Sony PMB-50HX1

Sony PMB-50HX1 Plasma TV Review

The name Sony is synonymous with quality consumer electronics and the Sony PMB-50HX1 50" plasma display television is an 800 pound gorilla on the showroom floor. This professional grade plasma display has been designed specifically for big and small businesses in mind, but would be equally at home in your living room.

For starters the Sony PMB-50HX1 boasts an impressive 1366 X 768 pixel resolution and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. A high contrast ratio means that the TV can display more subtle color schemes and image details that won't become washed out when hit by other light sources in the room. The unit is also able to handle a variety of input timings and sources such as: Video and PC timings, which can be used with 1080i high-def video or at a PC resolution of 1600 X 1200.

Most plasma display televisions feature a 160-degree viewing angle, but the Sony's is an extra-wide 170 degrees. Adding to the display's impressive specs is the monitor’s 430 cd/m2 (candela per square meter) brightness rating. This keeps the images crisp and clear regardless of ambient lighting conditions.

Unlike lesser plasma displays that burn out quickly, the Sony PMB50HX1 has an average life-cycle of more than 60,000 hours making it more than able to stand the rigors of being in a business environment. Thanks to its easy to use advanced networking and connectivity options, the display is also able to function as digital signage in lobbies or reception areas.

A major problem with many plasma displays is screen burn, which occurs when a static image remains on the screen for too long a time and burns a "ghost" of itself into the display. The Sony PMB-50HX1 helps to alleviate this problem by incorporating a screen saver that can be accessed b the user that senses when a static image is on-screen and automatically dims the brightness to reduce the likelihood of screen burn occurring. In addition, viewers can watch 2 programs at once or can multi-task with the picture in picture function.
Sound quality is always important when you're dealing with picture quality this good and the Sony PMB50HX1 has a built-in digital amplifier that allows users to connect their own speaker system. The set itself comes with 2 7-watt SS-SP50FW tower speakers for a total of 14 watts of power per channel.

Flexibility is the Sony PMB50HX1's middle name and it comes ready to be hooked up to numerous video devices or PC applications. The inputs that come standard with the display are: support for analog and digital HD video (using Component to HD15 cable, or DVI-D Cable with HDMI to DVI-HDCP), as well as PC input, using HD15 (RGB/YUV) or DVI-HDCP inputs.

Sony's expansion cards can also be used with this set should the user decide they need additional inputs or networking options. There are 2 slots available on the monitor. One is filled with a composite (BNC) / S-Video input card with a shared L/R audio input.

Also included in the box with the Sony PMB-50HX1 display is a remote control (with batteries) and a printed instruction manual. Not a lot of extras, but the amazing picture quality and versatility of this system more than make up for the lack of "freebies".

Conclusion

There isn't much you'll need a plasma display to do that the Sony PMB-50HX1 won’t handle. With its variety of connection options and expansion options, this monitor is ready for virtually any job you throw at it. While it's geared toward the professional user, it would be equally capable playing your favorite move or the big game in your living room.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

10/10

Sony PMB-50HX1 Plasma TV Review
Back to Back to home page