Plasma perfection

PANASONIC TC-42P1/TC-37P1

Available in either the 42in model reviewed here or as a 37in alternative, Panasonic has two options for the potential plasma buyer. And, with a depth of just 89mm and a weight of 33kg, the 42P1 is the thinnest and lightest of the group.

Using unique features like the Adaptive Brightness Intensifier (increasing peak brightness), Dual Scanning Method (sharpening the image) and the Asymmetrical Cell Structure Panel (enhancing white areas), it boasts the highest levels of brightness and contrast of all the plasmas.

Being absolutely flat, there is very little problem with reflected sunlight and the geometry of the screen is near perfect, with a visible viewing angle of 160°. Colours are bright and contained, with black areas appearing as a jet black, rather than dark grey, as was the case in first generation models. In some cases though, colour shading looks unnaturally glossy and there is a tendency for an area of the screen to see one colour as opposed to a gradient of shades. When using digital sources, there were still instances of seeing digital banding and shimmer, usually noticeable in brightly lit scenes, but some digital artefacting is unavoidable.

Like almost all plasma displays, the Panasonic lacks a TV tuner. To get TV reception you will simply need to add a VCR or some sort of decoder and there is plenty of provision at the back to connect all kinds of AV and multimedia components. There is no Scart connection, but video inputs include RGB, component video, composite video and S-video. There is also a composite video output in case you are lucky enough to have another plasma and want to daisy chain them. Speakers aren't included, but there are spring-clip terminals, to which you can connect a stereo pair.

Overall, the Panasonic serves up a captivating, larger-than-life picture, with vivid colouring and stunning clarity. Sure, there are CRT sets that can offer the same quality at a lesser price, but you won't get the scale or style of a plasma like this.

FOCUS Technological advances have led to the bright, bold colours and pin-sharp definition ensures that the Panasonic is unrivalled for picture clarity
Build
Picture
Facilities
Overall
Model : Panasonic TC-42P1/TC-37P1 Approximate street price : £8,500/£7,500 Panasonic UK 01344 862444 Website : www.panasonic.co.uk Address : Panasonic House, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, Berks, RG1Z 8FP

SPECIFICATION
Display : 42in, 16:9 Pixels : 408,960 Colours : 16.77 million Features : Composite video, RGB video and S-video in; MAC and PC interface; PAL/NTSC/SECAM compatible Audio output : 2 x 7W Dimensions : 1030(w) x 633.5(h) x 89(d)mm Weight : 33Kg

Jim Hill, Home Cinema Choice, July 2000

ROUND-UP CONCLUSION

This item reviewed in the July 2000 plasma screen round-up. Tested items were:

For many of us, this plasma round-up may just be an entertaining trip into the realms of fantasy, where we imagine what life would be like if we could afford such luxuries. But before you return to the real world, take heart from the progress that has been made and how much more affordable plasma screens could become.

Ignoring the price of course, the advantages of plasma displays over conventional CRT sets are obvious - the space saving, hang-on-the-wall concept is highly desirable, not just in business, where office space is money, but to anyone with an eye for style. And if that wasn't enough, plasma displays also suck up less electricity and the physical constraints that limit CRT to 36in don't apply. As for picture quality, it is pretty clear from the four models tested here that the initial teething problems which dogged early generations of plasma screens have been turned around. Of the examples tested here, all four possess the captivating quality that makes everyone who sees one want one.

Starting with Thomson's stylish Wysius, this is certainly an attractive set. With lush, natural colours, pin-sharp definition and exemplary multi-media applications, the 42WS92E is a tempting proposition for business and home use.

The Panasonic TC-42PD1, on the other hand, offers the boldest colours and sharpest contrast, resulting in a striking picture that is utterly enthralling. And the same goes for its little brother, the slightly more affordable 37in version, which may also show that the manufacturers are thinking seriously about targeting home cinema enthusiasts.

Next up, NEC's outwardly minimal design serves to highlight the vivid screen image and makes it highly desirable, but it still gives away some detail to the Panasonic.

Overall though, it's the Visionery DD42 that is the most interesting display here as it marks a significant breakthrough in plasma technology. Using a digital video feed, the DD42 achieved a level of picture clarity that the other analogue sets cannot match. It provides the most accurate, detailed image yet seen on a plasma display but the downside is that there are few corresponding source components currently available and it carries a pretty hefty price tag. For these reasons, even though the DD42 has won our Best Buy badge, we still have slight reservations about recommending it. But if it's plasma you want and you've got enough tokens stored in the bank, it's worth every penny.

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