Panasonic TH-42PD50U 42-Inch Flat Panel EDTV Plasma TV
Freakin' Sweet !!!
Finally after over six months of research it's my turn to write a review of this TV. Like many of you I started by trying to decide between LCD, Plasma, or DLP. For me LCD was the first to go because of price mainly but also the black levels just weren't up to snuff enough for me. DLP though more affordable and had a great picture lamp life was an issue. I know someone with a 50\\" Samsung DLP less than two years old and the chip the lamp shines through has already been replaced once. That left plasma, but which one. <br /> <br />It didn't take long on the internet checking reviews and articles to find some names kept coming up when talking about quality plasmas; Panasonic, Pioneer, Hitachi, and Samsung.  Long story short I decided on the Panasonic EDTV based on side by side comparisons, price, viewing intentions (mostly DVD's) and reputation. <br /> <br />Now on to the TV. Though this only an EDTV you could hardly tell by the picture. DVD's look awesome but give this set an HD signal and you'll shake your head in amazement. I just watched the AFC Championship game in HD with an over the air antenna and I could not believe the picture quality. I was not sure if I would like the look of the TV itself since it's completely silver and all my components are black but it actually looks pretty good. The built in speakers are more than adequate for watching normal TV but of course the Home Theater system comes on when it's movie or game time. This TV has more than enough inputs for me and I would assume for most people as well. I've read that since this is Panasonics 8th generation plasma panel the burn in issue has been greatly reduced. Still I'm mindful of leaving paused or static images on the screen for any length of time. Not having the brightness and other settings way high also helps. Some of the preset picture settings could blind your neighbors next door. The remote control is simple and easy to use. I haven't programmed any other components in yet. The built in tuners are great. I live in suburban Atlanta 30 miles from downtown and I can get at least 8 HD channels with an over the air antenna including ABC, CBS, TBS, WB, UPN, plus others. <br /> <br />Basically for the price to size to quality ratio you can't beat this TV. I could not justify spending another $1,000 for the HD model just to get a 20% improvement on HD channels. Remember DVD's are a 480p signal which is right at this sets native resolution, so if DVD's and the occasional HD TV show or ball game is your viewing choice you cannot go wrong with this set.  I purchased mine from a local retailer for right at 2K including tax, delivery and a 3 year warranty.  <br /> <br />The only negatives I can think of is not being able to adjust the aspect ratio on HD signals and the button on the remote to switch inputs should be called \\"Input/s\\" not \\"TV/Video\\".  Overall I'm very pleased with this TV. Good job Panasonic on making am entry level plasma the average Joe can afford and be proud of. <br />