Digital Trends

Panasonic TH-42PX50U February 14th, 2006 | by Rebecca Day

Design and Features

The 42-inch TH-42PX50U has an attractive two-toned design. The black bezel around the glass minimizes the frame and boosts the contrast. Positioning the aluminum speaker bar at the bottom of the screen rather than the sides shrinks the overall width of the display, which could be the difference between squeezing the TV into a cabinet or not.

The thinness of plasma TVs is a test for industrial designers who are constantly challenged to add more connectors. In this case, functionality pays the price as there are no front or side-mount audio/video inputs. Camcorder users and gamers have to run lengthy cables behind the TV when they want to plug in—an inconvenience at best—and impossible if the TV is mounted to the wall.

The TH-42PX50U packs a sufficient number of video jacks with five video inputs:  one HDMI, two component video inputs, and two S-Video/composite inputs. If you've got two HDMI sources, you'll be disappointed not to be able to utilize both. For cable management, Panasonic includes a clamper in the accessory pack to keep cables in a neat bundle behind the TV—nice add.

A CableCard slot is also provided for consumers who want HD cable without the converter box, but there's no TV Guide On Screen to dish up an electronic program guide. Since my cable company doesn't send through the necessary program data to make TVGOS work, CableCard is useless for me all the way around.

The remote control on the TH-42PX50U is comfortable to use offering well-spaced buttons and logical organization. It's easy to navigate and has a Light button that illuminates buttons with a red backlit for viewing in the dark.

On the audio side, the TH-42PX50U outputs 16 watts a side of stereo sound, respectable for a flat-panel if it is going to be used without an external audio system. Audio AI, according to the manual, “equalizes sound across all channels.” It basically has the effect of a loudness control and it filled the room nicely for the Super Bowl. A simulated surround mode widens the soundfield a bit, but the optimum solution is to skip the internal audio altogether and run audio through an external system.           

Other notable features include Audio Leveler, which monitors the volume level of external sources and minimizes volume when you're switching from one source to another. You appreciate that switching from a laid-back Norah Jones concert on DVD to a high-decibel beer commercial on a cable channel. The feature is only available when using the TV sound. Input Labels help you identify the input by source (DVD, game, cable, etc) so that you don't have to remember which source is connected to each input.

The risk of burn-in remains an issue with plasma displays and until all programming is delivered in 16:9 that remains a hazard. Panasonic included a sidebar adjustment feature that lets you adjust the brightness of the sidebars to reduce burn-in. The tradeoff is that the brightest setting can cause a flashing effect that distracts from viewing.

Image Courtesy of Panasonic