Panasonic Plasma TV and Display Monitors

Includes:
TH-42PWD6UY: Remote
TH-42PD25UP: Built-in speakers (16W total output), integrated NTSC and ATSC tuners, and plasma TV tabletop stand

Color:
TH-42PWD6UY: Charcoal bezel with black ribbon around plasma screen
TH-42PD25UP: Silver chassis with black casing around plasma screen

Note: The TH-42PD25UP is the consumer version of the TH-42PWD6UY, which is part of Panasonic's line of professional plasma display panels. Thus, the TH-42PD25UP includes integrated speakers and NTSC/ATSC tuners, as well as some additional inputs, notably an HDMI input for digital video signals. In all other respects, these displays are identical. They utilize the same plasma display component (glass), have the same resolutions, and share the same color decoders and scaling/conversion circuitry.

The (6UY) replaces the (5UY) in September, 2003 as the new Panasonic 8X4 professional model. There are very few technical differences (not related to performance differences) to note as follows:

INTRODUCTION

This plasma television may be purchased for professional broadcast use, but works as well for the consumer in the home market. It does not include tuners, or speakers but has optional ones that may be purchased.

The new TH-42PWD6UY offers a few nice improvements as stated above from their predecessors. And yes, this is the 6th generation plasma display in the series produced by Panasonic. In sum, they are excellent improvements to an already exceptional performer. Better picture, gray scaling, contrast ratio, color balance, automatic contrast tracking (to preserve the unit), and optional configuration video boards, just to name the major differences. The unit also runs very cool due to the low power levels it requires (under normal use Max. Amps 4.0). It should run for many years and gives a 30,000 hour time frame to half life. The unit is very sound technically, and easy to use for the average consumer or professional environment. Panasonic, striving to get ahead of the game in the plasma market purchased PlasmaCo Technologies in Y2K, not only acquiring the company's leading plasma technology but also their leading plasma technology engineers.

THE PICTURE - 97

Since plasma monitors are primarily visual devices the picture displayed is really omnipotent in consideration for which one to purchase. There are a few other considerations (listed in this review under "Other Considerations") but image quality is of primary importance unless computer presentation scaling is the call. The Panasonics showed the best picture I have seen on a plasma display. With higher end signals of HDTV 1080I or progressive scan 480P the unit is unmatched for an 853 X 480 native pixel resolution plasma TV. We have reviewed the Gateway, Sampo, Samsung, Akai, NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi and Pioneers, this was the unanimous feeling of all three reviewers. Panasonic has done a great job with the 8X4 plasma display and also with the new TH-42PHD6UY 1024X768 model has emulated the PWD's success in the high resolution market.

Images are sharp and crisp for all input signals we tried. Color reproduction was superb but the words most often used to describe the unit's on-screen image versus the other flat screen TV's was, "deep, rich and clear, amazing." I know the description of the picture sounds a bit like a good cabernet but that was the thoughts as I canvassed the group. The reason behind the superior performance from the top end signals is due to the unparalleled black levels and contrast caused in part by the new Real Black Drive System the company has incorporated. Though I don't buy the advertised contrast ratio Panasonic lists of 4000:1 (we measure it around 850:1 with the power on), I do believe they have the best technology in showing video imagery (as opposed to computer). The contrast ratio is the best in the plasma market and rivals even the best CRTs.

With progressive 720P, 1080I, or 480P I would not hesitate to pit the Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY (or PT-42PD3-P) against any CRT direct view set. I think it is actually worth the extra $1000.00 for the Plasma with a 42" diagonal viewing area compared with the high definition Panasonic Direct View CT-WX34X50 (34" viewing area).

Our plasma monitor tests were conducted with several inputs including the Samsung SIRT165 high definition decoder box (with broadcast HDTV), Pioneer 47A Elite progressive scan DVD player, a DVD-Ram.HD player iDVR100, a VCR, a PC signal with several resolutions, and of course regular cable. When changing the signal from a DVD player to 480I from 480P, there is now an almost imperceptible decrease noticed in the picture quality on this plasma TV. This is due to the new and improved internal progressive scan conversion circuitry in the unit. It does an excellent job of line doubling the signal. An excellent 3:2 pulldown conversion chip for film and video processing is also included to deliver clear, smooth images from film sources. The new Panasonic 42PWD6UY also upconverts satellite and cable signals to progressive scan quality, thus giving much better picture quality than before on television grade signals.

While NEC has almost caught Panasonic in black level production and contrast, the Panasonic models continue to display the deepest blacks and smoothest gray scaling that I have seen. The picture from the Panasonic plasma monitors always deliver the most realistic colors, in part because these units do not get offensively warm with the reds as do so many other models. Gray scaling is drastically improved on this new model - with the most even dark level variations witnessed and monitored by my Philips color analyzer.

With a PC I found the unit to display SVGA (800X600) resolution preferred by far over other resolutions. Panasonic has really improved computer compatibility and operational effectiveness. The new split screen capability will be a hit in the board room for video conferencing/ presentation combinations.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 94

This plasma tv runs virtually silent. It is fan-less and has one of the lowest power consumption ratings of any plasma display. I could not hear the unit running at all. Not even from a foot away. This is best in market.

The onscreen graphic user display on this plasma television is excellent and easy to use. There are options available for color temp adjustment, sharpness, color, picture, brightness, tint, and picture. There is a sound adjustment menu if you are using the built in 8 watt amplifiers from which the outputs are neatly placed on the lower right and lower left back of the unit. The five aspect ratios options include Zoom, Normal (for 4:3 picure), Full, Just (displays 4:3 picture at its maximum size but with aspect correction applied), Panasonic Auto (used to handle a mix of 16:9 and 4:3 programming). I like to adjust the color on almost any input signal I'm watching and I found the Panasonic's color adjustments for red, blue and green to be simple, straightforward and effective.

The monitor has plenty of inputs for all connection applications. S-video, composite video, audio L&R, a row of 5 BNC connections for component/RGB, a serial port, a 15 pin VGA, a DB25 tuner in connection, and the two speaker output terminals from the built in amps. The back bottom input cavity is conveniently located for wall mounting and accessibility.

This set up would allow the user to display side by side picture at the same time from Satellite and HDTV, and also optimize the set up for best possible picture. Note that some HDTV decoder boxes have DVI output or 15 in RGB output. Either way, the Panasonic plasma has the input terminal boards to accommodate, and this flexibility is an excellent addition.

Cycle through the Multi PIP button on the remote then hit the select button then the input button to display PIP or Side by Side picture. Be sure to press the select button twice when necessary to change the input selection before depressing Input.

The bezel/frame comes in a dark charcoal gray. It is straightforward sharp and updated next to its competitors with a wide black ribbon band framing the picture. The sleeker bezel is approximately one inch on all sides. The construction is solid, and the outputs allow for input cables to be easily hidden and routed out of the bottom of the unit. The unit is 3.5 inches in depth and around 69 pounds light.

The remote control is a simple little device, easy to navigate with - unimpressive looking, but the onscreen menu more than makes up for it.

SPECIAL FEATURES

UXGA (1600X1200) computer input acceptance
Built in 8 watt amplifiers
Real Black Drive System for highest contrast and deeper blacks
Full range of optional video terminal boards
Improved Grey Scales
Low Power Consumption - No fans necessary. very quiet operation
Most realistic color reproduction in the market
Automatic Contrast adjustment feature

VALUE RATING - 95

With a new street price of around $2500 the new TH-42PWD6UY is probably the best buy in the market place. I have not come across a better one. The competing Korean and Taiwanese brands are the only plasma displays selling for less and do not compare quality-wise to the Japanese made Panasonic.

OVERALL RATING - (picture double weighted) - 96

Panasonic TH42PWD6UY / TH42PWD7UY Customer Reviews

Panasonic 42" TH-42PWD6UY / TH42PWD7UY Plasma TV Review - 5 Customer Reviews

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Tom Wolfe
Location: Oahu, Hawaii

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

----PRODUCT REVIEW----
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 months 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: 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.

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Alan Schuchman
Location: Denver, Colorado

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

----PRODUCT REVIEW----
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: 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: PlasmaDepot.com Experience was great. They were very responsive to my anxious calls concerning delivery date. The monitor arrived within 3 days of PlasmaDepot receiving it!

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Mike Williams
Location: Wexford, PA

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

----PRODUCT REVIEW----
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: 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.

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Michael Barnhart
Location: New York City, NY

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

----PRODUCT REVIEW----
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: 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.

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Robert Siniscalchi
Location: Naples, Florida

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

----PRODUCT REVIEW----
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: 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.

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Dallas E. Murdoch
Location: Grace, Idaho 83241

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH42PWD6UY

PICTURE:
We enjoy the picture immensely. It has beautiful colors and clarity. My biggest objection to it is my wife loves to watch it and spends too much time in front of the television

INSTALLATION:
We ordered it with a stand so it sits upright. We had our living room remodeled and had a space of 47" X 30.5 " X 21" set aside for this television. It matched the guidelines for space suggested by the manufacturer. The electrical and antennae hookups come into the rear of this space. It looks very attractive

PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
We bought a surround sound system and wired the sound from the TV through it so it has to be on and set correctly to hear sound from the television. The local channels are accessed through a VCR. Consequently we are using three remotes, one supplied by Dish Network, one for the surround sound tuner and one for the VCR. I have been told however that this system can be improved so we don't need so many remotes.

QUALITY RATING: 9

Panasonic 37" TH-37PD25U/P Plasma TV Review
(The TH-42PD25U/P is the same screen except larger)

-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Mark Reece
Location: Winston Salem, NC

-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Model: TH-37PD25
(The TH-42PD25U/P is the same screen except larger)
PICTURE:

I currently have the television hooked up to Time Warner Cable thru a Scientific Atlanta digital cable set top box. For the best picture quality, I opted to connect the box to the television by using an S-cable. The picture is very clear and sharp. Colors are outstanding. Time Warner now offers a cable card which can be used on this television in lieu of using the cable set top box. I have one on order but it may take a few days for them to get the card; due to a limited number of television makers who offer this feature on their televisions, there is not a big demand for the cards at this time. Hopefully with the use of the card the picture quality will be even more dramatic. While shopping around for a plasma set, I noticed that all vendors use a digital dish for reception. Every Panasonic set that I looked at that was hooked up to a dish had by far the best picture quality.

I also have a Bose 3-2-1 system hooked up to the tv thru a s-video cable. The dvd picture is flawless. I've never seen a sharper more colorful picture.

INSTALLATION:
I opted for a 37 inch set so that I could place it on a corner tv hutch. The set fits perfectly in the corner of the living room allowing an almost direct view of the set from any seat in the room. The thing I like about a plasma screen is that it allows you to get a clear view of the picture from any angle.

Panasonic supplies some plastic straps and screws so that you can secure the set to a table or what ever you elect to set the unit on. I elected to drill a couple of hole through the back of the mounting base and fasten it to the corner hutch with wood screws. Now the unit is firmly mounted to the hutch.

PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
This tv is loaded with features. The remote control will control multipule audio-video devices and is background lighted for use in a darken room. The rear panel has (1) HDMI input terminal, (2) s-video inputs, (2) component input terminals, (3) av input terminals, (1) digital output terminal, (2) cable/antenna connections, and (1) cable card slot. The front panel; located behind a flip down door under the screen, has (1) s-video input, (1) audio-video input, (1) pc input,(1) headphone jack, (1) SD photo card input, volume, channel, menu controls. All menu functions can be performed by using the remote or the front panel menu button.

For my purpose, all settings were on the money right out of the box.

This unit has built in 16 watt speakers which are on each side of the screen. The sound is outstanding. Panasonic offers what they call BBE VIVA 3D sound. In this mode, the sound is very crisp and clean. My wife has trouble at times hearing the speech on programs because the music tends to mask the speaking parts. Not with this unit. The speaking parts are always understandable for her. She loves this feature.

As I stated earlier, this unit is loaded with good usable features, and I'm sure that I have left many of them out

The long and short of it is the fact that for the money, you would be hard pressed to find a better plasma television than what Panasonic now has to offer.

QUALITY RATING: 10

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