Panasonic TH42PX70 Review

Reviewed: 29 March 2007

Performance

Over the years, Panasonic have gained a legendary reputation for their black level performance and the TH42PX70 carries on this tradition. In fact, you could make a good argument for buying the TH42PX70 on the strength of its capabilities in this area alone. You really need to sit this screen alongside any LCD to really appreciate its strength in producing stunning black level performance.

Panasonic's TH42PX70, with its 1024x768 resolution will downscale 1080i content (such as Sky) and will inevitably lose a degree of clarity as a result. The results of this downscaling however are hardly noticeable. Put this screen next to a full HD 1080p enabled alternative and on close inspection you will notice a difference, but are you prepared to pay a substantial amount more for the improvement? Panasonic's higher spec 1080p screens are out this year, and it will be interesting to compare the two setups when they do.

Colour on the TH42PX70 is superb, with a level of accuracy and saturation that is class leading for a Plasma screen costing around £1000. Colours appear deep and natural, and skin tones are always subtle and believable.

As expected motion handling is one of the TH42PX70s strengths, with no evidence of smearing at anytime, even with the quickest movie action sequences or sporting action.

High Definition (HD) on the TH42PX70 is almost faultless, and for a screen in this price bracket this is quite an achievement. Worthy again of particular mention are the superb black levels and the greyscale graduation which seems to pick up every subtlety of shadowy scenes in any situation.

With Standard Definition (SD) the TH42PX70 suffers like all plasma and LCDs in that the technology was just not built for SD sources. Not as accomplished as its smaller 37in brother the Th42PX70 is nevertheless one of the better SD performers. Sharpness and clarity generally remain intact even with fast motion sequences. The SD picture is not perfect, but easier to live with than most flat panels.

If the majority of your viewing is going to be SD then you may also want to consider a smaller LCD screen (Panasonic have recently introduced a range of 100hz LCDs which raise the bar in this area).

Conclusion

If your heart is set on a 42in Plasma at a very competitive price, and a good proportion of your viewing material will be HD then the TH42PX70 could be the screen for you.

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