Find the cheapest Panasonic Viera TH42PX600 Plasma TV on
Overview
The Panasonic PX600, presents a level of picture quality and sound that only the very best Viera technology can offer. To name just a few features, the new PX600 includes, in-built Freeview, incorporating V-Real technology and also the new Advanced Smart Sound Speaker system, integrating the Advanced Ultra-Slim Speaker Unit and Twin Passive Radiator Woofers to offer superior bass performance and clear, natural sounds.
So can Panasonic team live up to their expectations of creating plasma perfection with the Panasonic PX600? Read on to find out further.
Review
Firstly let us look at the design. The TV itself looks stunning and to show it off Panasonic have are also offering three options to place the stylish plasma, which are either on the wall, a pedestal stand or a full size AV rack and although the full size AV rack.
Other styling features include the matte black frame, an invisible speaker system and an excellent build quality. The large panel on the front hides any AV inputs and a limited collection of primary controls The smaller panel next to it offer a slot for the SD card which means you can view JPEG photos from a digital camera and even copy films onto the card and play them back on a compatible portable player.
The rear panel connectivity offers two HDMI digital inputs to accommodate high-definition sources, such as an HDTV receiver and a next-generation DVD player. The screen also supports HDAVi-Control, which allows it to communicate with related Panasonic products such as a DVD recorder or AV receiver so you can control your entire system using the same remote and reduce the number of cables you’ll need. The remote is roomy and allows you to easily navigate the menu system. The colour-coded keys offer shortcuts for several functions.
The VReal System includes a variety of processing systems all to optimise practicality and also allows the processing of high-definition formats in their original condition while combining Digital Remastering upconverts standard-definition signals to near-hi-def quality. The WXGA resolution for the screen will display both commonly used 720p and 1080i high-definition signals which is compatible for high-definition requirements such as watching Sky’s HDTV broadcasts or playing upscaled DVD films. Integrated Freeview is almost a standard specification now and the screen also has support for a CI card slot, which allows you to subscribe to extra digital services from TopUp TV. The menu system is easy and simple to using only three main sub-menus: picture, sound and setup.
The screen’s absolutely sensational performance confirms that you are getting your moneys worth. High-definition images are astonishing. Moving images glide across the screen with ease and the colour scale offers vivid tones. Standard-definition images and digital broadcasts are equally impressive, but as it is expected it offers less detail. With the new Advanced Smart Sound Speaker system it manages to deliver surprising authority and expression for slim units so there is no complain about the sound.
When looking at the bad points, this is generally very thin. The only things that we can think of are if you want to play the latest 1080p format used by next generation Blu-ray or HD DVD players and games consoles, you’ll need an XGA resolution screen which considerably expensive. Also, although analogue users are given the choice with component inputs and three Scart terminals, of which two have been RGB-enabled to carry high-quality signals, however the RGB PC terminal that allows the screen to be used as a large-scale monitor doesn’t unfortunately have dedicated PC audio input or a digital audio output.
Specification
Product Type :Plasma
Diagonal size: 42 in.
Image aspect ratio: 16:9
Included accessories: Remote control; 2x AA batteries; AC mains lead; ferrite core; 2x cable clamps
Video Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels
Audio Output mode: Stereo
No. of Speakers: 2
Colour temperature control: Yes
Tuner: Integrated Freeview tuner
Dual TV Tuner: Yes
Composite connections: 1 (front)
S-Video connections:1 (front)
Scart connections:1 (rear)
RGB-Scart connections: 2 (rear)
Components: 1 (rear)
HDMI: 2 (rear)
HDCP: Yes
Sky High Definition compatible: Yes
Remote Control Type: Infrared
DVD: No
DVD Recorder: No
VCR: No
The Gaj-it Verdict
- Design: 9/10
- Usability: 9/10
- Features: 9/10
- Love: Build quality; complete video connectivity; ease of use; memory card support; peerless picture and sound performance
- Loathe: lack of audio connections and more expensive than the typical models.
We say: We love this TV for its style design and superb performance and although it could set you back a pretty penny (or pounds!) we think it is an excellent investment.