subject: Panasonic TC-L42U22 Viera 42 LCD HDTV Review [print this page] Panasonic TC-L42U22 Viera 42 LCD HDTV Review
With theirTC-L42U22 Viera 42 LCD HDTV, Panasonic wants you to have the highest possible 1080p picture quality, and wants you to have it from a variety of angles. Did they pull it off?
Overall Thoughts & Points From Misc. Customer Reviews:
With the TC-L42U22, Panasonic uses their IPS, or "In Plane Switching". This latest LCD viewing panel not only transmits light at an amazing rate, but gives you a clear image when the TV is viewed from an angle not just straight ahead (up to 178-degrees horizontally or vertically). Light-dark contrasts are also improved with the LCD panel backlight's wide transmission aperture.
With this Viera 42 LCD, you also get Viera Link which will allow you to operate any component (Blu-Ray player, home theater, etc) that is interlinked via HDMI cable with only the Viera remote. (You will need to purchase additional HDMI cables to connect everything if you don't have them already, though.)
You'll also be able to view all your personal HD media with the Viera Image Viewer by just sticking your SD card in the slot on the TV itself.
Save for a very scant few, all customer reviews at Panasonic's website, Amazon.com, and Best Buy.com were all very positive 4 out of 5 or higher.
Most customers found that TC-L42U22s picture looked great right out of the box, but taking the time to make necessary adjustments (which usually didn't take long) made it look even better. Several commented on how quick and easy setup was, and that this LCD had a very "bright" picture quality.
Many commented on the fact that the picture looked great even when not in HD or using "OTA" (Over the Air) signal, rather than an HD cable/satellite box, Blu-Ray, PS3, etc.
One customer didn't like the fact that there was no USB port, so if you plan on needing one, keep that in mind. Several customers also noted that sound quality was average, but this problem is solved if you have a surround sound system. However, many did note their displeasure with the fact that the only audio out directly from the TV was of a digital optic variety. If your home theater doesn't accept digital optic, then you'll either not be able to use it, or just have to hook the audio from your various components (Blu-Ray player, satellite box, etc) directly to the surround sound itself.
Several customers noted that they thought this was a very good TV for the retail price a good value for the money.
The Panasonic TC-L42U22 Viera 42 LCD HDTV comes with the TV itself, removable stand, remote, remote batteries, and assorted paperwork/instructions.
TC-P42S30 Details and Specifications:
Misc. Details:
42-inch LCD HDTV with full 1080p HD resolution; IPS panel for excellent viewing from almost any angle
20,000:1 contrast ratio; 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DVD
VIERA Image Viewer for JPEG image slideshows directly from an SD memory card
