Panasonic Viera TC-P42G10

Panasonic's TC-PG10 series of TVs, including the 42-inch TC-P42G10, draws kudos for performance, features and value. The TC-P42G10 is loaded with features, including a THX mode that delivers picture quality that's more accurate out of the box than most other TVs (though some complain that the picture is on the dim side). Blacks are deep and satisfying. You'll also find useful interactive features, such as the ability to stream Amazon On Demand videos and other selected content right to your TV from the Internet. Some quibble that the TV has fewer user-accessible color controls than its competitors, a shortfall that's amplified by colors that could be more accurate in the TV's non-THX mode. The TC-PG10 series is also available in 46-, 50- and 54-inch screen sizes. If you have less to spend, the Panasonic Viera TC-P42X1 (*Est. $650) is lower resolution (720p), has fewer features and suffers from a few picture quality bobbles, but it still has a great picture overall. Blacks are just as deep, and it's priced notably lower. The Panasonic Viera TC-P50X1 (*Est. $750) is similar but in a 50-inch screen size.

We found good feedback for the Panasonic TC-PG10 series of plasma HDTVs. Though most look at the 46-inch Panasonic Viera TC-P46G10 (*Est. $1,200), specifications and the panel used are identical except for size, and performance should be similar. You can find the best reporting from CNET, Sound & Vision magazine and Home Theater magazine. ConsumerReports.org and Wired report directly on the 42-inch version, though the discussions are brief. Amazon.com hosts a good assortment of user reviews for the TC-P42G10.