Panasonic TH42PZ700 Review

42in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

A hugely accomplished screen with excellent features but at a price.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

90%

Reviewed: 01 August 2007

Design

There is not much to distinguish the TH42PZ700 from Panasonic's PX70 range of plasma screens, which combines a glossy black frame with matte black pedestal and lower frame edge. In addition, either side of the screen are very neat inlaid speakers about an inch wide. The TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700 is one of only two plasma screens we have tested of around 40in size that break the £1500 price barrier, the other being Pioneer's new PDP-428XD. Inevitably, we have made some comparisons, the ace up the TH42PZ700's sleeve being Full HD native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels whereas the Pioneer has a 1,024 x 768 format. 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: 5,000:1

Other Features: Vreal Picture Processing, Deep Black Filter, Real Black Drive.

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

Basic connectivity includes an impressive 3 HDMI along with 3 Scarts joined by Component and Composite Video inputs. In addition there is a SDHC/SD card reader which enables the display of JPEG digital photos along with a PC input and built-in digital tuner.

The TH42PZ700 represents Panasonic's 10th generation of plasma screens and as such has a completely new panel, the G10.

At the heart of the TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700. 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 TH42PZ700 with aplomb, displaying none of the motion pattern noise that afflicts many plasmas. Even with the fastest moving action, the TH42PZ700 manages to retain its composure.

The Colours on the TH42PZ700 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 TH42PZ700 delivers a competent rather than an accomplished performance. The twin speakers either side of the screen along with TRS Tru Surround deliver a powerful enough Pseudo surround experience that never really convinces. 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

Inevitably, comparisons will be made between the TH42PZ700 and the similarly priced Pioneer PDP-428XD. For all round performance including standard as well as high definition the Pioneer is the one to choose, but as the centrepiece of your HD home cinema, the TH42PZ700 is a serious contender.