Panasonic TH-42PWD5UY Plasma / Flat Screen TV

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Awesome

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  We bought the Plasma TV due to space considerations and thought we would have to sacrifice image quality and contrast. Boy were we wrong. This TV compares to the best sets I've seen!

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  Attractive. Fits in well with a modern decor. Sleek.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   I mounted it using the flat wall mount. I performed the installation myself. It took about a half an hour.

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   Plasma Depot. They were really great to deal with in every way. I will recommend them every chance I get

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  I am very impressed with the color reproduction, including and especially the black, of this unit. Seen side-by-side with my former CRT television, the difference is striking and immediate. The same could be said regarding contrast. The factory setting for brightness seems ideal, although the environment of my unit prevents bright sunlight from being any factor. The viewing angle is gratifyingly wide, which is a real plus in my particular setup

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  Although I had conducted fairly extensive in-store investigations of plasma televisions--something not really possible until recently--there is no substitute for seeing a working model in one's own entertainment room. My wife (as opposed tomy very enthusiastic son)was dubious that the picture could be so much better as to warrant the expense. She has since changed her mind

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  This particular unit is rather minimalist--plain black metal frame with only the power button and LED visible (the button barely so). Obviously appearance is to one's taste, but I find that the absence of bells and whistles allows the viewer to concentrate on the picture display itself, which is the realreason for getting one of these anyway. The unit and its wall mount allow for power and input connections through the back and out of sight. Although my setup did not permit using this feature, I appreciate its availability

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   My son and I installed the unit using the wall mount which DTVCity also shipped. I was frankly a bit leery about installation as I had to mount the unit on a brick-and-stone wall in my entertainment room. The stones protrude from the brickface, making spacers mandatory and thus increasing the need for very deep drilling into the brick for added stability. Fortunately the mounting proceeded very easily. I would complain, though, about the incredible brevity of the mounting bracket sheet (it can hardly be called a manual). I suppose it presumes that anyone buying a plasma TV(and mount) will understand the necessities of proper anchorage, but I still think it would be useful to very boldly remind installers that,in cases of woodframe mounting, a studs-only mount is imperative and,in the case of masonry mounting, mollly-bolts will not provide adequate strength. Finally, the locking latch on the wall mount is poorly designed. It easily slips between the TV unit and basic wall mount as the TV is hung, making it bothersome to reach behind and grasp it for latching. And the latch itself does not really grip. That is to say,it seems more of a reminder than a true latch.

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   I bought the TV online from DTVCity and am very favorably impressed despite the problem with my initial shipment. That shipment arrived damaged. DTV ships quite carefully and the crating was completely intact but, as I later discovered, the "blue beads" to be checked on the Tip-and-Tell indicator in fact refer to the indicator's background. I was looking for beads,or even fluid, and did not realize that an all-blue indicator was a sign of trouble. I see that DTV's current mailings to customers go to some pains to describe exactly what to look for--a welcome improvement. In any event, DTV was thoroughly professional when I contacted them to alert them to the damaged unit. A replacement was sent straightaway--which arrived in fine shape--and DTV's representative remains in touch with me to ensure proper and orderly return of the damaged unit

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   I think the most essential ingredient in buying such a large-ticket item online (or by phone, for that matter) is confidence in the professionalism and reputation of the dealer.DTVCity did not have the best price for this unit, nor did it carry the HDTV receiver that I wanted to purchase with it. Nevertheless, I decided to give my business to DTVCity because of its prominently posted replacement and return policy, its pains in displaying its BBB credentials, and testimonies (available onsite and elsewhere) from satisfied customers. I am to date very happy with my experience with DTV and its representatives

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Clarity & Color Reproduction & Contrast and Brightness: On high-quality sources it is superb. It is also a real lesson in the psychology of vision. Numbers-oriented videophiles will say that with a native resolution of 852x480, this set isn't capable of "true" HD reproduction. By the eyeball test, however, it is the BEST HD picture I've seen on any 42" plasma (and I've seen them all.) The HD picture has the sparkling clarity and almost 3-dimensional feel that, to me, is what separates HD from even good SD. Also, the difference between real 1080i HD signals (e.g. CBS) and Fox's 480p broadcasts is dramatic even though the numbers types will say that you shouldn't be able to see a difference on a monitor with this resolution. This visual performace is probably the result of terrific contrast on this set and the fact that it reproduces a real, "hard" black, where the best most other plasmas can do is dark gray. The brightness is great. No problem using it in a brightly-lit room (a BIG change from the rear-projection set I upgraded from.)

Reproduction of DVDs, especially using the component inputs is about as close to HD as you can get from disks: lovely rich color and sparkling clarity in the details.

On lower-quality sources like satellite and tape, the picture is comperable to a very good direct-view set, though a little flatter in contrast than the badly over-driven look you see on most people's CRT TV's. When DirecTv chooses to give a signal good bandwidth, as they do with some of their movie channels, it gets close to DVD quality, and you really see the difference with this set.

Other than the contrast, the biggest difference between the Panasonic and other plasmas I've looked at is the absence of noticable "jaggies" or on regular NTSC signals. These are so bad on many plasmas that an outboard scaler is required just to get a viewable picture. The Panasonic picture, right out of the box, would thrill anyone but a very, very high-end perfectionist. (Not quite out of the box, actually. The factory picture settings are are a little washed out on SD pictures. Turn the brightness down quite a bit, the "picture' up a little and the sharpness up a lot, and you see what the set is capable of. For more discussion of optimum picture settings, check the threads in the Plasma section of AVSForum.com)

One other point along this line: certain NTSC sources - my old, but very high-end laser disk player, for example - produce a better picture on the Panasonic using their composite video output than they do from their S-Video output. (This is worth checking when you install it.) This indicates that the Panasonic uses better chips for things like Y-C separation than a lot of outboard gear.

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  I love it! It's more than just the great picture, it's a completely different experience from "TV". Part of it is the psychology of the picture just hanging on the wall like a painting. Part, I think, comes from the total lack of flicker. We don't realize how annoying that is until we see a picture without it. Part of it is that all titles and graphics - even on a bad picture - are ROCK SOLID, like they were painted on the screen. Overall, the experience of watching HDTV (and even some DVDs) on this plasma is as big a step up from regular TV as color was from B&W. It's just obvious that some day all TV will be like this

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  Unobtrusive. A plasma is pretty much a plasma as far as looks are concerned. It sure is a converastion stopper, though. EVERYONE who walks into our family room sees it hanging there and says something like "Is that one of those . . . ?" followed by the obligatory demo. Luckily, there's always something on the HD demo channel (#199) that just blows them away.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite, 1 S-Video & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   Hung on the family room wall using the flat wall mount, with all the wires routed through a hole behind it so that nothing is visible hanging down. The center-channel speaker is sort of disguised by some books and pictures on a table under it so that you really get the "hanging picture" effect. All the other electronics are several feet away inside a converted bar, and all the other speakers are mounted unobtrusively up near the ceiling. It other words, it's a "stealth" home theater, which gives it a very high WAF (wife approval factor)

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   Plasma Depot. This was certainly the largest purchase I've ever made over the internet, and they were very reassuring to deal with. They called the next morning to confirm order details and my credit card, then they sent an e-mail with all shipping details including both tracking numbers and phone numbers for the shipping companies (the plasma and the mount came from different places.) Both shipments arrived ahead of schedule, and the company delivering the plasma was very good about calling first to arrange delivery details. Overall, it couldn't have been better.

The most important thing on the website is to show price and in-stock availability. I have no use for sites that ask you to call for this info. It's not just a convenience issue, having all the info on the site projects a sense of honesty and professionalism. (And they were NOT the cheapest price I found - you were the best combination of a good price with a site that felt like good people running an honest business.) Also, the references to your sales to business were very reassuring. I work in advertising, so I know that plasmas are selling at a furious pace for business settings, but I doubt anyone could run a reasonable business (yet) just selling these things to consumers.

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness are all excellent. Out of the box, the picture settings needed very little adjustment from the factory default settings. I find the 'JUST' aspect mode on the Panasonic is great for NTSC signals with the 16:9 screen format

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  The picture quality is fantastic, as good or better than any, comparable resolution, large screen, direct view CRT or projection TV I have seen. I researched plasma monitors for about 6 mos including: reviews at the DTVCity and Plasma TV Buying Guide websites as well as live auditions at several retailers before making my selection. I had concerns about heat build-up, contrast / brightness levels and image sharpness retention in rapid action scenes, but was pleasantly surprised that none of these concerns were issues. The plasma picture on the flat screen maintains sharpness even at the periphery, resulting in a much better viewing experience.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  Hi-Tech elegance! The Panasonic has a dark charcoal frame and matching stand which compliments my other components well. Inspite of the large screen size, the slim monitor design and its light weight make the unit easily incorporated into an entertainment center as well as being asthetically pleasing.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   The monitor is mounted on its stand and secured to a sliding, rotatable shelf as part of a custom designed, in-wall, entertainment center. The shelf can be slid out from the wall and the monitor rotated left or right for optimum viewing from any part of the room. When not in use the shelf can be retracted so that the monitor is flush with the wall and becomes quite unobstrusive.

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   DTVCity. The buying experience was excellent. Prices were very competitive and sales personnel were knowledgeable and courteous. They helped me put together and complete video package to meet my needs including: monitor, stand, cables and a service contract. Although the monitor was temporarily out of stock when I placed my order, the complete shipment was made within 10 days and took only 7 days in transit to arrive safely in Hawaii. Just in time for Christmas! I was notified by e-mail at time of shipment and given a tracking number so that I was able to track the shipment in transit. I felt shipment of such an expensive, fragile item was handled very smoothly.

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Excellent color reproduction, clarity and contrast. Nothing more can be said!

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  This Plasma TV is truly amazing! Definitely money well spent! DVD's movies just jump out of the screen at you. I hooked up my home entertainment system and watched it come alive

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  The design is very modern and cool looking. Much prefer the all-black look compared with the silver systems

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   Using a flat wall mount

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   I would definately buy from DVTCity again. My original Plasma arrived damaged (not their fault) and obviously I was very concerned. They immediately sent me out a repacement (shipped same day again!) and took care of the claim with the shipping company.

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Clarity is unmached of any 42" plasma sets I've compared. The color is rich and deep. Colors pop right out of the set. We have many windows in our viewing room and I was concerned about a washed out picture during the day. With the dynamic setting on, the picture was bright and had great contrast with a wide viewing angle

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  I can't watch anolog tv now after seeing what the picture can really look like. Well worth the money spent. Our freinds now rent dvd's and want to watch them at our house after seeing a demo run thru component video and full digital sound. We love it !

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  Sleek and modern. The simplicity of its looks is such that the monitor could fit in to any decor and only enhance it.

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  3-12 Months

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   Using an articulated wall mount.

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   DTVCity. Excellent service. They took the fear of buying over the internet away. I would do it again in a minute.

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   I don't think it could be improved apon. Excellent from begining to end.

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  Incredible! Right out of the box with no tinkering I found the picture to be fantastic (I previously had a 35" Sony CRT, and my roomate had a 53" Panasonic projection--the plasma beats both hands down). The clarity is crystal clear from corner to corner--you lose nothing no matter where you look on the screen (unlike most tv's where the edges and corners lose clarity in my opinion). The set comes with three separate picture settings -- they adjust the brightness and sharpness for various viewing conditions (they are also adjustable for personal taste and will save your changes). FYI, I run an S-Video feed for Direct TV and component hookup for DVD. I watched Apocalypse Now for the set's maiden voyage and was duly impressed. This is a movie which has intense colors (green jungles, red explosions) and dark blacks (interior of Kurtz's compound) -- the set performed beautifully

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  I love it. Can't imagine using anything else, except for a 50" plasma. I had also purchased an HDTV receiver thinking I would want even the few channels available to take advantage of the set, however, regular broadcasts (Direct TV) and DVD's look so good I returned the HD box until more becomes available. Filling the 16x9 screen really changes the viewing experience to more of a theater feeling. You can definitely notice some distortion or loss of clarity on some of the aspect settings, but the monitor has a setting that essentially only adjusts the aspect of the sides of the picture and does not distort the center--this works great!

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  I hung mine on the wall and it changes the look of the entire room. Simply beautiful, on or off. It is like a piece of art and really draws the eye to it even when off

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   I used the wall mount. It was quite simple to hang. I drilled holes in the wall and ran the cables behind the wall--highly recommend it for asthetic reasons. Gives the monitor a very clean art-like look

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   DTV City. Experience was great. They were very responsive to my anxious calls concerning delivery date. The monitor arrived within 3 days of DTVCity receiving it!

Q:  Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.

A:  We find the clarity and color to be superb. Much better than we ever anticipated. We had selected the Panasonic based on the reviews in DTV City website. We had been considering the Sony. We were concerned about Plasma TV's regarding the brightness but find absolutely no isuues with the Panasonic. Frankly, I couldn't ask for more!!

Q:  What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?

A:  WE LOVE IT. The first movie we watched was a wide screen version of "Analyze This" and it filled the entire screen. We felt like we were part of the movie. We are really happy we decided to buy now rather than wait. We now get to enjoy it rather than saying "someday" we'll own a Plasma.

Q:  How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?

A:  We have the black case and stand. We designed a built in book case and TV area for the set and it fits and looks just perfect. I tried to enclose a digital photo but was unable to do so

Q:  Plasma TV Inputs used? A:  1 Composite & 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables

Q:  How long have you had the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? A:  Less than 1 Month

Q:  What is the Plasma TV/LCD used for? A:  Home Living Room

Q:  Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.

A:   We are using the Panasonic TV stand set atop a built in tv / bookshelf / display cabinet next. The TV looks part of the 'Built In

Q:  Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?

A:   We bought it from DTVCity off the internet. We had a very helpful sales person who assisted me through the purchase decision and later with some questions on the installation. I would highly recommend DTVCity - in fact I happen to mention to a co worker in Atlanta that I bought the Plasma off the internet and he told me he did likewise - also from DVD City. He bought a Sony and was also pleased with the buying experience.

Q:  Your Comments About your Buying Experience:

A:   Actually as stated above we were most pleased. We returned the speakers because they didn't fit well in the spot we designed. Richard assisted us with no problems.

Panasonic | Sony | Pioneer | NEC | BenQ | Eizo | Fujitsu | Hitachi | JVC | Luce | LG
Marantz | Mitshubishi | Philips | RCA | Sampo | Samsung | Viewsonic | Toshiba | Zenith