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Panasonic TX-P42X10 Review |
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Reviewed: 18 March 2009
All
round performance, Value
Does not
really excel in any area
Design
The TX-42PX10 reflects its budget status with a rather under whelming presence. The whole effect, especially with the addition of an oval base, is neat enough but the panel is rather chunky in comparison to some of the slim line TV's around these days.
With a high standard of fit and finish, Panasonic are maintaining their reputation for good value at every level of their range of flat screen TV's. For just over £600 on line, the TX-42PX10 gets you a lot of screen for the money.
Features
As just one step up from Panasonic's entry level plasma series, not surprisingly the TX-42PX10 comes with a HD Ready (1024 x 768) resolution rather than a Full HD (1920 x 1080) spec. Elsewhere there are 3 HDMI inputs along with D-Sub PC port and an SD card slot allowing JPEG digital photo playback.
Screen: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound System: Nicam Resolution: 1024 x 768 Contrast Ratio (dynamic): 2,000,000:1 Other Features: V-real 4 Picture Processing, 100Hz refresh rate. Sockets: 3 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, SD card reader.
The TX-42PX10 benefits from a 100Hz refresh rate which ups the number of frames displayed every second (fps) up from the usual 50 to 100; a feature which should help reduce the amount of on-screen 'flicker'.
Panasonic's almost legendary V-real Picture Processing Engine now comes in the shape of V-real 4. Tweaks to the screens main picture processing circuitry have been designed to clean the incoming Standard Definition source as well as improving High Definition presentation.
Panasonic claim a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for the TX-42PX10, the Eco mode element of which dims the on screen image brightness automatically in response to the ambient light conditions surrounding the TV.
Viera Link uses the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connections to automatically control similarly enabled devices using a single remote. Panasonic have now added support for their LUMIX range of digital cameras to Viera link. Viera Image Viewer is a new function for easy viewing of digital still photos. Pop in an SD card and a slide show begins automatically with, amongst other things, the option to choose from three preset background music tracks ...
V-audio surround actually determines the measurement of the room the TV is in, via a digital signal. The sound coming from the TV is then customized for its environment.
Performance
Having witnessed a noticeable leap forward in performance when comparing Panasonic's TH-42PX80 and its PX70 predecessor we have to admit to feeling slightly disappointed with the TX-P42X10. This is a shame because in virtually every department the P42X10 matches its predecessor, the problem being that technological boundaries have not really been pushed.
While the P42X10 is probably not going to set the world of flat panel TV's alive with its arrival, it actually delivers a black level performance that can rival any Plasma or LCD at this price level and a fair number of those that are a good deal more expensive. No point looking for any greyness on the P42X10 as all we experience are deep luscious blacks which reveal shadow detail even in darker scenes. While the better plasmas go one step better and reveal intricate detail in the darkest of scenes, you have to look closely to spot the difference.
The TX-P42X10's decent black level performance provides a good backdrop for the effective presentation of colour. While we have seen more accurate facial tones on a number of flat panel TV's, the P42X10 does as good a job as any screen we have seen at this price level. Just a slight hint of over saturation of colours in some circumstances is the only thing that lets the screen down in this respect.
Always an area where opinion can be sharply divided, dynamic contrast implementations, coming in the shape of 'Eco' mode on the P42X10 (which can be turned off) seemed to work well in darker environments. In brighter rooms, the Panasonic lacked the dynamism of LCD and some higher end Plasma TV's. The problem was not a major one, its just that other screens seem to be just that little bit brighter.
Testament to further tweaking of V-real processing, the TX-P42X10 delivers an excellent Standard Definition (SD) performance. The handling of a poor quality 'Freeview' feed gives us the only cause for concern with the performance of the TX-P42X10. These concerns are relatively minor however with an element of on screen noise visible and some posturization apparent (obvious steps rather than a smooth transition in colour). Improve the quality with a cable or satellite feed and you are rewarded with an SD picture which serves as an excellent day to day platform for general viewing.
It is with its High Definition (HD) performance that the P42X10 really surprised us, with a picture performance that was a noticeable improvement on the PX80. These are by far the sharpest most detailed HD pictures we have seen on a non Full HD panel and rival a number of Full HD screens.
On the TX-P42X10 we were also pleasantly surprised to find an acoustic set up which finally goes some way to doing justice to the rest of the screen. While not comparable to a dedicated home cinema set up, the speakers on the P42X10 are a revelation. While the base could be stronger, this is one of the few TV's that can really cope with the demands of the strongest soundtracks.
Conclusion
It is perhaps not surprising that we felt a little under whelmed by the performance of the TX-P42X10 given the leap forward the PX80 range was on its predecessors. Having had time to appreciate the merits of Panasonics new budget screen we are growing to like it more and more. The P42X10 is actually an excellent all round plasma performer.
Panasonic TX-P42X10
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