Vizio P50HDM Plasma TV: Value for Money

Read the user reviews for the 50-inch (127 cm) Vizio P50HDM plasma television and you will notice a common theme running among them: that this high-definition-ready television is a bargain.  That for its size and performance, the $2,500 or so that they shelled out for it was money well spent.  Some industry reviewers even go so far as to call it the best value in its class.

It’s capable of delivering HD-quality content at either the 720P or 1080i format.  The brightness level is high, the black levels are deeper and more distinct because of the competitive contrast ratio and single scan technology, and colors are accurate because of the Vizio Color Vision technology.  Technologies such as directional correlational deinterlacing (DCDi), Vizio digital noise reduction (DNR) and Vizio motion noise reduction (MNR) work in sync to provide even better picture quality.

The P50HDM lacks some of the features that are present in some of the more expensive plasma TV’s available in the market, such as an integrated HDTV tuner and configurable color temperature presets, in addition to not being digital cable-ready.  However, it does have more than enough connectivity options, including two HDMI inputs.  The design of the Vizio P50HDM plasma TV – with its silver speakers and glossy black screen border – further reinforce the idea that being less expensive does not necessarily mean “cheap.”

Screen size (diagonal): 50 inches (127 cm)
Widescreen aspect ratio: 16:9
Contrast ratio: 10000:1
Resolution: 1366 x 768p
Brightness: 1000cd/m2
Viewing angle: 170 degrees
Colors: 231 billion
Power consumption: 550 watts
Audio/video input/output: includes digital video HDMI, composite video, stereo audio, analog RGB
Dimensions: Width - 49 inches (124.46 cm)
Depth – 4 inches (10.16 cm)
Height – 34 inches (86.36 cm)
Weight: 121.7 lbs (55.2 kgs)