Panasonic TC-P42S2

In order to realize the full benefits of the 1080p resolution, it is best to get an HDTV that is above 40 inches. Although some models in the 30-inch range feature Full HD, it can be tough to tell the difference when compared with the 720p counterparts.

Another important thing to take note of is the technologies that power display. There are several 42-inch TVs available from different manufacturers to make selecting a new TV difficult. Target the models that were introduced recently to get the best advancements. Panasonic refreshed their lineup early 2010 with several TVs including the sub-$1,000 Panasonic TC-P42S2.

Panasonic TCP-42S2

Technical Features

The Panasonic TC-P42S2 is a plasma TV with a sleek presentation without the fancy design elements that some pricier models contain. Although the bezel isn’t very thin, it is made with no mercury or lead to both improve the TV’s lifespan and make it more environmental friendly. Panasonic calls this the “Clean Touch” bezel and from its name, the bezel is more resistant to fingerprint smudges.

Unlike other Panasonic VIERA plasma models, the Panasonic TC-P42S2 is more energy efficient meeting the Energy Star 4.0 requirements. The panel brightness isn’t affected at all even after 20 years of viewing if the TV is used 8 hours a day at average.

It also has an impressive 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio making it a decent display for watching Blu-ray movies and playing HD gaming. It has 2 HDMI inputs on the back and 1 on the side for a basic and functional home theater setup. The “Game Mode” option enhances the performance of video games by increasing the image response time and clarity of dark images.

Actual user review:
“Plasmas have a definite bonus for me though: no blur. Since the refresh rate is so fast it is almost like watching a CRT. The black levels are superb (almost dark enough to suck the light out of my bedroom), and the colors are accurate. The definition is astounding. I cannot comment on the sound, since I use a receiver and speakers. This TV does put out some heat, but is by no means going to heat the room. I used some configuration settings I found on the internet which meant putting most everything on 50 percent (except, of course, for sharpness). All in all, I am very happy with this TV and would easily recommend it to anyone.” – Tom (USA)

Technologies

Panasonic continues the NeoPDP tradition introduced in previous models. With this cell structure, the luminous efficiency is tripled resulting to better imagery and reduced power consumption. Combined with the high-definition resolution, afterimages are minimized and the image frame display time is significantly shortened.

It also features a 600Hz Sub-field drive which utilizes a special image-analysis technology that converts motion taking place in the scene into data. This works with the NeoPDP technology to reduce aftereffects.

Extra Features

The Panasonic TC-P42S2 is really out to impress the budget consumers that want a nice looking plasma display with good 1080p specs. The TC-P42S2 achieves that and also throws in a couple of nifty extras in the mix.

It comes with the VIERA Image Viewer with full support for HD images. As long as the digital camera uses SD cards as storage media, it is easy to view the stored photos on the display since there is an SD card slot. The process is plug-and-play so anyone should be able to view camera photos right after they have been shot without hassle. JPEG is the only supported format by the S2 family of plasma displays. This is an essential extra since the TC-P42S2 does not feature any USB ports like some of the pricier models.

There is an extra bonus if the HDMI connected devices are Panasonic too. This includes any digital cameras, DVD players, and Blu-ray disc players that have support for VIERA Link. With this feature active, only a single remote control is needed to operate the devices. Even a network camera connected through LAN can be hooked up to the TV.

Bottom Line

The specifications and features of the Panasonic TC-P42S2 may leave a lot to be desired by those that are serious in perking up their home theater setup. However, Panasonic offers this particular model for around $900 which is highly affordable for a large plasma display. This is not only proof that plasma is still around despite the popularity of LED, but also proof that basic HDTVs that have good qualities are getting less expensive.

Console gamers that want large onscreen action should not be bothered with the basic features thanks to the “Game Mode.” Panasonic also boasts a cinema-quality experience without spending heavy on the power consumption so all the features and price relate very well. Existing 1080p owners may want to pass if they are looking for a serious upgrade, but those that are getting their feet wet with plasma displays won’t be disappointed with the experience that the TC-P42S2 brings.

Average User Rating:

Actual User Reviews:
• “This TV does what I want it to do. It has solid picture quality, and enough features to keep me satisfied. The fact is that technology changes so fast that it doesn’t make sense to spend top dollar on hardware when that hardware will be trailing edge in a year or two. So, while I would love a higher end model, I am very satisfied with my purchase. With proper calibration it’s hard to see the difference between this TV and higher end models unless you sit really close, so I do recommend this TV.” – Carl Coleman Jr. (Houston,TX)

• “I received this TV from Amazon 2 days ago and so far I love it. I shopped around extensively, and it was by far the best value for a large plasma screen from a “name brand” manufacturer. The display is gorgeous. It creates a lush picture with dark blacks and vivid colors. I bought this to replace a 3-year-old 26″ Panasonic LCD screen, and I am blown away by the improvement in picture quality. Now, I have to reprogram my DVR to ONLY record HD shows because they look so great; I never noticed that much of a difference between HD and standard-def with the old TV (which was probably only 720p while this new one is 1080p), but I can see a huge improvement with HD now! Overall, very impressive picture quality.It has 3 HDMI inputs, so I could plug in my cable box, DVD player and Netflix Roku player with no problem. (How great to be able to ditch all those component wires!) Set-up was a breeze and the on-screen controls are intuitive. The remote control is very nice. My only complaint with the TV is its poor sound quality. I suppose there must be a tradeoff for a $700 42″ plasma, and if so, sound is most definitely that tradeoff. The speakers are tinny and echo-y. (By comparison, the speakers on the Panasonic LCD TV I replaced this with are much, much better… of course, I paid the same amount of money for that 26″ TV 3 years ago, so I’ll willingly take the larger, better screen any day.) I played around with the audio adjustments extensively, but could not find a sound setting that I considered acceptable. I am still giving this TV a 4-star rating because I assume most people purchasing this TV will also have a home theater system. Last night I purchased a Polk Surroundbar 2.1 speaker system, and I am happy with the sound now, but that was an additional $350. Before buying the Surroundbar, I was hoping to plug the TV into my Bose Sounddock, but the TV’s ONLY audio output is optical audio, so you cannot make this TV work with inexpensive computer speakers or any speaker system that is not specially designed for home theater with optical audio capability.As long as you’re aware of the sound situation, then I highly recommend this gorgeous and well-priced TV.” – Andrew M Keown (LA,USA)

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