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Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P 42" EDTV Plasma TVThe VIERA plasma line features new designer cosmetics a fully integrated ATSC tuner for high definition reception built-in CableCARD slot...
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The VIERA plasma line features new designer cosmetics a fully integrated ATSC tuner for high definition reception built-in CableCARD slot Panasonic was the first manufacturer to receive certification from CableLabs for an integrated digital television set DTV that connects directly to cable television systems and receives digital services without requiring a set-top box and HDMI High Definition and Multimedia Interface input The Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P42 diagonal screen EDTV Integrated ATSC tuner SD slot 4000:1 contrast ratio HDMI input 3/2 pulldown two-tuner P-I-P
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5 Reviews from Shopping.com
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WOW, did I say WOW yet?
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Pros: U name it awesome picture, ATSC, SD slot, CableCard, Digital Out, what else u want?
Cons: Is there? Average sound (does anyone hook these up without full surround system?)
The Bottom Line:
Don't go lookin' for a HDTV to beat this EDTV, believe me I tried. I thought I wanted a HDTV, you'll be disappointed if you just shop those four letters.
Now I have been waiting to purchase a plasma for about three years now. I have followed all of the technological improvements and addition of features, or the lack of what I really wanted them to include. I didn't want to purchase one for this kind of money and have it outdated in 6 months. Compared everything from the Pioneer 50 inch ($12,000) to the Akai 42 ($1,600) and everything in between. This TV is the winner hands down.
Finally a plasma with an ATSC tuner, finally a plasma that has better blacks (IMHO) than a tube TV, comparing my old 32" Sony XBR which is an excellent benchmark. Digital audio out, Cable card, SD chip slot, come on what more do you want. Yes, yes I know it's EDTV. I looked at all of the HDTV's and it has a better picture. Stop for a minute, all a DVD can produce is EDTV resolution. If this is not clear enough for you I don't know what you are looking for. There surely isn't going to be much true HDTV content available for the next five to 10 years, so if you are going to wait, keep waiting.
All of the HDTV's have a poorer picture than this model when they are viewing less than HDTV. I'm talking about the Sony's the Pioneer's and the HD Panasonics as well. The "down-converting" they need to do for most of their content makes the picture and colors a bit washed and muddy.
I have (now to the ATSC) Cinemax-HD, which is broadcast in 1080i, this set converts it magnificently. I was watching X2 the other night and the character that scars himself all over has so much detail and clarity, I don't know how much more you could want. If you think you want more I would first suggest that you go out and invest in Laser eye surgery, prior to wasting your money.
The progressive scan on all content is spectacular, no judder, no jaggies, what have you. Even the regular cable stations come through from as good as tube to wow. The only source I have not yet hooked up is my laptop, but looking at all of the computer graphics on my cable including the fast tickers on CNBC, HLnews, ESPN etc. I see that it should be crystal.
Wait forever, or enjoy one of the greatest pictures on the planet today for around $3-$4k. Pay more and get something that you will not enjoy 98% of today's content on.
I don't know what else to say, the previous model TH-42PA20P/U was given the highest ratings by most and this unit builds on it immensely. The sound is about the same, but we all know that you are gonna turn on the system when you are gonna get immersed in your viewing. Me I like the speaker option when I'm just simply watching Seinfeld or South Park, not to say that I don't use the surround for these shows as well, but just not always.
It will blow you away.
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