Panasonic TH-42PX80 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Barely escaping a lower grade, this plasma combines a number of noticeable defects; definition is a bit limited, there is no HD digital tuner, and the panel isn't dark enough in well lit rooms. Either way, it's still a good TV.

Review summary: The Viera TH-42PX80 is one of Panasonic's new range of entry-level plasma TVs. But the term entry-level is slightly misleading, because this TV has everything you could ever want, especially when it comes to picture quality and ease of use.

Pros: Picture quality; sound quality; menus; setup; price; black levels

Cons: It's a little chunky to look at

Verdict: This isn't the most stylish TV and it isn't crammed with state-of-the-art features, but it is a solid, high-quality plasma TV that we wouldn't hesitate to spend our own money on

Review summary: A new year, a new spring. Primroses are spotted; bumblebees and butterflies start flapping their wings; and it's nearly time to get the lawnmower out. And Panasonic - unfailingly - launches their new line of Viera plasma and LCD televisions.

Pros: Excellent black level and shadow detail, Fluid motion handling with minimal blurring, Displays 1080p/24 video signal without telecine judder

Cons: Native resolution only 1024 x 768 (i.e. not true HD), Does not deinterlace film-based material properly, Exhibits posterisation particularly with poor source

Verdict: Armed with native 24fps playback and marginally better blacks, the Panasonic TH42PX80 represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary improvement over its predecessor the PX70 series.

Review summary: A big-screen plasma with big-name cachet, which performs superbly, for well under a grand. What else do you want?