Vizio P50HDM 50″ Plasma TV

With prices for plasma sets continuing to drop, I decided to buy Vizio P50HDM Plasma TV. So far, I am very pleased with the this Plasma TV. Its inexpensive because it has no integrated tuner and no real sound system. But realistically, if you’re purchasing a 50 inch television, you probably have your own sound system, and for the most part, all satellite and cable providers have their own HD tuners.  Tigerdirect offer $2984.99 & Amazon $2349.99 at this time.

Setup is amazingly easy. There are a 7 different hookups in the back, two composite, two S-Video, two analog HD, two HDMI and an RGB for your computer monitor. The inputs are well labeled and easy to get to. The unit’s remote control makes switching between them a snap. The TV’s setup and configuration menus are very straightforward and easy to figure out, and certainly do not require any software or service technician to come and perform the initial setup (like many LCD or plasma units do or recommended you do). The TV has built-in ghost removal software that you can run as-needed to remove any faint temporary ghosting or help reduce any actual burn-in caused by static images. The manufacturer suggests that you do not watch something with a static image (like QVC, a video game with a static display element, or a movie with top or side black bars) for more than 15% of your total viewing week, and I’ve found that not to be an issue at all.

I only have one issue with the unit, and that has to do with hooking up your computer. The TV screen is a 1366×768 screen, but the manufacturer has set a 1024×768 limit and there are no supplemental drivers to overcome this. That leaves you with side bars when viewing and inaccessible real estate. Its really only a minor inconvenience. 

A quick note, this is a pretty heavy unit. I’m a big guy and had trouble moving it myself.

Vizio P50HDM 50″ Specifications:

• Display Area:    50″
• Contrast Ratio:    10000:1
• Pixel Pitch:    0.81 x 0.81 mm
• Resolution:   1366 x 768
• Speakers:    2
• Inputs:    Analog RGB
                Y,Pb,Pr
                RS-232 Communication
                Component In
                HDMI In
                Composite Video In
                S-Video
                Audio 
•  Outputs:    Audio 
•  Output Terminals:    Headphone 
•  Power Consumption:    550W

Vizio P50HDM 50″ Features:

• 50” Diagonal with a wide-screen 16:9 Aspect Ratio enabling full-screen viewing of high-definition broadcasts and DVD videos.
• Crystal clear native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels for optimal HDTV performance producing sharper imagery.
• High Brightness Display (1000 cd/m2) to provide a more vivid, brilliant picture in any environment.
• Superb Contrast Ratio (10,000:1) providing an incredible picture with deep blacks and bright whites in any environment.
• HDMI interface with HDCP support allows the transmission of uncompressed, copy-protected digital content to your monitor with stunning image fidelity and clarity.
• 231 billions colors for outstanding picture quality
• PiP and POP for ultimate video enjoyment while watching content from multiple video sources simultanously.
• DCDi by Faroudja Low Angle De-interlacing Processing for superior video quality.
• Table stand and remote control included.

Additional Specifications

• Colors: 231 billion colors
• Display Compatibility: HDTV (720p)
• Signal Compatibility: 480i (SDTV), 480P (EDTV), 720P (HDTV), 1080i (HDTV)
• Viewing Angle: >170° (horizontal and vertical)
• Voltage Range: 100 ~ 240Vac at 50/60 Hz
• Lamp Life: 60,000