18/07/2005
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/tvs/0,39037585,39094540p,00.htm

Panasonic's latest flagship plasma TV, the TH-42PV500A, inherits the unique design of the original Viera series while featuring many up-to-date enhancements. We take a closer look at this top-of-the-line plasma TV to find out whether Panasonic has another winner in hand.

Editor's note: The article was based on an Australian model and may differ in specifications for other countries. The TH-42PV500A local pricing and availability were not known at press time.

Upside: Panasonic had a hit last year with its stylish Viera range of flat panel televisions. The newest Vieras stick with the sleek design of previous models but come with an array of improvements, including High Definition (HD) capability and HDMI connectors.

The 42-inch TH-42PV500A widescreen plasma leads the charge and is instantly recognisable as a Viera, thanks to the shiny black frame surrounding the large screen and the slightly curving bottom. The front of the TH-42PV500A is clutter free, having very few buttons or obtrusive logos to distract. The result is another design winner from Panasonic, and should look impressive in any living room whether wall mounted or on the supplied silver stand.

The TH-42PV500A can display high-definition images, with a resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels and the ability to show up to 1080i signals. Panasonic says the new plasma has a high contrast of 3000:1, and from a brief view of the set, CNET can attest that it certainly can display very dark blacks. Panasonic also boasts that the TH-42PV500A comes with proprietary processing technology called the Viera Colour Management System, which enriches color depth. Also helping the picture is the company's sub-pixel controller which smooths out edges and contours in images.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the HDMI input, which allows you to use the digital video/audio connector to hook the TH-42PV500A to other gear. Other inputs include four composite inputs, two S-Video, two components, and PC input. It also has an SD memory card slot on the front. When it comes to sound, the TH-42PV500A features two tweeters each on either side of the screen, while two woofers are located below.

Downside: Unfortunately, despite the television's HD capabilities, Panasonic has fitted it with only an analog tuner. A digital tuner would be a better option for those residing in countries offering digital broadcast. Nevertheless, external digital tuner boxes are available for those planning to go digital with the Viera.

Outlook: At A$5,999, the TH-42PV500A represents good value for a HD plasma that features some impressive specs as well as good looks. The new range of Vieras should win more fans for Panasonic.