Panasonic TC-P42S1 Review

Gifted with the new NeoPDP display and a resolution of 1080p, Panasonic TC-P42S1 represents a very good quality mid level plasma TV, and a step up from the manufacturer’s X1 series. Although it does not display the latest features in plasma TV’s, like THX certification, Viera Cast web options, and 24p cinema mode (found in the superior V10 and G10 series from the same company), this Panasonic plasma TV offers great picture quality at an affordable price. For a 42 inch plasma TV, this represents a good deal, especially because of the price, although its colors are not as accurate as you can find in a G10 plasma TV in the same size category.

Note: Panasonic TC-P42S1 is the 42 inch variant of S1 Series from Panasonic Plasma TV 2009 Lineup. This review is shorter than Panasonic TC-P50S1 Review, so you might want to check that out as well, if you want a more in-depth perspective.

At a Glance:

Panasonic TC-P42S1
Manual
(PDF File)

• Panel type: New NeoPDP 2009 screen
• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 40,000:1 (native) / 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Shades of gradation: 6144
• THX certified: NO
• Anti-glare filter: New Anti-Refective Filter
• 24p cinema mode: NO

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very good overall picture quality
• Deep black levels and shadow detail
• Good colors
• More energy efficient than older plasma TV generations

Cons:

• No THX certification
• Anti-glare performance could be better
• Colors are not perfectly accurate

Performance

One buying a Panasonic TC-P42S1 won’t have a word to complain about the level of blacks on the screen. Even at its lower price, the S1 plasma TV still claims the field for having the same quality in black levels, as can be found in more expensive series, like G10. This is an important warrant for overall great picture quality, even though, without the THX certification, Panasonic TC-P42S1 does not have the same accurate colors, and tweaking is difficult, due to the skimpy controls. Video processing is decent, although the 24p cinema mode, implemented in the higher priced G10, or V10, does not appear in this series. Still, for the price it exhibits, one can count on a very good product, from a manufacturer that fills the empty first place on the plasma market, left vacant by Pioneer.

Black levels

HDTV’s today are required to have the blackest of the blacks, since Pioneer, through its elite plasma TV series named Kuro, has imposed the standard through its great quality product. It seems that Panasonic has managed to overcome the gap from the leader through its “Infinite Black” technology. Panasonic TC-P42S1 is gifted with this technology, as well, and this allows for the pixels on the screen to totally shut off in dark scenes. Needless to say, the result is remarkable, and the blacks delivered have absolutely no competition outside the manufacturer’s own series.

Color accuracy

The area where Panasonic is not yet the absolute leader, despite its exceptional products launched on the plasma TV market, is color accuracy. Besides the fact that the series does not come with THX certification, and colors are not as great as in a V10 or G10 plasma TV, it also seems to have troubles with the greenish tinges that affect especially skin tones, when watching movies. But this issue is not as bad as one may think, and the overall picture quality is still great.

Video processing

As Panasonic TC-P42S1 is a 1080p plasma TV, it deals well with 1080p and 1080i video sources. Its 600Hz sub-field drive also contributes to even a crispier image for fast moving sequences (like sports), although plasma TV’s really do not have to worry about being surpassed just yet by even the best quality LCD’s.

Upscaling

Standard definition content does not look as great on Panasonic TC-P42S1 as on other counterparts sold on the market. While it can still deliver decent accurate colors and the deepest blacks, even from DVD video sources, the jaggies and the artifacts appearing in some scenes tarnish a little S1’s reputation.

Conclusion

Panasonic TC-P42S1 may not be the best 42 inch plasma TV on the market. But it does deliver great quality picture, very close to that displayed by more expensive products, and that at a price that cannot be beaten by said products.