HDTV/EDTV Display Capability (1080i, 480p)Experience images with lifelike detail and clarity when viewing HDTV broadcasts (1080i) and progressive scan DVD players (480p).16:9 Aspect RatioWidescreen TVs feature a width-to-height ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing cinema-style entertainment at home. Also enables full-screen viewing of high-definition broadcasts and DVDs produced in 16:9 format. 1536 Shades of GradationPlasma displays can suffer from an artifact called "false contouring", where transitions between different shades of the same color are too sharp. These transitions can appear as distinct lines between the different shades of color. Having 1536 shades of gradation helps minimize the false contouring artifact so color transitions take on a smooth, natural appearance. New Real Black Drive SystemAn improved Real Black Drive System enhances image clarity and realism - helping select plasma displays reach their stunning 4000:1 contrast ratio.HDMI / HDCP InterfaceHDMI is a new standard digital connection between A/V devices, such as a set-top box, DVD player or A/V receiver, and a digital television. HDMI offers exceptional video and audio quality with a single quick-disconnect connector. It supports multi-channel digital audio transmissions and component video color spacing for true rendering of HD video. HDMI supports the HDCP copy protection standard, allowing transmission of copy-protected digital content to your display. The video portion of HDMI is also backwards-compatible with DVI-HDCP devices using a special cable adapter.Over 1 Billion ColorsThe more colors a display is capable of rendering, the more accurately it can reflect the program material. Select plasma TVs can display an amazing 1,070,000,000 colors. Mach Band Effect EnhancerThe appearance of an object, as perceived by the human eye, is influenced by the colors of
Flat-panel, big-screen luxury is yours with Panasonic's 42-inch VIERA series TH-42PX25U/P. This 1,024 x 768-pixel gas-plasma TV offers a 16:9 widescreen dimension, photo-viewing SD and PC Card slots, and an HDMI input for direct-digital connection with high-definition sources. Its ATSC tuner pulls HD signals (480p/1080i) right out of the airwaves, however, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming, and 2-tuner/split-screen picture-in-picture gives you unparalleled viewing convenience with scalable image sizes.
The set's authorized CableCARD ability means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.
The Benefits of HDTV | | | | | | Standard TVs (SDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the interlaced scan method, which creates a picture with alternating lines of information. | | | | | | Enhanced-definition TVs (EDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the progressive-scan method, which creates an image using consecutive lines of information for a crisp, flicker-free picture. | | | | | | High-definition TVs (HDTVs) display a maximum of either 1,080 interlaced lines or 720 progressively scanned lines for the sharpest possible image. | | |
With a plasma screen you get true to life vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), making it the perfect screen for home theater set ups. Easy placement due to the plasma monitor's slim profile--the TH-42PX25U/P is a mere 5.5 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting and freeing up much of the space that was previously lost with deep CRT TVs.
Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.
The TH-42PX25U/P's contrast ratio is rated at an extraordinarily lifelike 3,000:1, and the TV is capable of producing over 1 billion colors. Picture-enhancing technologies include the Mach Band Effect Enhancer, a Gamma Enhancement System, and Panasonic's New Real Black Drive System.
The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers uncompressed digital data transmission between compatible devices, as between the TH-42PX25U/P and a DTV satellite receiver. Other connections include dual HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, and front-panel A/V jacks for easy hookup with external devices, including an RGB PC input (15-pin mini D-Sub) offering up to 720p resolution. A set of composite-video-based A/V outputs simplifies hookup with an external A/V receiver and speaker system.
The TV's internal 2-way, biamplified stereo speakers are powered by 13 watts total per channel and use 5 separate drivers per speaker for extra richness and clarity. BBE ViVA HD3D surround processing creates authentic-sounding 3D effects from stereo speakers and exceptional sound-stage imaging, helping to ensure optimal clarity for centrally staged audio material such as dialogue. Artificial intelligence sound automatically adjusts the volume level on your TV to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming.
Other features include V-Chip Program lockout, on/off sleep timers, a remote control, and closed-caption decoding.
What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), a pedestal base, an AC power cord, F-type coaxial antenna adapters, ferrite cores, 2 clampers, a warranty card, a customer card, and a service-center list.
1 Great TV
I am thrilled with this TV. I have a small apartment and the screen size is just right. Even the non HD picture is fantastic which is important because there are not that many HD broadcasts yet. My only complaint is that the sound is somewhat muffled on HD broadcasts. I plan on purchasing a separate amp, etc. I have purchased a Panasonic HDMI dvd player and dvd's are fantastic. I also have the cable company's HD DVR service. Once I get the sound system it should be perfect.
2 Glitch in the TV
I purchased this plasma TV through Amazon 4 months ago. The transaction and shipping went very smoothly. I also purchased the wall mounting bracket through Amazon (an excellent value for only $150).
The TV is great -- excellent picture and great audio for those of you who do not use their surround sound system every time the set is on. However, a problem recently surfaced a few days ago: When playing DVDs on the Component 1 channel, the picture on the screen is no longer centered -- it is offset by about 20% to the left side. After trying to remedy the problem myself, I contacted Panasonic Customer Service (be prepared to wait at least 20-30 minutes on the phone before being connected to a representative). After explaining the problem, the rep indicated it would warrant a service call by a repair person (as of this writing, the appointment is scheduled within the next few days) Luckily, the warranty covers in-house repairs for one year, but you do have to remove the TV from the wall mount yourself so it is accessible to the repair person.
I'll admit I'm a bit skeptical about the reliabilty of the TV now, especially since it developed this problem within 4 months. I'm not a fan of extended warranties (very expensive for this TV, considering an extra year of coverage through Panasonic costs around $400), but I may have to purchase one if any additional problems surface.
Hopefully, the problem with my Panasonic is a rarity. I expected better performance from this expensive purchase. Time will tell.
3 JPEG image viewing is very Dodgy
I bought this Plasma TV and it it Great, EXCEPT that I cannot view any JPEG images. What a hassle I went through buying dirrerent memory cards and PC card adapters only to find out that it will not display standard jpeg images and only specific images straight out of certain cameras. I have an older Minolta Digital Camera and these images do not conform, hog-wash. If you want to change the images in ANY way before showing them, red-eye, color balance, contrast, etc., it will not display them either.
I have found the same issue is true for their DVD Recorders as well; no jpegs except from specific cameras.
4 42PX25 is VERY nice
OK, the Panasonic 42PX25 is truely an HD unit (not EDTV). It has all of the same tech specs (plus more) as the main competitors. It is bright and crisp. Normal TV signals (via a cable for instance) look lousy since the display is capable of so much more, and kinda amplifying the poor standard TV signals. BUT, throw a DVD, HD or even DIGITAL cable signals at it and be prepared to fall off your chair! Amazing!
This unit has LOTS of signal inputs, and the built-in ATSC HD tuner even finds HD channels my cable provider (comast) says don't exist on my wire!
The unit suffers from the same power supply noise that nearly all plasmas do. Almost non-existant, but if you put your ear up to it with no other sound in the room, it IS there.
The embedded operating system is a bit sluggish, and switching between video feeds is a bit slow, but usable. Also, it is quite particular in which types of image files it will display. I have found ONLY images that have been recorded on a camera work. Nothing that has been EDITTED first displays.
Last note: The unit is plasma... which means it's USEABLE half-lifespan is something like 50,000 hours. What is a half-life span you ask? It is the number of hours that the set is operating before the BRIGHTNESS degrades to HALF of the original brightness. So, in 50,000 hours, the picture will be 50% darker than it is today. This figure of 50,000 hours appears to be higher than other sets. Good for Panasonic!
5 One of the best plasma TVs, simply gorgeous
I usually recommend LCD TVs (esp. Sharp Aquos) over plasmas, mainly because the LCD screen lasts longer, is brighter, consumes far less electricity, and does not suffer the burn-in problem as plasmas.
But if you are set on getting a plasma, this Panasonic "Veira" 42" is one of the best plasmas on the market today. This HDTV set (with built-in HDTV tuner) is fully 720p and 480p native, and can scale 1080i content gracefully. (BTW there's very little 1080i content available right now.) The picture quality is simply gorgeous, with brightness and details that rival LCDs. Color reproduction is excellent, making watching Nature on PBS such a wonderful experience. The screen's response time has improved over earlier models, so fast-action sports looks good instead of ghostly. The Veira also has a Cable Card slot and although I haven't tried it, a recent New York Times review says it works seamlessly with Cable Cards. (Cable Cards can replace set-top cable boxes; check with your cable provider for details.)
To get the most out of DVD movies, get a digital-output (HDMI) DVD player from Panasonic, Sony or Denon. These players can "upsample" DVD's standard-NTSC resolution and provide somewhat better video quality when you play DVDs on an HDTV like this one. The Panasonic player in particular is a great value and a perfect match for the Veira.
While I still think LCD TVs are a better value for the long term, the Panasonic, along with plasmas from Fujitsu and Pioneer, does give you the best possible picture out of today's state-of-the-art plasma technology. I have friends who own Panasonic and they are all very happy, even the ones with the EDTV (instead of HDTV) sets.
When you buy a big screen TV, you are making a serious investment (unless you just won the Mega Millions or Powerball), and I highly recommend you buy the best you can afford. Sub-$2000 plasma TVs have poor image quality and are likely to break down quickly, plus they are very noisy. Just go for the best after you get over the SAF (spouse approval factor) hurdle! The Panasonic Veira is a great value considering its top-notch image quality, gorgeous styling and built-in HDTV support.
6 BEWARE OF LOW PRICED PLASMAS!!!
I do not fall for scams. But I almost fell for this one. A seller had the TV listed for $990. She even had 69 positive ratings next to her name, 'torrter77'. When I emailed to ask why the item was priced so low, 'she' said that her ex-husband had cheated on her and she was trying to get rid of anything that reminded her of him. She sent us to a 'secure' website to make sure our transaction was guaranteed. If you are ever sent to 'www.escrow-sc.com', know that you are being scammed! Luckily, my husband did some research on the site and realized the whole thing was bogus. She even tried to have us go to Western Union to send money to Paris. It was all too much and too many red flags were sent up. Take heed to your mother's advice...'if something seems too good to be true, it is!'
7 BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
Watch out for those new or used plasma TV being advertised for less than $1500.00. Those sellers have a rating of "just launched" it seems that the same person or group of person used several different email address and they ask you to contact them first. Be very careful, all they need is to have you wire the money to them, you won't be covered by Amazon if you do that.
8 One of the best Plasma TVs but BUYER BEWARE
This is one of the best rated HI-DEF Plasma TV's!
You will want to be highly suspect of any seller that has an unbelievable price and insists that you email them before purchasing. They will offer a scam escrow company to handle a transaction outside of Amazon. Amazon.com is aware of this scam but unable (unwilling) to provide any responsibility in this area, thus providing a free advertisment arena for scams.
9 Great TV
I have only had this TV for about 2 weeks. It produces an unbeliveable picture in HD almost photograpic. Like one of the other reviewers I am running Comcast HD so I came in on a DVI to HDMI converter cable. If you look on the net a little you can find the cable for about $25 (computercablestore) instead of the $120 for the Monster cable. The audio on this TV is also one of the best I have heard. Almost sounds as if they have put in a subwoofer, the bass is very deep for a TV. Standard TV also looks better than a regular set. If your looking for a great high-def set this is it.
10 hung
great picture, but broken comes out of the box. only hdmi works, the rest of videos and components do not work. tv is going back to Panasonic for service.
11 Great TV, and I wish there were more HDTV channels
After researching and looking at plasma, lcd, lcd projection tv's for couple of months, I finally bought this TV from amazon.com. Had it for couple of weeks now, and am amazed at the quality of the display. Got HDTV from comcast cable and the HDTV channels look and sound great. Of course I wish there were more HDTV channels. I recommend using the Monster DVI-HDMI cable. This TV has a HDMI port. I also recommend Samsung DVD player HD-931 that generates HD outputs via DVI for your DVDs. The resultant image quality is excellent, even though it is not "TRUE HD".
12 Incredible picture with a much-improved remote.
After a large amount of research, we finally bought this tv and are very happy about it. We don't yet actually have HD but the picture is still great...I can't imagine what it'll be like with HD.
The only problem on the previous model was that the remote was cheap-looking and made badly. This remote looks very nice, with a metal cover and many nice features.
Of course, the signal on regular tv is not top-notch, but that is true on every tv.
