What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
24 NOV 2008
Panasonic TH-42PZ80
This plasma set is a good, all-round performer and a
great value for money proposition
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The LCD versus plasma TV debate continues, and there seems to be no end in sight. Luckily for
Panasonic, its Viera range has a tent pitched in both camps and continues to churn out both types of set with astonishing success.
The TH-42PZ80 is a 42in plasma. It boasts the same, subtle design treatment given to all of Panasonic’s latest flatscreens. Panel-wise, the set is Full HD (1920 x 1080/24fps) and features 100Hz picture processing.
User-friendliness is a bonus The menu system is easy to navigate, aided by the chunky remote control and thumb-friendly button layout. The set is armed with three HDMI inputs (two around the back, one under a flap on the front of the unit), with component video and Scart sockets thrown in for good measure.
If you own a digital camera that uses an SD memory card, you can take advantage of the slot provided to display your favourite photos.
Off-air, the Panasonic is particularly accomplished, maintaining image stability and detail, feats that poorer-performing competitors can only dream of.
With standard definition DVD sources such as
Sweeney Todd, the Panasonic set delivers a picture blessed with deep, rich blacks. The set captures Johnny Depp’s eerie outfit perfectly.
Switching to
Enchanted on Blu-ray, the Panasonic’s natural colour palette steps to the fore. Despite the vibrant nature of the film, not once does the Panasonic overcook its presentation.
Movement is handled confidently, and only the class-leaders produce a marginally sharper, detailed image.
This continues Panasonic’s trend of making impressive plasma TVs. It’s a cracking set, and great value, too.