Best 64-inch 3D plasma TV Samsung PN64D8000 *Est. $3000
Best value 59-inch 3D plasma TV Samsung PN59D6500 *Est. $1700
Best 55-inch plasma TV Panasonic TC-P55VT30 *Est. $2400
Best value 50-inch plasma HDTV Panasonic TC-P50ST30 *Est. $1000
Budget 42-inch plasma HDTV Panasonic TC-P42X3 *Est. $500

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Panasonic TC-P42G25

Discontinued

Reviewed

October 2010

Pros

Good black levels
Good color performance
THX certification
Skype compatibility
Decent energy efficiency

Cons

Black levels durability
Internet content limited compared to some

Where to Buy

for $1,099.95

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If 3D isn't a concern but good picture quality is, experts say that Panasonic's TC-PG20/25 series of plasma TVs, including the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25 could be just what you are looking for. Black levels are excellent, but some reviewers remain concerned that, as was the case with last year's Panasonic plasma TVs, those levels are destined to lighten a bit over time, though initial testing is yet to turn up that issue. All other aspects of image quality -- color, off-axis viewing, uniformity, signal processing, etc. -- garner good overall respect. Bright-room viewing -- a bane of most plasma TVs -- is less of an issue with these sets because of their effective antiglare screen.

In terms of features, everything short of 3D is pretty much in here, though critics aren't always impressed with how well they are implemented. An example is Internet connectivity. Though what's available works well, the content lineup is limited compared to what's seen in some other TVs. One plus is the inclusion of Skype, but you'll need to spring for an optional accessory (*Est. $170) if you want to place Internet phone calls via the TC-P42G25. A THX mode ensures that what you see at home replicates what a director intended you to see in a movie theater. Energy efficiency is good for a plasma TV, but it pales in comparison to what many LCD TVs can deliver.

A variety of screen sizes are available in addition to the 42-inch TC-P42G25. Those include the 46-inch Panasonic TC-P46G25 (*Est. $1,070), 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50G25 (*Est. $1,100) and 54-inch TC-P54G25 (*Est. $1,450). The 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50G20 (*Est. $1,100), available only at Best Buy, is nearly identical. If your budget is tighter, the 42-inch LG 42PJ350 (Discontinued) is worth a look. It's only 720p and has very few features, but picture quality is very good (especially with HD) and the TV is notably less expensive.

Information about the 42-inch TC-P42G25 plasma TV and other members of Panasonic's TC-PG20/25 series can be found in several places. Those include CNET, ConsumerReports.org, Home Theater Magazine, TelevisionInfo.com and more. The technically inclined will want to read the calibrator-authored reports at HDTVByChadB.com and TweakTV.com. User reviews can be read at Amazon.com.

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Where To Buy

Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
(161 reviews) Buy new: $1,099.95 1 Used from $770.99

Our Sources

1. CNET

Ongoing testing (1,650 hours at last report) reveals no issues thus far in 2010, but CNET holds back in giving the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25 its top recommendation because of last year's issue with fading black levels over time. That said, David Katzmaier is wowed by the overall picture quality, including great blacks, great colors and the ability to keep looking good even under bright lights.

Review: Panasonic Viera TC-P42G25, David Katzmaier, Aug. 19, 2010

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org includes the next larger screen size -- the 46-inch Panasonic TC-P46G25 in its latest rundown of plasma TVs. Testing is competent, but discussion is brief compared to most other top reviewers, and it's available only to subscribers.

Review: Plasma TVs, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

3. Home Theater Magazine Details/Subscribe

Home Theater magazine tests the Panasonic TC-P50G20, which, despite a larger screen size and minor differences in features, should perform similarly to the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25. The TV earns a Top Pick award. Home Theater has tested the Panasonic plasma for 800 hours (on the way to 1,500 hours) and reports no issues thus far with fading blacks.

Review: Panasonic Viera TC-P50G20 Plasma HDTV, Thomas J. Norton, June 2010

4. TelevisionInfo.com

Tough reviewer Mark Brezinski from TelevisionInfo.com tests the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50G25 but says his conclusions apply to other TVs in the series, including the 42-inch TC-P42G25. Like most plasma TVs here, the TC-P42G25 fails to earn a ringing endorsement, but Mark Brezinski says it puts up impressive numbers for a TV in its class. The Internet features of this TV, however, fail to impress.

Review: Panasonic TC-P50G25 Plasma HDTV Review, Mark Brezinski, May 31, 2010

5. TweakTV.com

Kevin Miller shares his impressions of the Panasonic TC-PG25 series -- which includes the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25 -- following his calibration of the 50-inch Panasonic TC-P50G25. He says the TC-PG25 series offers very good performance, good features and is an excellent value for the money.

Review: Panasonic TC-P50G25: THX Mode Is Much Brighter Than On Previous Models, Kevin Miller, June 29, 2010

6. HDTVByChadB.com

Chad Billheimer -- an Imaging Science Foundation-certified calibrator -- provides numerical ratings of TVs he's calibrated here and posts full reviews at AVSForum.com. Though he worked on the Panasonic TC-P50G25, he says his comments apply to other TVs in the series, including the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25. He calls the TV an "outstanding plasma" with "pop," thanks to its excellent colors and contrast.

Review: Reviews, Chad Billheimer

7. Amazon.com

The 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42G25 is beginning to accumulate a good amount of user reviews here. Reviewers seem mostly pleased with the TV. Most of the ratings below 4 stars deal with price or shipping issues with the retailer.

Review: Panasonic Viera TC-P42G25 42-Inch 1080 Plasma HDTV, Contributors to Amazon.com

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