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Optoma PD50A Plasma TV Review

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by Clint DeBoer — last modified December 07, 2007 11:34
Optoma PD50A Plasma TV Review

Optoma PD50 Plasma TV

Buy It Now!

Summary

  • Product Name: PD50A Plasma TV
  • Manufacturer: Optoma
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStar
  • Review Date: November 16, 2005
  • MSRP: $3749
Specifications


Video Features
Native Resolution: 1366x768 (50" diagonal)
Brightness: 400 Nits
Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (typical)
Screen Size: 50-inch diagonal
Displayable Colors: 16.77 million (24-bits)
Viewing Angle: 160 degree (horizontal/vertical)
Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)


Features
TV Tuner: NTSC 181 channels
Video Compatibility: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, SDTV, EDTV, HDTV
Supported Resolutions: 480i/p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p (scaled down and via DVI-D only)
Tuner: NTSC
Computer Compatibility: VGA, SVGA (800x600), XGA (1024x768), 1280x720, SXGA (1280x1024), UXGA (1600x1200)
PIP/POP
V-chip

Audio Features
Speaker Outputs: 2x8W
Virtual Surround DSP
MTS Stereo/SAP (NTSC only)

Warranty: 1 year limited parts & labor

Inputs/Outputs
DVI-D (w/HDCP) input
D-sub (HD15/VGA/YPbPr) input
Component video input (480i)
Component video input (480p/720p/1080i)
S-video/composite input
RF antenna
Mini-jack PC audio input
D-sub (HD15/VGA/YPbPr) output
RCA stereo line level outputs
Loudspeaker spring clip terminals

Included Accessories: Power cord, D-sub-to-component adapter, mini-stereo to RCA adapter, remote control, batteries, User manual

Power Consumption: 495 watts (normal operation); <3 watts (standby)

Languages: English, French, Spanish

Dimensions: 47.9"W x 30.1"H x 3.9"D (w/o pedestal); 47.9"W x 31.7"H x 10.6"D (with pedestal)

Weight: 96 lbs (w/o pedestal); 118 lbs (with pedestal

Pros

  • Super slim display
  • Possibly the most affordable 50" plasma on the market
  • High measured ANSI contrast ratio
  • Includes basic amplifier for optional loudspeakers
  • NTSC tuner

Cons

  • No RGB gain/cut in user controls
  • No usable color temperature controls
  • Substandard video processing for interlaced sources
  • Vague and simplistic user manual

Introduction

We happened to get our hands on one of the least expensive 50-inch plasma televisions around. What we've found is that these models lack the customization, and often color accuracy, of more expensive models, but compensate by bringing large, flat-screen technology to consumers at an affordable price. The key is knowing their strengths and weaknesses and using them properly to their best advantage. With this in mind, we tore into the Optoma PD50A 50-inch plasma television and began our evaluation.
  1. Features, Delivery & Setup
  2. PD50A Menu System & Remote Control
  3. Calibration and Benchmark Testing
  4. Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion
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