Product Description
Panasonic, the leader in high definition and Plasma TV, shows an exciting new direction with its first Full High Definition 1080p 42" plasma television, further demonstrating its leadership in big screen Plasma entertainment. Today, the sports and high-definition movies that drive the demand for high-definition viewing, require blacker blacks, faster response time, and the millions of colors that Panasonic Plasma screens deliver. The TH-42PZ700U features an SD Memory Card slot with Photo Viewer that transforms the plasma into a digital photo gallery. By utilizing high definition images available for purchase from GalleryPlayer that are embedded on SD cards, the consumer has access to thousands of images ranging from art masterpieces to dazzling photographs. GalleryPlayer's content partners include National Geographic, MoMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The New York Times and Time-Life. Resolution - Full HD - 1920x1080 Colors - 29 Million Colors Aspect Ratio - 16 - 9 Features - Full HD 1080p Native Resolution Built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM Tuners for Analog and Digital Broadcasts (Requires Antenna for over-the-air broadcasts) EZ-Sync HDAI Control /2 HDMI Inputs / Contrast-Ratio - 5000 - 1 1 Year Warranty
Amazon.com Product Description
The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV sports a 42-inch plasma screen with 1080p resolution for a crystal clear viewing experience. It will feel right at home as the centerpiece of a home theater setup.
An Understated Beauty
The TH-42PZ700U does not look like it's trying too hard. Instead, it lets the big screen speak for itself. The glass is surrounded by a thick glossy black bezel on all sides, with a door on the bottom to keep controls out of sight. Another hatch hides a slot for SD memory cards. Speakers--matching in color and barely noticeable--are set on both sides of the display. The understated look would be an elegant addition to any decor.
The understated elegant looks of this Panasonic HDTV will fit in with any decor. View larger. |
The TH-42PZ700U has connections for all your home theater components. View larger. |
Outstanding Performance
The TH-42PZ700U is 1080p, meaning it has a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest HD resolution available for the clearest and sharpest picture. Because of its plasma display, the black levels are deep and the uniformity of brightness is superb. The unit has 4096 shades of gradation and has up to a 5000:1 contrast ratio. Video noise reduction circuitry and a digital comb filter make sure the picture on screen is always optimal. The TH-42PZ700U will upconvert any signal you feed it and display it at 1080p.
Connections
On the back, the TH-42PZ700U features two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two composite inputs, and two S-Video inputs. Hidden beneath panels in front is another composite and S-Video input, a component video input, and a slot for SD cards. Insert an SD card filled with photos and you can watch a slide show with the built-in Photo Viewer software.
TV as an Art Gallery
The TH-42PZ700U includes GalleryPlayer software you can use to display high-definition art and photography on your TV. A free collection of images is included so your television can display art even when it's not on.
One-Touch Convenience
When you use the Panasonic EZ-Sync technology to connect to other compatible EZ-Sync devices via the HDMI connector, you get one-touch control over all your home theater components. For example, with one touch of a button, you can turn on the DVD player, turn on the receiver, and set the DVD player as the source while also adjusting the sound level, turn on the TV--which will accept the input signal--and play the DVD. Instead of fumbling to find all the right buttons, you can watch your movies without wondering how to set everything up.
The TH-42PZ700U is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.
What's in the Box
TH-42PZ700U plasma HDTV, remote control (with batteries), AC cord, pedestal, two cable clamper, and antenna adapter.
Customer Reviews:
Love this TV.......2007-12-24
Have researched this TV for sometime and the research paid off...love this TV and would recommend it to anyone. If I had the space, I would have gone even bigger to the 50 inch model :)
Excelent TV.......2007-12-23
I really satisfied with the Plasma TV.
The color is excellent.
This TV also has PC input which is great for me.
white glove service not as described.......2007-12-22
The 42 " Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV was delivered yesterday. The two "white glove" delivery servicemen removed the TV from the box, "assembled" the remote, plugged in the TV, and tested both to make sure they worked. They would not set up the TV because Panasonic TV's, unlike other brands, are not shipped with the pedestal attached. They said, "We are not installers, but deliverers and thus are prohibited from attaching the pedestal." I asked them to leave it sitting upside down in front of the entertainment center. After they left, I attached the pedestal, which consisted of attaching 2 metal poles to the pedestal with 4 screws, followed by attaching the pedestal to the TV with 4 more screws. It took me about 30 minutes because I had to read the instructions, study the diagram, and line up the poles in the appropriate positions. However, anyone who knew what they were doing could probably complete the task in 5 minutes. The TV weighs 128 lbs. I am a 60-yr-old female. I managed to turn the TV right side up; but I do not have enough body strength to lift 128 lbs into the entertainment center. So, I watched the TV last night while it sat on the floor. It will remain on the floor until someone comes over who can help me lift it; because I don't want to ask friends to come over solely to help me lift it.
Needless to say, I was disappointed to find out the description of the white glove delivery service is not accurate for Panasonic TVs, because the pedestals are in a separate box from the TV. The "not so white" white glove delivery service detracted from what would otherwise have been a happy event. So, if it is important to you to have the TV set up for you, either don't buy a Panasonic or buy it somewhere other than amazon.com.
Panasonic Kept Me Calm Even Though I Didn't Like It........2007-12-21
First I need to declare that I am not a video expert. My research involved several months of going to stores, looking at televisions and quizzing sales peoples. Also I read several articles about how to pick a good television.
I chose the Panasonic mainly because it was a Editors Choice in both PC Magazine and CNET magazine and I found a substantially reduced price on black Friday from 6th Avenue Electronics on Amazon.
The television took about a week to be delivered. We needed the television moved to the basement and were told that the delivery man was only responsible for bringing it in the front door if there were fewer than 4 steps. The delivery man from the company employed by 6th Avenue agreed to help me carry it down the steps. I opened the box and looked at the glass of the television and signed the delivery slip stating that the television and box didn't have any obvious damage.
My wife and I unpacked and set up the televison and turned it on. However the television only showed two colors. Blue and Pink. We called 6th Avenue and we were told that there were no returns and we would have to deal with Panasonic to have our television serviced. I believe this is standard operating procedure for online sales of televisions. They did however promise to call Panasonic and find a repair company. In the documentation provided with the television was a number to call Panasonic Concierge service.
I called the number and was connected with a customer service agent in a matter of minutes who told me an appointment was already set up with Electronic Service Center located in my area. It was Friday that the television was delivered and the appointment was set up for Monday. The representative arrived on Monday within the appointed time and decided we needed a new mother board for the television. The next day I called the service center on Tuesday and was told the part would be delivered on Friday and an appointment was scheduled for Monday. Again, the next business day. On Monday the repairman arrived within the scheduled appointment time and fixed the television.
I wanted to get angry during this experience but I was never given the opportunity. I didn't receive any runarounds or questions. No long waits or lack of communication. Everyone was businesslike and efficient. I'm not sure I would have received the same service from one of the discount companies selling HDTV's. But Panasonic sent me a broken television and made me a happy customer. Who knew.
As far as the television the colors are fantastic. We have had the television for about 2 weeks and we aren't beyond the how great is the picture stage yet. We aren't really paying attention to the details of plot because we are looking at moles on faces and the sharpness of the background of the shot. HDTV and this television is fantastic.
Two things to keep in mind. Standard definition Television is hit or miss here. Some look fairly well and some are unwatchable. Cartoons and newer shows tend to be very watchable but you do gravitate towards High Definition programs. And it is amazing how few channels show High Definition. Also the sound of the television is so good my 5.1 surround system is almost worthless at this time. I have both the television and surround sound on to get the best quality. All the surround sound does better is the sub woofer. For most programming I just use the television.
All in all I am happy with the purchase so far and would highly recommend this television and Panasonics in general.
Beware the power supply problem that can not be fixed by Panasonic .......2007-12-19
I purched the Panasonic TH 42PZ700U in Sept 07 and had power supply problem during Nov 07 and finaly got my replacement coming today 12/19/07. I am not happy with the long waiting in service. The boards kept burning out after trying to replace to fix power supply. Once you have this problem, it can not be fixed by Panasonic.
Product Description
In a dark room or in broad daylight, the picture remains amazingly crisp and vibrant with the Samsung's HP-T4254's FilterBright anti-reflection technology. In moonlit scenes, 15000:1 contrast ratio and 18-bit technology let you see shadowy details in natural, rich color. Advanced Samsung plasma picture technology delivers sharper screen text and an innovative auto-pixel shift technology that eliminates picture Burn-in. Experience robust, 3-dimensional TruSurround XT Sound while connecting all your digital devices and peripherals with 3 HDMI-CEC ports and a full complement of audio and video inputs. Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. With HDMi_CEC connection, peripheral devices such as DVD players can be controlled by your TV's remote control. V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content. Together with the DNIe proprietary circuitry, Samsung's new plasma TV's give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever from a flat panel set. Power save feature - Energy Star Compliant Game mode Silhouette editor (False Contour Reduction) Natural True Color with 18-bit color processing 10-watts per channel built-in audio amplifier SRS TruSurround XT Sound Powerful built-in amplifier to drive the integrated stereo speakers HDMI-CEC - allows you to control any HDMI peripheral on the HDMI network connected to the TV Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface (2 rear/1 side), 2 component connection, S-Video and composite connections, PC input, S-Video/composite connections and Headphone jack Compatible with Samsung Wall Mount Dimensions - 41.5 x 27.5 x 3.7 inch / 41.5 x 29.9 x 12.4 inches with stand Net Weight - 73.2 pounds
Amazon.com Product Description
Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4254 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company's latest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery). Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
While the HP-T4254 Samsung's entry level 720p plasma for 2007, it differs from the step-up HP-T4264 on in the cosmetic design, and the lack of a USB2.0 connection. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you want a USB connction for playing photo files or MP3s, check out the HPT4264.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture
This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitation of PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
- HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
- PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
- Composite video input: 1 (side)
- Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
- RF input: 2 (rear)
What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.
Customer Reviews:
A great value.......2007-12-27
My Setup:
HDMI 1: PS3
HDM1 2: Toshiba HD-XA2
SVid 1: Wii
Coax : Quam In for NTSC and ATSC broadcasts
VGA : Old laptop for Slingbox playback
Optical out: optical cable connected to Logitech Z-5500 5.1 sound
----------------------
Pros:
+ Great Picture, even from extreme side angles
+ several useful inputs, including side inputs
+ Separate calibration settings for each input
+ Source-button skips over inputs that are not connected
+ Optical audio output, so the TV can act like a switch
Cons:
- Source switching and handshake can be a bit slow
- built in speakers are not so great for low-volume listening.
- Defaults to "Dynamic" for inputs.
- Slight bug where it once got stuck in "Dynamic"
-------------------
This TV is a great value. The picture is fantastic and does not have the variability that LCD screens seem to have, depending on viewing angle. We have it in a medium sized room, and it is just the right size. The only issue I've really had was last week, when the TV forgot all of it's settings, and switched back to dynamic. It would forget settings each time it was powered off. I found the work-around was to reset the TV by going to the Service menu via the special remote sequence, hand selecting "Reset" from the menu. Now all is fine again.
Fantastic value.......2007-12-22
I had been shopping for a 42" set for awhile. When I saw the deal for this plasma for $900 including white glove shipping and a free Logitech Harmony 550 remote ($75), I had to pull the trigger.
Delivery service came 2 days earlier than initially estimated, but the crew from Eagle Global Logistics was 40 minutes late from their window. They unpacked it, set it up on the table I provided, and hooked up the component cables from my HD cable box. Everything looked great. I've been breaking in the TV ever since (on hour 110 of 250) to "harden" the phosphors, which can help mitigate image retention and burn-in.
I went to the local Comcast office and switched out the old box with a new one with HDMI. Picture quality was slightly better on HDMI. HDTV is fabulous with very realistic skintones and no detectable motion blur.
Next up was my Apple TV, which is wirelessly connected to a server in my office. Apple TV automatically upscales archived movies to 720p and that looked great too. DVDs upconverted via my DVD player are crisp with no artifacts.
My only gripe is that I wish the speakers were more powerful than 15W. I figure this was partly a compromise for putting the TV in a slimmer package. No biggee.
LCD is really dominating the market right now, especially in the 42" space. Analysts say that the plasma makers have realized this and are focusing more on larger sizes - 50", 60" and above. The manufacturers still have manufacturing capacity for 42" plasmas, so consumers may see serious price drops as these start to get phased out. That said, this deal was amazing and it may be hard to find better 6 months from now.
The Logitech Harmony 550 came separately. I programmed it in about 90 minutes using the newest SW from Logitech's website. Since then I've been doing little tweaks to my liking. It's really nice to have only a single remote instead of four, especially because this is a bedroom setup.
Just ordered from Amazon.......2007-12-08
Total novice on this purchase. Basically relied on these reviews. THANKS!!
My question is: When delivered from Eagle, out of the box, do I need anymore cable to hook up to my present satellite provider DirecTV, to have this work instantly?
Samsung 42 inch Plasma hpt4254.......2007-11-29
If you like to watch a two hour movie, make sure you leave enough time for it to cool off after the first hour and then come back to watch the rest an hour later. The screen goes black when it heats up. My set has been to the shop twice, and guess what? it's still there. I bought my set two months ago I have only had it in my living room for about two weeks. That,s just to have it picked up by the Samsung Authorized repair shop which is a joke. They said that had fixed it, the first time and all was well for about three hours then after that the screen would go black but you could still hear the movie.
The television is still in the shop and I am very disappointed with how my retailer does business, they said, only when Samsung,s authorized repair shop could not fix it, only then could they exchange the television. Samsung has to know that their plasma line are pretty much junk. Samsung
puts a sort of disclaimer in the box "Do not take this set back to the retailer please call samsung customer service". I should have seen it as a bad sign. My advise is to not buy this set, I am know looking for an LCD since they do not generate a lot of heat.
Excellent .......2007-11-26
I have not had a problem as yet with the Samsung. Pictue and sound are great and the look of the T.V. itself is pretty stylish. I am hoping to geat the HD hookup shortly and I will only correct this post if I have a problem with that (or anything else).
Product Description
Experience the true feel of being in the theater right in your home. Samsung's Plasma TV technology features a high-contrast ratio that produces dramatic lights and darks, and every nuance in between. With billions of colors, images are bright, sharp, and clear. Designed for action-packed viewing, motion is crisp and exciting. Rich surround sound completes this extraordinary entertainment experience. There are no bad seats when you're watching the 42" widescreen HP-T4264 plasma HDTV. Even in a brightly-lit room, patented Ultra FilterBright keeps the pictures looking detailed and deeper at every angle. Samsung's powerful anti-burn-in technology assures a long screen life. The 15,000:1 contrast ratio lets you see every nuance, even in nighttime action. Advanced plasma picture technology delivers sharper screen text, while eliminating noise. Dynamic SRS TruSurround XT produces theater-quality sound. Connect your digital devices through three HDMI ports, one on the side, and a full complement of audio and video inputs, including USB 2.0. Control all your CEC-compliant digital devices through the one HPT4264 remote. And it's Energy Star Compliant, so you'll use less energy. NTSC / ATSC tuner with Clear-QAM Game mode Silhouette editor (False Contour Reduction) 18 bit color processing Consumer Electronic Control (HDMI-CEC) compliant Audio - 10-watts per channel (2 channels) built-in audio amplifier with SRS TruSurround XT Connections - Rear A/V - 3 HDMI ? High Definition Multimedia Interface (2 rear/1 side); 2 component connections; S-Video and composite connections; PC input // Side A/V connections - HDMI?High Definition Multimedia Interface; USB 2.0; S-Video and composite connections; Headphone jack Unit - Monitor - 41.5 x 27.5 x 4.1; Monitor with stand - 41.5 x 29.9 x 12.4; Net weight - 73.2 lbs.
Amazon.com Product Description
Offering a rich feature set and exceptional quality for its price, Samsung HPT4264 42-inch 720p plasma TV uses the company's latest DNIe enhancement circuitry to deliver outstanding brightness, contrast, and image clarity. Use it for home theater and use it for your PC--it's perfect for both. In addition to a standard-broadcast NTSC tuner, it also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery). Other noteworthy features include a 60,000 hour panel life, Samsung's unique auto pixel-shifting technology to prevent burn-in, a gaming mode, cinema progressive film mode, and 3 HDMI connections. This model is also compatible with an Auto wall-mount Samsung will release this year that is controllable in 3-dimensions via the HTDV's own remote control.
Samsung currently offers two 42-inch 720p plasma models; this one and the lower priced HPT4254. this model is set apart from the HPT 4254 by its cosmetic design and by the inclusion of a USB 2.0 connection for playing photo files or MP3s. Both models offer the same high level of digital image processing, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDMI connectivity. If you don't need the USB connection, you may want ot consider the the HPT4254.
The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. Thanks to the new 13-bit processing capability of DNIe, the HP-S4253 can produce over 549 billion colors (compared to the one billion colors that TVs with 10-bit processing can produce.
Single-tuner Picture in Picture
This HDTV has a picture-in-picture feature, but it only has a single tuner which does not allow POP to function n the same mode. For example, you can't watch one TV channel in the main screen and another channel in the PIP screen. You can watch a tv channel in one screen and view contnet from your computer or a DVD in another. This tends to be the functional limitation of PIP in most HDTVs currently available.
Connections:
- HDMI connections: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- S-Video Inputs: 3 (1 side 2 rear)
- Component Video A/V Input: 2 (rear)
- USB 2.0 Connection: (1 side)
- PC (RGB) input: 1 (rear)
- Composite video input: 1 (side)
- Headphone Jack: 1 (side)
- RF input: 2 (rear)
What's in the box Plasma HDTV, Remote control, 2 AAA batteries, Power cord, Owner's Instructions/Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Registration Card, Safety Guide Manual, Cloth-Clean.
Customer Reviews:
very good value.......2007-12-27
The Tv Arrived on time by Eagle logistics, They brought it in set it up and made shore it worked. The TV works great. I have only 1 complaint. The blue power light on the bottom of the screen is to bright when the set is off in a dark room, almost like a night light.Samsung HPT4264 42" Plasma HDTV
Recommended.......2007-12-25
We have only had this product for a few weeks so we don't have anything to review for the long-term use of our Samsung. But the picture quality is great! The TV goes through a set-up menu step-by-step automatically when you first turn it on which was a nice feature. The blacks are also black not gray like most LCDs. The sound from the TV is OK, but I would recommend going through a separate audio system. Overall I am very happy with my purchase so far.
Samsung Makes a Great TV.......2007-12-25
This is a great TV, and I'm very satisfied with the product. The local delivery service in DC scheduled 3 different delivery times before actually delivering the TV on the 4th try. I wish they would have told me when it was coming correctly the first time.
Looks Great So Far.......2007-12-21
Not much to add to most of these reviews. The set was delivered promptly and very professionally by Eagle. The set itself looks fantastic on HD and even better than I expected on standard resolution. As other reviewers have noted, the factory default settings are terrible. I found the AVSForum website to be a very helpful starting place to learn about burn-in issues and suggested pictture settings. The Samsung's on-screen menu is very easy to navigate to make the initial set-up and changing settings a breeze.
Overall, I am very happy with the purchase.
Samsung 42" Plasma.......2007-12-20
First of all delivery was 2 days early and greatly appreciated. The two delivery men were extremely capable and nice.
Secondly, after all my research, this plasma model is just what we wanted. It is located in a SUNROOM with windows all around and the TV on the only full wall. Neither my husband or myself can believe the non-glare. we can barely see the outlines of the full windows in the screen but they DO NOT hinder the picture. The reviews I read about the poor sound for this model is not reflected in our use. Possibly because we have a tiled floor and a lot of windows the sound carries all around the room. It's only two days old in our home and we suppose strange things could happen to change our minds but it IS ALL we had hoped it would be. absolutely can not believe the non-glare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Product Description
Home-Theater TV is getting better! The realism of a TV's image is strongly linked to its contrast ratio, and this plasma features a high dynamic-contrast ratio of up to 10,000:1. Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colors?and this plasma can display billions of colors for a superior picture. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites allow our plasmas to render bright scenes with vivid realism. This widescreen TV features a 16:9 ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing a theater-like experience at home. View HD broadcasts and widescreen-DVDs the way they were meant to be seen. Sports, movies, and original network programming are all available in high definition from many local broadcasters. Receive and view local over-the-air broadcasts on this plasma in stunning HDTV clarity using the built-in HDTV tuner (optional HDTV antenna required). AI Sound, Surround Sound 2 Built-In Speakers driven by 10 Watt per channel (2 channel) amplification Table Pedestal Stand Included Built-In NTSC and ATSC Tuners For Standard Analog And Digital Broadcast Reception Video Noise Reduction, Motion Adaptive 3D-Y/C Digital Comb Filter Color Purity Optimizer (3D Color Management), Sub-Pixel Controller Motion Pattern Noise Reduction 10th Generation Plasma Panel Aspect Ratio adjustment controls SD Card Slot, JPEG Photo Viewer 4,096 Shades of Gray / Over 68.7 Billion Colors 1024x768 Resolution Hollywood Cinema Mode With Digital Cinema Reality (3 - 2 Pulldown) Patented Long Life Phosphors For 60,000 Hour Half Life New Real Black Drive System V-Chip Program Lockout Sleep/Off Timers Built-In Closed Caption Decoder Headphone Jack Channel Search Video Input Labeling Video Picture Memory On-Screen Display Languages - English/Spanish/French Unit Dimensions 40.2
Customer Reviews:
Be warned if you need repair service.......2007-12-09
I got this TV three weeks ago and it worked great - for a week. Then it didn't turn on or respond to the remote. I called Panasonic and they said it needed a new "board" which was probably damaged in transit (they also said most repairs are needed in the first week because of shipping damage). The story since then has been a nightmare. I stayed home from work to meet the repair guy, who never showed up or called to say he wasn't coming. Panasonic was unable to control what was happening because they subcontract repairs out. After many phone calls the repair was rescheduled again. You guessed it - same story. No show, no call and no ability to reach the repair guy. So our TV now looks great in the living room but it still doesn't work. The moral of the story is that IF this product is damaged, your ability to get it repaired depends entirely on how reliable the contracted service repair store is. Panasonic's "concierge" hotline for repairs is inept and they do not have any system in place to ensure proper communication and control over service on their products.
Awesome Product.......2007-12-07
I am in the electronics industry and i resale those tvs in other countries, this one is the best tv i have ever, sleek desing great picture no complains, strongly recomended
Awesome TV, Awesome Price.......2007-11-24
I originally ordered the Hitachi 42" HD1080 Plasma through Sears at an amazing price, when I went into the store to check it out (after ordering) I didn't really like the picture, granted the store splits the signal a million times and use only coax hookups so getting a true picture was not in the cards, but compared to the others the Hitachi blacks were not as deep and rich as the others on the wall. Luckily for me the Hitachi did not show up on the promised date so I called another Sears and explained I wanted to go with their Store and change to a TV that was in stock. They offered me the Panasonic for $820 out the door. I could not resist, great price on a greatly reviewed tv.
Once home, I wanted to set it next to my 7yo 53" widscreen RP Hitachi for comparison, all the way home I was thinking how great my RP has been and this new TV better impress me or I'm taking it back. All I can say is WOW. This TV is awesome. So much brighter and cleaner PQ then the old RP. The PQ on the Panasonic more than makes up for the lost 10" of screen size. I have HD through DirecTV and the picture (on HD channels) is amazing. I think I have to sell my RP now and hang the panny on the wall, I originally wanted to put this in the bedroom. So next we loaded up an HD-DVD (Bourne Ultimatum) and compared the 2 screens, again the Panny blew the Hitachi away. We then popped in a standard DVD, Still amazing. The image on this TV is SHARP and CRISP and CLEAR, you can read about all the specs, etc on the other reveiws but just know that you will be impressed. I would really like to set this next to a 1080i screen to see if there really is a difference in pictures (in my specific setup) but given the screen size it probably doesn't matter too much.
So I have 2 questions:
1)Do I have to go with the Panasonic wall mount or can I use a universal wall mount? The manual isn't very specific on this part. I guess because the specifics come with the mounting kits.
2) IR/Burn-IN - on some review I read you are supposed to use the ZOOM feature (so you don't get sidebars or vertical bars - when watching 2:35-1 movies) for the first 100 hours, is this true?
Anyway, overall this TV is fantastic, given the price I don't think there is a better TV out there.. Also, if you are still on the fence over Plasma VS LCD, do some reasearch - Plasma technology has come a long way and the 2 big issues - life span and IR are, if not almost, on par with LCD. Both are around 60,000 hours halflife.
superb picture.......2007-11-04
Superb picture; great detail, clarity, and vividness. OK sound. Almost HD look on standard DVD play. Black frame goes well in a number of decors. Only minor fault is that it generates a lot of heat. Lots of well labeled inputs. Easy to use remote. Great Panasonic concierge service warranty.
Panasonic Th-42px75u.......2007-10-31
When I first thought of buying an HDTV I thought LCD was the only way to go. I had heard of burn-in issues and that plasmas didn't last as long as LCD. After doing some research and comparing them side by side, I decided to go with the plasma.
Burn in: I've had this TV about a month, and have had absolutely NO burn in and/or image retention. The contrast on this TV is set to the max right out of the box, and I image the people complaining of burn in or image retention haven't turned down the contrast.
Lifespan: With new technology, plasmas have a half-life of 60,000 hours, which is more than that of a typical CRT television.
Picture Quality: The picture quality of plasmas is where they stand out over LCD. I recently bought an up-converting DVD player, and movies are absolutely amazing. Even though it's only 720p, I don't think it would be easy to notice a difference between it and 1080p sitting ~10 feet away.
Sound Quality: The sound on this TV is awesome compared to other plasmas I looked at. Very full, deep sounds.
I would highly recommend this TV. For the price, you'd have trouble getting much better. With its sleek look and awesome picture quality, I'd definitely buy it again.
Product Description
When it comes to color depth, the plasma screen offers the most vivid color and contrast than virtually any flat-panel TV. Panasonic 1080p capable plasmas match the most advanced pixel resolution and image-processing technology with an ability to beautifully reproduce fast-moving images. So every detail is rendered with amazing clarity, and all the action is delivered with unbelievable fluidity. 1080p also delivers amazing color reproduction resulting in impressive contrast and beautiful, natural colors. What you get is warm, accurate skin tones, deep blacks, gorgeous greens, breathtaking blues and vivid reds for color that's as rich and bold as life itself. GalleryPlayer allows you to enjoy the world's finest high definition art and photography on your Panasonic HD plasma TV. Use the free GalleryPlayer software to purchase and download the images you like, and then play them on your Panasonic HDTV right from your PC. Sign-up is easy and free. Plus, you get a free collection of high definition images to enjoy right away in your home or office. Share your JPEG photos taken with a Lumix or any SD-compatible digital-camera on your Panasonic plasma using the built-in SD card slot. Simply insert the SD card, which is about the size of a postage stamp, into the SD slot on the TV and enjoy a photo slideshow with Photo Viewer. For added convenience, EZ Sync HDAVI Control lets you operate all of your home theater components by pressing a single button on your TV's remote control. Pixel Pitch (H x V) 0.480 x 0.480 mm Panel Type G10 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel Aspect Control for TV/AV Modes 4 - 3, Zoom, Full, Just Native Resolution (Number of Pixels) 1920 x 1080 Contrast Ratio Up to 10,000 - 1 ATSC - NTSC - QAM TV tuning 20-Watt Audio System Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) with pedestal stand 27.1 x 44.7 x 13; Weight with pedestal stand 92.6 lbs Current HDTV programming is at 720p a
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding TV .......2007-12-25
I have spent alot of time reseaching TV's the past 2 Months. At first I was really drawn to LCD because of the bright pictures when viewing in the store. When I really studied the pictures closely I could see the Panasonic really did show more true to life colors. Because plasma shows blacks alot darker than an LCD it tends to make a screen look darker. I have never written a review on any purchase I have made, but have read many to make decisions on purchases. I am so pleased with the quality, ease of setup and price of this TV that I had to write in about it. I would highly recommend this TV!
RETURN.......2007-12-23
I returned the item because it was damaged on delivery. I did not want another one because I consuder it an a substandered item.
Returned 1st one.......2007-12-21
I bought this TV from Sears for 1050 + taxes. I was given 2 weeks waiting for the them to order and received. After 2 weeks got TV from Sears. Opened it and to my dismay there was a crack in the screen. The outside screen was intact but the glass inside was cracked. I imeediatly called the CS and returned and ordered another one. Again I was given a date after 3 weeks. Not a pleasant experience till now but the price is so good i don;t think anyone can beat that price.
Finally I am getting my TV tomorrow. Hopefully TV comesup in good shape So that I can add my comments later one.
Cannot give any bad review for the TV as of yet.
Well worth the money.......2007-12-19
I've now owned this TV for a couple of weeks and must say that it's WELL worth the money. Here's why:
The purchase process:
1) I purchased a great deal through 6ave, $1200 shipped & no taxes.
2) The TV arrived via freight forwarder & local logistics delivery company that brought the TV into my home and I had to inspect the screen before I signed off and they could leave.
The TV itself:
- Works wonderfully with my Time Warner Motorola HD DVR cable box using HDMI. Now only if I more HD channels to watch...
- Works even better with Movies. I have a Toshiba A3 HD-DVD Player connected via HDMI and the picture is just unbelievable! Blacks are beautiful and the colors are vivid.
My concerns before the purchase and now after breaking it in:
1) Anti-glare screen: at first I read mixed reviews. I love it. It truly does an AMAZING job of taking the reflections off the screen in a living room with various types of light. I think the best comparison is a LCD monitor. It has that same "flatness" to it that allows you to enjoy what's on the screen rather than the screen itself. I do not miss the glass effect!
2) Burn-in effect: Haven't noticed it yet so I can't even comment! Not an issue...
3) Brightness vs LCDTVs: this TV is perfectly bright. I don't even have it in Vivid mode and I think it's much better than the OVERLY bright LCDTVs I have seen in people's homes. Again, this is something I worried about when purchasing and now I couldn't be happier with this TV's brightness level.
All in all, a fantastic purchase, I highly recommend it to anyone.
Power Supply Failed After 4-1/2 hours.......2007-12-13
I purchased this TV on a Wednesday from a US Navy Exchange store and arranged for DirectTV to install their system. They came the Friday of the following week. The set was GREAT, WONDERFUL, etc., until we turned it off for supper. An hour later we turned it on and got a "No Signal" message, then the screen went blank.
We turned it off, waited 10-15 minutes, then turned it back on - nothing, not even that message. We called Panasonic's Help number (as listed on the user manual) and the technician asked if there was a red light blinking in the lower left corner. There was - seven slow blinks, then a pause, then repeat.
He said this plasma TV draws almost as much power as an electric dryer during initial start up and most likely the power supply died.
I took it back to the Exchange and they were very understanding and gave me my money back.
I am very disappointed in this Panasonic TV. Usually their products are both wonderful and stable. Not this time.
Earle
Product Description
built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1024 x 768 pixels * 10,000:1 contrast ratio * 2 HDMI v1.3 (accepts signals up to 1080p) *
Customer Reviews:
Great - but shop around.......2007-12-11
I bought this set through Costco (it was cheaper so look around). I actually have the TH-42PC77U which is the same set but with an anti-glare screen. Depending on where you're putting it you might want to spend the extra $100.
I was a little concerned that this was a 720p set given all the hype about 1080p. I have 1080p 52" Sharp LCD in the family room and was going to go with another, but smaller for the master bedroom. However, after reading Consumer Reports review of this set I thought I'd give it a try (it was certainly cheaper).
Set up was a breeze. You have to mount the stand, hook up your cable box, etc. and you're done. It's that simple. It's not fancy. My Sharp has enough settings to make a rocket scientist happy. This is more of the variety - turn it on and it works. That's fine with me!
Now, the picture. The SD channels look better on this set than they do on my 1080p LCD. Why? Well, it doesn't have to upconvert the 480 to 1080, only to 720 so it's not as grainy. Think of it this way, if you have a picture on your pc and you enlarge it, the image gets grainier right? Pretty much the same thing on your HDTV.
OK, the HD picture - we're talking 720p versus 1080p here right? I can't see the difference between the two sets. My wife thinks I'm crazy because I was running between the two rooms to compare the image but nada, zero, zilch. Looks great. The blacks are terrific, no cloudy images, no blur on action.
The only thing I messed up was not ordering a bracket at the same time. It's on its way so I'll have this hanging on the wall in no time.
You won't go wrong with this set! You can get a pretty good price as well, I believe they're on closeout but don't let that hold you back. Just shop around for the price.
have not received item.......2007-12-08
I am not pleased at all with this order with was placed over a month ago. When I finally received it days after it was promised, it was very damaged. I'm still dealing with the shipper, with me doing the constant calling, I still do have any idea when I will receive it. But I still have been billed and paid for it.
Hi-Def TV Purchase.......2007-12-01
Excellent TV at the very best price! I recommend 6th Ave. Electronics to anybody wanting the TVs at the lowest price. Great communication from the time of purhase through delivery.
WOW!.......2007-11-28
After owning the TH-42PZ77U for a few weeks I can't imagine why anyone would choose a higher priced Sharp, Samsung or Sony (or any other)42" lcdtv over this fantastic plasma. This isn't my first plasma, I've owned a 720p LG plasma going on 3 years now and even as good as it was...it doesn't hold a candle to this set. There is some debate as to whether or not 1080p makes a difference on any screen below 50"...but I can tell you that this little plasma has the best HD picture (broadcast/HD-DVD) that I have ever seen....much better than a 46" Sharp 1080p lcdtv owned by a friend of mine...that also cost over $700 more.
The only con I can find with this tv is the lack of inputs compared to other 42" plasma/lcd's. However that really isn't an issue for me yet, but at least one more HDMI input may come in handy in the future. I guess the myths that are still making the rounds about plasma technology (and even passed on by some salespeople) are keeping sales lower than lcd, thereby lowering the prices and making this the best bang for the buck in the 42"-50" size segment. This set eliminates the one and only (in my opinion) advatantage that lcd's have with it's anti-glare screen coating. Now you can have plasma picture quality in a brightly lit room without reflections ruining the experience.
In short.. the very reasonable price, superior black levels/overall PQ, lack of motion blur in fast action sports, 100,000 hrs to halflife panel, anti-glare screen, stylish good looks....make this a no brainer if you are in the market for a 42"-50" (TH-50PZ77U)and your friends with more expensive lcdtv's will be jealous. ;)
i've never watched so much TV.......2007-11-24
skeptical of the quality and whether it was truly "new". researched Plasma tv's for 2 years, knowing Panasonic and the 42" was the best in quality out there. This series is digital compatible, something a lot of the Plasma's still aren't, surprisingly. The Best Buy has the same TV for $2000 for all the features and accessories this came with. Definitely a great buy. And it came in only a week.
Product Description
The 42-inch Aquos LC-42D72U combines full 1080p picture resolution with improved contrast and response time. Images are pinpoint sharp and clear, with smooth, smear-free motion. This high-tech package comes wrapped in a gorgeous piano-black finish. It offers full HD Spec 1080p resolution produces a breathtaking picture quality of up to 1920x1080 that is second to none. The LC-42D72U features 10,000:1 Dynamic-Contrast Ratio (2,000:1 static contrast ratio), 6ms response time for video and gaming, plus wide viewing angles (176 degrees) for visibility in any room. It also includes built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners, and 2 HDMI, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD component video inputs. The sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers and the included table stand can easily be removed for optional wall mounting applications. Wide Viewing Angles (176 Degrees) Sharps Aquos viewing angles are so wide, you can view the TV clearly from anywhere in the room Three-wavelength Backlight System enables the display of very deep crimson reds, widening the available color spectrum Enhanced Black Level provides the deepest, most accurate black of any flat panel TV Lamp Life - 60,000 hours Audio System - 15 W + 15 W Tuning System - ATSC / QAM / NTSC Contrast Ratio - 10,000 - 1 Dynamic / 2,000 - 1 Actual Viewing Aspect Ratio - 16 - 9 Response Time - 6ms HDMI Input - 2 (1080p compatible) HD Component Input - 2 S-Video Input - 1 Composite Video Input (A/V) - 3 Audio Inputs (L/R) - 4 PC input for use as a PC monitor Cabinet Color - Black Table Stand - Included Power Source - 110 - 240V Unit Dimensions - Width 40.59 x Height 28 x Depth 5.31 inch / Weight - 66.2 pounds Dimensions - Width 40 19/32 x 30 5/16 x 12 1/64 / Weight - 75 pounds with stand To experience 5.1 channel home-theater sound, we suggest adding a surround-sound system with your TV purc
Customer Reviews:
Thanks Sharp and Amazon.......2007-12-20
I just received my Aquos LC42D72U model TV and it works great. Arrived early and the moving staff help me set it up. Great job. Tickled to be your customer.
Great TV, esp. for the price.......2007-12-07
Great TV. Had their 26" LCD/DVR combo unit and really liked the picture. Couldn't find a better set in the 42" size than Sharp. Works perfectly. Agree with other reviews that extensive picture tweaking is required. Very easy to do, however. Looks great now. Have always had good luck with other Sharp products.
Best price was from Beach Audio. Excellent communication and customer service. Highly recommended.
new tv.......2007-10-24
All expectations fulfilled. Shipped and delivered on time. Installation was easy and picture was better than expected. So good in fact, that we had to upgrade our Dish satellite receiver.
Sharp Aquos.......2007-10-23
I feel the Sharp TV was a good purchase and well worth the money. The picture is excellent; the sound is OK. We have the TV in a very open living area with lots of windows. We were afraid there would be a glare problem but there wasn't. The TV was shipped via "Yellow". It arrived in good condition, however, we were given a 10:00am to 3:00pm window and it didn't arrive until 4:15pm. Since we had to be home for delivery the whole day was pretty much shot.
Better than expected.......2007-10-11
Frankly, it's difficult for me to add much to the positive reviews already posted.
This was my first high-performance TV purchase in 8 years, so one of my main concerns was understanding and using the new technology.
Of course, my concern was unfounded. Picture quality is excellent (just remember "GIGO" is in play here), and the sound via internal speakers isn't bad.
Subjectively, the set is attractive, and install and set-up are very easy. Also, I found the remote to be intuative and simple to use.
Overall, a sure 5-star product.