The Panasonic TC-P50V10: A Second Glance
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Welcome to the second part of a two-part review of the Panasonic TC-P50V10 plasma television. In this part we'll take a look at its interactivity features, design, controls and performance. So pull up a chair and let's get to it.
The Panasonic TC-P50V10 comes equipped with some nice interactive features, thanks to VieraCast. VieraCast uses the Internet to allow you to view multimedia on your Panasonic TC-P50V10. Unfortunately, the Panasonic TC-P50V10 does not have Wi-Fi capability built in. To connect to the Internet you must use the Ethernet port on the back of the television. Of course, you could also use a third party wireless bridge or adapter to give the Panasonic TC-P50V10 wireless capability as well.
Once connected to the Internet, VieraCast allows you to view videos from YouTube, up-to-the-minute financial news from Bloomberg, weather reports from your area, as well as any digital photos you may have on an online Picasa account. You do not need any special equipment to enable VieraCast other than an Internet connection, and it's also very user-friendly thanks to the web interface that is built into the unit. VieraCast is a nice feature, even though it may be somewhat limited in terms of the content it currently provides.
One new feature on the Panasonic TC-P50V10 that is accessed via VieraCast is Amazon Video on Demand. One might ask why they would need Amazon Video on Demand if they already have VOD service through their cable providers. However, Amazon Video on Demand provides viewers with a much wider range of video and television titles available per their request, in addition to high definition content not readily available through normal VOD avenues. If you are unsure about a certain title, you can preview it first through VieraCast before taking the plunge to purchase it.
For those who are big on "going green" and saving the Earth, the Panasonic TC-P50V10 has an ECO menu to help save electricity. Unfortunately, the feature isn't highly customizable. You can only choose automatic turnoff, and there is no way to affect how power is consumed while the television is in actual operation.
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