| Introduction |
| Editorial Note: This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P42S1. The other sizes of TVs in this series include: TC-P46S1 (46”), TC-P50S1(50”), TC-P54S1(54”), TC-P58S1(58”), and the TC-P65S1(65”). Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other models in the S1 series. Read here for more details on series differences. |
 Available for about $840, the TC-P42S1 is well priced for a 42-inch Plasma. But it has some problems that make it a less than stellar pick, with problems rendering blacks and whites together and trailing on fast-moving images. |
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Tour & Design |
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| Section |
The Good |
The Bad |
| Tour & Design |
Clean, simple design |
Controls are rather awkward to use |
| Blacks & Whites |
Good black level |
Blacks don't stay dark when there is white on screen |
| Color Accuracy |
Good color accuracy |
Color gamut is inaccurate |
| Motion |
Motion is smooth |
Some trailing and other issues |
| Viewing Effects |
Very wide viewing angle. |
N/A |
| Remote Control |
Big, friendly buttons |
Can't control non-Panasonic devices |
| Connectivity |
Plenty of analog inputs |
Only 3 HDMI ports, no VGA port |
| Audio & Menus |
Speakers are loud |
High frequencies aren't well reproduced |
| Formats & Media |
Can handle all HDMI signal types |
Can't play back music or videos from SD cards |
| Power Consumption |
Costs about $34 a year to run |
More expensive than LCDs |
| Other Models in the TC-PxxS1 Series |
| This is a review of the Panasonic TC-P42S1. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page. |
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TC-P46S1
46 inches |
TC-P50S1
50 inches |
TC-P61S1
61 inches |
TC-P65S1
65 inches |
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