LCD?

I want to spend in the $1500 MAX range.

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Hi

Firstly, it's great you've decided to switch to an HDTV. You won't be disappointed.

As to your question, well, first let me say I'm not a fan of telling people which hardware to buy or not to buy.

Everybody has different requirements, different rooms, different viewing habits and different tastes. Something that looks or sounds good to one person will not necessarily be ideal for someone else.

The best option is to always try and see or hear the equipment for yourself if that is possible.

Having said that, for what it's worth, here's my opinion on the S2.

It seems the Panasonic Viera S2 does have a few people raising questions over the black levels, colour accuracy and a grainy picture. However, there are just as many people who seem to love it and can see no problems.

You are right to question if the average person will notice these 'issues'. In many cases they won't, because they won't sit four feet from a 50 inch screen trying to spot problems. The majority of people will just not look at the picture they see with such a critical eye - and the picture you get with a modern HDTV from a reputable company will never be THAT bad - as long as you set it up correctly.

Over the last few years, the viewing mode that you choose for a Panasonic plasma has often been important. Most people agree that setting the viewing mode to 'Cinema' will give you the best picture. I have tried this myself and can confirm it does make a difference. You can switch to the 'normal' viewing mode if you are in a brighter room, but this setting is for bright rooms only and not meant for critical viewing in low light conditions.

Which brings us to the LCD TV as an alternative. In my opinion, the picture of a plasma TV is more natural and better-looking than that of an LCD. That doesn't mean LCD TVs don't give a good picture, but given the choice, I prefer plasma.

However, if you are going to be putting the TV in a bright room with lots of daylight, and mainly watching it in those conditions, then an LCD TV may prove a better option.

LCD TVs don't reflect light as much as a plasma TV and a plasma can easily appear washed-out in rooms with lots of daylight or with bright room lighting - and the S2 may struggle in these conditions. However, if you watch plenty of movies and documentaries in the evening in low-light conditions - then a plasma really comes into its own.

So, try and get to see a Panasonic Viera S2 for yourself if you can. Ideally in a shop that doesn't have lots of bright fluorescent lights! But if you can't, then I think you will be fine with an S2 if it fits your budget, has all the features you require and makes sense for the type of room you will be using it in.

Panasonic are widely regarded to make the best plasma TVs and they generally make high-quality products.

Does anybody else have any opinions on the Panasonic Viera S2?

Paul (Site Editor)

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