Panasonic Plasma / Television Monitor Review
Model: Panasonic TH-42PWD3U, TH-42PDW4UY, and the PT-42PD2-P Plasma Displays
By Robert Wiley
Copyright © 2001 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com All Rights Reserved.
Description:42" Diagonal Plasma Monitor/TV, Widescreen 16:9 Format,
Color: Color: Charcoal Black or Silver. Color reviewed: Charcoal Black
Warranty: 1 Year Parts and Labor
Most similar product to compare: NEC MP2, Hitachi CMP4120HDU, Sony PFM42B1U
MODEL DIFFERENCES:
TH-42PWD3U (3) vs. TH-42PDWD4UY (4)
The (4) replaces the (3) in August 2001 as the new model. There are very few differences to note as follows: For review purposes everything is still accurate. The differences are minor and apply to a commercial display setting application.
- The brightness is now 780 cd/m2 (was 650 cd/m2)
- The structure of the panel/bezel has been redesigned to adapt better to a multiple screen display setting
- The unit has an improved remote control with enhanced menu functions notably image reversal (to further prevent phosphor burn in on display units)
- The unit has 2X2 and 3X3 multiple screen display setup options for plasma walls/displays.
- The new unit has a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) input selection (optional board available in fall of 2001).
That's it. Same pixel resolution. Same converter/scalar. Same contrast ratio. Basically, the same unit at a lower price.
PT-42PD2-P
This model is the consumer only version of the TH-PWD3U. It is sold through consumer retail outlets. The units are exactly the same except the PT-42PD2-P comes in a dark silver color and the TH-PWD3U and 4UY only come in charcoal black.
INTRODUCTION
The ultimate test of all plasma display monitors is how well they show when they are actually tested for video quality. Forget the native pixel resolution, the built in progressive scanning converter, the astronomically unrealistic contrast ratio figure shown. The specifications are provided by the manufacturers wanting to sell their product. Comparing TV's of any kind side by side with the same input source at the same starting point is the way to truly understand how the signal information is converted, processed and shown. Call it the eyeball test.With plasma display monitors the differences are much more apparent than with conventional CRT direct view televisions due to pixel formation and lighting considerations.
After having some difficulty with annoying noise output from the first generation model Panasonic Plasma displays the TH-43PWD3 is just an excellent unit. And it is virtually silent. From a few feet away I could not hear the unit with the sound off. The unit also runs very cool due to the low power levels it requires (under normal use Max. Amps 4.0) It should run for many years and gives a 30,000 hour time frame before phosphor burnout starts to occur. The unit is very sound technically. Panasonic, striving to get ahead of the game in the plasma market purchased Plasmaco Technologies in Y2K, not only acquiring the company's leading technology but also their leading plasma technology engineers.
THE PICTURE - 97
Since plasma monitors are primarily visual devices the picture displayed is really omnipotent in consideration for which one to purchase. There are a few other considerations (listed in this review under "Other Considerations") but image quality is of primary importance. The Panasonic showed the best picture I have seen on a plasma display. With higher end signals of HDTV 1080I or progressive scan 480P the unit is clearly unmatched. This was the unanimous feeling of all three reviewers.
Images are sharp and crisp for all input signals we tried. Color reproduction was superb but the words most often used to describe the unit's on-screen image versus the other flat screen TV's was, "deep, rich and clear." I know the description of the picture sounds a bit like a good cabernet but those were the words as I canvassed the group. The reason behind the superior performance from the top end signals is due to the unparalleled black levels and contrast caused in part by the new Real Black Drive System the company incorporated. Though I don't buy the advertised contrast ratio Panasonic lists (3000:1) I do believe they have the best technology in showing video imagery. We tested the contrast ratio at 723:1 ANSI which is still far better than other models.
With progressive 720P, 1080I, or 480P I would not hesitate to pit the Panasonic TH-42PWD3 against any CRT direct view set. I think it is actually worth the extra $3500.00 for the Plasma with a 42" diagonal viewing area compared with the high definition Panasonic Direct View CT-WX34X50 (34" viewing area).
Our plasma monitor tests were conducted with several inputs including the RCA DC10 high definition decoder box and the Toshiba SD6200 progressive scan DVD player. When changing the signal from the DVD player to 480I from 480P a visible drop was noticed in the picture quality on this plasma TV. With this plasma unit use of a progressive scan DVD player greatly enhances the picture. S-video input downgraded the image quality as one might expect which is a significant consideration if one is planning on watching a lot of satellite or cable TV on the unit. However, even with the 480I signal I still found the units soft deep images and lifelike color very enjoyable. Out of all the flat screens tested only the NEC 42MP2 outperformed the Panasonic with the lower input signals.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - 90
The onscreen graphic user interface on the TH-42PWD3 is excellent and easy to use. There are options available for color temp adjustment, sharpness, color, picture, brightness, tint, and picture. There is a sound adjustment menu if you are using the built in 8 watt amplifiers from which the outputs are neatly placed on the lower right and lower left back of the unit. The five aspect ratios options include Zoom, Normal (for 4:3 picure), Full, Just (displays 4:3 picture at its maximum size but with aspect correction applied), Panasonic Auto (used to handle a mix of 16:9 and 4:3 programming). I like to adjust the color on almost any input signal I'm watching and I found the Panasonic's color adjustments for red, blue and green to be simple, straightforward and effective.
The monitor has plenty of inputs for all sorts of connection. S-video, composite video, audio L&R, a row of 5 BNC connections for component/RGB, a serial port, a 15 pin VGA, a DB25 Tuner in connection, and the two speaker output terminals from the built in amps.
The bezel comes in a dark charcoal gray or silver (consumer version only). It's pretty straightforward and not creative I must say. Most of the 42" plasma monitors look fairly similar (except the new Sony 42B1U) so I don't deduct anything for its looks even though it is not my favorite. The construction is solid which is the main consideration. The outputs allow for the cables to be easily hidden and routed out of the bottom of the unit. The unit is 3.5 inches in depth and around 69 pounds light.
The remote control is a simple little device - looking unimpressive, but the onscreen menu more than makes up for it.
(The above is the Panasonic TH-42PWD3U vs Sony PFM42B1U)
Additional Images
(Note: Color reproduction in the review photographs may be unrealistic)
SPECIAL FEATURES
- UXGA (1600X1200) computer input acceptance
- Built in 8 watt amplifiers
- Real Black Drive System for better contrast and deeper blacks
- Full range of signal inputs
- Improved Grey Scales
- Lowest Power Consumption - No fans necessary
- Highest contrast ratio and black levels tested
VALUE RATING - 94
While slightly more expensive than some competing models Panasonic makes up the difference with performance. At a recent price of $8000 it is a great buy in the plasma tv market.
OVERALL RATING - 94
Copyright © 2001 PlasmaTVBuyingGuide.com All Rights Reserved.
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