42 Plasma TV

Top 6 Recommended 42 Inch Plasma TVs

Following are our top 5 recommended plasma TVs based upon quality, price and value (in no particular order). Editors choice designations may be given as well from one or more of these three criteria.

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Panasonic TC-P42S1      check prices
42" Plasma TV

The 42" version of the new S1 series from Panasonic the TC-P42S1 shipped in March of 2009 while the larger models will not arrive until summer of 2009. This Viera plasma includes the new NEO plasma display panel with improved blacks and contrast of 40,000:1. It also has 1080p resolution and the THX certification along with 600Hz sub-field drive and Gaming Mode.

Panasonic TC-P42G10      check prices
42" Plasma Television

The Panasonic Viera G10 series contains many of the top end features that will make this line one of the higher priced plasmas on the market. The line entered the market in March of 2009, making it the first new model from Panasonic to reach the market that year. New features include a 600Hz Sub-field Drive for fast processing video signals. It has the new feature "Infinite Black" that Panasonic is touting as it's new black level.

Of course there is 1080p resolution along with SD Memory card slots which allow playback from video recorders and digital camera's that are compatible with Viera Cast , Panasonic's proprietary menu system. While we give no credence to manufacturer contrast ratios, Panasonic boasts an improved native contrast on this series to 40,000:1. All this really means is that the contrast will be better than previous contrasts but we'll have to wait to review the product to report how much. After calibration to D6500 contrast figures will likely be around 400 to 500:1.

Samsung PN42A450      check prices
42" Plasma TV 720p

At sub $1K prices this plasma is a great buy if price is your primary consideration. Yes it is 720p resolution but that should not hold you back and especially not on a 42" plasma. The plasma is a little dark (even with the highest contrast settings) so don't purchase it for a brighter room environment with lots of ambient light. This new Samsung line has anti glare features which we found largely noneffective.

LG 42PG25      check prices
42" Plasma TV

LG has come a long way and now is really producing nice plasma TVs. The plasma has a high quality dialogue enhancement feature through its Clear Voice Technology. This unit contains one of LGs premier video processing engine as well in the XD Engine ®. And lastly, there are enhancements to fast motion production features.

• Screen Size Class 42-Inch (Diagonal)
• Native Display Resolution 1024 x 768
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio 20,000:1
• Brightness 1,500 cd/m2
• Life Span (Typical) 100,000 hr
• Built-in Tuner (ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM)
• HDMI™/HDCP Input (3 v1.3, Deep Color)
• Cabinet Color Glossy Piano Black
• Limited Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labor/ 2 Years Panel

LG 42PG20      check prices
42" Plasma Television 720P

This plasma is a solid performer at the entry level. It has a stylish design and nice feature set for a plasma which costs around $1K. It will be great for wall mounting at only 3.4" in depth. It has an estimated lifespan of 100,000 hours to half life (or half brightness however you want to look at it). And enhanced contrast ratio to tweak the brightness when necessary. It even has discrete color temp settings. A few other features:

• Dual XD Engine(TM)
• XD Engine(TM)
• Image Sticking Minimization (# of Modes) White Wash / Orbiter / Inversion
• 1080P Source Input HDMI 60p/30p/24p; Component 60p/30p/24p; RGB 60p
• AV Mode (Picture & Sound)
• Digital Comb Filter (3D)

Panasonic TH-42PZ800U      check prices
42" Plasma TV 1080p

This highest end Panasonic plasma TV is loaded with all of Panasonic's upgrades. It boasts an amazing 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. However we tested it with ANSI checkerboard pattern testing to be 558:1 post calibration. This is still one of the highest contrast ratios we've ever tested. So rest assured the black levels are deep dark shadow detailing is excellent as it has been in the past with Panasonic plasmas. This unit is significantly brighter than previous models which will help with high brightness rooms. Some other features:

• New anti-reflective filter; lead-free "Tough Under Force" panel is resistant to impacts and scratches
• Built-in SD card slot with Photo Viewer/Gallery Player software
• x.v. Color and Deep Color (HDMI 1.3 features)
• 24p native reproduction
• Game Mode auto-adjusts image quality suitable to games and includes anti-image retention
• Viera Link is now compatible with Onkyo and Yamaha home theater systems
• At least 3 HDMI inputs on all models (4 on PZ800)
• THX Certification

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