Roundup: 9 HDTVs : Panasonic Viera TC-P42X1
3. Panasonic Viera TC-P42X1
With a PC
Even when we connected it to a computer providing a 1024x768 pixel signal over HDMI, the P42X1 couldn't manage a sharp image. As usual, though, we have to counsel against using plasma screens like this with your PC because of the risk of screen burn.
- VIERA TC-P42X1 42"...
The version we tested had a 42'' inch screen, and Panasonic offers a 37'' version using the same model number. When manufacturers do this, we usually offer information about the equivalent screens in different sizes, which are usually identical, but because the smaller screen uses a different resolution of 1024x720 pixels, what we say here only applies to the 42'' model.
Adopting traditional Panasonic aesthetics, the TV itself has a sleek, sober design, including an effective anti-glare coating on the glossy screen that combats reflections a lot better than some other attempts we've seen. Although we normally criticize TVs that rest on a fixed base, plasma screens give such good viewing angles, we're not as troubled by it here.
When we took it through its paces in our lab, we found that the P42X1 performed almost identically to the P46G10. The color space, gamma curve and color temperature all match or are extremely close. The only difference is a slight improvement in contrast, thanks to a brighter screen, but the level of black is also a touch lighter, coming in between 0.10 and 0.14 cd/m². Although the technical scores are the same, the two TVs are a world apart when it comes to actual viewing quality. Let's start with the screen itself, whose resolution of just 1024x768 has an obvious negative impact on the amount of detail it can show. We even noticed the dreaded 'staircase' effect: having to scale a 1920x1080 source to fit onto a 1024x768 42'' screen just won't do. Fortunately, upscaling from Standard Definition sources was almost as good as on our standard reference for this task, a PlayStation 3.
Another limitation of this TV is the fact that it doesn't have any kind of system to improve the handling of moving images. Other manufacturers include systems like Motionflow and Motion Plus to increase the framerate by interpolation, and so does Panasonic on some of its other TVs.Here though, the '24p Playback' setting means it's only compatible with 1080p/24 Hz sources.
We also noticed colored fringes on one of our test scenes, but we have yet to be able to find a DVD or TV program that replicates this kind of problem.
Finally, the speakers are reasonable, especially given that this is an entry-level TV. Very few models at this price point give such good sound. It's hardly exceptional, but it beats most of the competition hands down.
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Despite having a fairly low resolution, the P42X1 is a very good TV for the price.
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I have two flat panels, a Samsung 50" DLP and a Samsung 46" LCD, both a couple of years old. Both had lots of advertising that they were 1080P in the store, but a year later, when I went to install my first Blue Ray (Sony PS3), I found out that the only 1080P input source was the Computer VGA socket. HDMI and RGB inputs are limited to 1080i input. Needless to say, I'm rather disappointed in this, and I hope this is not the case with current gear.
^
Wow you bought a 50" and a 46" tv and didnt research the inputs and outputs. I guess that was a lesson hard lived.
Test the turners for over-the-air performance. I purchased an Olevia a couple of years ago based on Consumer Reports recommendation. The turner is very poor - and Olevia is in severe financial trouble.
Reviewers also need to test the turners properly to evaluate over-the-air performance.
RE: "HD Ready displays come with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, while “Full HD” TVs pack a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen"
HD Ready implies NO HD TUNER INSIDE. It has nothing to do with resolution!
I have this and I love it.