Panasonic TH-42PX600U Review

What the reviewers like:
The Panasonic TH-42PX600U is one of the best, most full-featured plasma HDTVs. Connectivity is excellent, as is image quality in reviews. Experts say colors are accurate, and the remote control is easy to use with a good layout. Its 31-watt (total) audio system provides better sound than the integrated speakers in most TVs. Overall, reviews say this is one of the best mainstream 42-inch plasma HDTVs.

What the reviewers don't like:
While the black levels of the Panasonic TH-42PX600U are good, they are not as good as those on the best plasma TVs, according to reviews. Some testers note a slightly blue tint to the color green. Although the Panasonic TH-42PX600U has a great feature set, it's more expensive than some of its competitors.

Panasonic TH-42PX600U review highlights

According to reviews, the Panasonic TH-42PX600U is one of the best 42-inch plasma TVs. Colors are accurate, and black levels are rich and deep. In addition, the set has tons of features, including picture-in-picture, CableCard support, the TV Guide programming guide, a PC input and more. Reviews also say it’s a good value, considering the feature set and very good integrated speakers. This television is being phased out, so you might see it selling at a discount.

The 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PX600U plasma HDTV is included in a large roundup of plasma TVs at Consumer Reports. Although the discussions about the individual sets are not lengthy, each TV is thoroughly tested and the results are presented in a clear and concise ratings chart. While CNet.com did not test the Panasonic TH-42PX600U, it has a detailed review of the TH-42PX60U, a similar model that editors say should perform comparably. The review of the Panasonic TH-42PX600U plasma at Plasma TV Buying Guide.com lacks polish, but it’s detailed and appears to be fairly done. A brief review of the TH-42PX600U at Home Theater magazine does not provide much insight.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

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

1. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
Plasma TVs
Editors of Consumer Reports
Feb. 2007

Consumer Reports includes plasma TVs in its continual testing program, testing new TVs and adding them to the ratings chart. The Panasonic TH-42PX600U has been evaluated by editors. While individual TVs only get a few lines of discussion each, the testing is competent and fair, and the recommendations combined with the ratings chart make it easy to see at a glance which plasma TVs perform best.

2. CNet.com
Panasonic TH-42PX600U
Editors of CNet.com
Aug. 16, 2006

While CNet.com's editors have not reviewed the Panasonic TH-42PX600U, they have looked at a similar plasma HDTV, the Panasonic TH-42PX60U. Editors say the two should perform comparably.

3. PlasmaTV Buying Guide.com
Panasonic Plasma TV Review: TH-42PX600U 42" Flat Panel Plasma TV
Paul Doran
Aug. 2006

The Panasonic TH-42PX600U is the highest rated set at Plasma TV Buying Guide.com. While the reviews are a little over-the-top compared to some other sites, they offer lots of detail. The Panasonic plasma TV isn't compared to others.

4. Home Theater Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Panasonic TH-42PX600U Plasma TV review
Shane Buettner
Sept. 2006

This review at Home Theater magazine is disappointingly short compared to some of the magazine's other efforts, and it provides little real insight.

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

While it takes some time to weed through the posts, the Panasonic TH-42PX600U is the subject of hundreds of comments on this user forum website. The site also features industry news, press releases and other tidbits.

6. Amazon.com
Panasonic TH-42PX600U 42" Plasma HDTV Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The Panasonic TH-42PX600U hasn't yet accumulated enough reviews at Amazon.com to give a good idea of overall owner satisfaction, but some of the individual posts are insightful and specific.

7. Epinions
Panasonic TH-42PX600U Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

The Panasonic TH-42PX600U plasma HDTV is the subject of only a single owner-written review at Epinions; however it is as detailed and complete as many professional write-ups.

Also see full report: Plasma TV