Panasonic TH-42PX600CAB plasma review
| Design |
| Design wise there’s a simplicity about the Panasonic Viera plasma. There’s a slight plasticy feel about the silver edging around the TV but we sort of like it. So you’ve got your screen which is surrounded by a black frame which houses the Panasonic label and then finished off with a silver outer edge. The on button that’s on the right hand side needs a sturdy push in to get it started and after a slight time delay the red LED lights up to indicate the HD plasma is switched on. This particular mode comes with its own stand which you’ll either really like or do without – it’s a three shelved stand whose legs sweep out in a slight curve with cater wheels at the bottom to make moving it easy. Around the back you’ll find twin HDMIs, three Scarts, a PC point and a CAM slot and an SD slot. There’s also a long thin remote control that looks rather attractive and is easy to use. |
| Setup/Installation |
| This really is an easy TV to set up. Make sure you’ve got the right cables in the right AV socket, turn on the TV and you’re away – the 42PX600 plasma runs through the channels and sets everything up for you. |
| Features |
| With more surprises than a tarts boudoir the TH-42PX600CAB will keep you more than happy. To start with it’s got a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 and a respectable 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Panasonic’s V-Real Picture Processing System processes native 720p and 1080i HD video signal in their original condition and also displays 29 billion colours. The PX600 range also have what Panasonic call V-Real Gamma Control – what this does is give a maximum 11.5 bit video processing which allows for reproduction of images of around 3,072 steps of gradation which helps reduce picture noise and black blocking. There’s also an SD card slot which means you can watch JPEG images straight on to your new HD plasma TV. The TH42PX600 comes with a built in Freeview box and also has the seven day Electronic Programme Guide. The guys at Panasonic have also added a CAM slot should you want to upgrade your freeview box and add some paid channels too. The Viera TV also comes with two HD AVI sockets, three Scart and a PC input which is really handy as well as a component video input, a composite video input, S-video, D-Sub PC input, stereo audio output, headphone jacks, stereo audio inputs and RF input.. And finally sound, the TH-42PX600 boasts the Advanced Smart Sound Speaker audio system, which claims to improve clarity and bass through the twin passive radiator woofers. |
| Performance |
| If we were to compare the Panasonic TH42PX600CAB to a car in terms of performance it would be a high end Jag. It runs really smoothly without any jilting. The colours and picture definition on this plasma is really good. The blacks are truly black and there are no signs of grey misting in night scenes. The V-Real gives more definition to images and sub-pixel control for processing the red, green and blue elements of each pixel, producing sharper images without outstanding colours that are so vibrant it makes you wonder whether you’re actually watching HD rather than conventional TV. So you can imagine the experience when you actually do hitch the TV up to a HD box – it’s out of this world. And those car changes where you get a blur effect – forget it, it’s a thing of the past, with the PX600 there’s none of that instead you get a blur-free image. The sound quality is very good too thanks to the speakers. The only thing that we’d complain about is the slightly noisy fan which kicks in when the plasma gets a bit hot, but it’s not enough to detract from the viewing experience. |
| What's In The Box? |
| 42 inch Panasonic plasma TV, remote control, power cable, stand. |
| Overall Opinion |
| We go weak at the knees with the TH42PX600. It’s such a great TV we wouldn’t to go for anything else. For the price you get a whacking big TV screen that provides clarity, colour and vibrancy. It has black levels that other TVs (particularly LCDs) can only dream of, motion is completely free of blurring and there’s no nasty noise. What more could you ask for. |
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Pros + V-Real Technology provides excellent picture quality + Advanced 3D Colour Management + Freeview and CAM slot + SD Card + Two HDMI ports |
Cons - Fan can be noisy |
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Picture Quality 10/10
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Sound Quality 10/10
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Connectivity 9/10
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Future Compatibility 9/10
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Ease Of Use 10/10
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Overall Rating 
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By Babita Wakelin
20/10/2006 at 2:53:25pm
20/10/2006 at 2:53:25pm
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