A Quick Guide in choosing an LCD/Plasma TV

I took a deep look into Panasonic 42 inch models because almost every single person I talked to who is an amateur expert on flat panel televisions, recommended Panasonic. So I decided to look the Panasonic 42 inch plasma tv models first and see if I could find my ideal model there. There was no question as to whether I would choose a 720 pixel model or a 1080 pixel; I would definitely go for the higher resolution models.

Panasonic 42 inch Plasma TV: Model ‘Viera X1 TCP-42 X1’ is very good

First, a bit of controversy; the Panasonic  Viera X1 TCP42 X1 is known as a 720 pixel model, but the specified resolution is 1024 x 768!

It is a good TV set, relatively inexpensive, with very good black levels. And it features more than enough  connectivity options for non-demanding people: 2 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) – Rear , 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) – Rear , 2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) – Rear , 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) – Rear , 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) – Rear , 1 x Digital audio output (optical) ( TOSLINK ) – Rear , 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) – Side , 1 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) – Side

The model has a screen life of 100,000 hours with Widescreen Modes at 16:9, Full, Just,  Zoom, and Conventional 4:3 .

I went to my nearest store and listened to the sound and it was fine (2 x Right/left channel speaker – Built-in – 10 Watt, Bass/Treble/Balance Audio controls, and a total output power of 20 Watts)

The only negatives are some minor inaccuracy on green and red, and some very faint diagonal lines, which are visible in lighter areas of the screen. However, you need to have a heck of an eye to notice the faults.

I checked on Amazon USA and they were more than 60 reviews on this model, more than 50 of them were giving it 5 Stars, which is very impressive. It is also noticeable that people were raving for the good delivery arrangements by Amazon even on a Sunday; and comes with free shipping.

In all, a very good model in the Panasonic 42 inch Plasma TV series.

Panasonic 42 inch Plasma TV: Model ‘Viera TC-P42 G10’ is great!

The Panasonic G10 series is the best in the Panasonic 42 inch plasma tv series. The main benefits for upgrading to this model include THX Display Certification and VieraCast, the Panasonic interactive TV player. By switching THX picture mode, the G10’s color accuracy, detail in shadows and many other picture features improve in most aspects without going into a labyrinth of adjustments. 

VieraCast, is a service that provides access to YouTube videos, photos stored on your Google Picasa account, news headlines and stock information which is provided by Bloomberg, and information on the local weather. It connects to the Internet via an Ethernet port on the back of the TV. Sadly there is no Wi-Fi capability, but as the company states, 3rd party wireless bridges will work fine without problems.

Compared with a lot of other plasma HDTV brands, Panasonic Viera TC-P42 G10 offers far fewer picture adjustments. The basics are there, though, including Contrast, which the company was calling Picture for years.

I liked very much that that all four of the global-picture modes, including THX and the dim-by-design Standard mode can be adjusted; the fifth, called Custom, is independent per input. The company’s Game mode is basically just a picture mode; it doesn’t eliminate video processing like some other makers’ Game modes.

Connectivity on the TC-PG10 series is more than enough, although not jaw dropping. Three HDMI inputs; two on the back and a 3rd on the side. Other back-panel connections include two component-video inputs, an AV input with composite and S-Video, and an RF input for cable or an aerial. An optical digital-audio output and an analog stereo audio output. An HDMI and SD card slot, a second AV input with Comp. Video together with a VGA PC input (1,366×768-pixel maximum resolution).

Overall the model has a superb performance with excellent detail, very good and accurate colors, and uses less power than other previous models. The VieraCast service adds to the overall package.

There are some cons: this model is a bit pricey than other 42 inch models, and there is some inaccuracy in green magenta and cyan colors. Also, the sound could be better.

Amazon has over 50 reviews from people who bought this model; more than 40 give it 5 stars; admittedly this one of Amazon Best sellers, and I could not agree more. The fact that it comes at a very low price and with free shipping makes is responsible for the good reviews. If I had decided to buy in the 42 inches range, I would have bought this model.

Panasonic 42 inch Plasma TV: Model ‘Viera TC-P42 S1’ is ok

For those who know that burn-in and product life, two fears that have hovered above the public perception of plasma TVs since their introduction, are mostly not worth worrying about today. But one potential issue on plasma remains: energy consumption.

Plasma has always used significantly more power than LCD. Panasonic aims to narrow that gap with a new plasma display panel it calls, naturally, Neo PDP. The least pricey of Panasonic 42 inch plasma tv models to boast the new panel is the TC-P42 S1.

I have found out from tests over the Web that this model draws indeed less power. The quality of the picture suffers from the inability to control settings easily through the user menu controls. 

 

However, there are things to like in this model. The design looks like the old model, with round corners, hidden speakers, and a glossy black covering the entire frame with a thin band of silver curved to reflect the bottom edge of the panel. There is no swivel capability.

Connectivity is not extensive but will generally satisfy most. Three HDMI inputs: two on the back and a third on the rear. Two component-video inputs, an AV input with composite and S-Video. An RF input for cable or aerial. An optical digital audio output. An HDMI port and SD card slot. But no VGA.

Overall the positive is the good colors and great shadow details. Also, the model is greener with less power consumption, and with good connectivity. The sound is good.

The cons are the inability to have accurate colors and control the picture.

Amazon has over 20 reviews from people who bought this model; more than 18 give it 5 stars; it comes with a low price and free shipping so overall it is a tempting proposition.

Verdict

Personally, if I had decided to buy a 42 inch model I would go for Panasonic Viera TC-P42 G10. It is a bit more expensive than ‘Viera X1 TCP-42 X1’ and ‘Viera TC-P42 S1’ but the added controls, great picture quality and VieraCast feature adds to the model greatly and deserves to be shortlisted and added into your shopping list.