Panasonic TH42PZ85 Review

42in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Feature packed and highly accomplished all round performance.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

93%

Reviewed: 21 April 2008

Design

With a very slim profile, glossy black finish and a frame that curves subtly backwards along the full length of its sides, the Panasonic Th42PZ85 is certainly not going to be described as conservative. The overall effect however is distinctive rather than brash, stylish rather than garish.

The elliptical silver trim at the base of the TH42PZ85 is not the whim of an enthusiastic designer, but actually houses the screens twin speakers. Again, describing this long thin pod like structure gives the impression of over embellishment, whereas in the flesh it comes across as an effective design touch.

Features

The TH42PZ85 boasts a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which has the ability to map a source such as Sky Standard Definition (1080i) pixel for pixel with no loss of detail and the potential to display High Definition sources with supreme detail.

Screen: 42in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1

Other Features: V-real pro 3 picture processing, Integrated Freeview.

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

A major component of Panasonic's latest image processing engine, V-Real Pro 3 introduces 'Intelligent Frame Creation' technology. Designed to remove 'flicker' from fast moving action, the function adds extra frames to the picture giving then a smoother and more fluid appearance. These extra frames are created using a complicated algorithm which analyses the current speed and direction of on-screen elements.

Panasonic's latest G11 panel comes with a very fast 0.001 second response time (how long it takes the plasma cells to react after they have been sent an electrical signal) along with a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and no viewing angle limitation.

With 3 HDMI inputs (v1.3), 2 Scarts connectivity is as good as you would expect, and there is also a useful SD memory card slot. Pop in your latest digital camera (SD card) holiday shots into the slot and a slick slide show function appears.

24p Real Cinema has been designed to render a 'judder free' interpretation of films shot at 24 frames per second (most TV is shot at 25 frames per second).

The environmentally aware among you will be pleased to know that production of the PZ85 is lead-free and an 'Eco' mode lowers power consumption.

The PZ85 (along with all new Panasonic plasmas) also feature a new 'Tough Panel' finish, designed to prevent enthusiastic gamers from scratching or even smashing these panels.

As with most of Panasonic's flat panel TV's 'Viera Link' technology is present and uses high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote.

Performance

Having heard rumours of an exceptional HD performance from the PZ85 we couldn't resist immediately popping in our 'Planet Earth' Blu-ray DVD. The results exceeded our expectations as we were presented with one of the most accomplished High definition pictures we have seen. There are good HD pictures, and there are HD pictures which compel you to reach out and touch - the impression of reality being so strong. Every imaginable nuance of detail is presented in a flood of vibrantly rendered colours, a truly involving experience.

Comparing the bright vivid scenes of planet Earth with the dark broodiness of Bladerunner on Blu-ray presented us with that strange rendering of cinematic scenes that frame insertion technologies tend to produce. Close up shots of characters completely lose their atmospheric cinematic quality looking more like an HD version of Eastenders, although the rendering of facial tones is never less than wholly convincing.

Panasonic have made great play around their PZ85's ability to handle fast action scenes and to a large degree this is justified. The PZ85 is one of the most accomplished TV's when it comes to motion handling, although we came to the conclusion that this is perhaps more to do with the overall ability of the screen in all areas rather than 100hz and 'Intelligent Frame Creation' technologies (we were just as impressed with the screens ability in this respect with the feature turned off). What is clear is that fast action scenes retain a fluidity, smoothness and composure that is a match for any flat panel out there. Even the very trickiest scenes such as football games with the view covering the broadest area of the pitch with the ball fizzing around retain a level of detail and smoothness that most screens just can't match.

Again, Panasonic have achieved a black level worthy of praise. If we hadn't had our benchmark Pioneer Kuro (PDP-428XD) directly alongside the PZ85 we would have initially judged the Panasonic to be the equal of any screen in this respect. As it is the Pioneer just pips the PZ85, but only just, the difference being barely perceptible. Of course, such an accomplished black level provides an excellent platform for colour rendering.

Standard Definition performance from the PZ85 varies with the source, but is on the whole very impressive. Some of the best SD pictures we have witnessed were on view when we hooked up the PZ85 to Sky (1080i). The extra detail that Sky makes available obviously makes a difference as terrestrial Freeview is not so accomplished.

Watching coverage of some of the opening matches of the snooker world championship on Freeview revealed inconsistencies where deep circular reds met the green baize. There was an element of posturization (obvious steps rather than a smooth transition in colour) where the two contrasting colours met.

Despite some minor floors, the PZ85 in our opinion rates as one of the best SD performers when it comes to standard definition. Motion handling is on the whole excellent, colours are rich and accurate without being overly vibrant and tricky areas such as facial tones are rendered with an accuracy that few flat screens can match.

While the acoustic ability of the PZ85 is not the best, with a slightly 'tinny' sound, the performance in this respect does not detract too much from the overall experience.

Conclusion

The PZ85 joins Panasonic's PX80 series of Plasmas as one of the most accomplished flat panel TV's we have reviewed. In virtually all areas the PZ85 is outstanding. This performance no longer comes cheap however - this is a mid-level plasma offering from Panasonic's but still comes in at over £1000 even if you shop around.

Panasonic TH42PZ85


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