Panasonic TC-L42E50

Pros: Picture quality is excellent,
Set up was easy,
Build quality is solid.

Cons: Image will blur when the movement is super fast.

Summary: Finally decided to upgrade from a bulky and heavy 27" Panasonic CRT TV in my smallish den (11x13x8); I spent three days researching and comparing models, rejecting 3D outright (can't stand it). Since the light in that room can go from rather bright to almost dark, I opted for an LCD with LED backlighting over Plasma (which is what I would have chosen if I had a need for a larger monitor and a "home theatre" type of room to put it in).

I computed the requisite distance I would need for the room to be optimum at 39"s. One poster in my travels indicated that you should ideally go slightly larger: get the TV home, and wait a week and then see if you think his advice good. I remembered that advice and when I got this 42" home it at first seemed a tad large. A few days later and voila - perfect for viewing 11-12' away. YMMV.

I selected this Panny over costlier models from Samsung and LG after comparing the features. I had read that Panny is the way to go "if you really want accurate flesh tones." The most recent advice from the experts (C-NET for ex.) is get 4 HDMI inputs (check); 4 or more adjustable "settings" for the picture including an automatic (but defeatable) adjustment for changes in the ambinet lighting (check!); 1080p resolution (check); a 120 Hz Refresh Rate (check + an enhancement as well); USB and Component (check); "Smart" feature for internet via ethernet or wireless (check: Viera Smart and Wireless READY).

I used the Disney WoW Calibration (Blu Ray) DVD and found that the ideal for late night viewing (i.e., completely controlled ambient lighting) was very close to the calibrations I had made without the DVD. Still, do get this calibration disk, it's worth every penny, and is very easy to understand and use - every action is explained to you prior to the instructions on how to accomplish each setting.

I have been using this TV for over a month now and I simply love it. Do get to know how to operate all of the Menu Settings for the picture, but I like to turn off all the enhancements, set it to "Normal" (not "Warm" or "Cool") and focus on the big 5:

1. Black Level, found on the Brightness control
2. White Level, called Contrast
3. Sharpness
4. Color Saturation labeled Color
5. Color Tint

THEN, I try the enhancements and decide from there. ALL of the settings can be altered and memorized or easily re-set to the default (they are: Standard, Cinema, Vivid, Game and Custom).

There are a number of apps (and an internet button on the remote to take you there), including NetFlix, YouTube, and Skype. (DNLA is also available on this TV, but I have not looked into that; there is also USB and a SmartCard for displaying photos).

The only complaint I have is that on occassion the image will blur when the movement is super fast, for example a woman's hair in an animated film. I have gotten used to seeing this, but it is still distracting at times. I'm told it will happen on occassion with most if not all LCD/LED's. Rare, sure, but worth a mention.

To complement this choice I picked-up the latest Panasonic Blu Ray Player which also has ethernet into my wireles router, and of course HDMI straight into the TV. It's the xxx320, with the keyless remote some hate (I love it, you just have to spend some time learning how to use it). You may want to look into that as it is a VieraSmart product.

Note: I suggest check for best deal before you buy this TV at -> Ledlcdtvdeals.wordpress.com/panasonic-tc-l42e50/

Good Luck Every Body!