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Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25 $899.00
By Chris Thomas March 15, 2011
Panasonic  Viera TC-L42U25
Score Breakdown
6.6
3.0

Introduction

The Panasonic TC-L42U25 ($899 MSRP) is a 42-inch LCD that falls short of the competition for its price range. Though it performed well in color and motion, it may not be the best choice for a high-end home theater system. The TC-L42U25 also struggles with power consumption, contrast, and multimedia options. Though it may be an okay fit for a novice user, anybody with aspirations beyond a very basic TV might want to explore other options.

Editorial Note: This is a review of the Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the TC-LxxU2x series. The TC-LxxU2x series includes the following models: TC-L32U22, TC-L37U22, TC-L42U22 and TC-L42U25. Read here for more details on series differences.

This review is organized into 17 pages
Page 1
Tour & Design

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Page 2
Blacks & Whites

Terrible contrast ratio and a poor black level.

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Page 3
Color Accuracy

The color temperature is inconsistent, but the color transitions were smooth and close to industry standards.

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Page 4
Motion

The motion performance was decent, but there were some problems with scaling different resolutions.

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Page 5
Viewing Effects

A narrow viewing angle and a reflective screen.

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Page 6
Calibration

Learn about the calibration settings for the Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25.

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Page 7
Connectivity

It’s not skimpy on the ports, but there’s fewer here than on high-end, home theater-oriented TVs.

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Page 8
Audio & Menus

Acceptable audio performance and an ugly but effective menu interface.

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Page 9
Multimedia & Internet

The SD card slot can read your jpeg photos.

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Page 10
Power Consumption

This TV draws more power than similarly sized LCDs.

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Page 11
Vs Samsung LN40C630
Samsung LN40C630

We compare the TC-L42U25 to the LN40C630.

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Page 12
Vs Sony KDL-40EX400
Sony Bravia KDL-40EX400

We compare the TC-L42U25 to the KDL-40EX400.

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Page 13
Vs Sharp LC-42SB48UT
Sharp LC-42SB48UT

We compare the TC-L42U25 to the LC-42SB48UT.

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Page 14
Conclusion

Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25.

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Page 15
Series Comparison

Read about the difference between the models in the TC-LxxU2x series

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Page 16
Photo Gallery

See photos of the Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25

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Part 17
Comments

Read what people are saying about the Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25.

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Panasonic Viera TC-L42U25
HDTV Review

This review is organized into 18 pages

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Tour & Design
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