Panasonic TX-P42S20B 42-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080P TV with Freeview HD

Will

at 1:09 pm

I first delved into the flat panel high definition TV market in Jan of this year, my choice at the time was a Toshiba REGZA 42 inch LCD. This choice was based purely on cost/reviews. Very shortly I realised that I’d made a bit of a blunder, not that it was bad, but I’m a bit picky and I found the ‘smearing’ I experienced when the camera panned across single coloured backgrounds (eg football pitches, snow-scapes) annoying. The other major problem was the lack of contrast, blacks are greys and no more than that. I use the blu-ray of ‘Planet Earth’ as a benchmark, and in the scene of the emperor penguins huddled together in the antarctic winter looked like a group of grey things on a slightly ligter grey background.

A replacement was acquired, namely the Panasonic TX-P42S10B (400hz plasma), what an improvement! If I’d done my research with my own eyes, rather than on-line reviews then I’d have gone for the viera plasma in the first place. Much greater contrast, far smoother movement, better colours, ‘Planet Earth’ was an entirely different experience. Then after 2 months disaster, I got the ‘red flashing light of death’, mine indicating a blown display.

To cut a long story short I got a credit, and paid the difference to upgrade to the TX-P42S20B, as the 10 was no longer available. This TV is another order of magnitude better than the 10,. The blacks are incredible, they are as black as the screen is when the set’s turned off, and that’s about as black as one can get. Can I spot the difference between 400hz and 600hz? We’ll yes I can, the motion is better, as to whether that is purely down to the frequency I don’t know, but it’s excellent. Another big plus is the 24p processing (the 10 only accepted it but didn’t use it), link it up to a decent blu-ray player (I’m using a panasonic 45) with 24p output and the whole experience is superb. Watching the airial pans on ‘Planet Earth’ is staggeringly smooth (try the wolf and caribou chase sequence from the HD helicopter camera), the colours and contrast are superb, and the motion and detail are second to none I have seen, even the most expensive back lit LEDs. Add to this the improved efficiency of the panel over its predecessor, and you have a superb TV.

One proviso, I am only using this, and reviewing this as a monitor, I don’t use the sound (it’s connected to a big fat 5.1 system), and will only be connecting it to the net via a computer, so this review does not take those features into account.

Just don’t start flashing that red light please!!!!!!!
Rating: 5 / 5

J. S. Williams

at 4:37 pm

It’s simple, GET ONE!!! I bought this and run it on a decent HDMI lead with a sky + HD box and the picture is just stunning. I considered both LCD and Plasma but opted for Plasma and love it.. I was really concerned about audio quality as these TV’s are so thin compared to older CRT units and my ousted JVC 32″ was fantastic sound (but weighed 75kg and was a pig to move :-(… This Panasonic sounds fine and whilst i know a decent surround sound system would complete the whole cinema experience, I just dont need it as the sound is ample for my needs.

I read many reviews and CNET commented on how well this TV performs with a standard broadcast and I must agree. I ran the set for about 4 days using SKY + (normal one) with a scart lead and the picture was great. There is a definate difference when you get into full HD (although my wife can’t tell the difference! doh…) and the picture is just stunning. I am glad I paid a bit extra for the 600hz model and I give this unit 10 out of 10.

I dont think you can go wrong with Panasonic as a brand and I think it’s a bit unfair of the other reviewer to give it less than top marks just because they didn’t check the specs before buying! RTFM!!!
Rating: 5 / 5

Mr. Leslie Montgomery

at 10:09 pm

got two of these tvs and there is no freesat on them just freeview hd its says on the Technical Details there is city link came and took both of them i am now waiting for my money back hope to get it sorted soon

thanks
Rating: 2 / 5