Both Panasonic’s TX-P42ST60 and TX-P50GT60 plasmas managed an incredibly deep black of just 0.005 cd/m2 (measured using a freshly black-calibrated Klein K-10 colorimeter with many thousands of averaged readings). We were curious to see how the higher-up TX-P55VT65 would perform, since it is rated as having “Infinite Black Ultra” rather than the step-down models’ “Infinite Black Pro”.
The fact that this level of picture quality can be made this affordable, rather than being reserved only for the highest-end, is a true triumph of engineering. Basically every single box is ticked by the VT65 series: insanely deep blacks that are almost (almost!) too dark to measure with scientific-grade equipment, bright whites, high gradation, freedom from viewing angle restrictions, low input lag for gaming, and of course, a boatload of usability features like the slick, responsive Smart TV platform and dual tuners. Oh, and did we mention the potentially sublime level of colour accuracy?
Gaming
We clocked input lag on the TXP55VT65B as being just 23ms using our traditional lag measurement process, which uses a fast CRT as the reference. The dedicated Leo Bodnar input lag testing device clocked the plasma in at a 41.5ms, using the [Professional] picture mode with [Game Mode] engaged. The result is buttery-smooth gaming responsiveness that truly immerses the player in the game world without any lag to get in the way of the constant feedback loop required during gameplay.
