User Rating: 
4/10
People want to use plasma for PC and games?by - April 26, 2004
Pros: I have read several reviews on this site asking how people think this plasma set will work as a computer monitor or for games.... Don't people know that they will ruin a plasma TV if they run fixed images for extended periods of time?
Cons: This is called "burn in" and I encourage people to look into it before they ruin their plasma TV's. A short summary is that a fixed image can become "stuck" in pace forever on a plasma set. Just thought I would point this out.
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User Rating: 
6/10
Too much $$ for no HDTV! Better deals available!!by - April 26, 2004
Pros: It is NOT cheap but has a decent picture. IT has a nice cabinet.
Cons: No tuner or HDTV for a TV costing this much! Why would anyne buy one of these without HDTV! It is like driving a porche on re-tread tires!! I would wait 6 months for the new Intel LOS technology and the other LCD TV's as one should be able to get somethi
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User Rating: 
8/10
excellent performanceby - March 23, 2004
Pros: fantastic picture no matter the input source, aspect modes produce very realistic full screen pictures with no pronounced stretching with 4:3 aspect ratio programming. I did lots of research before I bought this TV last summer. I think it has since been r
Cons: As other have noted, limited inputs and no built-in tuner. I have a JVC receiver with component video switching so I am able to use the single component video inputs on the monitor for the digitial cable as well as the DVD player.
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User Rating: 8/10
Excellent TV at a great price for Plasmaby - December 15, 2003
Pros: Great picture! I play a lot of video games and they all look fantastic on this TV. Plus the JUST mode makes games not meant for 16:9 it the whole frame, or tweek the ZOOM setting for a more proportionate picture. DVD's look and sound great (I got Panas
Cons: Very minimal input and output options. Probably a non-issue with a verstile reciever. Possible burn-in sucks, but most vids today contain very few static images.
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User Rating: 8/10
great imagesby - December 11, 2003
Pros: image colors, blacks and sharpness are really good. Details in shadows and highlights are incredibly good.
Cons: It's just a monitor. You need an amplifier with a surround system to fully appreciate the beauty of this screen
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User Rating: 
7/10
Great Picture for the moneyby - November 18, 2003
Pros: Excellent picture with satellite, dvd, even VCR on older tapes. We think HDTV looks great in spite of this being an EDTV rated unit. Easy set-up.
Cons: The first one died (picture became unwatchable) in less than 6 weeks. Fortunately, the retailer swapped ours for a new unit. No problems with this one in several months, but who knows????????
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User Rating: 
10/10
Magnifico!!!!! Bravo!!!!!by - November 7, 2003
Pros: Excellent picture. When my friends come over and see the quality of the EDTV picture, they can't stop staring. I have a friend that comes over and says, "Man, I miss watching this t.v." Watching the Final Four, Monday Night Football, and other programmi
Cons: NONE!!!!
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User Rating: 8/10
It's a High Dollar Light Bulb.by - October 27, 2003
Pros: Fit's Perfectly on our yacht. Best of the bunch hands down. ( For low Rez.) Xlnt. Picture with a progressive scan Dvd player and high end cables. Don't waste your money on Monster Cables they are way overpriced. Use Other high quality ones for less. This
Cons: No Tuner for $3000.? Don't use it as a TV because it only last's 3000 hr's. Not set up for Blue Tooth. Should be HDTV for the price.
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User Rating: 8/10
question for other PT-42PD3 owners...by - October 15, 2003
Pros: Has anyone experienced floating images / distortion when black/dark images are shown? Not sure if this is just my tv, or if this is common with all PT-42PD3's... thx in advance for any feedback...
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User Rating: 
9/10
For the price, I don't think you can beat it!by - September 29, 2003
Pros: Feature rich. Allows customer to control it OR leave it default and still will be very useful. Very good picture for DVD.
Cons: Why in the world do they use BNC connection intead of normal RCA typ of connection for the Video signals? Lacking of TV tunner means you need to hook it up with an external tunning device. Some customer might not be able smart enough to figure it out. For
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User Rating: 4/10
Great Dorm TV?by - August 25, 2003
Pros: Fantastic Television for college. Especially if your Dad is Warren Buffet or a Sheik.
Cons: CNET is getting less creative and more predictable when they try to push some ridiculously expensive plasma TV to college students whose only major decision each day is RAMEN NOODLES OR MAC AND CHEESE!!!!!Give me a freakin break.
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User Rating: 8/10
DVD depth of color is stunning!by - August 25, 2003
Pros: I have the TH-42PWD5. the picture is great, even with reg cable. The HD versions picture isn't is good as the non HD version. DVD 's are stunning, and the depth of the picture is better than any other out there. I looked at 25 different models and this wa
Cons: The lack of normal TV monitor features, such as PIP, and a few others bring down perfection , but otherwise, a great product.
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User Rating: 8/10
UNBELIEVEABLE PICTUREby - July 29, 2003
Pros: PICTURE EASE OF CHANGING SETTINGS PANASONIC SUPPORT
Cons: SPEND TOO MUCH TIME IN FRONT OF TUBE
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User Rating: 8/10
I loved it day-1 thru day-200...and counting...by - July 28, 2003
Pros: Beautiful picture when used with digital sources - Directv and S-Video, or DVD and Component (not composite) video. Purchase your digital sources first, and the best cables you can afford - or you will be disappointed. Use the RCA connectors and you wil
Cons: It's a lot of money - so educate yourself first. The perfect viewing experience is not here yet, while standards are changing. As with nearly all of its competitors, the monitor's aspect ratio is not truly compatible with either source - standard or wid
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User Rating: 7/10
Jury still outby - July 5, 2003
Pros: Slick package but . . . Bought the TH42-PWD5UY version based on much research including all these reviews. Got it hooked up (directly to cable box) and it all turned on first thing. The roblem is the color? It is way to bright. All the colors are wa
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User Rating: 9/10
Superb Picture (I have the PT42D4by - July 4, 2003
Pros: Great picture, easy to set up (I did it on my own), DVDs look fabulous, build quality is excellent, looks classy, despite using a splitter for composite it looks OK. I saw Gladiator on the Fujitsu and there was so much pixelization it wasn't funny! Also
Cons: Lack of connections - got round this using a splitter for composite but haven't found a splitter for component yet (if you find one pls e-mail me), VCR recordings from analogue cable (in NY) look bad (but that is because they are bad, not the plasma's fau
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User Rating: 7/10
Outstanding for DVD'sby - May 8, 2003
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Review: The best 3k I've spent in years. I didn't think 2k more for HD model was worth it, condidering I mainly watch discs. This purchase even got WAF due to the amount of floor space it freed up(it's wall mounted). STD veiwing isn't as good as ED, but definitly better than the 27"CRT that we had previously.
User Rating: 8/10
Best value in its class, period!by - May 7, 2003
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Review: I have lived with my PT-42PD3-P for 1 month now and WOW! Beatifully saturated colors, excellent contrast. Regular broadcast signals look terrific. In my opinion, the picture is overall the best in it's class. I love it....
User Rating: 8/10
Beautiful monitor, connection issueby - April 21, 2003
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Review: I bought this monitor after much research and am very very happy with it. It gives such a beautiful crisp image, especially with DVDs, even using A/V input, I can't wait to get my component cable and watch DVD. Displaying satellite TV is pretty good, although I found it a little pixelated watching fast action sports, even with an S-Video connection. But this could also be due to my setup which I am still playing with (running satellite through both Tivo and A/V Receiver). My only other issue was with the connections, the number were fine for me, but that I couldn't connect both S-Video and A/V and switch inputs was a small problem for me as I have an old VCR that only outputs A/V, but everything else is on S-Video. I don't believe this is only a problem with this monitor, but in general most devices don't allow this. Only a small problem, VCR is rarely used anyway.
User Rating: 7/10
Great for 90% of usby - April 8, 2003
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Review: I'm not a videophile, far from it. So this is only my amateur opinion. In researching plasmas, my wife and I decided to go with the Panasonic versus Gateway because of A) a much better contrast ration, and B) according to other reviews, it's much better in terms of build quality. Thus, we ordered from J&R here in New York. Even though it was marginally more expensive, J&R is a trusted local establishment, so it was worthwhile. Anyway, I want to clear up a few misconceptions, things I've seen mentioned in these reviews and others. First off, it's simply not true that while you have both an S-vide and component video inputs, you can't toggle between them. You can. And very easily. Moreover, while the "connectivity suite" isn't all that, it's sufficient for a Tivo and DVD player (all we really need.) We simply hooked the S-video to the Tivo and the Component cables to the DVD player. The results are amazing. On regular TV (Admittedly, a digital cable box from Time Warner), the Panasonic seems to upgrade the signal and create a rich, full picture. If you get really close, you can definitely see the pixels, but even sitting four or five feet away, you can't. And with DVD hooked up through RGB component cables, forget it. The picture is stunning. Even though it's not technically HDTV but EDTV, the picture quality is almost indistinguishable. You really make full use of the excellent DVD image on this one. One final misconception, it's also not true that the speaker inputs on the side only work with special Panasonic speakers. If you want to use the 8-watt built in amps (which is more than enough for most apartments), you can just use any plain speakers with the old fashioned left/right channel exposed wires. Anyway, I highly recommend this TV. It's outstanding.
User Rating: 6/10
Closed Caption from this plasmaby - April 3, 2003
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Review: I bought this plasma and set up with closed caption using an external cc decoder, a composite to s-video switch box, two composite video cables and one s-video cable. I use my digital cable box as a tuner and you, Rachana, can do the same from your VCR. You need to connect your video out from the VCR to input of decoder. The output of cc decoder goes to a one input of the switch box. Two above cables are composite type. Now you can use a s-video cable from common output of the switch box to connect to the s-video from the plasma. I got the switch box from the Best Buy and cc decoder on-line. Hope you can get that up for your parents. I am very happy with this plasma picture quality although it is only edtv.
User Rating: 7/10
Please help how do I get Closed captionsby - March 31, 2003
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Review: This TV looks very good. This is a completly un-scientific observation. I saw it in stores; asked the sales rep play the same pictures on all the Plasmas in the store. This had the best picture. I paid 4200 for it at sears ( they matched the best buy price + 10%) My Only issue is ; how do I get the CC (closed captions) from a TV program. I am using my VCR as tuner. My parents really really want it. Please help.
User Rating: 6/10
Not High Definition.by - March 31, 2003
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Review: Too bad this TV is enhanced definition and not High Definition. But there is still hope...you can get the same TV in High Definition. Model # is pt42phd4p
User Rating: 9/10
Absolutely Fabulous!!by - March 30, 2003
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Review: Ordered this from Crazy Eddies and they delivered very promptly and even setup the stand for the set in my apt. Bottom line: Great Picture, Great Price!! The picture is unbelievable. Black level is unreal. Only complaint is the lack of component connections; I had to get a couple of switch boxes for video inputs. Although, it is well worth it for the value/picture/features.
User Rating: 7/10
worth the money..!!by - March 29, 2003
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Review: i bought the sampo unit from bestbuy at $2999 and was not happy with the quaity or performance with hidef cable..it did do a good job with prog dvd..so i paid a thousand extra and got the panasonic..from opening the box..the unit was so well built. it has a incredible picture. i am a novice at telling the differernce..so i just looked at the pixilation on people's cheeks between the sampo and the panasonice..thats what made me chip in the extra bucks..only downside is the number of connections
User Rating: 10/10
Superb Picture quality periodby - March 25, 2003
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Review: After reading all user?s comments/reviews about Plasma TVs, I decided to buy this Panasonic PT-42PD-3P Plasma TV, I bought it from Bestbuy. First, I was going to buy the HD Sony 42? KE42TS2 Plasma because I am a fun of Sony product, but I after I compared the picture quality, (specially the black level), between the Panasonic PT-42PD-3P and the Sony KE42TS2, PT-42PD-3P was the winner. I have DcableTV, Sony DVD dream system, and the free Panasonic over the air HDTuner . I wish the unit had more component input and DVI input, other than that, I am very happy with my Plasma TV.
User Rating: 7/10
Good product at a good priceby - March 25, 2003
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Review: The unit is very simple to use and the quality and performance are great (using DirecTV). Other plasmas at the store looked similar side-by-side but at heftier price tags - $6K-$11K. I am doing everything for the best picture quality; component hookupts, Monster Series 3 gas charged cables, Monster Home Theater Center, etc. The only downfall is one set of component hookups. What I did was purchase a receiver/amp with two component inputs and one output (1 satellite box, 1 DVD) and I run this for all my audio since there are no speakers included. Anyhow, very pleased with my purchase!
User Rating: 8/10
No DVI = No HDCP = Limited HDby - March 12, 2003
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Review: I still think this plasma is a great buy if you are not concerned about HD. In response to DJ "Don't worry about HDCP," the fact is, if you don't have the DVI interface you will not have HDCP, and without that, you will likely only get the lower resolution version of HD programming from DirecTV and cable in the future. In fact you can purchase a DVI interface for this unit, but Panasonic makes it clear that the DVI interface is not compatible with HDCP. This is an important disclaimer for Panasonic and it is important for the consumer to understand what this means. I don't own this unit precisely because of the HDCP issue. There is an extensive discussion on this at www.avsforum.com > display devices > plasma and flat panel displays. Like I said, I like this unit, but for the amount of money involved, I'd rather wait until July for the new HDCP compatible unit.
User Rating: 8/10
Don't worry about HDCPby - March 10, 2003
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Review: Just purchased this plasma and I love it. I was worried when I read a review from another reviewer about the DVI/HDCP copy protection, and that this TV is not HDCP compatible. BUT...this protocol is ONLY for a DVI interface. If the reviewer would have researched the TV a little further, they would know that this TV does not even have a DVI connection. In other words...it doesn't matter. I have had this TV for less than 2 weeks and already I can't watch TV in 4:3 mode anymore. It does an incredible job in "just" mode of stretching the picture to the full screen. Only caveat, is the lack of inputs-cannot connect a component DVD player and an HDTV receiver. I bought a component switch from JVC for under a $100 and I can connect 3 component and 2 composite/s-video devices. One last comment, if you read the negative reviews, notice that none of them are from actual owners of this TV...only people who think they know what they are talking about. The owners love it!!
User Rating: 10/10
Great for the Priceby - March 3, 2003
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Review: Looked at several models side by side, hands-down this was the best model in the price range for DTV, DVD, and local OTA HDTV viewing, all of which I do. The picture is great. Others who state there is better, of course there is, be prepared to spend the $$. True also when you see a Pioneer HD set up close next to this unit you can see the difference, but go back and sit in your chair at 10 ft and beyond... You'll see. All enjoy. By the way, it is HD compatible, not HD itself, but as stated, the conversions are incredible.
User Rating: 10/10
Picture quality or Pixel numberby - February 21, 2003
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Review: It is funny to hear those people blasting this Tv because it is "480P" and not "true HD". The one thing they forgot is that when you watch TV, you are not counting the pixel numbers, you are looking at the picture. Many users have compared this panel with a true HD panel SIDE BY SIDE. Their conclusion is that, in terms of true HD source, the difference is hard to perceive (for 42" screen); in terms of other sources, such as regular TV, cable Tv, VCR and DVD (including progressive scan), the picture quality of this panel is BETTER than a true HD panel, because true HD panel will have to perform more line doubling and that creats more distortion. Besides, you usually will have to pay thousands more for a true HD panel. Why pay thousands more for INFERIOR pictures? It is troubling that there are those who do not seem to have ever used this TV but simply look at the "480P" and then start saying stupid things that do not really mean anything. Isn't this forum limited to users? Why should they pass themselves off as users and give "user comments". Those who seem to own this TV give possitive reviews overwhelmingly.
User Rating: 6/10
LOOK AT FUJITSU BEFORE YOUR BUY ANYTHING ELSEby - February 20, 2003
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Review: Looked at all -- compare with a Fujitsu before you succumb to the reviews.
User Rating: 6/10
Caution! Does not support DVI/HDCPby - February 17, 2003
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Review: I almost purchased this set based on the reviews in this form and others. It does have a great picture and a great price. Watch out! What the salespeople neglect to tell you is that you will not be able to view HD programs that use the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) at full resolution. HDCP is currently being tested by DirecTV and cable operators to protect Hollywood from illegal copying. Even though this set is not fully HD, it has a great ED picture if used with an HD source like DirecTV or HD cable. Without HDCP compatibilty you would likely be limited to over the air HD. The good news is the newer model, due in July of 2003, supports HDCP (see Panasonic's press release dated 1/8/2003, new model is TH-42PA20U). Do your research before you spend your doe so you can make an informed choice . . . this is a BIG issue.
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent picture and display optionsby - February 10, 2003
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Review: Throughly pleased with the set. Excellent picture when viewing High Definition input signals and standard analogue TV signals.
User Rating: 6/10
Excellent value, some nitsby - February 7, 2003
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Review: I did four months of research last year before I decided to buy the TH-42PHD4UY, which is the 42" commercial model. For my budget, this display panel offered the best value at the best price (purchased over the internet). I am extremely pleased with the quality and performance of the display, and all the reviews are pretty much true with what I read. My only nits to pick are that the inputs are very limited (had to buy a new receiver), the speaker terminals are bogus, the manual stinks, and the panel causes infrared interference. On the inputs, even though you have separate physical connectors for S-video and composite video, you can only use one or the other, but not both. Of course the manual doesn't say anything about this. Even if you have a receiver to switch externally between the two video sources, it will do you no good because the panel will always favor S-video if a cable is connected to its S-video input. There are no issues with the component input, so I resolved my problem with a Denon 3803 receiver to upconvert all video sources to component video, and simply use the component inputs on the panel. For the speakers, it turns out there is no internal amplifier, so you have to buy special Panasonic speakers for $500(lame). Finally, I have some Sony wireless headphones that get extremely noisy, especially with very bright scenes, but I guess this would be a problem with any panel. I think this is consistent with the HF RFI it generates, however. Oh yes, the manual was sppsrently written (and translated) by a 10 year old. If 2003 is your year for a Plasma display, Panasonic gets my definite recommendation, despite finding out these issues after the fact.
User Rating: 10/10
HD capableby - February 3, 2003
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Review: All Panasonic plasmas are HD capable. Some are true HD some are SD. I believe "PHD" means true HD, "PD" and "PW" means SD (HD compatible). I have never seen a "PHW" model. The connection options are somewhat limited, but this can be solved by connecting your components to an AV receiver (if you have that many components). Use the receiver as the control and switch, and connect the receiver to the TV. The picture quality is gorgeous, even with regular cable signal. Aspect ratios are adjustable, for composite and s-video inputs as well as for component inputs. I don't know what the "Unhappy buyer" is talking about, I am a happy buyer
User Rating: 
5/10
IS THIS HD CABABLE?by - January 31, 2003
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Review: I see some PANASONIC Plasmas are advertised as HD and some are not. Are the PHD models HD and the PHW models non-HD? thanks e.g TH-42PHW5 and TH-50PHW5
User Rating: 
2/10
Poor connections, useless instructionsby - January 26, 2003
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Review: Very limited number of connections. It is impossible to connect to a cable STB, DVD and VCR at once. If you use the S-video connection for one device, the Video connection is disabled. Display quality for non HDTV source is poor, even when connected via digital cable. Instructions for proper settings do not exist, especially for connecting to a cable system STB. Aspect Ratio settings cannot be modified or are limited on Component Video connections.
User Rating: 10/10
Enjoyby - January 25, 2003
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Review: In response to Raj Sethi's post, I believe TH-50PHD5UY is the newest and the best. PT-50PHD4P might be exactly the same as TH-50PHD5UY, except for that PT-50PHD4P includes a table top stand. In response to Ted's post of Jan. 19, any VCR or any cable box can act as the tuner for this unit. I currently is using a digital cable box as the tuner. The result is great. If you want better picture quality, you can buy a HD tuner on the market. You don't have to buy a tuner specifically made for this unit, most will work. This TV is unbelieveable. For ultimate visual enjoyment, there is no other choices.
User Rating: 8/10
Model Number Confusionby - January 24, 2003
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Review: I am a prospective buyer of a 50" plasma in Asia and am confused by the model #s out there: What are the differeneces between models and which one is the newest? PT-50PHD4P TH-50PHD5UY TH-50PHD5 EX/BX TH-50PHW5 EX/BX Thanks for your help.
User Rating: 8/10
Geat Value For Real Peopleby - January 19, 2003
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Review: The dissenters don?t have a clue. It?s clear that most haven?t even seen the panel. From their grammar and spelling, I would guess they are a bunch of kids playing grown-up at CNET?s expense. I compared this panel side-by-side to the newer true HDTV panels. There were several other people in the store and we all agreed (much to the salespersons dismay) that the cheaper set was a much better way to go. Current broadcast television looks horrible on the true HDTV monitors while DVD and HDTV is so close that you?d need an oscilloscope to tell the difference. It?s great to ?talk? about HDTV, but where is the content? A couple channels? If you think that you are going to get 200+ channels of true HDTV in the next couple years, you?re fooling yourself. It?s expensive to produce and expensive to deliver. The providers are going to resist until they are forced to do it, which could be years in the future. For my money this is a great interim step.
User Rating: 10/10
A little knowledge is dangerousby - January 16, 2003
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Review: Those people slamming CNET's high rating of this set have not done much research. The set has a native vertical resolution of 480p and it is 16:9 qualifying it as High Definition. In fact there is very little digital programming available in higher resolutions. It's easier for a 480p set to display this most common digital resolution, since there is no converting required . A 480p signal on a 768 native vertical resolution set will typically look inferior due to conversion. See http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-resolution.html By the way Plasma TV Buying Guide also agrees that the Panasonic has by far the best picture - see: http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42pwd5uy-review.html Those who write beligerent comments - do you realise how foolish you look? If you have negative things to say - you can do so politely and constructively. Please make sure you have the facts and UNDERTSAND them - or you will look twice as foolish. You can take comfort in the fact that there will always be a place for your types on shows like Jerry Springer.
User Rating: 9/10
Best Blacks in it's Classby - January 13, 2003
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Review: The picture on this baby rocks because of its deep rich blacks which up until now have been a major drawback with flat panel TVs. Panasonic has done an outstanding job of creating a picture so vivid that watching high definition material on this unit looks almost three dimensional! The WOW factor is also great. Take your wife to check it out with you. The sleek look and space saving design will surely enhance its WAF (wife approval factor).
User Rating: 7/10
xbox/ps2 games are awesome on itby - January 12, 2003
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Review: You can ready all the reviews and ratings you want...But in the end it's how the picture looks to you, and the picture on this one looks amazing, even if it's not 720 or 1080. I use it for TV, my PC, and my xbox and they all look awesome. I just wish I had shopped around more instead of just getting it from Circuit City, (I could have saved a grand), hehe.
User Rating: 9/10
BS from Anonymous Postersby - January 12, 2003
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Review: This is the best Plasma Monitor in its class. I looked at them all and I selected this model based on picture quality, build quality and its energy rating. I can afford whatever I want and it is nice to have an excellent Monitor for the bedroom without having to pay $7,000.00. The Yahoos on here downgrading this Monitor because it is not HD could not tell the difference without professional measurement equipment. Believe me, I tried and I purchased the Panasonic.
User Rating: 10/10
Say no to what?by - January 9, 2003
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Review: Those people who voted no don't seem to know anything about this product. It seems to me that they are aiming more at CNET rather than at the tv. I have been an owner of this model for two monthes and I enjoyed everyday of it. This is absolutely the best performance/value combination for a plasma tv. If you don't believe me, do some research on AVS forum and learn more about Panasonic's model numbers and about the differences between SD and HD before you make a vote.
User Rating: 8/10
The best of the 852x480 Plasmasby - January 1, 2003
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Review: The review below by Mr.Cabrio is on the money. The review by GregS is incorrect. This is the latest model to date. The model that GregS refers to is the Panasonic 1024x768 model, which is also a new model but of higher pixel count. Read the difference between the 1024 and the 852 pixel plasmas on the internet. The 852 uses progressive scan and shows a better standard TV picture than the 1024 models. Of course the 1024 models show more detail with a 1080i HD signal but the difference is only 10% and the 1024 models picture looks soft when shown with the standard tv signal, cable , vcr etc. Use the eyeball test and look for yourself. I was leaning toward the pioneer 433CMX or the Hitachi CMP4121HDU both these units will cost you $4000+ with shipping. Compare there pictures to the bright Panasonic PT-42PD3P and tell me that the Panasonic isn't a good deal. (No I don't work for Panasonic!) I'm just a Plasma fan trying to make up his mind.
User Rating: 9/10
Editor's choice for good reason.by - January 1, 2003
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Review: I wanted a big screen and needed it to go on the wall, so plasma was the only choice. Football games look fabulous and I can follow the puck on a hockey game better than ever before. I am using with the Onkyo home theater package, so connection limits and the lack of audio features is irrelevant. Not having them saved me money to spend on a real sound system.
User Rating: 8/10
You can't tell the diff between this and the HD versionby - January 1, 2003
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Review: All those people complaining that this is not true HD are missing the point. 1. At 42" size, you can't tell with the naked eye from 3ft away the difference between the HD version and this one. 2. The price/features is what makes this plasma great.
User Rating: 7/10
best plasma at the priceby - December 23, 2002
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Review: My sister bought this model and I bought the more upscale 42PHD model which is a true HDTV. Both sets are luscious to look at. The HDTV PHD model is a bit sharper--but it costs a couple of grand more. Both are the sets to beat at their price points. Only set that is comparable is the new Pioneer Elite 43"--but it is more expensive.
User Rating: 7/10
Check the Facts: Great!by - December 21, 2002
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Review: People are complaining about cnet being misleading about this not being true HD. To quote cnet "Panasonic's panel has a fixed pixel resolution of 852x480, which means that it scales all incoming video to that resolution. Standard TV is scaled up to fit the pixels, and HDTV is scaled down. The result is that the PT-42PD3-P cannot display the full resolution of 720p or 1080i high-definition programming. Of course, higher-resolution plasma panels cost quite a bit more. " One guy gives a thumb down because this is an older model. That also is not true. It is current as of 12.22.02. The PT-42PHD4-P is the step up to true HD and a step up in price. They are both current models. In short, great picture for a great price (for a plasma). If you want true HD you have to spend ALOT more.
User Rating: 5/10
This is an older modelby - December 18, 2002
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Review: C'mon CNET, stick to computer reviews if you are not going to do it right. This model has already been "upgraded" by Panasonic. The latest model is the PT-42PHD4-P (true HD resolution). I owned one for ten days and had it went dead. Luckly, the store took it back after I raised some hell. Suppose it could have had a "lemon" but beware--this is a lot of money to spend a a TV. I've heard in various locations that the PT-42PD3-P was an excellent model, so I can see CNET giving it a high rating on value, but they should have reviewed the current models from the top players in this review.
User Rating: 4/10
CNET Misleading Ratingby - December 15, 2002
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Review: It's confusing enough already tryiing to sort through all the TV claims. To call this set "HDTV Compatible" is at very best misleading and at worst an outright mistatement sure to mislead people. We don't need this kind of corporate-hype-phony-claims support from CNET.
User Rating: 8/10
Best plasma under $4,000by - December 15, 2002
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Review: I bought the Panasonic 42" plasma from Dell about 5 months ago. It's got excellent performance. Although not true HDTV resolution, it's the best picture I've seen. DVDs look fanstastic. I wish it had multiple component inputs and DVI. The blacks are not as dark as on a CRT but everything else is better.
User Rating: 8/10
HD looks great!by - December 15, 2002
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Review: I watch HD on mine all the time. It looks fabulous, and yes it looks much better than DVDs. I researched plasmas for about a year for before buying this display. Panasonic may not have all extras, but if you want the best video quality, then this is the plasma for you. This plasma can be had for about 3.5K and its sooooo worth it.
User Rating: 
3/10
You have gotto be kidding me!by - December 15, 2002
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Review: I normally trust your reviews and ratings but this is ridiculous! How can you rate this the best Plasma display when there are much better displays out there? You're comparing this to Sony and Gateway which are terrible! Have you even looked at Fujitsu? Now there's a display worthy of best in its class.
User Rating: 9/10
Visual Candyby - December 14, 2002
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Review: This unit is a stunning performer. It really turns the "home theater" into a theater. I have had this Panasonic display for about two months and would agree with most of the comments here as well as the CNET review. BTW...that review did not say it was a HDTV display. It "handles" HDTV and SD format providing bright, vibrant pictures in both. This 42 inch Panasonic display is available in true HD resolution, but be ready for about another 2K in price. From my perspective it has one major flaw. This unit is a major RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) generator. It puts out a great deal of noice on the HF spectrum. If your a Ham (Amateur Radio Operator) and don't have control of when the display is on, like when another member of the family wants to watch TV while your on the air...pass on this unit. It just creates way to much HF RFI. Panasonic really dropped the ball in this area. If I had know of this problem before I purchased this display I would not have done so for that reason.
User Rating: 2/10
Its not true HDby - December 10, 2002
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Review: What in the heck are you guys at CNET telling people? This PANEL in not High definition! It's Enhanced definition. You tell the public its the best PLASMA TV reviewed to date. You gotta be kidding me. I don't doubt PANASONIC makes good product. BUT your telling people to go out and buy a BLACK AND WHITE TV--6 months before color come out. You guys kill me---How much did PAnasonic PAY YOU!
User Rating: 5/10
Wait for true HDTV capbility.by - December 10, 2002
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Review: These are great only if thin and trendy are your main concerns. If you've seen decent HDTV (1080i or even 720p), you won't be happy with 480p. Good for DVDs, though!
User Rating: 8/10
Great Product. Great Priceby - December 10, 2002
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Review: This plasma is very easy to use and the picture quality is superb. While the $3500 + price tag is heavy no matter who you are, it is a great price in relation to what you get from other manufacturers for the same money or more. I could not find a plasma with a better overall picture in this price range. I did plenty of research before this purchase and even when looking at higher priced NEC's and Sony's with higher resolution there was not much of a difference in the quality of the picture. I would recommend this product to anyone who is really concerned with picture quality and looking for a high quality plasma.
User Rating: 7/10
Best 42by - December 9, 2002
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Review: Like plange, I recently bought the TH-42PWD5UY version of this screen, and I second all his comments. I compared it to the Sampo screen at Costco, and the Gateway screen mentioned in the review. Solarization was very evident on those two screens (which could have been due to a lack of proper setup by the stores involved). I also looked at the Fujitsu, Sony and Samsung 42" models. Those screens, while better in solarization, lacked the strong contrast and black blacks of the Panasonic. One nit, however: details in dark scenes are sometimes lost, though this may be due to lack of proper setup on my part. If you are interested in a plasma screen today, this is a great choice.
User Rating: 8/10
Fantastic displayby - December 8, 2002
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Review: Just bought the commercial version (TH-42PWD5UY) and am pleased beyong already high expectations. Set-up is a breeze, but the all important factor is the picture quality. DVD is beautiful as expected, but even analog cable signal looks great. Still have found no reason to watch anything in 4:3 aspect as the "just" setting does a wonderful job of expanding the picture to fill the screen with minimal fringe distortion while preserving the bulk of the center of the picture. The unit does have a built in 2x8 watt, 6 ohm amplifier so adding a simple set of speakers for when you don't need the muscle of home theater sound was cheap and easy. The commercial version does not come with the desk top stand which costs approximately $200, and has a different warranty (1 yr, you ship), otherwise it is the same as the consumer version but is typically much cheaper in price. Paid $3650 delivered (Ourstore.com), plus $219 for stand, $70 for Canare component video cable, and $40 for basic speakers. After all the research and money I was afraid of buyer's remorse...fear was unfounded. This screen is amazing.
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The good: Very nice black-level performance for a plasma; 3:2 pull-down in the video processing; solid color decoder; 3.5 inches thick.
