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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.Connectivity
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08.Remote Control
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09.Audio & Menus
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10.Multimedia & Internet
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11.Power Consumption
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12.Vs Panasonic TC P42U2
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13.Vs Samsung LN40C630
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14.Vs Sharp LC 40LE700UN
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15.Conclusion
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16.Series Comparison
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17.Photo Gallery
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18.Ratings & Specs
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19.Comments
Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2
Previous: Page 11
Power ConsumptionNext: Page 13
Vs Samsung LN40C630Vs Panasonic TC P42U2
Value Comparison
The Panasonic TC-P42U2 is a slightly cheaper plasma TV than the identically sized Panasonic TC-P42S2. The have the same resolution, selection of ports, menus, and features. Whatever design differences and other features that Panasonic used to separate these two is not immediately apparent. On the whole, the U2 has a better black level and contrast ratio, while the S2 has better color performance. We recommend getting the cheaper of the two, depending on what’s available at your retailer of choice.
| Core Attributes Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2 | Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2 | |
| Size | 42 in. | 42 in. |
| General Type | Plasma | Plasma |
| Format | 1080p | 1080p |
Blacks & Whites
The Panasonic TC-P42U2 managed a noticeably darker black level than the TC-P42S2, despite being very similar Panasonic plasma TVs. It made for a significant difference in their respective contrast ratios.
Color Accuracy
The Panasonic TC-P42S2 may have fallen behind in contrast ratios, but it managed better color performance than the TC-P42U2 in most respects, and we tend to weight those as being more important.
| Color Temperature Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2 (Score: 9.84) |
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| Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2 (Score: 8.74) |
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| RGB Comparison | |
|---|---|
| Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2 (Score: 8.13) |
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| Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2 (Score: 6.58) |
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Motion
The Panasonic TC-P42U2 was just a tad sharper in the retention of fine details of objects in motion than the Panasonic TC-P42S2.
| Motion Scores | ||
|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2 | Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2 | |
| Motion Score | ||
Viewing Effects
The Panasonic TC-P42S2 managed a slightly wider viewing angle than the Panasonic TC-P42U2.
| Viewing Angle Comparison | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Panasonic Viera TC-P42S2: 11.67 | Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2: 10.24 |
Connectivity
The Panasonic TC-P42S2 and Panasonic TC-P42U2 are identical in their selection of ports.
| Connectivity Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic TC-P42S2 | Panasonic TC-P42U2 | Samsung LN40C630 | Sharp LC-40LE700UN | |
| HDMI | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Component | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Composite | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| S-Video | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| VGA | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio In | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Digital Audio Out | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Out | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ethernet | None | None | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No | No | No |
| USB | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Card Types | SD/SDHC | SD/SDHC | None | None |
| DLNA | No | No | Yes | Unknown |
Shop for the Panasonic TC-P42S2
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