
Full Review
Introduction
The Panasonic TC-P42U2 is not quite of the entry-level series, but we’ve certainly seen better from the venerable plasma manufacturer. Thin on features, you should at least expect solid performance. Instead, the TC-P42U2 coasts by on brand name recognition, putting in a decent showing here and there, but failing to match up to the average LCD.
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the TC-PxxU2 series. The TC-PxxU2 series includes the following models: TC-P42U2 and TC-P50U2. Read here for more details on series differences.
| This review is organized into 17 pages | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Page 1
Tour & Design
Read More...
|
Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Deep black levels. Weak white levels and trouble maintaining black level. Read More... |
Page 3
Color Accuracy
Good at maintaining consistent color temperature. Weak overall color performance. Read More... |
|
Page 4
Motion
Objects in motion appeared smooth. Lots of noisy artifacting; terrible at resolution scaling. Read More... |
Page 5
Viewing Effects
Very wide viewing angle. Highly reflective screen. Read More... |
Page 6
Calibration
Learn about the calibration settings for the Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2. Read More... |
|
Page 7
Connectivity
Lots of AV ports, but no VGA in, no analog audio out. Read More... |
Page 8
Audio & Menus
Mediocre audio quality. Good, simple menus. Read More... |
Page 9
Multimedia & Internet
Photo playback through SD/SDHC cards, but can’t read music and audio clips on SD/SDHC cards; no streaming content. Read More... |
|
Page 10
Power Consumption
High power consumption. Read More... |
Page 11
Vs Sony KDL 40NX700
![]() We compare the TC-P42U2 to the KDL-40NX700. Read More... |
Page 12
Vs Samsung LN40C630
![]() We compare the TC-P42U2 to the LN40C630. Read More... |
|
Page 13
Vs Toshiba 42ZV650U
![]() We compare the TC-P42U2 to the 42ZV650U. Read More... |
Page 14
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2. Read More... |
Page 15
Series Comparison
Read about the difference between the models in the TC-PxxU2 series Read More... |
|
Page 16
Photo Gallery
Read More...
|
Part 17
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Panasonic Viera TC-P42U2. Add your comments... |
|
Shop for the Panasonic TC-P42U2
Latest News
& Reviews
-
30-Jan-2012
Superbowl HDTV Buying Guide
The weeks leading up to Super Bowl Sunday are fraught with anticipation and last-minute big screen HDTV sales. But rushing a major purchase can often lead to buyer’s remorse come Monday morning. Let us coach you to a winning purchase with this helpful guide. Read More...
-
26-Jan-2012
Samsung UN32D5500 LED LCD HDTV Review
The D5500 has a rather high MSRP of $699, considering it’s only a 32-inch TV. There are some “premiums upgrades,” a term we use with some dubiousness, knowing that these features can be far less valuable than they appear. Nevertheless, at its core this is a good television. If you can find it a significantly reduced price it would make a great addition to a home theater. Read More...
Panasonic TC-P42U2 Manual
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series

$1,739.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$1,739.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series

$2,608.002
Size: 60 in.Samsung UN60D8000
The Samsung UN60D8000 retails for a whopping $4299 (MSRP). That's well over a $1000 more than the equivalently-sized plasma from Samsung that includes nearly all the same features. Read full review
$2,608.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

$969.003
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$969.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

4
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -

$714.935
Size: 42 in.LG 42LV5500
The LG 42LV5500 is packed with a lot of fun features that may sound good, but can distract from what a TV is supposed to do: deliver a good picture. Fortunately, the color performance cannot be beat. Read full review
$714.93All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsNo




(add your own)