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Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1

Television Review

Previous: Page 6

Calibration

Next: Page 8

Connectivity
Panasonic  Viera TC-P42S1
Page 7

Remote Control 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.

• Remote is small, but has big buttons
• Buttons are well laid out, but some are too close together
• The remote con only control other devices if they are made by Panasonic

Ergonomics & Durability (6.25)

The Panasonic TC-P42S1's remote is an average size, and the buttons are large and laid out well, making it easy to pick up and use the remote. Each button has a nice big label on it, which makes it easier for someone with poor eyesight to see and use. The buttons themselves have a slightly soft feel, so it isn't always obvious if you have pressed it in far enough. The cover for the battery compartment pops off a little too easily, especially when dropped.
 

Button Layout & Use (6.25)

The combination of a small remote and large buttons means that some of the buttons are a little closely packed; the number keys are a little too close to navigate by touch, and we found that we sometomes hit the - button when we meant to hit the 0 one. But the remote is generally good and comfortable to use, with the volume and channel buttons falling under the thumb.

Programming & Flexibility (1.5)

The prescence of a number of buttons for controlling devices like DVD players at the bottom of the remote might lead you to think that the remote can control other devices, but that's not the case. It can only control devices made by Panasonic though their VieraLink system; it cannot control devices made by other manufacturers or non-VieraLink devices. Boo!

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.
TC-P46S1
46 inches
TC-P50S1
50 inches
TC-P61S1
61 inches
TC-P65S1
65 inches

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Panasonic Viera TC-P42S1
Television Review

Previous: Page 6

Calibration

Previous: Page 8

Connectivity