Panasonic HDTV
Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK Review
This HDTVis part of the Panasonic TH-PHD8UK series.
The good: Relatively inexpensive; reproduces deep blacks; solid video processing with 2:3 pull-down; independent memory per input; numerous picture controls; customizable inputs.
The bad: Doesn’t include stand, speakers, or tuner; few included inputs; digital video input not standard; no aspect-ratio control with digital inputs; floating blacks.
The bottom line: The 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK is a great deal for the money, but only if you’re comfortable adding inputs, you don’t need a tuner, and you remember to buy a stand.
Leading up to Christmas 2005, pedestal stands for Panasonic’s 42- and 50-inch professional plasmas, including the TH-42PHD8UK ($3,000 list) reviewed here, were back-ordered at almost all reputable retailers. That might be a testament to our positive reviews of the older 42-inch TH-42PHD7UY or the glowing review we gave the 50-inch TH-50PHD8UK around that time, but we’re more inclined to believe it shows how popular flat-panel plasmas are in general–and no-frills picture-first models in particular. After subjecting the Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK to our tests, it’s no wonder. This plasma’s excellent black-level performance, clean video processing, and customizable inputs make it a great choice for anyone who isn’t scared off by none-too-fancy menus and no-extras-included packaging. By no extras, we mean that this professional-series plasma doesn’t include speakers, a stand, or very many inputs. If you want to add an HDMI input and a stand, for example, it will cost around $300 extra. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of paying for and installing your own input boards or speakers, you may want to check out Panasonic’s more expensive and more consumer-friendly TH-42PX50U, which also scored well in our tests.
