| Don't Know Which HDTV To Buy? Try Our HDTV Selector Tool |
Panasonic TH42PH9 Review
- Introduction to Panasonic TH42PH9 Plasma TV (current page)
- Panasonic TH42PH9 Technical Specification
- Setting Up Panasonic TH42PH9 & Design Inspection
- Panasonic TH42PH9 Operation & Control
- Picture Quality On Panasonic TH42PH9 Plasma
- Panasonic TH42PH9 Audio Considerations
- Conclusion Of Panasonic TH42PH9 Review
Panasonic and Pioneer are the current leaders when it comes to plasma HDTV panels both in technological advancement and sales volume. The rivalry between these two AV giants mirrors that of Intel and AMD: one may pip the other with a new release in the short term, but the one who's trailing will remain in touching distance, safe in the knowledge that their own next update will give them the lead again.
TH42PH9 is the most affordable 9th generation high-definition commercial plasma display screen from Panasonic. Originally intended for commercial and industrial use (e.g. airports, shopping malls), these units have curiously found their way into home theatre settings because of their superior video processing, minimalist design and "tweakability".
However, there are significant trade-offs. Compared to the consumer versions sold on the high street, these commercial panels do not come with internal TV tuner, speaker or stand. Connectivity is also limited, as you need to purchase and install the input boards separately (akin to a PC) before you can link up your source to the plasma, ultimately adding to the cost of a functional unit.
It's worth noting that the Panasonic TH42PH9 – with a native resolution of 1024x768 – barely passes the minimum specification required for a HD-ready display as outlined by EICTA (see "Why We Love 1080p"). During the course of this review, we will stack the TH42PH9 up against full-HD-capable (1920x1080) LCD TVs which admittedly look more appealing at this sub-£1200 price point.
TH-50PF9EK
http://www.utram.com/~tests/medias/Ecrans_Plats/PANASONIC_TH-50PF9EK%20FHD.pdf
I haven't seen any posterisation on the TH42PH9BK that could not be attributable to the source.
First of all I would like to commend you for this website.
After months of looking at various websites and forums, it's a great pleasure to finally find a useful, simple - no frills reviewing website for hd television.
I find your methodolgy to be very comprehensive and detailed. (though i would happily look at pictures whe it comes to comparing image quality)
I recently read your review of the Panasonic 42PH9 and was quite impressed with what you had to say about it.
I have been looking for a flat screen TV for a while now but had been delaying due to the purchase of an appartment.
Now that the appartment has been purchased and i know the viewing distance will be approximately 3.5-4 meters, I'm focusing on 40-42 inch tv's.
About a year ago, an enthusiast had told me that a plasma (fujistu or panasonic - screen only) coupled with a scaler (lumagen, DVDO or other) was the best way to go about it.
Since then we've seen the explosion of 1080i and 1080p capable LCD's, and I had been leaning towards such an option: considering such TV's as the sony KDL 40x2000 available for £1900 from amazon. (i noticed you tested and reviewed the W series which has made a good impression on me)
I am sure you can see my question coming a mile away:
I would curious to know if considering the next 2 to 5 years of HD content the panasonic PH9 (on its own or coupled with a 1080p capable scaler - which would downscale to the screens resolution) is a better option when the focus will be watching films (DVD's, HD DVDs or Blu Ray, sky HD) and sports (in SD and HD) than other screens such as the sony (W or X series), sharp or Panasonic pf series.
Thank you very much for your input.
Kind Regards
Olivier
It looks more like the TY-ST42PW7.