The Panasonic TX-P42G20 – A First Review

This new TV is meant to be the replacement for the older G10 line of flat-panel plasma TVs and as such its taken over quite capably. It's also a true high-definition TV, displaying its on-screen action at a 1920x1080 (1080p) resolution. Older high-definition televisions displaying at 720p weren't technically "true" high-def, though they had a fine picture. Still, this new Panasonic's display is a qualitative step upward.

In addition to 1080p (pixels), the TV also makes use of Panasonic's "Intelligent Frame Creation Pro" suite and a 600Hz motion engine to sharpen and focus (and keep track of) the picture display to great effect. It also comes with a built-in Freeview-HD tuning filter that eliminates the need for external equipment to pick up certain UK-specific satellite channels. It's fairly new to the UK, though more people than ever are seeking it out.

With a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000 to 1 most anybody watching the Panasonic display its imagery will be instantly impressed by the quality of the blacks (they'll look super-deep) and the whites (super-white, in fact) along with the vibrancy of the colors that will appear on the screen. Combined with pixel rate and refresh rate (made possible by the 600Hz engine), most anybody would say that the Panasonic delivers one of the best-looking displays around.

Connectivity with this particular Panasonic is also quite easy to pull off, considering that a wide variety of components can be hooked to the television with little trouble. That's because this TV includes four HDMI input ports and two different USB 2.0 ports. There are also digital audio outs, and a VGA capability that allows one to use the TV as a giant computer monitor, even.

Sound emanating from this Panasonic is very good, and it carries a Dolby THX certification, too. In fact, sound is usually one of this television's strong points, though it's always a good idea to invest the money in a nice external surround sound system to complement and improve upon the television's own sound reproduction efforts.

This new Panasonic slots into the company's classic Viera line up of televisions and it also comes ready to be hooked up to WiFi and Skype when the optional WiFi dongle and a USB adapter is joined to the television. It only takes a couple of minutes to get it up and running and receiving WiFi signals, truthfully, and this TV is UK-specific, as well, meaning it has a three-pin-plug common to the UK.

There is indeed quite a bit to like about the Panasonic TX-P42G20 plasma screen television. For the money (about 1100 British pounds, with VAT) one is getting a 42 inch plasma screen TV of impressive accomplishment. It replaces the older G10 television in the same slot in it's new for 2010, as well. It'll look good in most any room and it works well as either a second TV or is the primary unit in the home.

Reviews and Cheapest Price in the UK for the Panasonic TX-P42G20 at TX-P42G20 and Panasonic TX-P42G20 Review