Panasonic TC-P42X1 Plasma HDTV Review - Remote Control

Remote Control Summary
• Good design. • Good button layout. • Can be programmed to work with other VIERA devices.
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Ergonomics & Durability (6.25)

The Panasonic TC-P42X1's remote is similar to other Panasonic VIERA remotes, but includes some improved functionality: at the bottom are standard media playback controls, which can be used via VIERALink. The remote is an average size, and buttons are large and laid out well. Each button is labeled intelligently, with th epossible exception of the VIERA buttons and the four color buttons, none of which are particularly intuitive.
 

The buttons themselves have a good travel, but we would've liked a bit more tactile feedback. Like other Panasonic remotes, the battery cover is a bit loosely connected; dropping the remote will probably cause it to vomit batteries across your living room floor. All in all, however, the TC-P42X1 is a nice, if minor improvement on Panasonic's existing design.

 

Button Layout & Use (6.25)

The buttons on the TC-P42X1's remote are laid out intelligently, but are somewhat packed together. The important buttons are a good size, which also helps you figure out what's where when the lights are off. The buttons are clearly labeled for the most part (as mentioned above, the VIERA buttons aren't immediately obvious and neither are the four color buttons). From the center position, you can easily reach the channel and volume keys. From a lower grip, you get easy access to teh number pad and playback controls. Overall, the TC-P42X1 has an above average design.

 

Programming & Flexibility (1.5)

The TC-P42X1's remote features VIERALink, which lets you set it up with other VIERA products from Panasonic. This is nice functionality, but is obviously very limited in its applications.