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Best flat panel tv reviews and ratings for lcd and plasma tvs - heres Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV (Review). On a daily basis we track flat panel tvs discounts, coupons and sales for you. Use these discounts together with our tv reviews buying guides and the user ratings section. Its never been easier to get yourself the tv for your needs.






Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV (Review)


Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 42" 1080p Plasma HDTV

Average Customer Rating: 4.5

The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV sports a 42-inch plasma screen with 1080p resolution for a crystal clear viewing experience. It will feel right at home as the centerpiece of a home theater setup.

An Understated Beauty
The TH-42PZ700U does not look like it's trying too hard. Instead, it lets the big screen speak for itself. The glass is surrounded by a thick glossy black bezel on all sides, with a door on the bottom to keep controls out of sight. Another hatch hides a slot for SD memory cards. Speakers--matching in color and barely noticeable--are set on both sides of the display. The understated look would be an elegant addition to any decor.



The understated elegant looks of this Panasonic HDTV will fit in with any decor. View larger.


The TH-42PZ700U has connections for all your home theater components. View larger.
Outstanding Performance
The TH-42PZ700U is 1080p, meaning it has a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest HD resolution available for the clearest and sharpest picture. Because of its plasma display, the black levels are deep and the uniformity of brightness is superb. The unit has 4096 shades of gradation and has up to a 5000:1 contrast ratio. Video noise reduction circuitry and a digital comb filter make sure the picture on screen is always optimal. The TH-42PZ700U will upconvert any signal you feed it and display it at 1080p.

Connections
On the back, the TH-42PZ700U features two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two composite inputs, and two S-Video inputs. Hidden beneath panels in front is another composite and S-Video input, a component video input, and a slot for SD cards. Insert an SD card filled with photos and you can watch a slide show with the built-in Photo Viewer software.

TV as an Art Gallery
The TH-42PZ700U includes GalleryPlayer software you can use to display high-definition art and photography on your TV. A free collection of images is included so your television can display art even when it's not on.

One-Touch Convenience
When you use the Panasonic EZ-Sync technology to connect to other compatible EZ-Sync devices via the HDMI connector, you get one-touch control over all your home theater components. For example, with one touch of a button, you can turn on the DVD player, turn on the receiver, and set the DVD player as the source while also adjusting the sound level, turn on the TV--which will accept the input signal--and play the DVD. Instead of fumbling to find all the right buttons, you can watch your movies without wondering how to set everything up.

The TH-42PZ700U is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

What's in the Box
TH-42PZ700U plasma HDTV, remote control (with batteries), AC cord, pedestal, two cable clamper, and antenna adapter.

My Panasonic TH-42PZ700U plasma TV was great for two months. The image quality, styling, user interface and features were all excellent. After that, pushing the power on button would result only in the on indicator flashing 10 times with a black screen and no sound. A quick internet search turned up many others with similar problems. It seems the number of flashes is a service code, probably indicating a power supply problem. I hope the in home service promised in the warranty will provide a quick repair. My advice is to buy another model.

After a disappointing experience with an LCD TV, I spent a day researching sets and learning a bit about HD. A salesman at one of the big-box stores told me that plasma was 'old-technology' and should be avoided. Listening to that turkey was my first mistake.

After reading lots of set reviews and educating myself about the merits and short comings of plasma and LCD sets, I decided plasma was the way to go for me.

I ordered this set from Amazon for almost $700 less than the local big-box guys wanted for it and got free delivery too.

Am I pleased? I'm totally blown away how good this set looks! On standard cable channels regular TV looks phenomenal. And on the few HD channels I get, the picture is flawless. Almost like looking through a window.

Another surprise was the sound. I was planning on buying a small surround sound system, but after hearing how great this set sounds, I decided I was more than happy with the sound as it was. (my LCD set sounded horrible)

I paired the set with an Oppo DV-981HD up-converting DVD player (another item I'm very happy with) connected through the HDMI port and my DVD collection never looked so good.

With the money I saved by not having to buy a sound system, I got a PS3 for Blu-Ray disks. Again, wow!

Overall, this set exceeded my expectations in all ways.



I researched considerably before deciding to purchase this model. My previous model was a good Samsung CRT (27inch, HD capable). This TV exceeds my expectations. I am enjoying it so much. I am currently viewing HDTV per antenna (Syracuse NY), with a simple amplified home antenna, and am getting wonderful reception of digital channels. I am also watching SD DVDs per component cable feeds from a simple SONY DVD player. I am so amazed at the quality of picture. Highly recommended.

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Posted on March 7, 2008