Panasonic TH-42PD50U 42-Inch Flat Panel EDTV Plasma TV
Good value, great picture, but questionable reliability ...
My first Plasma TV, purchased upon recommendations from Consumer Reports, but the screen just turned bad after 10 months, more on that later. <br /> <br />What I like: <br />- Outstanding quality picture even though it is EDTV <br />- Great quality for cable via component, hdmi, and over the air <br />- Great over the air reception including HDTV channels <br />- I can plug in my computer via the hdmi input using an adapter and watch movies, and my still pictures in glorious size and resolution <br />- Many inputs - I have them all used up <br /> <br />What I don't like: <br />- Mediocre sound from TV speakers - but I hooked them up through my sound system to get full surround, so really not a problem <br />- No variable audio out - that means that if I connect the audio out from the TV to my sound system, I have to use the remote for my sound system to control the volume - gets confusing to be using multiple remotes for basic functions.  All my previous TVs had variable sound out, so the vol control on the TV remote would  adjust the volume.  I got around this by programming the cable box remote to control the sound system volume and the channels.  I still have to use the TV remote to power on or off and pick the sources of input.  I also got a harmony remote, that I use occasionally. <br />- Wish there were more dvi / hdmi inputs because now dvd players, cable boxes, computers all come with dvi / hdmi <br /> <br />After 10 months of use a vertical green strip appeared on the screen.  Within 5 days it became a 3 inch wide black strip.  I called Panasonic - got constantly busy tones.  Then I discovered a Plasma Concierge number on their web site, called it got through to a human right away.  They were very polite and courteous, walked me through diagnostics.  They concluded I needed a service call - which I am awaiting.  Will let you know how it works out, but meanwhile I am worried about reliablility since I did not take out an extended service plan.  If I had to do it again I would take out a extended service plan for an extra $250.