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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Blacks & Whites
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03.Color Accuracy
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04.Motion
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05.Viewing Effects
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06.Calibration
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07.Remote Control
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08.Connectivity
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09.Audio & Menus
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10.Formats & Media
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11.Power Consumption
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12.Vs LG 37LH55
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13.Vs Sony KDL 40S5100
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14.Vs Panasonic TC P42X1
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15.Conclusion
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16.Series Comparison
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17.Ratings & Specs
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18.Comments
Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1
Previous: Page 7
Remote ControlNext: Page 9
Audio & Menus
Connectivity Summary
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.
• 3 HDMI ports; one on the side and two on the rear
• 1 composite and 2 component inputs
• Ports are rather awkward to reach
Input Ports (6.5)
The TC-P42S1 is not blessed with a huge number of input ports. There are only three HDMI imputs, and no VGA or DVI input. A side panel is the home of the sole composite video input, although there are two component video inputs on the back panel. The only real upside is that there are 4 separate analog audio inputs, which are associated with one of the HDMI ports, the two component video inputs and the composite input. The lack of HDMI ports is a particular concern: if you have more than two devices with HDMI ports, you'll need to buy a separate HDMI switcher. The lack of a VGA port is also a problem if you want to connect a computer: although a DVI to HDMI adapter costs about $10, there is no easy way to connect a computer that has only a VGA output.
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SD card slot | |
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Analog video and audio in | |
Output Ports (0.0)
The TC-P42S1 is likewise not over blessed with output ports: the only output port is a single optical digital output. There are no video outputs or analog audio outputs.
Other Connections (0.0)
There are no other connections on the TC-P42S1.
Media (2.0)
A single SD card slot is the only connection to the big wide world of media for the TC-P42S1. This can be used to play back photos and music, but cannot handle video.
Placement (5.0)
The side ports of the TC-P42S1 are poorly placed: they are deeply recessed from the lip of the bezel, so you have to lean around the bezel lip to read the labels and to reach the ports themselves. The back ports are also rather deeply set, and as the screen does not rotate on its stand, plugging in or removing a cable from either the side or rear ports involves moving the entire screen.
| 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 |
Shop for the Panasonic TC-P42S1
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