Panasonic TH-42PX25U/P 42-Inch High-Definition Plasma TV

by Dynamite TV Experts on November 20, 2009

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Panasonic TH-42PX25U/P 42-Inch High-Definition Plasma TV
 
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $5,499.99
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Product Description

Flat-panel, big-screen luxury is yours with Panasonic's 42-inch VIERA series TH-42PX25U/P. This 1,024 x 768-pixel gas-plasma TV offers a 16:9 widescreen dimension, photo-viewing SD and PC Card slots, and an HDMI input for direct-digital connection with high-definition sources. Its ATSC tuner pulls HD signals (480p/1080i) right out of the airwaves, however, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming, and 2-tuner/split-screen picture-in-picture gives you unparalleled viewing convenience with scalable image sizes.

The set's authorized CableCARD ability means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.

The Benefits of HDTV
Standard TVs (SDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the interlaced scan method, which creates a picture with alternating lines of information.
Enhanced-definition TVs (EDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the progressive-scan method, which creates an image using consecutive lines of information for a crisp, flicker-free picture.
High-definition TVs (HDTVs) display a maximum of either 1,080 interlaced lines or 720 progressively scanned lines for the sharpest possible image.
With a plasma screen you get true to life vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), making it the perfect screen for home theater set ups. Easy placement due to the plasma monitor's slim profile--the TH-42PX25U/P is a mere 5.5 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting and freeing up much of the space that was previously lost with deep CRT TVs.

Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.

The TH-42PX25U/P's contrast ratio is rated at an extraordinarily lifelike 3,000:1, and the TV is capable of producing over 1 billion colors. Picture-enhancing technologies include the Mach Band Effect Enhancer, a Gamma Enhancement System, and Panasonic's New Real Black Drive System.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers uncompressed digital data transmission between compatible devices, as between the TH-42PX25U/P and a DTV satellite receiver. Other connections include dual HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, and front-panel A/V jacks for easy hookup with external devices, including an RGB PC input (15-pin mini D-Sub) offering up to 720p resolution. A set of composite-video-based A/V outputs simplifies hookup with an external A/V receiver and speaker system.

The TV's internal 2-way, biamplified stereo speakers are powered by 13 watts total per channel and use 5 separate drivers per speaker for extra richness and clarity. BBE ViVA HD3D surround processing creates authentic-sounding 3D effects from stereo speakers and exceptional sound-stage imaging, helping to ensure optimal clarity for centrally staged audio material such as dialogue. Artificial intelligence sound automatically adjusts the volume level on your TV to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming.

Other features include V-Chip Program lockout, on/off sleep timers, a remote control, and closed-caption decoding.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), a pedestal base, an AC power cord, F-type coaxial antenna adapters, ferrite cores, 2 clampers, a warranty card, a customer card, and a service-center list.

Product Details

  • 42-inch gas-plasma TV with built-in NTSC and digital ATSC/QAM tuners and high 3,000:1 contrast ratio; 44.9 x 29.8 x 5.5 inches (W x H x D)
  • 1,024 x 768 native pixel resolution with HDTV/EDTV display capability (1080i/480p); accepts 720p input through front-panel PC/RGB analog input
  • High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers direct-digital A/V connection with compatible gear
  • Photo viewer through SD/PC Card slots; CableCARD compatibility obviates the need for a separate box for digital cable reception
  • Biamplified 2-way speakers with 26 watts total power; BBE ViVA HD3D Sound simulates surround sound from any 2 speakers

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

One of the best Plasma TVs but BUYER BEWARE
 
Review Date: December 6, 2004
Reviewer: Sam Spade,
This is one of the best rated HI-DEF Plasma TV's!

You will want to be highly suspect of any seller that has an unbelievable price and insists that you email them before purchasing. They will offer a scam escrow company to handle a transaction outside of Amazon. Amazon.com is aware of this scam but unable (unwilling) to provide any responsibility in this area, thus providing a free advertisment arena for scams.
Great TV
 
Review Date: August 25, 2004
Reviewer: S. Ulrich, Arlington, Tx. United States
I have only had this TV for about 2 weeks. It produces an unbeliveable picture in HD almost photograpic. Like one of the other reviewers I am running Comcast HD so I came in on a DVI to HDMI converter cable. If you look on the net a little you can find the cable for about $25 (computercablestore) instead of the $120 for the Monster cable. The audio on this TV is also one of the best I have heard. Almost sounds as if they have put in a subwoofer, the bass is very deep for a TV. Standard TV also looks better than a regular set. If your looking for a great high-def set this is it.
BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
 
Review Date: December 10, 2004
Reviewer: Buyer beware!!!, NY,NY
Watch out for those new or used plasma TV being advertised for less than $1500.00. Those sellers have a rating of "just launched" it seems that the same person or group of person used several different email address and they ask you to contact them first. Be very careful, all they need is to have you wire the money to them, you won't be covered by Amazon if you do that.
One of the best plasma TVs, simply gorgeous
 
Review Date: December 30, 2004
Reviewer: Gadgester, Mother Earth
I usually recommend LCD TVs (esp. Sharp Aquos) over plasmas, mainly because the LCD screen lasts longer, is brighter, consumes far less electricity, and does not suffer the burn-in problem as plasmas.

But if you are set on getting a plasma, this Panasonic "Veira" 42" is one of the best plasmas on the market today. This HDTV set (with built-in HDTV tuner) is fully 720p and 480p native, and can scale 1080i content gracefully. (BTW there's very little 1080i content available right now.) The picture quality is simply gorgeous, with brightness and details that rival LCDs. Color reproduction is excellent, making watching Nature on PBS such a wonderful experience. The screen's response time has improved over earlier models, so fast-action sports looks good instead of ghostly. The Veira also has a Cable Card slot and although I haven't tried it, a recent New York Times review says it works seamlessly with Cable Cards. (Cable Cards can replace set-top cable boxes; check with your cable provider for details.)

To get the most out of DVD movies, get a digital-output (HDMI) DVD player from Panasonic, Sony or Denon. These players can "upsample" DVD's standard-NTSC resolution and provide somewhat better video quality when you play DVDs on an HDTV like this one. The Panasonic player in particular is a great value and a perfect match for the Veira.

While I still think LCD TVs are a better value for the long term, the Panasonic, along with plasmas from Fujitsu and Pioneer, does give you the best possible picture out of today's state-of-the-art plasma technology. I have friends who own Panasonic and they are all very happy, even the ones with the EDTV (instead of HDTV) sets.

When you buy a big screen TV, you are making a serious investment (unless you just won the Mega Millions or Powerball), and I highly recommend you buy the best you can afford. Sub-$2000 plasma TVs have poor image quality and are likely to break down quickly, plus they are very noisy. Just go for the best after you get over the SAF (spouse approval factor) hurdle! The Panasonic Veira is a great value considering its top-notch image quality, gorgeous styling and built-in HDTV support.
Great TV, and I wish there were more HDTV channels
 
Review Date: July 13, 2004
Reviewer: Japinder Singh, Washington DC Metro Area
After researching and looking at plasma, lcd, lcd projection tv's for couple of months, I finally bought this TV from amazon.com. Had it for couple of weeks now, and am amazed at the quality of the display. Got HDTV from comcast cable and the HDTV channels look and sound great. Of course I wish there were more HDTV channels. I recommend using the Monster DVI-HDMI cable. This TV has a HDMI port. I also recommend Samsung DVD player HD-931 that generates HD outputs via DVI for your DVDs. The resultant image quality is excellent, even though it is not "TRUE HD".


An update. It has been a year since I last updated this review. This TV is still one of the best plasma displays in the market. Pioneer plasma is the only one that looks slightly better. I have added monster power supply to my setup and have replaced the cable with satellite. More HD channels on the satellite. Monster power supply is essential to keeping your expensive home theatre setup safe from power quality issues. Have also added Onkyo A/V receiver to my setup along with Cambridge speakers. Had zero issues with this display. Was a little bit apprehensive of dropping big dollars on this display. But so far, it has given awesome performance and zero problems.
BEWARE OF LOW PRICED PLASMAS!!!
 
Review Date: December 20, 2004
Reviewer: Crystal Hicks, NASHVILLE, TN
I do not fall for scams. But I almost fell for this one. A seller had the TV listed for $990. She even had 69 positive ratings next to her name, 'torrter77'. When I emailed to ask why the item was priced so low, 'she' said that her ex-husband had cheated on her and she was trying to get rid of anything that reminded her of him. She sent us to a 'secure' website to make sure our transaction was guaranteed. If you are ever sent to 'www.escrow-sc.com', know that you are being scammed! Luckily, my husband did some research on the site and realized the whole thing was bogus. She even tried to have us go to Western Union to send money to Paris. It was all too much and too many red flags were sent up. Take heed to your mother's advice...'if something seems too good to be true, it is!'
Incredible picture with a much-improved remote.
 
Review Date: June 6, 2004
Reviewer: ,
After a large amount of research, we finally bought this tv and are very happy about it. We don't yet actually have HD but the picture is still great...I can't imagine what it'll be like with HD.

The only problem on the previous model was that the remote was cheap-looking and made badly. This remote looks very nice, with a metal cover and many nice features.

Of course, the signal on regular tv is not top-notch, but that is true on every tv.

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