PT42PD2 $8,006.00
Written: Feb 25 '01
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Pros: SDTV Compatible/ 16:9 Aspect Ratio/160 Degree Wide Viewing Angle
Cons: Not enough to mention
The Bottom Line: My first plasma tv and I am very pleased.
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| cashferret's Full Review: Panasonic PT-42PD2P 42 in. Flat Panel Television |
Visit http://www.YourInsider.com for the best prices online. I got one for $8006.00
How Plasma TV Technology Works
Plasma TV technology owes a debt to the fluorescent lamp. Two glass panels, only 0.1mm apart, each with its own electrodes, make up the plasma TV display. Gas is injected between the panels, and becomes charged when voltage is applied to the electrodes. This "plasma phenomenon" generates ultraviolet rays that strike red, green and blue phosphors, to create the image you see.
Ultra-thin Design
The PT42PD2 offers a huge 42" (diagonal) screen that's only 3.5" deep, and weighs in at a super-lightweight 65 lbs. That's just a fraction of the depth and weight of a standard CRT television, and 8 pounds lighter than our previous models! It can even be hung on a wall to save space (optional wall bracket required, model TY-WK42PR1U. See dealer for details.). To help you display your plasma TV monitor, we've included a pedestal stand.
Outstanding Picture Quality
The PT42PD2 is our most advanced plasma TV yet. Offering unparalleled visual quality with the highest level of brightness (650 cd/m2) and 16.77 million colors, this plasma TV makes sure your viewing is the best it can be. It also offers a maximum contrast ratio of 3000:1 and the advanced plasma TV brightness intensifier (ABI) that dramatically improves peak brightness. With this feature, our plasma TV displays are approximately 40% brighter at peak levels than conventional plasma TV screens, affording the viewer naturally high levels of contrast.
16:9 Aspect Ratio
Today's conventional NTSC TV signals are transmitted with an aspect ratio of 4:3 (the squarish TV picture you are accustomed to). All HDTV and some SDTV signals will be transmitted with an aspect ratio of 16:9 (wide-screen format—like a movie theater screen). HDTV broadcasts are delivered in the exciting, new 16:9 wide-screen format, the same aspect ratio in which movies are made. The screen of the PT42PD2 is wider than a conventional TV screen, so it can accommodate this wide-screen format, letting you see movies as the director intended. You'll also get a wider view of sporting events, just as though you were there in person. Conventional 4:3 aspect ratio pictures can still be viewed on the wider screen—these pictures can be digitally "stretched" to fill the screen
160° Viewing Angle
The plasma TV's perfectly flat screen eliminates reflections and distortions, affording a wide 160° viewing angle. So viewers seated practically anywhere in the room will be able to enjoy the same dazzling plasma TV picture. Digital Ready The PT42PD2 is digital-ready with component (Y, PB, PR) video inputs, so you'll be able to enjoy all the rich colors, outstanding picture quality, and CD-quality sound of SDTV broadcasts, when connected to an optional set top box decoder (such as the TU-HDS20).* If your cable company "passes through" a network DTV signal unchanged, your set top box can decode and tune the program.**
* In order to view SDTV programming, your TV must be connected to a DTV set top box tuned to the proper channel and switched to DTV mode. A DTV signal must be present in your area. In addition, an external over-the-air antenna may be required.
** Standards for cable connectivity have not been finalized.
UXGA Compatibility
This digital-ready plasma television is also compatible with UXGA signals, so it can be easily connected to your PC. UXGA offers twice the high-resolution (1600 x 1200) display of SVGA monitors, which display 800 x 600 pixels. Component Video Inputs (Y, PB, PR) Component video input consists of the luminance signal (Y) and two separate chrominance signals (PB and PR combined). They produce outstanding resolution and color accuracy in video images. With component video input, the PT42PD2 can accept either progressive or interlaced signals from a variety of sources. This model can accept a DVD player, or an optional set-top decoder box (such as the TU-HDS20), for top-of-the-line home entertainment.
S-video Input
S-video input jacks let you connect a digital broadcast satellite (DBS) or DVD player directly to the luminance and chrominance circuits of your plasma TV set. Cross-color interference is virtually eliminated by this method of connection, since color and luminance information is kept separate.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 8006
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Epinions.com ID:
cashferret
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Reviews written: 6
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