Panasonic TC-P42G10 Plasma TV Review

Having a feature packed plasma TV in only 42 inches seems like Panasonic had a good idea about how to impress customers that are not all that crazy about large models. For a 42 inch plasma TV, Panasonic TC-P42G10 comes with all the fancy features of the series, with exceptional black level performance, and THX certification. The latter is the main dish that the company has brought forward for this Panasonic plasma TV, especially when compared with the S1 series from the same manufacturer. G10 models are particularly good, and they are outrun only by the V10 series, launched later by the company. It is worth mentioning that it is a nice touch to have Viera Cast features and Amazon on Demand access on a plasma TV like this one.

Note: This review covers only the most important aspects of TC-P42G10. To find out more about this model, also read Panasonic TC-P50G10 review which covers in-depth the 50 inch variant of the same series. Since both models are part of G10 series, they share the same features and performance, only their screen size being different.

Features at a Glance

• Panel: NeoPDP (new, improved model from 2009)
• Resolution: 1080p (Full-HD)
• Contrast ratio: 40,000:1 (native)
• THX certification
• AR Filter
• 24p cinema mode
• VIERA Cast features
• VIERA Link
• VIERA Image Viewer with AVCHD playback

Performance

Generally speaking, there is little one can ask more of Panasonic TC-P42G10. It has the now well known great black levels that the company has implemented on all its models in 2009, great picture quality, and very good and crisp colors right out of the box, grace to the THX certification. Panasonic TC-P42G10 is a little better than the models from S1 series, as THX certification helps a lot with color accuracy, and it comes with 24p cinema mode to top its overall great performance. It still has some issues, though, like a little color inaccuracy, and the 1080p/24 video content cannot be watched in 48Hz mode, without getting an annoying flicker. Overall, the balance is still inclined towards the positive mark, despite these little nuisances.

Black Levels

There is no doubt, Panasonic TC-P42G10 can only boast about its great black levels. Due to the company’s Real Black Drive System, the new panel, and the great contrast ration, the model gives nothing but the perfect blacks. Besides having ink like blacks, the models also displays great shadow detail, which makes the overall watching experience one of a kind. With Kuro out of the market, Panasonic TC-P42G10 offers the watcher great quality, and it is only surpassed by V10 models. The V10 series does not have a 42 model, so we can honestly say that, for this size category, Panasonic TC-P42G10 is one of the best you can find.

Colors

While it does not have the same color accuracy issues as the S1 series, Panasonic TC-P42G10 cannot yet deal with the color card. The company has tried to improve this aspect, as it did hit it hard for the latest series they launched, but the advancement still appears incremental and still a little far from reaching perfection. Panasonic TC-P42G10 has the famous THX certification, which means that you do not have to tweak the color to get a great looking picture, but green and yellow accuracy issues still remain, bringing this model a bit down on the scale of best plasma TVs.

Video Processing

As far as high definition content is concerned, Panasonic TC-P42G10 does all the things it is required to. No matter if 1080i or 1080p video content is involved, you will get a great result, exceptional picture quality, and overall money worthy capabilities. Still, it must be mentioned that engaging the 48Hz mode for 1080p/24 video content will produce flicker, and this nuisance cannot be avoided unless you use the 60Hz mode.

Standard Definition (SDTV) Performance

As an upscaler from lower resolutions, Panasonic TC-P42G10 is a good performer. It successfully displays standard definition content, because it has great noise reduction capabilities. Still, there are other plasma TVs on the market that do a better job when the user wants to watch regular DVDs and standard definition programs.

Conclusion

When in search for a smaller plasma TV, Panasonic TC-P42G10 seems to be one of the best ideas. It has the traits of a competitive series, with great black levels, and the latest features, and it is, all in all, a great performer on almost all levels. The only issues are shared with the entire series, and, they count much less when compared with the overall great performance of the product.