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Panasonic TH-42PZ700U

73

Good
  • Pros
  • Terrific picture
  • First 1080p 42-inch plasma TV
  • Cons
  • Confusing onscreen controls
  • Light on extra features

User Reviews for Panasonic TH-42PZ700U

  • Reviewed by: PJSKAL

    Duration of ownership: 2 Months

    Strengths: GREAT PICTURE

    Weaknesses: CABINET VIRBRATION. THE BACK IS METAL AND EVEN WITH THE BASE TURNED DOWN IT SOUNDS TERRIBLE.

    Overall Evaluation: GREAT PICTURE, SOUND HAS CAPABILITIES BUT LACKING CONTROLS. VERY POOR ENGINEERING.

  • Reviewed by: jandrekov

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Excellent quality picture, sharp, clear color contrast. Good speaker sound. Easy setup and program.

    Weaknesses: Slow turning on and changing channels. There seems to be a problem with the green tint which seemed to resolve itself on the third day.

    Overall Evaluation: We started looking for a plasma and/or LCD TV 6 months ago. Based on reviews from audio/video magazines and visiting several stores, this plasma TV was the best based on reviews, picture quality and price. Anti-reflection is good but there is room for improvement. We are extremely pleased with this TV.

  • Reviewed by: Rainking430

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Currently the only 1080p plasma on the market at this size, deeper blacks and richer color than LCDs (and cheaper!), Panasonic's Plasma Concierge Service

    Weaknesses: No anti-burn-in features

    Overall Evaluation: I did my research before settling for a plasma. I knew I wanted a 42", but also 1080p. This set fit the bill, perfectly. Don't believe what you hear the "experts" say about it being mathematically impossible to tell the difference at this size between 720p and 1080p, when viewing from a comfortable distance. I can tell you, this TV proves that math doesn't tell the whole story. You will see the difference. I do, and I am very happy! The price, the deep blacks, and the rich color put it heads and shoulders above any LCD. And Panasonic's customer service is second to none.

  • Reviewed by: webbedhand1

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Excellent picture quality, sharp looking, good audio, functional remote

    Weaknesses: input functions could be better designed

    Overall Evaluation: Did a lot of research before buying this one. This is rated #2 next to #1 Pioneer, I have to agree since the picture is superb. There's really not much to complain about the 700U series except that when trying to go to different inputs, you have to scroll down a list. Panasonic should have a quick recall or switch/last button on the remote to go between components.Great TV with great picture quality.

  • Reviewed by: RealDeal248

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Great Picture Color and Clarity. Great 1080p picture. Blacks are the best I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'ve seen outside of the Pioneer line. Great sound

    Weaknesses: A little bit heavy for the size makes it a kind of difficult to mount.

    Overall Evaluation: Overall this is one of the best plasmas I could find. With the 200 installation rebate this was really a steal since I got it about 1000 dollars cheaper then best buy had it.

  • Reviewed by: ruzzzell

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Excellent picture and sound, DVI input

    Weaknesses: Can't do 1080p over component

    Overall Evaluation: At first I was disappointed because this TV wouldn't display 1080p with my Xbox 360 over component. I was able to exchange my Xbox 360 for an elite with hdmi. All is good now and the picture is amazing. The thing that shocked me the most is that this TV has some serious speakers. Bluray movies look amazing. I also have enjoyed using this TV as HTPC, the DVI input is great if you plan to the TV as HTPC.

What You Should Know about the TH-42PZ700U

Good Fit For a Midsize Living Room

HDTVs with a diagonal screen size between 42 and 45 inches are LCDs or plasmas, usually with a resolution of either 1366 by 768 or 1920 by 1080 (1080p). The optimum viewing distance for an HDTV screen like this one is generally considered to be about 6.5 to 7.5 feet. That makes a television of this size appropriate for a range of living areas, such as a den, a large bedroom, a midsize living room, or a game room.

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