- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How they compare
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Compare with...
- Panasonic Viera ST50
- Panasonic VIERA GT30
- Panasonic Viera VT50
- Panasonic Viera GT50
- Samsung 6500 Series
- 42" 1080p Plasma
- 3D
Released March, 2012
Rated 83% by by c|net (May, 2012)Two USB ports and two HDMI ports: It's the Noah's Ark of modern connectivity.
- 50" 1080p Plasma
- 3D 60 Hz
- Internet enabled
Released January, 2011
Rated 100% by by D.-Howard (Dec, 2011)The picture on this new set is much better, possibly because of the larger screen size.
Conclusion Which is better for you?
Features Key features of the Panasonic VIERA UT50 compared to the Panasonic VIERA ST30
“42
Plasma
Rated 83% by by c|net (May, 2012)Black levels on the UT50 series are about the same as what we saw on the superb flagship TC-P55VT30 a year ago, which is almost unbelievable in such a cheap TV, and while the sparse color controls give little wiggle room, color accuracy isn't an issue.
50”
Plasma
Rated 100% by by QuickDraw (Jul, 2011)The picture on this TV is very hard to beat and cost less than any LED flat screen of the same size, even the off brands.
size
42"
50"
VIERA UT50 by c|net (May, 2012)I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 50-inch TC-P50UT50, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series.
VIERA ST30 by C.-Moses--CJMLB (Jun, 2011)Blu-ray is a must at this screen size, and the quality is such that watching outdoor scenes from a stationary camera that suddenly sets into motion is slightly disorienting.
Performance Real world tests of Panasonic VIERA UT50 vs Panasonic VIERA ST30
black levels
VIERA UT50 by c|net (May, 2012)The UT50 has black levels that are incredibly deep, and the fact it does it so cheaply is flabbergasting.
VIERA ST30 by LCDTVBuyingGuideDark shadow detail is superb, and black levels look saturated though not the best we've seen.
Differences What are the advantages of each
Advantages compared to the ST30 50"
| Deeper blacks | 0.0037 cd/sq. m. | vs | 0.02 cd/sq. m. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4x deeper blacks | |||
| More highly reviewed by consumers | 84.78% | vs | 79.83% |
| Around 10% more highly reviewed by consumers | |||
Advantages compared to the UT50 42"
| Has CEC | VIERA Link | vs | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very few TVs support CEC; control all your devices with one remote | |||
| Has built-in Ethernet | Yes | vs | No |
| Somewhat common; access streaming content over the Internet | |||
| Bigger | 50" | vs | 42" |
| Around 20% bigger | |||
| Has Wi-Fi | optional, 802.11n | vs | None |
| Most TVs don't have Wi-Fi; access streaming content with no wires | |||
| Significantly more HDMI ports | 3 | vs | 1 |
| Three times as many HDMI ports | |||
Reviews Word on the street
Panasonic VIERA UT50 | Panasonic VIERA ST30 | ||
 |  
| 
| |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rated by 33 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by BD-King Rated 100% by by M.-Merritt--FusionGuy (Jan, 2013) | Rated by 418 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by CTgreen (May, 2012) Rated 100% by by Strummer (Apr, 2011) Rated 80% by by Tizzle-Mack (Dec, 2011) | |
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Panasonic Viera ST50 Quite consistent calibrated gamma |
 | 2 | Panasonic VIERA GT30 Highest contrast ratio |
 | 3 | Panasonic Viera VT50 3-way tie: Most USB ports |
 | 4 | Panasonic Viera GT50 2-way tie: Biggest screen |
 | 6 | LG PM6700 Has a VESA mount |
 | 7 | Panasonic VIERA XT50 Lightest |
 | 8 | Panasonic VIERA U50 3-way tie: More RF inputs |
