VIERA G30

Released March 2011

A 2011 UK Full HD plasma series in 42- and 50-inch sizes, with Freeview HD, VIERA Connect and USB recording.

Sizes: 42–50″
Panel: Plasma
Refresh: –
HDR: None
HDMI 2.1: 0 of 4
Software: VIERA Connect

What reviewers say

HDTVTest and What Hi-Fi? both praised the reviewed 42-inch model's deep blacks, contrast and detailed HD picture. HDTVTest found excellent colour after calibration but observed slight mid-scene brightness shifts and weaker contrast in bright rooms than the GT30. What Hi-Fi? found the THX preset too murky and said colour benefited from adjustment.

From hdtvtest.co.uk and whathifi.com

Specifications

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Display

Panel: Plasma
Panel detail: The exact UK manual specifies 1920 × 1080 pixels for both sizes. Panasonic's 600 Hz sub-field drive is not a native image refresh rate.
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
HDR formats: None
Picture processing: NeoPlasma panel with Infinite Black, THX picture mode, Intelligent Frame Creation, and professional white-balance, colour-management and gamma controls. The quoted 600 Hz is sub-field drive, not native frame refresh.
Picture modes: Dynamic, Normal, Cinema, THX, Game, Photo and Professional 1/2, subject to input and advanced-setting options.
Motion handling: HDTVTest measured about 1080 lines of motion resolution and about 24 ms input lag in Game mode on its 42-inch review sample; these figures are not claims for every size.

Sizes

Sizes: 42, 50″
Largest size: 50″

Gaming

HDMI ports: 4 (0 HDMI 2.1 at 4K 120 Hz+)
Variable refresh rate: None
HDMI detail: Four HDMI 1.4 Type A inputs; HDMI2 supports Audio Return Channel. One RGB SCART, component and composite inputs. The earlier G20's second SCART and VGA input are absent.

Smart TV and sound

Smart TV platform: VIERA Connect
Speakers: 20 W
Speaker detail: Two 140 × 35 mm, 6-ohm speakers, rated 10 W + 10 W.
Audio features: Optical PCM/Dolby Digital/DTS output, analogue RCA stereo output and 3.5 mm headphone socket.
Casting: DLNA network media playback and VIERA Connect services. Wireless LAN requires an optional adaptor.
TV tuners: UK Freeview HD DVB-T2 and DVB-T terrestrial tuner plus PAL I analogue; no satellite tuner.
USB: Three USB 2.0 ports for media and USB hard-drive recording; SD card slot.
Ethernet: RJ45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX for network media and VIERA Connect.
Optical audio out: Optical PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS output.

Design and power

Size: TV-only width × height × depth: 42-inch 1020 × 640 × 70 mm, 20.5 kg; 50-inch 1204 × 744 × 70 mm, 26 kg. With pedestal: 1020 × 675 × 320 mm, 24 kg; 1204 × 779 × 335 mm, 30 kg.
Stand: Pedestal supplied.
Power use: Panasonic rated consumption: 275 W (42-inch) and 320 W (50-inch); standby 0.40 W, or 16 W with monitor-out recording.
In the box: The exact UK manual lists the supplied remote control, two batteries, pedestal and mains lead. Contemporary UK coverage said first UK shipments of the 42- and 50-inch G30 were scheduled for the end of March 2011; day precision is unverified.

Sizes

Size	Model	Weight without stand
42″	TX-P42G30B	20.5 kg
50″	TX-P50G30B	26 kg

Pros and cons

Pros

Full HD plasma panel in both UK sizes
Four HDMI inputs and three USB ports
THX picture mode and detailed calibration controls

Cons

No satellite tuner
Wireless networking needs an optional adaptor
No PC VGA input or second SCART socket

Closest rivals

Model	Sizes	Panel	Refresh	HDR	HDMI 2.1	Software	Released
LGPG6000	42–50″	Plasma	–	None	0 of 4	None (no smart platform)	Apr 2008
PanasonicVIERA G10	42–50″	Plasma	–	None	0 of 3	None (no smart platform)	2009
PanasonicVIERA G20	42–50″	Plasma	–	None	0 of 4	VIERA CAST	2010

Sources

Photo: hdtvtest.co.uk

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