Marantz PD4220V Review: 42” Plasma HDTV

After dabbling in high-quality audio gear, Marantz forays into the world of HDTVs by introducing the Marantz PD4220V. The absence of a SCART has surprised many. The purpose of a SCART is to connect audio-visual equipment together. Since Marantz specializes in audio gear, it was strange that SCART did not find a place in the latest HDTV. Besides this, there is also no built-in tuner. A tuner has to be used externally to make HD signals available to the TV.

Fashionably made of gun metal, the exterior of the Marantz PD4220V is quite good-looking. The accompanying remote is not very well designed though. It has a strange-looking stand. From a distance, it looks like two feet projecting from underneath the TV. Otherwise, the HDTV is quite a feast for the eye. Not only is the Marantz PD4220V visually appealing, but its performance also rises up to expectations.

Marantz PD4220V Features and Specifications Review:

• Screen Size 42″
• Diagonal Resolution 853×480
• Aspect Ratio 16:9
• Contrast Ratio 1500:1
• 3:2 Pull Down
• Power Supply 120V
• Power Consumption 360 Watts

As far as connectivity is concerned, there are a few component inputs and a composite input. There are S-video inputs, an analog RGB and D-sub pockets. A SCART could be connected through an adapter to one of these ports. After that you can connect DVD players, gaming consoles and digital TV receivers. The HDTV also has PC input which helps to convert it into a computer monitor. It however lacks the DVI technology to help connect to a DVD player.

Resolution is pretty low at 853 x 480. Considering the huge advancements made in this direction by the competitive companies, this seems too tame. Nevertheless, the picture quality is very good considering the resolution. It has a good contrast ratio of 1500:1 which makes the blacks look very black and the white look very white. The subtle shades are also made to look good. The action scenes too stood up to the test with very little blurring. Overall, this is a good HDTV for everyone.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Marantz PD4220V 8/10 stars!