Panasonic TC-P42X1 Plasma TV Review

Panasonic has taken its part of the market for low entry plasma models with series such as X1, U1 and C1. While one cannot expect to see in a 42 inch plasma TV like Panasonic TC-P42X1, all the features that are to be found only in mid range or high entry models, the general set of features this product comes equipped with does not disappoint. This Panasonic plasma TV uses the panel the company implemented last year, and it sports 720p resolution, like C1 series, but it has a superior contrast ratio, standing on the same level with the U1 series. To all these, it should be added a competitive price, which makes of Panasonic TC-P42X1 a reasonable buy.

Basic Specifications

• Panel: G12 Progressive HD PDP
• Resolution: 720p
• Contrast ratio: 30,000:1
• Anti-glare filter: New AR Filter

If Panasonic TC-P42X1 is to be judged by comparing it with other series from the same company, we can easily see why it does have its uses. For instance, this particular model is less than any of S1 models, because it still has the GDP panel from last year’s Panasonic plasma TVs, which means it consumes more energy in order to work. S1 is also better, because it can display 1080p resolution, a thing that the 720p Panasonic TC-P42X1 is not capable of. Plus it does not have THX certification, nor 24p cinema mode, which also means that it cannot compete with the newer models. From this perspective, the X1 series is on par with other inexpensive series, such as C1 and U1. But the inexpensive price may make many overlook the lack of fancy features, especially since its performance is clearly a match and beyond for the dollar spent.

Connectivity

Being one step up from C1 and U1, Panasonic TC-P42X1 comes equipped with no less than three HDMI inputs, two component video, an AV for composite and S video, an RF input (cable and antenna), and an optical-digital audio output. What makes Panasonic TC-P42X1 stand up a little is its VGA input, which makes hooking your PC to it easier, and usually appears as a feature only in more expensive models. Adding to the set an SD slot, it seems that Panasonic TC-P42X1 has plenty of features to go around, especially if you do not aim at a high end product.

Design

The general appearance of Panasonic TC-P42X1 is of a sleek and classy product, without going over the top in terms of style. The frame has a glossy black finish, complemented by a silvery strip rimming the edges. It is obvious that one cannot compare Panasonic TC-P42X1 with end of the line plasma TVs which are designed to catch the eye more than through performance, but it is hard to consider its appearance a downside, especially since the overall quality recommends the model reviewed here.

Performance

Panasonic TC-P42X1 does not lack in quality, but there are some issues that bring it down a little. One of them is an uniformity problem, another is related to color accuracy, with green and red tending to become offensive under some circumstances, but, luckily, the exceptional black levels it displays, plus the crisp image, save the model from oblivion. Keeping in mind that the model does not go beyond 720p resolution, we can say that the product in question is somewhat limited, but, at 42 inch, there is little difference to be observed anyway. It does help, however, that the contrast ratio is superior to other low entry products, and it raises the picture quality up a few beats as well.

Black Levels

There is no black Panasonic TC-P42X1 cannot display with the greatest result, as one of the biggest innovations the company has brought this year is the Infinite Black technology, found in all the models released in 2009. Because of the ability of this technology to shut off completely the pixels on the screen whenever a patch of black or shadow is involved, there is no black like Panasonic’s black. Adding a great capacity of rendering shadow details with great accuracy, Panasonic TC-P42X1 becomes quite an eye catcher with an image quality relying heavily on exceptional levels of black.

Colors

What buyers are not crazy to see on their newly bought plasma TV’s screen are colors that are too strong. Unfortunately, Panasonic TC-P42X1 fails to comply with the utmost requests in this area, and its shades of green and red tend to become too overpowering at times. On the positive side, however, we have to admit that Panasonic TC-P42X1 does not get that greenish or bluish tone for darker images, an issue happening on other plasma TVs, including models from the superior S1 series, released by Panasonic.

Video Processing

One cannot simply expect wonders from a plasma TV with only 720p resolution. While it is capable to doing its best, when its resolution limits are not pushed too far, Panasonic TC-P42X1 cannot compete with models sporting 1080p resolution. This basically means that, if you crazy for seeing the latest details from a picture on your screen, it is advisable to look for another plasma, and leave this one aside. But, if you take into consideration that the image is clear and sharp, and that motion blur is not at all a problem (as compared to LCD TVs), maybe a lower resolution can be overlooked. It must be mentioned, though, that 1080i video content is not displayed entirely, thin chunks of image from the margins being out of range. Also, if you intend to play a Blu-ray disc, be prepared to see a softer image than the usual crispness.

SD performance

When displaying standard definition video content, through upconversion, Panasonic TC-P42X1 is nothing but an average performer. You still get to see a lot of jaggies when diagonal lines are involved, and the overall picture quality gets damaged by a certain softness that cannot make this model proud. We cannot bring the product down for good, though, in this respect, as it still has reliable noise reduction features, capable of removing motes and snow from sky shots, and moire from rapid moving images.

Uniformity Issues

The biggest drawback for this model is related to the uniformity issues it tends to develop. The thing is that lighter parts of an image get tainted by some thin gray lines, slightly visible, but still there. It is true that they can become a nuisance only if you are close to the screen or if you are an expert, but the fact that this particularity appears rather launches a rain on this product’s parade.

Anti-Glare Performance

The company was generous with Panasonic TC-P42X1, by equipping it with an anti-glare screen. In terms of capabilities, the coating is not exactly the best on the market, but it can still get the job done. It must be mentioned, however, that this is the same anti-glare screen attached to even more expensive Panasonic plasma TVs, which means that if you like their products, this particular aspect comes as a plus for Panasonic TC-P42X1.

Conclusion

The price is what makes Panasonic TC-P42X1 a very good buy in the first place. If you cannot overlook the inferior resolution – only 720p – or its little issues with uniformity and color accuracy, stay away from it. But, if you consider what you can get for the money paid, which is a good and reliable product, with competitive picture quality, then it is highly recommended to award Panasonic TC-P42X1 with a second glance.