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HDTV reviews for the 50 inch plasma TV size

Our HDTV reviews shows that there are only 4 excellent choices in the 50 inch screen size.

  1. Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY 
  2. Pioneer Elite PRO-1110HD
  3. NEC 50XM3
  4. Fujitsu P55XHA40

Any one of the above is a fine choice. Browse all of theses plasma TVs to see which one works for you.


FEATURES Built-In Tuner Resolution Aspect Ratio Adjustable Color Temp Customizable Display Settings  S-Video inputs Component input
NEC 50XM3 No 1366 x 768 16:9 Yes Yes Yes Yes
FEATURES Component input Digital Video Input A/V Inputs Audio Outputs Miscellaneous  Input Pull down Misc  Input
NEC 50XM3 Yes Yes Yes Yes No 3:2 15 pin VGA-style

In our HDTV reviews NEC always stands out. It has one of the best stretch modes for watching SD and its always a quality HDTV product.

In a nut shell the NEC 50XM3 has spectacular picture quality.

The images are clear and sharp and can be fine-tuned with the on-screen menu. It allows the user to adjust individual color density without affecting the overall color temperature (in professional mode).
 

There is such a large number of possible adjustments that you'll need to spend some time with the well documented user manual to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the settings menu. These adjustments can be made to one input signal at a time (a handy feature).

The NEC 50XM3 offers the 4 aspect ratio adjustments. These are labeled:

  • Zoom
  • Normal
  • Full
  • Stadium

They are accessed by pressing “Wide" button on the remote control. The zoom function works nicely with gradual size increases making it easy to find that "just perfect" picture setting.

The built in scalar/converter in the NEC is very good at upgrading low-end signals to around a 480p image quality (low-end means satellite, cable, or VCR).

When viewing 16:9 DVD's with this NEC use best the Zoom mode, letterboxed widescreen DVD's look good in Full, a VCR or TV signal looks best in Stadium mode.

This NEC plasma comes with seven video, DVD, broadcast and PC inputs and feature both digital and analogue inputs. The DVI input is compatible with HDCP copy protection as well as HDMI and HDTV signals.

The set-up menu offers a variety of settings for each of the inputs for fine-tuning of the picture. Each modification can be saved and accessed later without resetting the screen each time.

The NEC 50XM3 lacks a built in tuner so an optional tuner box has to be fitted at the back of the screen. If you want you can connect your existing set-top box to one of the many inputs.

Here's a list of them: 15-pin mini D-sub, 5 BNC (RGB/HV, 25-pin DVI (HDMI compatible), Composite BNC, Composite RCA, S-Video, component video BNC, Component video RCA.

The plasma does has small built in 7 or 8-watt amplifier but you'll need to add real speakers to this NEC. In our HDTV reviews we don't see this as a negative. The price point for plasmas that lack these features is substantially lower than those with speakers/tuners.

Pick your own HDTV equipment by using our HDTV reviews. Note these picture adjustments if you’re interested in this plasma.

  1. Contrast 80%
  2. Brightness 25%
  3. Sharpness 30%
  4. Color 50%
  5. Tint 35-40%