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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful picture, simple frame, December 19, 2006
This review is from: Panasonic TH-42PH10UK 42" Plasma HDTV Monitor (Electronics)
I'll start out by saying the PH9UK series by Panasonic isn't for everyone. This is an "industrial" model rather than a consumer model. Because of this, there are some things to consider before purchasing:
1) No built in tuner (not an issue if you have digital cable or satellite)
2) No built in speakers (not an issue if you use an audio receiver and surround sound to take advantage of the sound quality from HD channels!)
3) Stand/Mount not included (you have to buy it separately)
4) Limited included inputs (You can purchase a "blade" for HDMI or DVI, or even some for high-end video monitor input)
This is one great value for a plasma. The picture is beautiful. Image retention is virtually nonexistant--even when I pause things on my DVR for several minutes, nothing has "burned-in". I can't speak to video games, but CNN/ESPN tickers and channel logos are not an issue for this set.
You can tweak this monitor much more than the consumer models, perfect if you really are into A/V equipment and home theater. It has incredible black levels and a great contrast ratio.
I purchased the stable stand for this set. It's surprisingly sturdy. The TV is in no danger of falling.
If I had the choice again, I'd buy this set in a heartbeat. It's 5 months old and I have NO regrets.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Plasma, February 23, 2007
This review is from: Panasonic TH-42PH10UK 42" Plasma HDTV Monitor (Electronics)
CNet was right on the money rating this plasma excellent. I would rank it as phenominal in terms of it's clarity, color, and performance. This is not a full 1080p resolution, only 1080i, but it honestly could matter on a screen this size (not to mention that nothing much is even in 1080p yet anyhow). Sportcenter looks amazing, Monday Night Football is stunning, and HBO HD has some really impressive movies that look great (I watched the original JAWS movie, and that initally sequence with the girl in the water took on a whole new scary feel). I also enjoy how I can hook up my computer and watch TV and browse the internet at the same time.
I researched plasma screens quite extensively, and this is the best bang for the buck out there. I am actually debating getting another one, the price was so good (how's that for a review, eh?).
I do have advise on this purchase, for others. It is in Panasonic's "professional" line and as such it has no tuner, no speakers, no HDMI input and no stand. Most people have a cable box or dish, so no tuner is rarely an issue--and you'll want to run the sound through your home stereo anyway to compliment sound with picture--but you absolutely will need to buy a wall mount or the stand for this screen. You will also need the HDMI input (sold separately), if you want the high quality input feed. You could probably get away with component video cables, but for an extra $130, it will be worth it in the end. I got the input and the stand (also both Amazon purchases) and was very happy about it.
Lastly, Amazon routed my purchase through Ritz Camera as the vender. I was skeptical at first, reading some of their online reviews from other users, but they deliever on time, with no problems at all. I would be willing to use them again, personally. Their customer service phone support isn't the best (they have no idea what they are doing), but it was a non-issue.
Enjoy, this is a great product.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good near-HD quality plasma, April 17, 2007
This review is from: Panasonic TH-42PH10UK 42" Plasma HDTV Monitor (Electronics)
Pros
* Amazing lifelike color
* HD content looks beautiful with lots of details
* SD content, while not as detailed, looks much better than on normal TVs (heck, better than most other HDTVs)
* Deep blacks with very good shadow detail
* Independent inputs (great for universal remote controls)
* Independent color settings for each input
* Good-looking minimalist frame
* Built to last forever (it's an industrial model)
Cons
* Stand sold separately (extra $200)
* Few input ports, and HDMI is an optional accessory (extra $175)
* Speakers sold separately ($350, but users should route through their stereo receiver or home theater A/V systems for much better sound anyway)
* No built-in channel tuners (but most people get broadcast signals from cable or satellite anyway, so you use their tuners instead)
* Glossy screen reflects surroundings, which may be distracting with daytime use
* 720P resolution isn't quite true HD (1080P, but as a 42" set, from 8 feet away you won't be able to tell, and almost all plasmas this size are not either).
This is one of the best values on a 42" HD set available today. Not only do you get class-leading video reproduction with great color and clarity, it's a tweaker's dream with extensive adjustments for tone, color balance, black level, etc. Compared to most consumer displays in its price range, the Panasonic has superior black reproduction and very accurate color.
It's few drawbacks -- you must buy some accessories separately that come standard with consumer models -- are more than compensated by it's low price and great performance. Plus, it looks great with a matte charcoal finish and no wasted embellishments like silver trim or lame built-in speakers.
The proof is when you watch HD content, either DVDs or high-def programming from Discovery HD or HDnet. Even ABC news in HD is amazing...wow, check out his hair...and her makeup! You've never seen a newsperson so clearly before. It's like a window into the studio.
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