Panasonic TH-42PD60U Review:

As an EDTV with an 852×480 screen resolution, Panasonic TH-42PD60U delivers optimal performance of all currently available TV shows and DVD recordings. Panasonic TH-42PD60U has both NTSC analog and ATSC digital TV tuners. When used with an optional HDTV antenna, the ATSC tuner can receive free over-the-air widescreen HDTV shows. The plasma display is incapable of presenting those images at 720p or 1080i resolutions. In addition to A/V, S-Video and Component-Video connectors, Panasonic TH-42PD60U also has an HDMI port. An HDMI connector accepts high-quality digital video and audio via the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from the source to the TV.

Panasonic TH-42PD60U is the second Plasma EDTV that I have purchased. The first was in May of 2005, during which time I did extensive research on HDTV and EDTV. I also looked at DLP’s, LCD’s and Projection, which none really appealed to my needs. I narrowed my decision to the Panasonic models. I look at other brands, but cost, reviews, and instinct lead me to the Panasonics. Before purchasing, I went into Circuit City to compare the difference in picture quality between the HDTV model and the EDTV model. Now I could see a slight difference, but not enough to rule out the EDTV model. Of course there was a price difference, but my deciding factor was that the majority of TV viewing is not broadcast in HD. So I figured the HD component was not a big issue and would be seldom used. Plus, I’m sure it will be a number of years before all television channels are broadcast in HD. At that time, I will consider buying a HDTV plasma. I would also mention that I ordered an HD cable receiver from Direct TV and the HD broadcast of the HD channels looks great on this Panasonic TH-42PD60U plasma. This has been a great buy and that’s why in November of 2006, I bought the same model that I had purchased in May of 2005. I am truly pleased with the quality of the plasma and recommend it without hesitation.

—– By N. Drake

Panasonic TH-42PD60U Features

• 42-inch EDTV plasma TV; measures 42 x 30.1 x 12.7 inches (WxHxD) with included stand
• Integrated ATSC tuner for receiving over-the-air digital TV programming; 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
• 4000:1 contrast ratio; 852 x 480 native resolution; 160-degree viewing angle
• Connections: 3 composite A/V (1 front), 3 S-Video (1 front), 2 component (Y/Pb/Pr), 2 HDMI, 1 SC memory card slot
• Two stereo speakers, 10 watts apiece (20 watts total); BBE ViVA HD3D virtual surround sound

Panasonic TH-42PD60U Specifications

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