The best TV ever
Written: Feb 24 '03
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Pros: Slim design, Versatile display, brilliant picture
Cons: not native 1080i or 720p
The Bottom Line: For $2000 less than the HDTV model, this EDTV display performs like a champ.
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| sean-c's Full Review: Panasonic PT-42PD3-P 42 in. EDTV-Ready Plasma TV |
I bought my PT-42PD3-P online for about $3700. It's a sleek 3.5" thick and weighs less than my old Zenith 27" CRT TV.(only 65 lbs.) I found that it has really opened up my room by taking up less real estate. (a hot commodity in a condo)
The display outputs 480p signals perfectly, which is the standard for DVD outputs. I chose this model over the HD version because I've read on places like Cnet and plasmatvbuyingguide.com that this unit actually displays 480p signals better than a native HDTV display. And after seeing the HD next to the PT-42PD3-P in stores (circuit city, bestbuy, and Fry's), I honestly couldn't tell the difference when watching the PBS HD loop in 1080i. 480p is actually a step up from the standard TV signal most people usually see. It's a progressively scanned image which actually displays the whole image in 1/2 the time a standard TV does. Standard TV outputs a 480i or interlaced signal.
Without going into much detail, this TV will display both 1080i and 720p HDTV signals only they are scaled down to match the display's 480p output. There is some loss of image quality, but I can't tell.
There is only 1 component input, which is bad since I have both a DVD player and soon will have an over-the-air HDTV tuner (free courtesy of Panasonic). I can luckily run it through my stereo, so this isn't an issue. Once you see a good picture, it really makes the cable signal that we receive through our AT&T digital cable pale in comparison.
3 more pro's then a con or two:
Pro: included is a table top TV stand with all the hardware to mount it securely to a wood base. This thing won't tip. PERIOD.
Pro: The remote is a cakewalk to learn to use, and it gets easier each time I use it.
Pro: PC input. Someday I'll hookup my laptop to test this feature out.
Con: Speakers are optional, but certainly add flair to the display's presence.
Con: Wall mount costs a small fortune
BIGGEST PRO SO FAR: From January though the end of March, Panasonic is running a deal that with the purchase of certain models of Plasma TV’s, they will include a free ATSC HDTV tuner. The model number is TU-DST52; Or so I am told. I'm waiting to get mine as I write this. I had a problem in that when my TV arrived, the UPC code was removed from my box. See my review under BESTBUYPLASMA.com for details. Panasonic will still honor this special deal for me even though I do not have the UPC code. I simply needed to include my serial number along with a photocopy of the first two pages of my user manual. I included a copy of my original invoice plus shipping manifest just in case. But their willingness to work with me shows Panasonic stands by their products and customers. Much Kudos to Panasonic for that.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $3700
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Epinions.com ID:
sean-c
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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