Panasonic TC-P42X1 Review

Those seeking to buy an entry level plasma TV with great picture quality and a decent set of features have found it in Panasonic TC-P42X1. This Panasonic plasma TV is cheaper than the models from mid and high level mainly because of its 720p resolution, but it does not lack much in the area of overall image quality and connectivity options are not to throw away. Keep in mind, though, that this 42 inch plasma TV has the same panel Panasonic used for its last year series, so do not expect amazing improvements from 2008 models. The X1 series is part of the lower line of Panasonic plasma TV’s, as well as C1 and U1, with some differences. While X1 has 720p resolution, as C1, it does have the same contrast ratio as U1, and Panasonic TC-P42X1 can still be listed as a very good plasma TV, especially because of the price.

Brief Specifications

• Panel type: G12 Progressive HD PDP
• Resolution: 720p (standard)
• Contrast ratio: 30,000:1 (native) / 1,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Shades of gradation: 4096
• Anti-glare filter: New AR Filter

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good black levels
• Fair price
• Reasonable set of features

Cons

• Uniformity issues
• Color accuracy is not too great
• Standard definition performance is mediocre

A Quick Look at TC-P42X1

One can easily see that Panasonic TC-P42X1 is a step lower than the models from S1 series, just by noticing the panel. Panasonic TC-P42X1 uses the G12 Progressive HD PDP panel, and not the new NeoPDP panel, meant to save more energy. There is also the matter of resolution, as the X1 representative has 720p, while S1 has 1080p resolution. Panasonic has spent the work to gift Panasonic TC-P42X1 with anti-reflective coating, one thing the company did not do for the low entry series, like C1 and U1. You cannot expect to find in a X1 model fancy features, such as THX certification and 24p cinema mode, that can only be found in top of the line series, like G10 and V10. A thing that Panasonic TC-P42X1 has in common with the previous series is the cheap price, and this is one aspect that cannot be neglected, especially in our nowadays world, marked by the economic crisis.

Connectivity

Panasonic TC-P42X1 comes with a decent set of features, with three HDMI inputs (one more than for C1 and U1 series), two component-video inputs, one AV input with composite and S-video, and one RF input for cable or antenna signals, as well as one optical-digital audio output. This model does not have a special VGA input for your PC, as this particular feature is reserved for more advanced series from the same manufacturer. The SD slot allows the user to view pictures on their plasma TV screen, at superior quality.

Design

Design is one area where Panasonic TC-P42X1 does not deliver any style surprises. You will not find in it the sophisticated look from top of the line series, but this does not mean that the model won’t fit your home and make it look more into style. The glossy back exterior covers the frame, which is not as slim as of a G10’s, and a strip of silver rims the margins, giving it a plus in design. Without the looks of a top of the line plasma model, Panasonic TC-P42X1 does not give any false illusion, yet it compensates through its picture quality.

Panasonic TC-P42X1 Design - glossy black finish with silver strip

Performance

The overall picture quality of Panasonic TC-P42X1 benefits a lot from impeccable black levels. Some uniformity issues are prone to appear, and color accuracy is not so great, green and red encountering some problems when they should display properly. The thing is that, in general, the images are stunning, clear and crisp, and that counts a lot, even compensating for the limited 720p resolution. Seeing that the cheap price can beat up the competition, all in all, we would say that the performance offered for the price is too great to be ignored. Another thing that contributes well enough to the great quality of the picture is the contrast ratio, better than in the low entry C1 series.

Black Levels

Black levels on Panasonic TC-P42X1 are as good as on any other Panasonic model released in 2009, because of the new technology the company has brought forward, called Infinite Black. This model, also, encounters no problems in delivering the deepest shades of black, and shadow details are displayed so accurately, that the entire cinematic experience on Panasonic TC-P42X1 is realistic and amazing looking. From the tests run by specialists, it has become obvious that the realistic blacks sported by Panasonic 2009 plasma models are only overcome by the critically acclaimed Kuro from Pioneer (which is no longer in production). That particular aspect leaves Panasonic the best black level deliverer on the market.

Color Accuracy

For Panasonic, it seems to be a little bit too hard to overcome the problem of color accuracy. Panasonic TC-P42X1 does show green tones to appear too green, and the same problem appears for red. That can make the expert eye to be a little taken aback by the range of colors displayed by this plasma model, as red and green are basic colors. Even so, one good mark should be offered to the X1 series, if compared to the more expensive S1. Dark tones do not get too bluish or greenish, a thing that can become quite obvious on many other plasma TV sets, even the S1 series from the same manufacturer.

Video Processing

Video processing capabilities are marked, of course, by the fact that Panasonic TC-P42X1 only sports 720p resolution. That is why, when using 1080i or 1080p video sources, one cannot expect to see the same amount of detail as when using a plasma TV with 1080p native resolution. However, high definition content is rendered as sharp as on other plasma TV’s and motion blur is not at all noticeable, if any (one big plus, when comparing plasma models with LCD TV’s). It is advisable to use the 720p resolution at its best, as 1080i sources will not be displayed correctly, with the extreme edges of the images not being shown. The good news is that you can watch Blu-ray discs on your plasma TV, even if some softness is still prone to appear.

Standard Definition Performance

For standard definition content, Panasonic TC-P42X1 is not the best choice on the market. When resolving lines from standard definition content, such as regular DVD’s, there are plenty of jaggies left when moving diagonal lines on some objects, and the objects, in general, do not look as sharp as they should. But noise reduction capabilities are quite good and motes and snow are removed from low quality images of skies or sunsets, as well as moire from fast moving sequences.

Uniformity

Usually, plasma TV’s do not have uniformity issues, but this particular model does. The problem consists of some faint, yet persistent grayish lines, visible especially on lighter areas in a picture. While these may not be visible to the inexperienced eye, for someone pickier, it can become a problem. The issue is more visible when standing close to the TV and it does not appear on black areas.

Glare & Reflections

The anti-reflective coating Panasonic TC-P42X1 comes equipped with does a pretty decent job, but this does not mean that the model is the best there is in this aspect. Panasonic has implemented this type of anti-glare screen mostly on all its models launched in 2009, less the C1 and U1 series. There are, however, other plasma TV’s (produced by other manufacturers) that do a lot better in this area than the Panasonic model.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for top quality and you have the money, you can find much better models out there. However, if you are not very demanding from your TV and you need a cheap model, Panasonic TC-P42X1 in probably the best choice.