Compare Prices : Panasonic TH-42PX80 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The 37PX80 impresses with its much improved natural and vibrant colours

Verdict: On the down side, some deep reds can end up looking slightly orange, and HD images don't look quite as pristine as they do on a good full HD TV

Award: Highly Recommended!

Review summary: Update: The Panasonic TH42PX80 has now been replaced by the Panasonic TX-P37X10 & TX-P42X10.

Pros: Excellent black level and shadow detail ; Fluid motion handling with minimal blurring ; Displays 1080p/24 video signal without telecine judder

Cons: Native resolution only 1024 x 768 (i.e. not true HD) ; Does not deinterlace film-based material properly ; Exhibits posterisation particularly with poor source

Verdict: Armed with native 24fps playback and marginally better blacks, the Panasonic TH42PX80 represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary improvement over its predecessor the PX70 series.

Review summary: Panasonic claims a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 but, judging by the deep, grey-free blacks it produces, this figure looks decidedly pessimistic

Pros: Outstanding pictures ; Good connectivity ; Price

Cons: HDMIs not v1.3 ; Colours could be more vibrant ; Occasional orange tone to rich reds

Verdict: But the positives far outweigh the negatives

Review summary: A big-screen plasma with big-name cachet, which performs superbly, for well under a grand. What else do you want?

Pros: Fine Blu-ray images, with impressive contrasts ; excellent off-air performance

Cons: Sound is on a par with most rivals: so not great, then