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Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 42 in Plasma TV

Mon, Dec 10, 2007

Filed in HDTV

Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Review

The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U features an SD Memory Card slot with Photo Viewer that transforms the plasma into a digital photo gallery. By utilizing high definition images available for purchase from GalleryPlayer that are embedded on SD cards, the consumer has access to thousands of images ranging from art masterpieces to dazzling photographs. GalleryPlayer’s content partners include National Geographic, MoMA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The New York Times and Time-Life.

The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV sports a 42-inch plasma screen with 1080p resolution for a crystal clear viewing experience. It will feel right at home as the centerpiece of a home theater setup.

The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U does not look like it’s trying too hard. Instead, it lets the big screen speak for itself. The glass is surrounded by a thick glossy black bezel on all sides, with a door on the bottom to keep controls out of sight. Another hatch hides a slot for SD memory cards. Speakers–matching in color and barely noticeable–are set on both sides of the display. The understated look would be an elegant addition to any decor.

Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Outstanding Performance
The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U is 1080p, meaning it has a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest HD resolution available for the clearest and sharpest picture. Because of its plasma display, the black levels are deep and the uniformity of brightness is superb. The TH-42PZ700U has 4096 shades of gradation and has up to a 5000:1 contrast ratio. Video noise reduction circuitry and a digital comb filter make sure the picture on screen is always optimal. The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U will upconvert any signal you feed it and display it at 1080p.

Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Connections
On the back, the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U features two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two composite inputs, and two S-Video inputs. Hidden beneath panels in front is another composite and S-Video input, a component video input, and a slot for SD cards. Insert an SD card filled with photos and you can watch a slide show with the built-in Photo Viewer software.

TV as an Art Gallery
The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U includes GalleryPlayer software you can use to display high-definition art and photography on your TV. A free collection of images is included so your television can display art even when it’s not on.

One-Touch Convenience
When you use the Panasonic EZ-Sync technology to connect to other compatible EZ-Sync devices via the HDMI connector, you get one-touch control over all your home theater components. For example, with one touch of a button, you can turn on the DVD player, turn on the receiver, and set the DVD player as the source while also adjusting the sound level, turn on the TV–which will accept the input signal–and play the DVD. Instead of fumbling to find all the right buttons, you can watch your movies without wondering how to set everything up.

This 42″ Panasonic TH-42PZ700U plasma features a picture quality far superior to any other flat panel display in the 40-42 inch size range currently on the market. Featuring 1080P resolution and deep black levels that only plasma can provide, the TH-42PZ700U is equally at home watching HD and SD programming, playing games on next generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3) or watching DVDs (Blu-Ray or HD-DVD highly recommended). Coupled with a quality high definition signal, the picture quality is nothing short of stunning. A sleek stylish case rounds out this very complete package. The only weak spot in the Panasonic’s game is the decidedly dated and unattractive remote. Though completely functional, the remote looks like an eyesore on this reviewer’s coffee table.

—– By B. Carter

Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Features