Panasonic TC-P42U2 Viera 42 Plasma HDTV Review
Panasonic TC-P42U2 Viera 42 Plasma HDTV Review
Panasonic says theirTC-P42U2 Viera 42 Plasma HDTV is "ideal for sports and movies, with crisp, focused images during fast-moving scenes". But this is a lower mid-level TV can it really be that good?
Overall Thoughts & Points From Misc. Customer Reviews:
The TC-P42U2 brings 1080p viewing at a fairly economical price by using their 600Hz Sub-field Drive technology. This makes motion much more clear as it displays each little unit of data for a shorter time. (What it does is take the 60 frames that are shown each second and then break them down even further into 10 Sub-fields each.) This allows for less of an effect from afterimages, and make everything look much more smooth.
This Viera 42 model also gives you Game Mode (which automatically detects and uses optimal display settings for your gaming) as well as the Viera Image Viewer (view all your personal photos taken on an HD camera by just inserting your SD card into the slot on the TV itself). Viera Link will also allow you to operate multiple different entertainment components (DVD player, surround sound, cameras, etc) with just your Viera remote. These components will all have to be connected via HDMI cable, though, so be sure to budge to pick up extras if you need to.
When going to Panasonic's website, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.com, customer reviews are largely very positive 4 out of 5 or higher most of the time.
Most customers were very impressed with the picture quality, and the first time they hooked the TV up to HD media of some sort (HD cable/satellite, Blu-Ray, PS3, etc), they couldn't believe how clear and crisp the picture was. Most were also impressed with how quickly and easy it was to setup the TC-P42U2.
A couple reviewers did say that they had to play around with the settings to get the picture looking just how they wanted it, but these seem to seasoned veterans of owning HDTVs and had much higher expectations. Though once they got the picture dialed in, they were very happy. Like many other Viera models, sound was an issue was some customers, as it was only average, but connecting the HDTV to a home theater or surround sound eleminated that problem.
Many of the reviews seemed to be from customers who were first-time purchasers of an HDTV, and due to the improvement from their old television, combined with a good entry-level price, most were very pleased with this TV and many said they'd "buy it again".
The Panasonic TC-P42U2 Viera 42 Plasma HDTV comes with the TV itself, removable stand, Viera remote (with batteries), and assorted paperwork/instructions.
TC-P42U2 Details and Specifications:
Misc. Details:
600HZ Sub-field Drive
VIERA Image Viewer
Clean touch bezel
Rated Power Consumption 298 W
Product Specific Specs:
Series: U2
Screen type: Plasma
Screen size: 42 inches
Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Contrast ratio: Native: 2,000,000:1
Shades of gradation: 6,144 equivalent
Receiving system: ATSC/QAM/NTSC
HDTV display capability: 1080p, 1080i, 720p
EDTV display capability: 480p
Speakers: 2 full range, 20W total power; surround sound capabilities
Image viewer: JPEG compatibility
Aspect control: Normal, Just, Zoom, Full, H-fill
Optional wall-mounting bracket: TY-WK4P1RW
Multi-lingual menu: English/Spanish/French
Energy Star qualified: Yes
Connections:
HDMI: 3 (1 side)
Component (Y, PB, PR): 2; each with audio input
Composite A/V: 2 (1 side); each with audio input
Digital audio output: 1
Dimensions:
TV with stand: 40.6 x 27.8 x 12.1 inches (WxHxD); 54 pounds
TV without stand: 40.6 x 26.1 x 3.7 inches (WxHxD); 49.6 pounds
Shipping Weight: 63 pounds
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