Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic TH 42PX600U - 42" VIERA plasma TV - widescreen - 720p - HDTV

I purchased this set over 2 years ago (for $1280 total in Feb 07) to replace my old Panasonic 32in CRT TV. This was my 1st step into the HDTV world and I researched my plasma/LCD choices for many months before deciding on this particular model. It was hard to compare models at the department stores because none of the sets are calibrated correctly and the store lighting was too bright. It was the reviews from Amazon and CNET that convinced me to go with this Panasonic model.

Pros:
- Excellent range of colors (need to calibrate settings after break-in)
- Deep blacks
- Very good sound quality with or without home theater system, balance sound from TV speakers.
- Exceptionally wide viewing angle
- Excellent DVD and Blue-ray image with up-converted PS3 and Denon S-301 home theater.
- +2 years of flawless operation with no hint of warranty issues
- Quick start ups, fast channel changes, ease of use
- Zero burn-in issues and zero temporary image retention
- Attractive design
- Exact same picture/sound quality with HDMI or component/audio cables (channel changes a little quicker with component cables)

Cons:
- Depending on signal, SD can be a little grainy and sometimes the occasional digital "pixilation" on HD broadcasts (Comcast fault, not Panasonic)
- Glare/reflection because of smooth screen
- No lazy Susan base like newer models
- Still need the Panasonic remote to change inputs or aspect ratio
- Heavy compared to same sized LCD

I recently purchased in Feb/09 a Samsung LN-46A650 1080p 46inch LCD HDTV ($1580 with shipping) to replace the old 42" Panasonic plasma downstairs. I've heard and read how much the LCDs have caught up the plasma in picture quality and I decided to give the top rated Samsung a chance. I belong to several Audio/Visual forums and I downloaded the calibration settings from other Samsung owners that had their set professionally calibrated. The only advantages the Samsung had was 4 HDMI inputs, swivel base, and a larger screen by 4 inches, after that is was all Panasonic. The +2 year old Panasonic had a sharper HD/SD picture quality, superior sound quality, faster start up, quicker HDMI channel changes, easier to calibrate and it required less tweaking depending on SD/HD signal. After one week, I had to return the Samsung because it just wasn't worth spending that much money for decreased image/sound quality. I replaced the Samsung with the Panasonic 58 inch 1080p TH-58PZ800U ($2,089 + $200 5 day ground shipping) and I am extremely happy with both of my Panasonic HDTVs.

Side note: Comcast in New Mexico never told me I needed to configure my Scientific Atlanta 8300HD DVR to output 480p/720p/1080i signal for my HDTV. The default settings on the 8300HD look more like upconverted 480i/480p on the TV. Once I figure this out on my own, HD really came alive on both Panasonic HDTVs.

I love my TH-42PX600U. It has an amazing picture and deep blacks, which is great for movies. The picture is fantastic when watching sports in HD. AND, amazing sound! Only a couple of small down-sides to this:

1. Only one tuner, so to watch split-screen or picture-in-picture, you need to have an external tuner (like a VCR)

2. Takes about 5 seconds to turn on. I think this maybe some power-saver mode.

3. Remote is a bit clunky. Not the nicest remote in the world. It gets the job done, but I find the round nav a bit difficult to use.

Overall though, I dig it. If faced with the option to buy again, I would.

The product was delivered on-time by a professional delivery service. He even helped me carry it into the house. Hook up was fairly easy - you'll need a buddy to help lift and fit into position on the stand - it's feakin' heavy. The picture quality and sound quality are very nice. Not one complaint.

I've had the television for a few months now, and it performs fine. Picture quality is good and having the extra speakers provides an excellent option when you don't feel like powering up you home stereo amp. Flexibility is actually the keyword here, especially regarding all the input/output options. My experience in the past has been this type of flexibility will pay off years into the future when you're trying to piece together a configuration for a secondary setup (e.g., in a guestroom) using odd bits of equipment lying about the house.

The cablecard is also a valuable and flexible option. I'm using one and it works fine. It allows the superior Panosonic tuner to do the tuning without the STB clutter (or you can use the STB somewhere else).

I have only had this tv for a little over a week and I have to say I am very pleased so far. The colors are every bit as good as my old CRT and the picture quality is superb even though my cable signal is still analog(I am working on this). I love watching everything in 16:9 instead of the old 4:3(which by the way you can select this option if you still like watching a boxy picture. I have my DVD recorder hooked up using HDMI connection and it is wonderful only having one cable for sound and picture. I also have my computer hooked up using the RGB connection and this works great. Now I can watch tv and surf the web all on one display. My only gripe is that even though this tv has picture in picture, you cannot use this fuction in the PC mode. I was very disappointed when I tried watching tv and the computer at the same time and figured out that I couldn't. I recommend getting this plasma while you still can because the new models for 2007 does not have PC connection, or TV Guide and from reviews found elsewhere the sound is not as good as it is on this model. I was blown away by the sound quality. I find that I don't need to use my home theatre as much because of the bass that this tv puts out.