
Best 42-inch plasma HDTV
- Excellent value
- Great picture quality, particularly with black levels
- Can display photos through SD card slot
- Includes features to minimize temporary image retention
- Doesn't have the highest resolution (though still high-def)
- Color accuracy and noise reduction falls short of best plasma TVs
- Fewer image adjustments than competition
- Screen glare can be a problem
CNet.com's David Katzmaier gushes over the deep black levels and great value, but notes some flaws. User reviews are beginning to accumulate at sites like Amazon.com and Best Buy.com, and overall, most owners are very pleased with the TV.
While some budget plasma TVs are less expensive, the 42-inch Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U delivers a great picture for its price. The 720p resolution falls short of the 1080p resolution offered by more expensive plasma TVs, but it is still high resolution, and experts say that at normal seating distances, the benefits of 1080p can't really be seen in a 42-inch screen anyway. Some picture flaws are noted, but those are more than offset by the overall quality and great black levels. If you have a bigger budget, the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PZ85U (*est. $1,020) delivers 1080p resolution and blacks that are deeper still. Budget options include the Vizio VP422 (*est. $700). That 720p TV, available exclusively at Wal-Mart, has yet to receive much user feedback; however, Vizio has earned a reputation as a solid performer among budget labels. If you want the same picture quality and relative value as the TH-42PX80U but in a larger screen size, experts say that the 50-inch Panasonic VIERA TH-50PX80U (*est. $1,000) should perform similarly.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
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| In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! | $2,499.99 | See It | ||
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Our Sources
1. CNet.com
Professional reviewer David Katzmaier says the Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U is an "all-around superb value." Katzmaier notes some ineffective noise reduction and inaccurate colors, plus fewer adjustments than some rivals, but he says these issues are offset by excellent black levels - the best he has found at this price level.
Review: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80U Flat-panel TV, David Katzmaier, Apr. 30, 2008
2. BestBuy.com
The picture quality of the Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U draws raves from most of the owners who have reviewed this plasma TV at BestBuy.com. While many say the VIERA has no major drawbacks, several owners criticize the remote. A few had some trouble with the setup.
Review: Panasonic - 42" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV, Contributors to BestBuy.com
3. Amazon.com
At Amazon.com, a few dozen owners have posted about the Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U, some going into considerable detail. One disappointed owner reports that the noise reduction is ineffective if you sit less than 12 feet from the panel. Still, most reviewers are very happy.
Review: Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80U 42-inch 720p Plasma HDTV Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com
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