Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX60U 42 in. HDTV Plasma TV

I purchased this TV a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it, and I haven't even connected HD yet (Comcast to add HD service next week). The analog stations look beautiful, which is very important since most channels don't come in HD.

Out of the box it's very bright and the contrast is kicked up to the top so it didn't look great at first viewing. I found a legitimate website that calibrated this particular television and recorded the settings for optimal picture quality. After changing my settings to match their findings, the picture looks twice as good. Here they are:

Picture Mode: Standard
Picture: +22
Brightness: +8
Color: -1
Tint: -4
Sharpness: -14
Color Temperature: Warm

Big multifunction remote with easy-to-read keys. The on-screen menu is easy to use and you can rename the inputs to one of several options (DVD, Cable, etc.). Plenty of inputs, including 2 HDMI ports, which is unheard of in this price range.

One final note, if you're sitting close to the TV (6' or less), I would recommend going with a smaller model than the 42". I find that when viewing non-HD programming at that short distance everything looks grainy. Once you step back to 8' or more, everything just pops into place and looks crystal-clear. If your viewing distance is 10' or more, then you might consider stepping up to a larger model such as the 50" of the same line (also a beautiful picture).

I did lots of homework and this was by far the best buy!

Wow pretty much sums up this television. The depth and range of color is astonishing. The clarity is pretty close to as real as I've seen in comparison to all other HDTV's on the market. This TV is exceptional in every aspect.

For the money, the Panasonic TH-42PX60U is a tough Plasma set to beat. The colors are very life-like and vivid. I compared the Panasonic to the Sony and Pioneer which cost $1000 more than this set. The main difference in the Panasonic and the more expensive Sony Bravia XBR and Pioneer PDP-4271HD is the sharpness/crispness level, but for a $1000 less, I couldn't see that much difference. One thing I do miss on the Panasonic is an extra RF connection for an HD antenna or another cable source.

I waited MONTHS and read all the reviews and such... I ended up with this model. The contrast ratio is amazing. the blacks are very black and the whites are very white. No urn-in and I'm a big video gamer.

You can read a GREAT review of this TV at www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com. That's basically what I based my purchase on.

The HDMI connection is great, I highly recommend it.

Astheticaly, it's not perfect. I dont like the black border around the actual screen, but who cares... you're buying a TV to see the picture, not the actual TV.

Definitely recommended!

Have fun!

After owning this TV for 30 months colorless lines from top to bottom appeared on the left side - similar to a bar code. Technician called and they suggested a new Digital Control board. I only need the left side but they are sold in pairs. Cost of parts was $250 and another $150 to install. I was informed that the TV will be "like new" with two new DC boards. I am disappointed that the product has failed but I do like the quality of the HD picture. I paid approximately $800 for this TV around the holidays in 2006 which was a great deal at the time. Now I am investing another $400 but am optimistic the components have been improved and will last beyond 30 months. Definately better than purchasing a new Plasma unit. I estimate the TV is on 4 hours each day between me and the rest of the family - More on the weekends. Would I buy another Panasonic Plasma? Probably not.

I gave this tv a below average score because how long it lasted. Our tv was purchased new and died after 14 months. No power surges just a nice 3 inches black vertical line down the tv. And considering how little we used the tv (less then 10 hours a week) makes it one expensive tv to own. Cost to repair $1000. Found out by service center this is a common problem.
Other then the little life the picture was awesome even in bright room. Very crisp and bright. Sound quality was also nice.