Full Review
Introduction
The Panasonic TC-L42E30 (MSRP $1099) is a mid-level 2011 model-year LED-backlit LCD with in-plane switching that drastically improves the horizontal viewing angle. However, this technology doesn’t come without tradeoffs, as it causes the viewer some unique and frustrating problems. In addition to this, it has some limited internet capabilities, but the tiny handful of applications leave us wanting more from the Panasonic TC-L42E30. Aside from these shortcomings, the Panasonic TC-L42E30 has a decent core performance with some peculiarities, and performs about as it should for its price range.
| This review is organized into 17 pages | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Page 1
Tour & Design
|
Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Poor black level and average peak white makes for a low contrast ratio. Read More... |
Page 3
Color Accuracy
Good RGB color curves and color temperature error, but weak color gamut. Read More... |
|
Page 4
Motion
Average motion performance, but additional video modes don’t seem to help much with artifacting. Read More... |
Page 5
Viewing Effects
A different kind of screen makes for some very odd results for an LCD TV. Read More... |
Page 6
Calibration
Learn about the calibration settings for the Panasonic Viera TC-L42E30. Read More... |
|
Page 7
Connectivity
Somewhat limited ports, but with analog options other 2011 model-year TVs have abandoned. Read More... |
Page 8
Audio & Menus
Average audio, with extremely basic menus. Read More... |
Page 9
Multimedia & Internet
Very limited internet connectivity, only allowing you to use one of 6 applications pre-loaded onto the set. Read More... |
|
Page 10
Power Consumption
Low power consumption for an LCD TV even with the backlight maxed out. Read More... |
Page 11
Vs. Sony Bravia KDL-46EX700
 We compare the TC-L42E30 to the KDL-46EX700. Read More... |
Page 12
Vs. Sony Bravia KDL-46EX700
 We compare the TC-L42E30 to the LC-40LE700UN. Read More... |
|
Page 13
Vs. Samsung LN46C650
 We compare the TC-L42E30 to the LN46C650. Read More... |
Page 14
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic Viera TC-L42E30. Read More... |
Page 15
Series Comparison
Read about the difference between the models in the TC-LxxE30 series Read More... |
|
Page 16
Photo Gallery
See photos of the Panasonic Viera TC-L42E30 Read More... |
Part 17
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Panasonic Viera TC-L42E30. Add your comments... |
|
Shop for the Panasonic TC-L42E30
Latest News
& Reviews
-
18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
This TV has the performance and picture quality to match its good looks. Samsung’s robust Smart TV platform is just icing on the cake. Read More...
-
18-May-2012
Samsung's 2012 Smart TV Platform: Explained
Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV Platform revolves primarily around the Smart Hub. The Smart Hub gathers all content the TV is capable of displaying under one roof: live TV, apps, streaming video and music, and personal media. Read More...
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series
$2,599.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$2,599.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series
$1,299.002
Size: 51 in.Samsung PN51D6500
The Samsung PN51D6500 is one of the best deals for a big screen plasma TV. The performance is strong in most regards and the weakness are endemic to plasma TVs, not with this model in particular. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,749.993
Size: 47 in.LG 47LM6700
In addition to opinion-changing 3D images, this LG has a newly improved Smart TV menu system, and a remote that makes navigating the ever-expanding sea of content less of an odyssey. . Read full review
$1,749.99All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,500.004
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
$1,500.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,299.005
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes
(add your own)