VIZIO P50HDM 50-inch HD plasma reviewed

With prices for plasma sets continuing to drop, Personal Tech Pipeline took a look at the VIZIO P50HDM, a 50-inch HDTV set that goes for as little as $2,699. While that price might mean some sacrifices, the P50HDM has what looks like a solid set of specs, including a 10,100:1 contrast ratio, 1366 x 768 resolution and HDMI. The biggest missing piece is probably the lack of a built-in tuner, something you'll need to factor into your purchase price. PTP found picture quality to be solid, once default settings were tweaked a bit, commenting that it "performed well, even in a well-lit room, putting out an impressive amount of image power." Critiques were reserved for a few minor issues such as a poorly designed remote (so toss it and get a universal!), and the usual problems you'll get with all plasma sets, such as the risk of burn in if you keep it on the same channel all day (which we all know would go away to a big extent if broadcasters would ditch those darn watermarks).

[E71 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

1366 x 768 is such a dumb resolution for 50inch+ TVs. Defeats the whole point of getting a larger screen, to fit all the damn 1080p pixels in!

[Asher @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Aren't they called Bugs? Not watermarks.

[Chris Coleman @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

This sounds pretty awesome. They've got a bunch of Vizio models at Costco, and every time I'm in there, I can't help but stare. The prices are outstanding on them. Maybe I should start saving.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

#2: Yes, they are called bugs, not watermarks...

[Garrett @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I just bought the Vizio 32in lCD HDTV version for 999.96 and its awesome. The picture is much sharper then my fathers 50in Pioneer plasma! These are great tvs for the money and you get all the latest output options that some more expensive models do not include! Deff. worth to check these TVs out!

[Paul @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

has anyone out there got the 50''??? and what is the pic quality like? not sure what the 'lack of tuner means???'

[chris r @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

has anyone out there got the 50''??? and what is the pic quality like? not sure what the 'lack of tuner means???'

[justin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

just got the 50" model at costco and its picture qualitly is great not to pleased with the fans as they are a little louder than what i would have ecpexted. images seem to have some resonance (even there menu). no tuner but no problem as long as you have a cable box. overall great value

[Lance @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I have had the 50" for about 3 months. It is a great set. 3 personal things to consider.
1. You will be able to hear the fans if you plan on watching in absolute quiet (media room) it could drive you nuts, but for a family room it is acceptable.

2. The remote is garbage, so get a universal. BTW Tivo remotes currently cannot be programmed for Vizio TV's. Big Bummer.

3. No ATSC (HDTV) Tuner, you will have to get your HDTV signals from another device.

But at $2499 at Costco. This set is definately a player.

[Roberta @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I have looked at this plasma several times and like the quality of the picture for the price--but have not yet purchased. It is my understanding, from reading other online sites, that Vizio is aware of the fan problem and will replace noisy fans while you are within your 1 year warranty period.