Panasonic TX-P54Z11E

A plasma TV NeoPDP 54-inch high-end

The TX-P54Z11E Panasonic is it really the ultimate TV in the market for flat screens?

Replacing the Z1 series, this 54-inch plasma NeoPDP DLNA certified, THX Video and DivX only 2.5 cm thick and displays a stunning contrast ratio.

The expectations before test

What is really NeoPDP this stylish plasma TV 54 inches, measuring only 2.5 cm thick, crowned with the THX and embedding all functions in the fashion of this year-end 2009? We should be entitled to higher contrast 000:1 2000, the DLNA certification, at DivX, a mode 600 Hz and pro calibration options. Audit.

The reality

Do not go bush! Yes, this big screen plasma ultrafine 137 cm is a beautiful TV. Yes, it provides a devastating picture quality. The problem is that this level of excellence has a price, very very very high. It will cost around 6000 euros (retail price) to dispose of this device. How to justify this price?

Look great … but detachable speakers…

First, there was this lean maddening. 2.47 cm thick to be precise. It is impressive and once the screen on the wall (Panasonic offers a wall plate adapted optional), it is very classy in the lounge. Then he has the high-end finishes and brushed aluminum frame that giving more charisma on screen. We are far from black lacquered plastic frame of the smaller competitors. Real nests dust elsewhere.
However, we are not at all fans of the two speakers, removable add on the screen blanks. The sound delivered is certainly better than most TV speakers incorporating under or behind the slab, but in terms of aesthetics, it swears a little. Question of taste.

The remote box

This thickness is reduced due to the fact that all the connections, tuners and some electronics were gathered in a remote box (TU-Z100E), the size of a digital VCR. This man must be connected to the screen via HDMI. Panasonic provides a 3-meter cable for this.
At the back of this box there are three HDMI inputs, two Scart, YUV input, digital audio output, Ethernet port, an input / output analog audio inputs and antenna (DTT + Satellite). On the front under the disc, the place is reserved for a fourth HDMI input, PC input, one AV input coupled S-Video, headphone jack and to the slot SD / SDHC.

Everything you need to calibrate the image, including a THX

Once the device is plugged in, the large television NeoPDP done what competitors are doing, only better. First, there are settings that, as usual, Panasonic, can interact with the image so real finesse and nuance. It is thus possible to correct the color, color temperature, contrast, brightness and choose one of the modes standard packages (including a THX mode).
Before entering the heart of the matter and to optimize the gamma curve and white balance for the components of red and blue. Not to mention the possibility of activity or not the mode 600Hz Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 24p Smooth Film Mode and Power Saving. Ultimately, it is not extremely rich, but it is practical and functional.

Contrasts hot

Secondly, there is this rate contrasts absolutely stunning. On paper, the TV offers a native contrast ratio of 000:1 and 40 may rise above 2000 000:1 dynamic mode. On screen, native, is already very impressive. The black level is excellent and the colors come out beautifully.
Once the screen properly calibrated, the show in movie mode on a CinemaScope image is of staggering beauty. For this NeoPDP Panasonic manages to show detail, where other pedal in the meal and do a “gloubiboulga” dark and shapeless. Chapeau!

Rich colors and subtle

Thirdly, there is a real quality color. It feels more obviously on HD sources, but in general, all programs are displayed with rich colors and especially surprised with real nuances in blends.
Gone were the blocks of uniform color portions of the image! With this model, Panasonic offers TV certainly generate the most beautiful colors of the market.

An amazing 600 Hz mode

Fourthly, the screen is also extremely effective for displaying video games, and 600 Hz mode really adds something. It helps boost the sharpness of images in motion, without creating noise or artifact really detectable.
Media Player, Media Server

Finally, there’s palette of multimedia services authorized by the presence of Ethernet port and slot SD memory card. Certifications DiVx DLNA and allow it to integrate into the home network and, through sharing software installed on your computer, you can remotely access files JPEG, MPG, MPEG-2, DivX, AVI and AVCHD.
As for the Viera Cast, it opens the door to online services such as Eurosport, YouTube, Picasa, Bloomberg or even the weather forecast. Improvements have also been made to the protocol Viera Link. This allows two Panasonic (Blu-ray recorder DIGA, HD Camcorder or digital camera Lumix) connected via HDMI to operate together and gain flexibility.

The test and review conclusions

Result races, this Panasonic TV is near perfection. Whether in terms of build quality, the look, sizing options, general functions, the wealth of colors, contrasts the power and subtlety of the definition, TX-P54Z11E is faultless . The image is really upscale. Even SD sources TNT, lower quality, are very honestly returned. So there is a gap between the quality of the televisions sold around 1000 euros and that of the high-end model. The question is whether this gap needs to invest as much … Honestly, no! Euro 6000, the bill is too salty. It remains far too expensive for a TV performance as it may be. To be selected, it is better to invest that money in a good sound system. At least the sound quality of an amp, a speaker or a pre-amp does not go out of fashion and is not limited in time.