Panasonic TH-42PH9UK Review

What the reviewers like:
When it comes to image quality, reviewers and users say that Panasonic's series of PH9UK commercial monitors, including the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PH9UK, is among the very best 720p plasma TVs. While there are few features, there is a picture-in-picture mode that can display signals from two different inputs at once. The Panasonic TH-42PH9UK is very inexpensive compared to others with similar image quality.

What the reviewers don't like:
Like all monitors, the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK lacks its own tuners. This means you won't be able to get over-the-air TV with an antenna. Speakers and a stand or wall mount are not included. Connectivity is limited, and an HDMI input -- something many people will want to have -- is available only as an extra-cost option. Reviews say image quality is great, but you'll need separately purchased speakers and a stand.

Panasonic TH-42PH9UK review highlights

The Panasonic PH9UK series of plasma monitors (including the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PH9UK) is praised by professional reviewers and users for its great black levels and excellent color performance. Because it is a professional monitor, it has few features and no tuners or speakers. Still, reviews say this plasma display is a great choice if you get your TV exclusively from satellite or cable TV and plan to use your own home theater speakers. If you want a feature-loaded HDTV with tuners and speakers, the Vizio VP42 (*est. $1,000) has great features, but its black levels and overall image quality are said to be a bit behind the tuner-less Panasonic TH-50PH9UK.

We have not found any professional reviews of the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PH9UK to date. However, we did find a detailed and balanced review for the 50-inch version of this plasma display, the Panasonic TH-50PH9UK (*est. $1,670). Editors say performance between the two should be the same. Additionally, we found lots of insightful user reviews for the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK plasma monitor.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. CNet.com
Panasonic TH-42PH9UK Preview
Editors of CNet.com
Oct. 16, 2006

CNet.com's electronics editors maintain a list of top performing plasma TVs, constantly updating their ratings as new models are tested. While the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK has not been tested, by CNet.com, the editors have reviewed the 50-inch version of this TV. Editors say performance between the two should be the same. The Panasonic TH-42PH9UK does receive a handful of user reviews contributed by readers.

2. AVSForum.com
Plasma Flat Panel Displays
Contributors to AVSForum.com

There's a ton of information available here about all sorts of home entertainment equipment, including a forum dedicated to plasma flat panel televisions. The Panasonic PH9UK series of plasma monitors, including the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK, has its own thread, which is over 3,300 posts long, and there are numerous other discussions about the monitor, so be prepared to spend a bit of time here.

3. Newegg.com
Panasonic TH-42PH9UK reviews
Contributors to Newegg.com

Newegg.com is an Internet retailer that allows customers to post reviews. There is a voting summary with each product that shows how the overall rating was reached, and each reviewer states his or her level of technical knowledge and how long the product was used. Right now, though, there aren't too many reviews for the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK.

4. Epinions
Panasonic TH-42PH9UK reviews
Contributors to Epinions.com

Epinions is an independent website where product owners can post their own reviews, some of which approach the depth and quality of professional efforts. The Panasonic TH-42PH9UK receives very few reviews, however.

5. AudioReview.com
Panasonic TH-42PH9UK reviews
Contributors to AudioReview.com

AudioReview.com is another site where users can post reviews about equipment that they own. The emphasis here is on audio equipment, but TVs, including plasma TVs, get occasional reviews. We only saw one review here for the Panasonic TH-42PH9UK, but that single review is lengthy and detailed.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

Panasonic TH-42PH9UK Review