Panasonic TC-P42U1 Review: 42” Plasma HDTV

Up for Review: Panasonic TC-P42U1 Plasma TV. The problems of burn-in and product lifespan are slowly being sorted out by the HDTV manufacturers. This TV is a bright example which makes fresh forays into the world of Plasma TVs and lets the previous plaguing problems be bygones. However, a major aspect which still continues to worry most consumers is the power consumption. This is still on the higher side and better technologies have to be evolved to help cut down the electricity bills. The picture quality is very good and at par with any of the leading HDTVs in the market. It has great black levels which help to emphasize the images making the overall picture look fabulous.

Like most of the modern HDTVs, the Panasonic TC-P42U1 also sports hidden speakers making for a clean outer panel. The bezel looks really sleek with almost the same look as in the previous models from Panasonic. The edges are perhaps more rounded in this model. Sound comes from the bottom of the panel which is framed in silver. There is nothing to spoil the serene beauty of the TV except for the Panasonic and VIERA logos and the indicator light. There is a big power button too but the TV lacks swivel capability. Panasonic should include swiveling in the TV which makes it much easier to reach out to the controls at the rear of the TV.

Panasonic TC-P42U1 Features and Specifications Review:

• 42” display
• 1080p display resolution
• 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Progressive scanning
• 100,000 hours backlight life
• 3D Y/C digital comb filter
• V-Chip Control
• Motion pattern noise reduction,
• SD memory card,
• Viera link
• 2 x 10W speakers
• 3 HDMI
• Infrared remote control
• Energy Star qualified

There are only a few picture adjustments in the TV. It has dubbed Contrast with the name Picture which is one of the major picture adjustments. There are basically 4 picture modes with a fifth one called Custom being independent per input. There is a Game mode too which does not do away with video processing. There are three color temperature presets too. The TV also includes a C.A.T.S. function which can sense ambient light and adjusts the images accordingly.

The major issue of burn-in is handled by the inclusion of a pixel orbiter. This feature keeps shifting the image across the screen which can be done automatically or in a customized way. The lack of a picture-in-picture feature is compensated by an SD card slot which can play back digital photos on the big screen. Connectivity is good with 3 HDMI. There is no PC input which would have allowed the use of the HDTV as a computer monitor. There are however, the VIERA Image Viewer™ and the VIERA Link™ Control which are regular features in most Panasonic models. Available for a price of $799.99 MSRP, this TV is sure to steal the hearts of many.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Panasonic TC-P42U1 4/5 stars!