Customer Reviews for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
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Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Model: TC-P42S2
SKU: 9761068
UPC: 885170003118
This 42" plasma HDTV features a 600Hz screen refresh rate for crystal-clear images and reduced blurring during fast-action scenes. The NEOPDP panel and AR filter deliver a cinema-like viewing experience.
Average Customer Rating:
4.6
out of 5
(127 Reviews) 127
Rating Snapshot 127 reviews
5 stars
92
4 stars
26
3 stars
1
2 stars
5
1 star
3
91% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
116 out of
127)
Customer Reviews for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Review 1 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Color, Inputs, Ease of use, lack of online features brings cost down if you already have a console (this is good)
What's not so great: May require some calibration if you don't like default settings, but frankly it's fine out of the box.
This TV really is something else.
I did research for months before finally settling on this. I was strongly considering the Panasonic G20 and G25 TV's, the 2010 steps up from the S2 series (which is a 2010 model as well, to be clear), but ultimately picked the S2, here's why:
First, only the G25 and S2 series have a 42" model (rumors of a 42" of the G20, but as of this review they were not available). Anything larger than 42" wouldn't fit properly in my space, so that knocked out the otherwise attractive G20 for me.
Let's talk about what features it doesn't have compared to the bigger brothers: First, it lacks the Panasonic 'Looks superb. The G25 series has the Panasonic "Infinite Black Panel" - the S2 does not, but I swear after watching the G25 in store and then watching a properly calibrated S2 at home, the average consumer cannot tell a difference. The blacks on this TV are very black, and merge well. The contrast ration on this is 2mil:1 vs the G25 5mil:1 if you want to know the numbers.
The other major features that this doesn't have over the G25 are the Viera Cast (youtube, netflix, twitter, etc) online features (there is no internet connection of any sort on the S2), and it also lacks the THX mode that the G20 and G25 have. Let me tell you why I'm not missing these, even as a filmmaker who might otherwise seriously consider the THX mode.
First, while the Viera Cast features sound nice and are convenient, they're essentially negating what my PlayStation 3 can already do in terms of online access. All I mean to say here is, if you're willing to use an external device (console, computer) to access these features a different way, then you can pay less and get this model. If you don't have a console or want the convenience of having these built in without another device, then set your gaze on the G25 (or a blu-ray player with the same features that the TV's have). Also, the THX mode does sound nice, but if properly calibrated, this TV looks masterful on it's own and is a true bargain for the price.
In the three days I've had it, I've tried PS3 games, Blu-Ray movies, Standard DVD movies, and streamed Netflix (one of the films they stream in HD, and let me tell you, it looked like Blu-Ray) and all three have looked truly superb. No shuttered motion (thanks to the 600Hz), great color reproduction and, folks, the brightness is fine. It really is. While this TV ***WILL*** have some glare if you have it in a room with TV's in the background, when the TV is on, any minor glare/reflection from lamps (etc) in the room will immediately be overcome by the image.
The sound is not masterful, but in no way is it bad. It's on the high end of "normal" from a TV, if you will. Absolutely worth listening to until you can get a sound system later, if you need or want to wait. I "want" a sound system, but it's not a priority, for what it's worth.
This TV does NOT have USB ports, but again, if you have a console you shouldn't miss it. A PS3 or XBox will substitute almost any need for a USB port. The Wii looks/works fine (I have one) but overall extended use should come from one of the HD systems if you have this TV (purely because the Wii lacks HD output, is all. Not knocking it!).
Some of the Picture modes are a little weak ("standard," for example), but with some adjustments or a true calibration you'll be fine. Nothing to shy away from at all.
Finally, ***BURN IN WORRIERS NEED NOT WORRY***. All the 2010 Panasonic plasmas have a pixel shifting technology that helps reduce burn in. They also have a "white wash" feature that erases burn in, and although I have yet to have need for it (burn in is worse typically in the first 100 hours of a plasma) - some other reviews I've read seem to think this feature will operate well as intended, IF you even need it.
My last thought is this: If you don't want to pay more for features you already have via another device, this TV is your best bet for 2010 model plasmas. For the cost of the 42" G25, I bought this TV, a Logitech Harmony One remote, an HDMI cable, a 4 year protection plan on the TV, and the Logitech device that makes the PS3 work with the Harmony One remote. All for under $1,200. That's outstanding, in my opinion.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+490points
553out of 616found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Great TV, Great Picture, Great Price!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: acebbelt1
from Bensalem, PA
on 05/17/2011
What's great about it: everything
What's not so great: nothing
I received this tv as a Christmas gift last year and the picture is as incredible now as it was when I got it. I have my cable box hooked up to component 1 and my PS3 hooked up through HDMI. I'm not sure if 600Hz is necessary but whether I'm watching sports, tv, or playing video games the picture is beautiful. Lastly, this tv being under $700 with a warranty and everything else is a STEAL! If you buy this TV I hope you have as great an experience with it as I have had.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Nice Tv with a Nice price.
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Philldude
from MS
on 03/25/2011
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: picture and ease of use
What's not so great: I should have bought it sooner
I was reluctant to purchase this tv when I first seen it. I didn't know much about Panasonic, but a sales person had told me that they are top of the line for plasma. After a little more research I went through with the purchase and I am really glad I did. I spent nearly half of what the new LED LCDs cost and yet I have a equivalent if not superior pitcher. The colors are simply put, amazing. Ofcourse being plasma there is no blurr during fast motion scenes. This set is very easy to set up, everything is strait forward. The tv aslo has some kinda technology built in (viera) that is able to control attached components. At first I thought it was only other panasonic products, but the first time I hooked up the PS3 I was excited to see that the tv will control most of the basic functions with the remote. This is really convienient with movies or netflix. SD movies or Netflix look very nice on this set too. Oh, last but not least, the sound is very exceptable. I believe the reason for this is because I initially had very low expectations for the tiny speakers on a flat panal, but they surprised me.
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Great TV for its cost
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: great value
Great TV for the price. We are using it for an XBOX360, HDTV and movies. It is excellent for all applications. I have friends that have a LED/LCD Sony Bravia and a LED/LCD Samsung. Their picture quality is slightly better, but they paid almost 3 times more for the same size TV. I say slightly better, but I am very picky with these things and to a normal person, they may look the same. We have the same Panasonic Plasma 1080 TV in a 50 inch, but it is 3 years older. It has worked fine, without any issues. This newer model TV has a glare filter and our older one does not. The glare filter does make a huge difference in the reflection of windows and lights in the room. Great improvement. The TV was simple to set-up, we were using it in less than 15 minutes. I have recommended this TV to friends and would buy another if it was needed.
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Excellent TV!, Especially for Sports and Gaming!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: demonblade
from Middleville, mi
on 03/03/2011
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Looks amazing, does everything I use it for!
What's not so great: Sucks down electricity. Could use another HDMI port, and a VGA input(PC input)
Plasma TV's are the end all best TV's for Gaming and Sports, and also looks amazing in Blu rays, etc! I have this TV in a smaller basement room and the sound fills the room great, and I was concerned it wouldn't. Though sometimes I do have to have the TV at about 60%, which seems a bit high. I perched this TV on the Init WGM201 and It looks amazing!
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies, sportscenter, any game!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Init™ TV Stand for Most Flat-Panel TVs Up to 46"
(45)
Sharp AQUOS Internet Connectable Blu-ray Disc Player
(39)
Internet Connectable?No
0points
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Review 6 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Great Deal
Customer Rating
4.0
Picture Quality
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Cost and quality!
I've never even considered a plasma TV. But the sales associate game me a very detailed explanation of plasma, LED and LCD. We spent well over an hour at the store and when we left with this TV, I knew I had made the right choice. The bigest reason we went with the plasma is that we are huge football fans and plasma is the way to go!
We also had intended to purchase a 32" TV due to the size of the room. The associate recommended the 42" because it seems that TV's get smaller when you put them in your house. Again, he was right. It is the perfect size, not a bit too big!! and love that it connects to the internet!
The cost was the final selling point!
We also had intended to purchase a 32" TV due to the size of the room. The associate recommended the 42" because it seems that TV's get smaller when you put them in your house. Again, he was right. It is the perfect size, not a bit too big!! and love that it connects to the internet!
The cost was the final selling point!
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?Yes
Connected to the Internet:Yes
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Excellent TV for everyday user
Customer Rating
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Features
4.0
This TV holds its own when it comes to movies, gaming, and general TV viewing. For movie watching this TV offers deep black levels for a richer viewing experience.
Note to gamers: I have this TV hooked up to my XBox 360 and the picture quality is excellent. I have noticed no burn-in at all.
Overall impression: This TV is a great buy for the money. Would recommend.
The only negative is that to get the best sound your really should have it hooked up to an external sound system.
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
The volume is really low.
Customer Rating
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
2.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Clarity, Color, Brightness.
What's not so great: Low Volume/Speakers
We have to turn it up to 25 or so to really hear the words clearly. That aspect is disappointing else the set is fantastic.
Best Uses: Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
was a nice TV
Customer Rating
2.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: picture
What's not so great: short life span
This is a really nice TV, good picture, ok sound. I did not even own it a month and it went blank on me, just a black screen. Good thing it was within the 30 days I bought it as I could return it for a different one. Too bad they discontinued this model and was not able to get another one back!! Guess they don't build them like they use to!
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Internet Connectable?No
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Great TV for bedroom
Customer Rating
5.0
The TV was the right size for our bedroom (both from a cost and size perspective). The picture quality for a 720p TV is excellent.
Best Uses: Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?Yes
Connected to the Internet:Yes
-3points
0out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Very Good TV
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, HDMI Ports, Sound
What's not so great: No internet connectivity for services such as NetFlix.
I have a 55" version for the family room. This 42" version was purchased for my computer/gaming/hobby room. It sits on a shelf in a space between two closets and is the perfect size for that alcove. I personally prefer plasma over even Led/LCD TV's so I am very happy with this one.
Best Uses: Sports, Gaming
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
WOW!!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
PROS:
Absolutely stunning picture
Cinema mode
Color representation
No ghosting
Menu layout
Price point
Absolutely stunning picture
Cinema mode
Color representation
No ghosting
Menu layout
Price point
CONS:
Minimal glare (that is a given with plasmas)
Minimal glare (that is a given with plasmas)
Highly recommend this model if you are in the market for a 42" tv, you wont find a better picture for the money...period!
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
4th TV purchase in 10 years. hands down the best!
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
everything the salesman promised and more. great picture, great sound (i wear hearing aids) and easy to learn programming tools. the geek squad handled EVERYTHING, made suggestions, patiently answered all questions and concerns, allowed us time to write down each direction and practice it ourselves. purchase, delivery and set-up were completely anxiety and hassle-free. no hidden charges or surprises. we're still pleasantly amazed.
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?Don't Know
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Smallest Plasma not for gamers
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture and collor contrast
What's not so great: sound
Great picture and purfect when partnered with surround sound
Best Uses: Sports, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Best tv for the $
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: price
What's not so great: uh, dunno
I reviewed many tvs for months and Panasonic Vieras were always in the mix. Tv has all the features I was looking for, Turning on for the first time was a great experience. The set-up ran right away and within 5 minutes, we were watching tv.
Best Uses: Sports, Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
REAL picture quality
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: picture quality
What's not so great: sound is just ok
I was in the market for a 42'' HDTV and I was thinking about an LED and then I realized that true HD that does not 'improve' regular images was what I wanted. I decided on this Panasonic and I couldn't be happier. Going from a Philipps to this is an amazing improvement. The picture is also very crisp and warm when viewing blu-ray discs- wow!
The sound is not that great- it's not terrible- but I have surround sound anyway, so it doesn't make any difference to me.
Best Uses: Sports, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Very nice plasma 42"
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Zoltar733
from Denver
on 02/01/2011
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, easy to use.
Took me a week to research and find this tv (tc-p42s2). Out of the box, plugged in the power cord, attached an antenna, and presto, was all set up. Very easy to do. I also bought a playstation 3 for my blu-ray player and this tv works great with it. Quality is awesome and the tv has multiple viewing modes like GAME, DVD, TV that are easy to switch to. Manual says the tv will automaticly sense and set the right mode but haven't tried that yet.
The cons to this is that the sound output connection is digital only. I wanted to plug my older speakers in but couldn't. And all the other reviews about the sound quality from the tv's speakers are true. But then, buying a tv like this, you really need a proper sound system to enjoy it. I've never found a tv that has perfect speakers built in anyways. But still, the sound is fine.
This was the smallest plasma tv I could find as LCD and LED wern't what i was looking for. I wanted a tv for movies and games. 1080p and 600Hz is really the only way to go for HD movies. There's 7 IN connections for whatever else you want to connect to this tv. I do wish it came on a stand that turns but the stand it comes with is very solid.
I'm very happy with this tv.
Best Uses: Sports, Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
This is the 2nd Plasma TV I own and both are GREAT
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Easy to setup, great picture quality and sound for the area
What's not so great: I have not found anything yet.
This TV was purchased for our exercise area of the house and it was an excellant choice. Easy to setup both with a cable box and without. I would recommend it for anyone.
Best Uses: Casual User (mostly watch TV shows)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?Don't Know
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Excellent Plasma TV
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture, Colors, Value
What's not so great: No Composite (analog) audio output
I know all the talk these days is about LCD and LED LCD, but for my money plasma is the way to go. No replacing bulbs, and these things are built to last, not to mention the kinks have been worked out since they have been out 10+ years now. Not sure the same can be said for LED LCD's just yet. 600 Hz refresh rate, 1080P resolution, multiple HDMI inputs...can't go wrong. My only complaint is the lack of composite audio outputs. Minor drawback, overall this TV is an easy 9.5/10
Best Uses: Sports, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Panasonic VIERA 42" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / HDTV
Overall Amazing TV
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: RisenAssassin
from Oshkosh
on 01/28/2011
Picture Quality
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Features
4.0
What's great about it: Picture, reliability, features, design
What's not so great: Speakers could be a little louder
I typically hate long reviews so i will keep mine short for those looking for quick answers for buying a plasma tv
Pro's
-brilliant image (way better than any lcd available. tough match for LED)
-no break in period (panasonic customer service verified)
-very low risk of image retention
-easy setup
-nice features
-brilliant image (way better than any lcd available. tough match for LED)
-no break in period (panasonic customer service verified)
-very low risk of image retention
-easy setup
-nice features
Con's
-speakers not very loud
-speakers not very loud
Best Uses: Casual User (mostly watch TV shows), Gaming, Movies
I would recommend this to a friend!
Internet Connectable?No
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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