Sony FWD-42PV1/B 42" Plasma TV (16:9, 852x480, 10,000:1, EDTV)

We haven't had our hands on this product, but we know which features matter. Here's how the measures up:

• Reviewed by:

  Strengths: color depth and definition exceptional for edtv ghosting is minimal at 7ft plus Sony quality is a notch above for the price plasma "picture frame " appearance

  Weaknesses: ed gives less definition up close (under 7 feet )

  Overall: limited options on connectablity like hdmi but produces a reasonably good hd reproduction also remember this unit lacks a tuner or ampifier you also may want set professionally mounted if you want to mount it on a wall

• Reviewed by: hsutaria

  Strengths: It's a great and look like picture frame. It has HDMI,DVI,Component connections.16:9 aspect and great look.

  Weaknesses: no stand,speaker and RF cable connection.

  Overall: It's great looking piece. with all options of morden connections,only thing is original speaker and stand are expensive,but I'm using for home theater system only so works good for me. It has a great picture quality, sharpness and it's EDTV,but result like HDTV. It short I'm satiafied with this great piece.

• Reviewed by: studtrooper

  Strengths: Very nice looking. DVI, VGA, Component (through VGA adapter) inputs. Built in amplifier. All my games look great. Strech option (4:3 images streched to 16:9 size) looks very nice.

  Weaknesses: Hard to tweak/calibrate. Some textures look slightly low-rez when looked upon up close. Lack of multiple inputs (will definately give non-techies a huge headache). No speakers OR stand!

  Overall: Very nice EDTV Plasma. I personally got this TV for free, but if I were in the market again I probably wouldn't pay more than $1,500 for it. While it looks VERY HD-like about 7-9 feet away, I tend to see some ghosting of letters, fuzziness, and some odd low-rez texturing that I definately do not notice on my 27'' Sanyo SDTV. If you want a cheap ED Plasma because you can't aford a HD one, this is definately a good choice (Its fooled countless friends of mine). Not to mention that no speakers OR stand are included (even though most pictures show them included). An extra $450 will get you those bad boys... LAME! If you are a stickler for detail, you might want to either pony up for a higher resolution Plasma or get a DLP.As for inputs, you don't really have any good choices for modern video equipment. S-Video, BNC, VGA, DVI (great for PC movie watching use [definately not a monitor replacement though, text is very hard to read] use... with the exception of around 5% overscan), and component THROUGH VGA. That's right, you need a VGA to component adapter to hook up your consoles and DVD player. Plus, that's only one set of hookups, so you'll likely need a component switcher (around $90 right there). HD modes (480p, 720p, and 1080i) all work excellent through component and DVI and I really can tell the difference... even though this is a EDTV (especially with xbox games like MLB 2005).Think about this purchase wisely, it really is a nice set but I would highly suggest finding a set to look at before dropping the hammer on this baby...