Panasonic TH42PX80 Review

42in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Excellent value plasma now with even more features.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1024 x 768

Rating:

92%

Reviewed: 26 February 2008

Design

Standing out from the crowd style wise these days is difficult to achieve with a flat panel TV. Become too adventurous and you risk being labelled as eccentric while it is all to easy to become a shinny black clone if no attempt is made to make aesthetic changes.

With the PX80 Panasonic have managed to retain a conservatism that most consumers will be happy with while introducing some simple but effective stylistic changes. A subtle upward curve at the base of the screen is a nice touch along with a wedge shaped pedestal which really does make this panel stand out from the crowd.

Features

The PX80 features 3 HDMI inputs (one more than the PX70) a PC/vga input along with 2 Scarts and the usual Composite, Component and S-Video inputs. Unlike the PX70 it also features 100Hz processing. Contrast ratio is up from a quoted 10,000:1 to 15:000:1 resolution. There is also an SD card slot.

Screen: 42in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1024 x 768

Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1

Other Features: V-real picture processing, Integrated Freeview.

Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.

A new feature across the Viera range, 'Game Mode' has been designed to minimize time lag when displaying game images on screen. Synchronising the game image to the player’s movements Panasonic say creates a more involving gaming experience.

The TH42PX80 still forms part of Panasonic's entry level range of new plasmas and retains a 1024 x 768 resolution.

The important part of the package, the panel itself comes in the shape of Panasonic's latest 11th generation of plasma screens, the G11.

Improvements in the performance of this latest plasma offering from Panasonic will be due in the main to the introduction of this new panel. There are no major advances to the V-Real Picture Processing Engine although it has been tweaked in a number of ways, and now sports a 16-bit processor.

Panasonic's impressive 'Viera Link' technology is present on the TH42PX80 and uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote.

Performance

With the TH42PX80 Panasonic have maintained and enhanced their reputation for producing plasmas with excellent black levels. Improving on an already excellent black level performance over its predecessor the PX70, the PX80 while not quite reaching the standards set by Pioneer's Kuro range has done enough to cause some worried backward glances.

The effectiveness of 100Hz processing on flat panel TV's seems to generate a fair amount of discussion and it is a feature that you just have to witness for yourself in the flesh. Many find the results too sharp and stilted for their tastes, while others appreciate the extra sense of clarity. We don't think that 100Hz processing in this case brings anything to this panel, but there a certainly those of you out there who will disagree.

With a 1024x768 resolution, the TH42PX80 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?

Colour on the TH42PX80 is superb, with a level of accuracy and saturation that is class leading for a Plasma screen costing under £1000. Colours appear deep and natural, and skin tones are always subtle and believable.

As expected motion handling is one of the TH42PX80s strengths, with no evidence of smearing at anytime, even with the quickest movie action sequences or sporting action.

High Definition (HD) on the TH42PX80 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 TH42PX80 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 TH42PX80 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.

Conclusion

With some additional features, the TH42PX80 still represents an excellent value plasma package. Full HD models from Panasonic with the latest image processing technology are more accomplished, but the price to performance equation in this case is hard to beat.