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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 4
MotionNext: Page 6
Calibration
Viewing Effects 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.
• Very shallow viewing angle.
• External light can create distracting reflections on the screen.
• Has a handful of video processing features that have minor effects.
• Testing done using DisplayMate Software
Viewing Angle (12.73)
Most plasma TVs have a very wide viewing angle, and the TC-P42S1 was no exception. Even out to 80º from dead center, you'll still have about 50% contrast ratio. Plasma HDTVs typically have better performance than LCD ones (as you can see from the numbers below), but this is one of the widest viewing angles we've seen on a plasma.
| Viewing Angle | |||||||
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| Compare the Panasonic TC-P42S1 to other HDTVs | |||||||
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| LG 37LH55 37 inches |
Sony KDL-40S5100 40 inches |
Panasonic TC-P42X1 42 inches |
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Reflectance (5.0)
The Panasonic TC-P42S1's display isn't too reflective, but we did notice that lights we shined on the screen could be very annoying. There was very little diffusion of the light, so with the LED array we use for this test we were able to make out every individual light. We also noticed significant streaking on the screen. You probaby want to keep bright lights from shining on the Panasonic TC-P42S1 if you have it in your house.
Video Processing (2.0)
The Panasonic TC-P42S1 has a few video processing modes, none of which have a particular impressive effect. The two dedicated noise features do, in fact, reduce noise, but we couldn't see any effect from the cross-color minimizer. The C.A.T.S. feature seems to perform as advertised, but we only saw it boost the brightness, not knock it down.
| Setting | Claimed Function | Our Impression |
| Video NR | Reduces noise, commonly called snow. Leave it off when receiving a strong signal | Causes a minor reduction in noise. |
| C.A.T.S. | Adjusts the brightness and gradation according to the ambient lighting condition. | Makes the picture slightly brighter. |
| 3D Y/C Filter | Minimizes noise and cross-color in the picture. | Doesn't have a discernable effect. |
| MPEG NR | Reduces noise of specific digital signals of DVD, STB, etc. | Causes a minor reduction in noise. |
| 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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