Panasonic TH-42PD50U

Panasonic TH-42PD50U Plasma TV Review

Enjoy a true cinema-like experience in your own home with the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PD50U EDTV plasma television, the update to the well reviewed Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P. It features an integrated ATSC tuner for receiving over-the-air HDTV programming as well as a standard NTSC tuner, 16-watt speaker system, and an included detachable table-top stand. This 4.5-inch thin plasma TV can also be wall-mounting with an optional kit.

Panasonic's Real Black Drive System technology operates on the fly, reducing the number and intensity of light pulses in dark areas of the picture to achieve the highest contrast ratio available on a plasma TV (4000:1). Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colorsÑand this plasma can display an incredible 8.58 billion colors for a superior picture. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites render bright scenes with vivid realism.

The Panasonic TH-42PD50U features a widescreen picture aspect ratio (16:9; standard TVs have a 4:3 aspect ratio), which is the ideal screen format for viewing widescreen video from DVD players. Designated as an EDTV, the Panasonic TH-42PD50U displays signals in 480-line progressive (480p) mode, and can also accept 480p signals from video sources such as progressive-scan DVD players. While an EDTV doesn't have enough pixels for a true high-definition resolution, the difference is surprisingly small. Other features include a Progressive Scan Doubler, which upconverts analog signals to 480p, onscreen program guide for digital TV stations, 853 x 480 native resolution, and 160-degree viewing angle.

It has two built-in stereo speakers for 16 watts of total power (8 watts per speaker) that can produce virtual surround sound. It features the following video and audio connections:

• Composite video/audio In: 2

• Component video In (Y, Pb, Pr): 2

• S-Video In: 2

• HDMI In: 1

• RF: 1 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV or monitor.

What's in the Box?

Panasonic TH-42PD50U, stand, remote control, two batteries, printed operating instructions

So what Features Does the Panasonic TH-42PD50U have?

• Screen size: 42 inches

• TV type: Plasma EDTV

• HDTV capable: Yes

• Aspect ratio: 16:9

• Speaker wattage per channel: 8 watts

• Number of speakers: 2

• Comb filter: No

• Invar shadow mask: No

• Scan velocity modulation: No

• Line doubling: yes

• Color temperature control: No

• Includes DVD player: No

• Includes VCR: No

• Signal type: NTSC, ATSC (built-in)

• Auto channel setup: Yes

• Closed captioning: Yes

• Last-channel recall: Yes

• Multilingual menu: Yes

• Parental control: Yes

• Picture-in-picture (PIP): No

• Remote control: Yes

• SAP: Yes

• Sleep timer: Yes

• Surround sound: Yes, virtual

• Composite A/V: 2

• S-Video: 2

• Component video: 2

• DVI: 0

• HDMI: 1

• RF: 1

• Monitor: 0

• Headphone jack: 0

• Front AV jacks: No

• Side AV jacks: No

• Sound leveler system: No

• Item width: 42 inches

• Item height: 27.6 inches

• Item depth: 4.5 inches

• Item weight: 72.8 pounds

• Warranty: 1 year, parts and labor

Conclusion

Panasonic Plasma TH-42PD50U TV features a high contrast ratio of 4000:1, making for a super bright, razor-sharp picture. With 853 x 480 native resolution, the Panasonic TH42PD50U is an Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) unit, and includes an integrated ATSC / QAM tuner for receiving off-the-air HDTV broadcasts (requires an optional HDTV antenna for reception).

The magnificent TH-42PD50U boasts a 16-watt built-in stereo speaker system, NSTC and ATSC TV tuners and an attractive Panasonic Pedestal stand. For extraordinary performance and exceptional value, choose the Panasonic TH-42PD50U 42-inch EDTV plasma television. EDTV (480p) Display Capability Anti-Reflective Screen Coating Wide Viewing Angle - up to 160 degrees horizontal/vertical ProgressiveScan display capable Up to 1 billion colors can be displayed Remote Control Included 16 Watt (8W x 2) Audio Output through 2 built-in speakers Component Video Inputs, S Video Input, HDMI Digital Input, Optical Digital Audio Output This Panasonic Plasma TV enables you to view high-definition or enhanced-definition TV programming in a 16 - 9 widescreen display that is fully compliant with a 480p ProgressiveScan signal format.

A DTV signal must be present in your area and the set-top box must be tuned to the proper channel. An external over-the-air antenna may be required. This TV is not capable of displaying HDTV but is EDTV compatible. Dimensions (WxHxD)42.5 X 27.5 X 3.8 inches / Weight - 72.8 lbs NOTE - Though screen can receive widescreen HDTV broadcasts, it does not provide the resolution to display in HD modes (720p or greater)

Well this tv is not a HD tv but the quality of picture is amazing. This tv is competitively priced and can be wall mounted we found that the screen gave very little glare. To be honest we could go on about the picture quality and sound quality but we are not going to. The best way to review this tv is to list the problems with it. We could only find one, there are no front AV inputs. So if you wall mount you tv you will have to reach back to plug in.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

10/10

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Panasonic TH-42PD50U Plasma TV Review
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