Panasonic 42" Plasma HDTV $1077 plus Shipping

[johnnymk]

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4777439

[brainsmile]

any thoughts?

[gaemul]

This one has an SD card reader on it, but no built in HD tuner on this one. I have a similar model.

[Hoser]

According to the description, this one does have and HDTV tuner.

[zippyjuan]

I just got the 50" version delivered from Fry's thia past week. A really nice set! Yes, it does have tuners built in and it is not an EDTV though not quite fully HD since it cannot do 1080i. Panasonic will not have a 1080i plasma of 50" or less until late this year. This is probably one of the best 42" plasmas out right now. Certainly the best at this price right now.

Here are specs from Circuit City on it:
Panasonic 42" Plasma HDTV (TH-42PX60U)

42" HD plasma display: Get all the perks of an HD plasma—superior brightness and color, as well as outstanding resolution in a slim package.

Built-in HD tuner: A built-in ATSC tuner means you don't have to purchase an additional component. If you receive HD programming, all you need to do to watch HDTV is plug, play, and enjoy!

Superior picture: Boasting a remarkable contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and up to 29 billion displayable colors, this plasma TV offers astounding picture quality. The TV is also equipped with several features that boost picture clarity, such as progressive-scan technology, video noise reduction, motion pattern noise reduction and Digital Cinema Reality. Together, these features remove color distortions, motion blurring and other image problems for a picture that is smooth, sharp and film-like.

Widescreen: The 16:9 aspect ratio delivers your favorite films in their original cinematic format without picture cropping.

Surround Sound: Digital surround sound gives you high-quality audio for a total theater experience.

A/V inputs, including 2 HDMI: A high-quality cable is essential to fully enjoy HDTV. Lower-quality cables degrade signals and lower picture quality. This set comes with 2 HDMI inputs so you can get the highest connection—and the best picture—possible. Other connections include S-video, component cable, composite cable, digital audio output, and a memory card slot for cameras.

[gaemul]

Oops, I checked CNET for the specs and compared my model and the other one and it didn't list HD in the specs.

Well I bought one. I'm going to return my 42" from costco (still within the 90 days) after I get this one in.

[zippyjuan]

I doubt you will be disappointed. When you get it, you may want to take it off the "vivid" setting for the picture. It is too bright and saturated for my tastes.

[LPMiller]

on any HD set, you want to crank down the contrast and sharpness. They are always way too high.

[johnnymk]

Are plasmas reliable? Would a warranty be necessary for this TV?

[zippyjuan]

Hard to find statistics on repairs, but Consumer Reports says they are as reliable as standard TVs.

[brainsmile]

what about burn in?

[zippyjuan]

That is not supposed to be a big problem anymore. Unless you leave it on the same channel for weeks at a time. There is a long thread on it over at the AVS Forums if you are interested.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=608677
Here is how my 50" looks. HD is amazing. I just have the locals in HD right now- Fox, ABC, NBC, CBS and KPBS. For size, the picture frames on the wall are 16x 20. The cabinet is a buffet I got from Overstock.com. They are out of it now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/JeffryZ/Panasonic_50in_Plasma.jpg

[zippyjuan]

Looks like they knocked another $50 off it. Outpost must be trying to clear out some wearhouse space.

[Jah Rulez]

I have this one. No problems with burn in. XBOX 360 is kick a$$ on it (Wii too).

Punch in the settings that you see floating around on the internet.

three words for you....Discovery Channel HD