| Panasonic TX-P42S20B 42-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p 600Hz Plasma TV with Freeview HD | 
| Brand: Panasonic
Buy New: £549.99
as of 6/9/2010 21:08 BST details
New (12) from £549.99
Rating:  reviews
Media: Electronics
Display Size: 42
Shipping Weight (lbs): 54
Dimensions (in): 45.3 x 30.3 x 11
MPN: TX-P42S20BA
Model: TX-P42S20BA
EAN: 5025232587674
Release Date: March 22, 2010
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
- 42-inch Wi-Fi Ready Plasma TV with Freeview HD & Freesat HD Built-in
- VIERA NeoPDP Full HD Plasma for ultra fast, bright, dynamic image
- VIERA CAST for Panasonic link-up, VIERA Image Viewer (Photo and Video)
- 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro
- Infinite Black dynamic colour contrast, THX® Certified Display
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| Customer Reviews:
 The saga so far... May 27, 2010
Will (UK)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful
I first delved into the flat panel high definition TV market in Jan of this year, my choice at the time was a Toshiba REGZA 42 inch LCD. This choice was based purely on cost/reviews. Very shortly I realised that I'd made a bit of a blunder, not that it was bad, but I'm a bit picky and I found the 'smearing' I experienced when the camera panned across single coloured backgrounds (eg football pitches, snow-scapes) annoying. The other major problem was the lack of contrast, blacks are greys and no more than that. I use the blu-ray of 'Planet Earth' as a benchmark, and in the scene of the emperor penguins huddled together in the antarctic winter looked like a group of grey things on a slightly ligter grey background.
A replacement was acquired, namely the Panasonic TX-P42S10B (400hz plasma), what an improvement! If I'd done my research with my own eyes, rather than on-line reviews then I'd have gone for the viera plasma in the first place. Much greater contrast, far smoother movement, better colours, 'Planet Earth' was an entirely different experience. Then after 2 months disaster, I got the 'red flashing light of death', mine indicating a blown display.
To cut a long story short I got a credit, and paid the difference to upgrade to the TX-P42S20B, as the 10 was no longer available. This TV is another order of magnitude better than the 10,. The blacks are incredible, they are as black as the screen is when the set's turned off, and that's about as black as one can get. Can I spot the difference between 400hz and 600hz? We'll yes I can, the motion is better, as to whether that is purely down to the frequency I don't know, but it's excellent. Another big plus is the 24p processing (the 10 only accepted it but didn't use it), link it up to a decent blu-ray player (I'm using a panasonic 45) with 24p output and the whole experience is superb. Watching the airial pans on 'Planet Earth' is staggeringly smooth (try the wolf and caribou chase sequence from the HD helicopter camera), the colours and contrast are superb, and the motion and detail are second to none I have seen, even the most expensive back lit LEDs. Add to this the improved efficiency of the panel over its predecessor, and you have a superb TV.
One proviso, I am only using this, and reviewing this as a monitor, I don't use the sound (it's connected to a big fat 5.1 system), and will only be connecting it to the net via a computer, so this review does not take those features into account.
Just don't start flashing that red light please!!!!!!!
Awesome! WOW what a picture June 2, 2010
J. S. Williams
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It's simple, GET ONE!!! I bought this and run it on a decent HDMI lead with a sky + HD box and the picture is just stunning. I considered both LCD and Plasma but opted for Plasma and love it.. I was really concerned about audio quality as these TV's are so thin compared to older CRT units and my ousted JVC 32" was fantastic sound (but weighed 75kg and was a pig to move :-(... This Panasonic sounds fine and whilst i know a decent surround sound system would complete the whole cinema experience, I just dont need it as the sound is ample for my needs.
I read many reviews and CNET commented on how well this TV performs with a standard broadcast and I must agree. I ran the set for about 4 days using SKY + (normal one) with a scart lead and the picture was great. There is a definate difference when you get into full HD (although my wife can't tell the difference! doh...) and the picture is just stunning. I am glad I paid a bit extra for the 600hz model and I give this unit 10 out of 10.
I dont think you can go wrong with Panasonic as a brand and I think it's a bit unfair of the other reviewer to give it less than top marks just because they didn't check the specs before buying! RTFM!!!
Beauty for your buck August 17, 2010
Matthew Gracie (Bristol, England)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
At time of writing, this model is being sold at two hundred quid less than the G20 model. Whilst both models are NEO PDP, this model (S20) uses 2009 NEO PDP technology whilst the G20 has the brand new stuff.
The S20 doesn't have the internet features the G20 does or DNLA, so if this is what you're after, then give this television a miss.
In reviews, it is said that you can notice the superior picture of the G20 over the S20. That said, the picture on this television is fantastic. I was persuaded to go down the route of plasma and I'm very glad I did. Picture quality for the price is outstanding. The colours are amazing and the clarity even in SD looks great. When you combine this with what Plasmas are always good at: movement, and with this model you get the equivilent of 600hz (it's a maths cheat I think, but the picture moves as if this were true) sports and video games have found their spiritual six-hundred quid home.
The Freeview HD (no Freesat HD [this is available on G20] ) means those not wishing to pay Sky or Virgin subscriptions can still watch BBC HD channel, ITV HD and Channel 4HD (with more to come hopefully?) in HD.
The HD picture from the internal Freeview tuner or in my case a Virgin HD+ box, is stunning. Of course Standard Definition is not as good, but the TV does a good job of getting the best out of what is provided. It upscales well, but subtly.
The sound is fine for normal every day use, but it's not the best you'll get. The menu system is perfectly usable, but is not particually well thoguht out. Some settings that you might want to reguarly change do not have shortcut buttons.
Overall, I think the picture you get for the price wins this television 5 stars from me.
No complaints at this price, a no-BS TV September 1, 2010
D. Mackenzie
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Hi, my name is David Mackenzie and I review HDTVs professionally for some web sites that you may have read. I use a projector for watching films, but needed a well-performing budget TV to play video games and watch TV (funnily enough) on. This was my choice.
Short version: it costs £550 but has no major issues, which is great. The black level is excellent, the "True Cinema" mode is accurate and high quality, and for video gaming, there is basically no video processing lag (I measured it as having only 16ms, whereas comparable LCDs, including LED LCDs, often have 40-100ms which ruins the enjoyment of fast-paced games). Since it's based on Plasma technology, there is no screen unevenness, viewing angle fall-off (the picture looks as rich as it does from the sides as it does face-on), and moving objects look sharp instead of being blurred.
You may have heard/read statements in the press or in stores with un-knowledgeable staff (which tend to have space-age sounding names, or ones which resemble Indian food) that "Plasma TVs are not as sharp as LCDs or LED LCDs". This is total nonsense and anyone who wants to can source test patterns to see for themselves (or take my word on it). I've fed my new TX-P42S20 test charts and it shows every drop of detail from a 1080p HD signal, which just about any 1080p TV does these days. And just in case you've heard scare-stories from the aforementioned retail sources : you do NOT have to "re-gas" a Plasma TV; any modern TV, be it LCD, LED LCD, or Plasma, will last for longer than you will want to watch it (20-30 years or more).
The bad points: being a cheaper model it doesn't have a very effective screen filter. So, if you use it in a sunny room, the blacks will look grey during the day. This also means that this TV will probably look bad if you see it in a brightly lit store. In most homes, this will not be a problem, but don't buy one of these to put in a conservatory, for example.
Tips for new owners: enter the picture menu and set the viewing mode to "True Cinema". This matches the colours very closely with the studio monitors used in television and Hollywood colour grading facilities, meaning that you see lifelike, rich flesh tones and images which are the way the programme/filmmakers intended, without abstraction. Also, turn the Sharpness down to avoid the picture looking 'edgy'. Finally, enter the Setup Menu, choose Other Settings, and make sure both Intelligent Frame Creation (or "24p Playback Plus" if you're watching Blu-ray) and 16:9 Overscan are both shut off. This will give you an unadulterated picture.
It's not a 5-star performer (although it's very close), but it's a bargain at this price.
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CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON EU S.à.r.l. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. | Testimonials | The delivery was fast. I ordered it at 1 50 afternoon and the TV arrived in the early morning next day.
All in all, for this price Sony 26V4000 is a wonderful purchase.
L Bird
Bought this set on Tuesday, delivered Friday. Absolutely brilliant! Mr Parkin York
The best bargain I have purchased. This TV (Hannspree) looks and sounds better then the well known brands, but at half the price £299. Thanks!
A H London |
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