VPW4255 42-inch Plasma Display

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by:
  Kevin Miller
• Edited by:
  David Katzmaier
• Reviewed on: 08/11/2004
• Updated on: 11/15/2009

Like many companies, ViewSonic offers a choice of 42-inch plasma TVs in its lineup. The model reviewed here, the VPW4255, has a relatively high resolution, while its less expensive sibling, the aptly named VPW425, has lower resolution. They have the same size screens, but the VPW4255 will deliver a sharper picture with high-definition images. When set up properly, the VPW4255 is a solid performer, and HDTV sources look quite good on it. Its somewhat limited feature set and industrial look may not appeal to everyone, but if the minimalist "just picture" concept works for you, the VPW4255 is worth considering.

Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.

As far as design goes, the VPW4255 does little to distract the eye from the picture on the screen. Its basic black frame should blend in smoothly just about anywhere, although we thought the model number stenciled on the upper-right corner looked a bit tacky. The only other visible mark is the company logo directly in the center below the bottom of the screen; ViewSonic hid the buttons along the bottom of the frame.

With measurements of 40.5 by 25 by 3.5 inches (W, H, D), this flat-panel set will have no trouble hanging on the wall with an optional bracket or sitting on a table with an optional stand (neither is included).

The remote is quite small and a bit awkward to use. It does offer direct input access, however, which comes in handy for switching sources on the fly. The GUI, or internal menu system, is straightforward and easy to navigate. The instruction manual, on the other hand, seems rather abstruse and technical.With a native resolution of 1,024x1,024, the VPW4255 doesn't have quite enough pixels to deliver the full detail of HDTV. It uses ALiS technology, so unlike other plasma designs, it shares a lot of characteristics with the interlaced scanning method used in standard TVs. (Click here for more info.) The main impact of ALiS is that blacks won't be as deep as on many plasmas. The VPW4255 can display just about any sort of image you throw its way, including--true to ViewSonic's monitor heritage--computer-originated sources up to 1,024x768 (DVI) and 1,280x768 (analog VGA).

Unlike competing plasmas such as Sony's KE-42XS910, the VPW4255 lacks a built-in tuner and speakers. You'll need a cable box, a VCR, or some other external tuner to watch TV or HDTV and an external audio system or optional speakers (model PLS-SPK-002) to listen. Single-tuner PIP (picture-in-picture) with a split-screen option and independent input memories, are among the few concessions to convenience.

ViewSonic does include a number of picture-related features, some that improve the picture and some that do not. The Film mode should be set to On for film-based material (such as most DVDs) to engage the 2:3 pull-down feature. Naturally, this will not apply for HDTV sources or progressive-scan DVD players. The LTI and CTI functions are actually edge enhancement circuits and should be turned off, as they introduce artifacts in the picture. The Black Enhance feature should also be turned off, and black level should simply be set with the proper PLUGE test pattern for the best results. AutoColor is another an undesirable feature that screws up color accuracy rather than improving it. Worthwhile features include four selectable color temperatures: Warm, Black/White, Cool, and Normal, as well as adjustable color decoder and color temperature controls (see Performance). Continue reading

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