Panasonic continues to thrive in the HDTV market and, this year, released its economical plasma TVs – the Viera TC-PS1 series. The Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 is the largest in the series with 65-inch screen size. Since it has been known that plasma displays consume gigantic amounts of power, Panasonic wanted to be different and, hence, created plasma TVs that are more economical and energy efficient. The company called their energy efficient models “Neo PDP”. The S1 series is the least expensive among these new set of display panels.

On the Outside

The first thing that will be noticed with the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 is its overall glossy black finish. Had the brand stickers and illuminating lights been removed, this plasma is an all-black gloss all around, including the stand. Even the quite large power button blended well with the sleek design. The speakers on this plasma model are hidden, which is now becoming a trend in HDTVs, which makes the sounds seem like coming from somewhere underneath.

Other than the plasma unit itself, the remote is also worth looking at. Although there’s not much difference from last year’s clicker, it’s definitely not better. A button trio is found on the remote – the Viera Link, Viera Tools, and SD card – which are most likely not to be accessed by many users. The Menu button, which should have been given more emphasis, is just secondary to these three buttons. Nonetheless, the remote somehow still stands out when it comes to distinction of the buttons – they are color-, shape- and size-differentiated, although not illuminated.

Diverse Features

Being able to save more power and having 1080p resolution are among the top features of the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1. Also, Panasonic has ways to prevent burn-in, which is a common weakness of plasma TVs. A pixel orbiter, which can either be automatic or set by the user to occur periodically, swings the picture around the display.

In terms of connectivity, the Viera TC-P65S1 has ample amount of ports: three HDMI inputs, two component-video inputs, RF, an optical digital audio output, an AV input with composite and S-video, and SD card slot. The SD card slot allows play back of saved photos on the huge display.

No Non-Sense Performance

The most notable performance aspect of the Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 is its deep black levels. It is nearly as close as the considered best in the market in terms of black levels. With this, the S1 is able to provide excellent shadow detail that makes images more realistic.

Color accuracy, on the other hand, is not as satisfactory. The primary colors are less than accurate and, sadly, cannot be adjusted due to the limitations of the picture controls of this series. For average consumers in which having a plasma TV is all that matters, this issue may come unnoticed. But for the keen-eyed, picky viewers, the color imperfection will probably be a disappointment. However, there are other picture modes, which can be adjusted, that may suit the viewers’ preferences.

The Panasonic Viera TC-P65S1 excels in being economical and practical with its energy-efficient design and its relatively low price. For those who are looking at having a basic plasma TV to start with, this model will definitely suit your budget.