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Sound
A slim fellow indeed, the Panasonic TX-P50VT30B nevertheless has relatively advanced audio chops. Two 6W speakers are supported by a 10W subwoofer, itself a rare thing on a flatscreen TV of any flavour. It helps to create something approaching acceptable sound; V-Audio Pro Surround does widen the soundstage and add some oomph to movie soundtracks.
Still, the sound definitely doesn't match the image magic, and we'll mention once again the rule of thumb that dictates spending at least the same amount on an audio setup as a TV.
Value
Despite being twice as expensive as the brand's entry-level 3D plasmas, the Panasonic TX-P50VT30B isn't twice as good. It's all about build quality and ultimate picture performance, and it succeeds with both of those aims, but there are other options.
Samsung and LG make far cheaper plasma TVs, as does Panasonic itself, although none get close to the Panasonic TX-P50VT30B's performance.
With Philips and Toshiba also on the 'passive' 3D bandwagon, there's a battle on for the 3D living room, but for now it's active shutter 3D plasmas like the Panasonic TX-P50VT30B that are best suited to home cinemas.
Jamie is a freelance tech, travel and space journalist based in the UK. He’s been writing regularly for Techradar since it was launched in 2008 and also writes regularly for Forbes, The Telegraph, the South China Morning Post, Sky & Telescope and the Sky At Night magazine as well as other Future titles T3, Digital Camera World, All About Space and Space.com. He also edits two of his own websites, TravGear.com and WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com that reflect his obsession with travel gear and solar eclipse travel. He is the author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners (Springer, 2015),