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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 12
Vs LG 37LH55Next: Page 14
Vs Panasonic TC P42X1
Sony KDL-40S5100 Summary
• The Panasonic had a deeper black and higher overall contrast ratio.
• The Sony had a more accurate color gamut; otherwise both TVs had equivalent color performance.
• The Panasonic had a much more impressive viewing angle.
Value Comparison Summary
The Sony KDL-40S5100 is a 40-inch LCD with a price that's slightly more budget-friendly than the Panasonic TC-P42S1's. The Panasonic has a deeper black and higher contrast ratio, but the Sony does better with colors. Neither TV has a great viewing angle or any bonus features. If you want better contrast and a slightly bigger screen, the Panasonic is the better choice. If you're looking to save a few bucks and won't mind a minor hit to contrast for some better color emulation, the Sony is for you.
| Comparison Specifications | ||
 |
 |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| Size | 42 inches | 40 inches |
| Price | $999.95 | $800 |
| Type | Plasma | LCD |
| Format | 1080p | 1080p |
| Other | N/A | N/A |
Blacks & Whites
The Sony was brighter than the Panasonic, but its black level wasn't quite as deep. The Panasonic had the better overall contrast ratio.
| Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart | |
 |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 Score: Black Level: 9.51 Peak Brightness: 6.35 Contrast: 8.28 |
Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: Black Level: 8.23 Peak Brightness: 7.82 Contrast: 7.94 |
Color Accuracy
Neither TV had issues with color temperature and both had similar RGB response curves. The Panasonic had a less accurate color gamut.
| Color Temperature Comparison | |
 |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 Score: 10.00 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 9.89 | |
| RGB Comparison | |
   |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 Score: 7.61 | |
   |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 7.16 | |
| Color Gamut Comparison | |
 |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 Score: 3.98 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 5.01 | |
Motion
The Panasonic did a much better job handling blur and artifacting.
| Motion Scores | ||
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| Motion Smoothness | 7.75 | 4.50 |
| Motion Artifacting | 4.75 | 4.50 |
Viewing Effects
The Panasonic's viewing angle is really impressive. The Sony's is very, very narrow.
| Viewing Angle Comparison | |
 |
|
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 Score: 12.73 | Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 2.78 |
Connectivity
The Panasonic is lacking in connectivity options. It doesn't have any S-Video, VGA or Analog audio output ports.
| Connectivity Comparison | ||
| Panasonic TC-P42S1 | Sony KDL-40S5100 | |
| HDMI | 3 | 3 |
| Component | 2 | 2 |
| Composite | 1 | 2 |
| S-Video | 0 | 1 |
| VGA | 0 | 1 |
| Analog Audio In | 4 | 4 |
| Digital Audio Out | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Out | 0 | 1 |
| LAN | 0 | 0 |
| USB | 0 | 0 |
| Memory Card | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
Other Comparisons
Neither TV has any additional features not discussed above.
Shop for the Panasonic TC-P42S1
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