Panasonic TH-50PX500U 50" Plasma TV w/ Built-in HDTV Tuner - CableCard and SD/PCMCIA Slot

The TH-50PX500U continues the Panasonic tradition of building some of the finest plasma TVs available. It delivers the terrific high-def picture of the mid-level TH-50PX50U model, then adds more connection options, PC compatibility, plus some key user conveniences. If you're looking for a plasma TV that's versatile and rugged enough to be a multi-purpose display, this Panasonic TV is a perfect choice.

The TH-50PX500U is a "Digital Cable Ready" HDTV, which means it can receive analog and digital signals via cable, as well as over-the-air broadcasts. To get the most from the built-in cable HD tuner, you'll need a credit card-sized "CableCARD." The CableCARD slot on the rear of the set gives you the option of digital cable reception without a set-top box (ask your cable provider for details). With a CableCARD, there's one less component to hook up and you can do all your channel-changing using the TV remote. Picture quality is usually better, too. To simplify navigating among dozens of channels, the TV Guide On Screen program guide gives you point-and-click options to search for programs and schedule recordings to a separate VCR or DVD recorder.

With the TH-50PX500 you get the convenience of SD/PC card slots. These slots make it easy to view photos taken with your SD Memory Card-compatible digital camera. There's also TV Guide. This built-in program guide provides a handy on-screen list for checking what's on the tube. It also makes it easy to set up the recording of a broadcast on your DVD recorder or VCR. A PC Input lets you connect your computer and view images on your plasma panel. Another handy feature is the Multi Window function, allowing you to watch two programs on the same screen.

View Digital Programming Without A Cable Box
The Panasonic TH-50PX500U plasma HDTV features a CableCARD slot that will accept a small card that allows you to receive standard definition and high definition digital broadcasts. No bulky set-top cable box-perfect for a wall-mounted plasma TV. Contact your cable company to find out if they offer this service in your area.

Receive Over-The-Air HDTV Broadcasts
Many local broadcasters offer sports, movies, and original network programming in high definition. Receive and view local over-the-air broadcasts on this plasma in stunning HDTV clarity using the built-in HDTV tuner. If your cable company passes through HDTV broadcasts from local broadcasters, you can decode and tune those as well.

Extraordinary Contrast Ratio and 8.58 Billion Colors
The so often talked about "contrast ratio" is strongly linked to the realism of the picture. The Panasonic TH-50PX500U features upto a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colors-and this plasma can display an incredible 8.58 billion colors for a superior picture. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites allow plasmas to render bright scenes with vivid realism.

One Cable (HDMI) Carries High-Def Digital Audio and Video
Imagine replacing that pile of tangled cables behind your TV with a single cable that carries both digital video and audio at the same time. With the new HDMI standard, that's exactly what you get. The HDMI connector on this TV accepts high-quality digital video and audio via the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from the source to the TV.

Crisp, Lifelike Details
HDTV broadcasts and DVDs offer more detail and better color than analog broadcasts, and it takes a high-resolution display to deliver all that picture information. The high pixel count of this plasma display provides fine detail for outstanding HDTV reproduction. More pixels also translate into less stair-stepping artifacts; curved and diagonal edges look smooth and natural.

Share Digital Photos On the Big Screen with Photo Viewer
Now you can view the pictures you took with your digital camera on your big screen TV. Just plug your SD-card into the slot on your TV or use a PC card memory card adapter for other memory card formats (See the adapter in our accessory section).