42in Plasma Picture Sound Features Usability Value The 'cut down' edition of Panasonic's Full HD plasma range loses little in all round performance while offering better value. HD Ready: yes Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Rating: 92%

Reviewed: 11 October 2007

Design

The TH42PZ70 is identical in looks to its older brother, the TH42PZ700 and Panasonic's PX700 range of plasma screens. With a glossy black frame and matte black pedestal, the PZ70 is not currently available with Panasonic's custom built cabinet (CAB) or wall mounting (WALL) option. Either side of the screen are very neat inlaid speakers about an inch wide which distinguish this model from Panasonic's PX70 range of Plasma screens. The TH42PZ70 is an impressive and imposing unit, and while it doesn't quite have the wow factor exhibited by the likes of Samsung or Pioneer, it has enough presence to induce a certain amount of envy amongst friends and neighbours.

Features

The TH42PZ70 is being marketed by Panasonic as the cut down version of its TH42PZ700, and as such comes with 2 HDMI inputs (one less than the PZ700) and a less powerful sound system. Closer inspection however reveals that this 'cut down' version has a few tricks up its sleave, suggesting that along with a £300-£400 saving, the TH42PZ70 is an excellent buy - especially since it retains a Full HD native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The extra pixels allow the TH42PZ700 to resolve every detail of 1080i and 1080p sources, rather than scaling these pictures to fit.

	Screen: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound System: Nicam Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 Other Features: Vreal Picture Processing, Deep Black Filter, Real Black Drive. Sockets: 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.

 

The contrast ratio of the 42PZ70 actually comes in at a quoted 10,000:1 which is higher than the 42PZ700's 5,000:1, and the 42PZ70, unlike its older brother is actually able to accept a 1080/24p source.

The important part of the package, the panel itself comes in the shape of Panasonic's completely new 10th generation of plasma screens, the G10.

At the heart of the TH42PZ70 is the latest incarnation of Panasonic's picture processing technology, Vreal2. Vreal2 brings together an impressive range of technological picture processing wizardry adapted for the 10th generation screens. A Digital Optimiser has been designed to reduce digital noise originating from the video source itself, and also motion pattern noise which produces false contouring during motion.

Complementing Vreal technology is Panasonic's 'Deep Black Filter' and 'Real Black Drive' technologies which build upon the companies already legendary black level performance capabilities.

Panasonic's impressive 'Viera Link' technology is present on the TH42PZ70 and uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote.

Performance

Combine Panasonic's latest 10th generation screens with Vreal processing and Full HD however and in the TH42PZ70 you have what is possibly the best High Definition (HD) performance available today from a 42in screen. The level of sharpness and detail is absolutely stunning, showing every possible nuance of detail imaginable.

Standard Definition (SD) sources are surprisingly good given that the TH42PZ70 has to do a fair amount of upscaling to reproduce terrestrial Freeview on its Full HD screen. The picture is not without its faults in this respect, with a certain amount of video noise, but far better than we might have expected. The handling of fast action sequences is particularly good. With terrestrial Freeview, you will need to keep your distance to keep the experience pleasurable, but sources such as Sky (1080i) bring the benefits of the extra pixels which the screen can make full use of.

Even more impressive is the black level performance of the TH42PZ70. The new generation screens deliver stunning black levels with a standard of graduated shadow on a par with any 40in screen out there.

Fast moving sporting action or movie scenes in general are handled by the TH42PZ70 with aplomb, displaying none of the motion pattern noise that afflicts many plasmas. Even with the fastest moving action, the TH42PZ70 manages to retain its composure.

The Colours on the TH42PZ70 are another highly impressive aspect of the screens performance. Never short of superb vibrancy, the subtle delivery of colour detailing with areas such as skin tones is second to none.

Acoustically, the TH42PZ70 delivers a less than convincing performance. Although we weren't exactly bowled over with TRS Tru Surround sound on the TH42PZ700, the absence of this technology renders a rather tinny sound on the PZ70. Panasonic assume rightly or wrongly that screens of this size will invariably form the heart of a home cinema system with consumers adding their own sonic upgrades.

Conclusion

As a 'cut down' version of the TH42PZ700, the TH42PZ70 looses little in overall performance. With a price tag which places it firmly in the mid range price category, this panel comes highly recommended - in fact, it is quite possibly the best 42in buy currently out there.