Panasonic 42" EDTV review from first time plasma buyer

swimfan · 06-05-2005, 04:53 PM

After spending months researching DLP, Lcos, LCD, etc. I was about to spend $2500-3000 on a large screen 55'+ projection television. A friend of mine had purchased a 42" Toshiba HD plasma a couple years ago and was immediately put off by the picture. Moving into my new house resulted in a medium size living room that was dominated by my 36" Sony Wega SDTV. It wasn't until I realized that mounting a plasma on the wall would result in a lot more floor space and an over-all spacious feel that I decided to look into plasmas (i still don't understand why one would buy a plasma without indending to mount it on the wall).

Reading reviews (cnet, etc.) and looking through forums like this one, it seemed like the Panasonics were the first place to look. I was immediately drawn to the commercial models. I'm an Apple computer purest and I am always looking for a sleeker minimalist design. Not only do I think silver is going to date TV's like the awful wood framed TV's of the 70's and 80's, but I think the dark charcoal/black frame of the Panny commercial model looks way better.

I ordered the Panasonic 42" EDTV TH-42PWD7UY from an online retailer for $1600 plus about $200 for shipping. I don't remember which company it was. There are about a million selling this TV. I also ordered the tilt wall mount found on ebay for the panasonics. There are a couple reason why I chose the EDTV over the HDTV version. I've read several times that the differences between the two become almost non-existent past a 10' viewing distance. In looking at the native resolutions of these two TV's it doesn't make sense to me why the HDTV is actual called an HDTV. 1024x720. Considering it doesn't actually display the full 720p picture without scaling down was a major issue for me. Another interesting thing is that if you divide 1024 by 720 you get, 1:42 (like SDTV) but if you divide 852 by 480 you get, 1:78 (like HDTV). It also happens that if you do the same for the 50" Panasonic HDTV you get 1:78 (1366x768). Now, looking at these three TV's, which two seem better suited for DVD and HDTV material? This is nothing more than an observation I've made and I'm sure plays a very little role in picture. The question has to be asked though, why spend $1000+ more on a TV that is basically enhanced-enhanced definition TV. With more than 200 lines being cut off the HDTV horizontally, it isn't too far from the 852 of the EDTV. Anyways, enough rambling.

I spent a week with the TV without HDTV waiting for comcast to deliver the new box. SD material immediately jumped out to me. My parents own a Sony Wega Tube HDTV and SD material looks awful due to the low resolution on a high resolution TV. I remember when they brought that TV home and turned it on they thought it was broken. SD just plain looks bad on HDTV. SD material on the Panny EDTV looks fantastic. No pixelation or noise. This is worth money if you ask me. Most TV you'll be watching is SD and if you want it to look its best, you'll have to go with an EDTV. DVD's look insanely good. I remember watching a DVD on my friends Toshiba plasma and being really bummed out. It wasn't as bad as SD TV material, but it had some of those problems. Due to the fact that the resolution of the EDTV basically matches that of the DVD format, the picture is great. I always loved my tube Sony Wega for DVD's and I didn't think this new TV would be able to hold its own against that, but it does.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this 42" plasma EDTV beats other 42" plasma HDTV's displaying high definition material. Color definition, deep blacks and detail are a sight to behold. I honestly didn't expect this TV to look this good in HD. I've had the TV for a couple weeks now and I have to say that the $1000 I saved was the best decision I could have made. That is $1000 toward a REAL high definition 50" plasma.

TopperHarley · 06-05-2005, 06:04 PM

Interesting observations. If I find out I took a step down by spending another $500 to go with the PX over the PD that is already in my living room I am going to go absolutley ape %^&*! I could give a ratz about loseing the 200 lines (Don't miss what you don't see for me) but if I end up with a worse picture like everyone said I wouldn't,,, mamma freaken mia! I swore up and down that the ED had a better picture and the propeller heads convinced me that it was all an illusion and that tvs look different at home. Yeah right, tell me another one. I am going to feel like a real horses a$$ when I have to bring the better of the two TVs back because I can't return the crappy one. It's only money and a long time purchase right? &(*%^*(&)%&*^%*^%^*(&^(^()*^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

slowmo · 06-06-2005, 08:47 AM

Why do you think the propeller heads are prohibited from leaving their windowless offices at work? Their employers don't trust them to talk to the general public. You should have known.

RSawdey · 06-06-2005, 09:47 AM

We tend to blurt out things like the TRUE SPECS, when the official company line comes direct from the fantasies of marketing... and is often more rosy than real.

ja2935 · 06-06-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopperHarley

Interesting observations. If I find out I took a step down by spending another $500 to go with the PX over the PD that is already in my living room I am going to go absolutley ape %^&*! I could give a ratz about loseing the 200 lines (Don't miss what you don't see for me) but if I end up with a worse picture like everyone said I wouldn't,,, mamma freaken mia! I swore up and down that the ED had a better picture and the propeller heads convinced me that it was all an illusion and that tvs look different at home. Yeah right, tell me another one. I am going to feel like a real horses a$$ when I have to bring the better of the two TVs back because I can't return the crappy one. It's only money and a long time purchase right? &(*%^*(&)%&*^%*^%^*(&^(^()*^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe the propeller heads (where did that term come from?), myself probably included, were refering to HD programming on HD displays being better than on ED displays. How sets treat SD material seems to be very variable. My Toshiba 34" CRT seems to be quite acceptable except for the very poor cable stations that also look pretty awful on my 27" SD Wega. VHS tapes look as good if not better, however all 4:3 SD looks considerably better when left in 4:3 than when stretched. I'm sure you will be absolutely delighted by HD but excellent HD makes already mediocre SD look even worse!

myers830 · 06-06-2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swimfan

After spending months researching DLP, Lcos, LCD, etc. I was about to spend $2500-3000 on a large screen 55'+ projection television. A friend of mine had purchased a 42" Toshiba HD plasma a couple years ago and was immediately put off by the picture. Moving into my new house resulted in a medium size living room that was dominated by my 36" Sony Wega SDTV. It wasn't until I realized that mounting a plasma on the wall would result in a lot more floor space and an over-all spacious feel that I decided to look into plasmas (i still don't understand why one would buy a plasma without indending to mount it on the wall).

Reading reviews (cnet, etc.) and looking through forums like this one, it seemed like the Panasonics were the first place to look. I was immediately drawn to the commercial models. I'm an Apple computer purest and I am always looking for a sleeker minimalist design. Not only do I think silver is going to date TV's like the awful wood framed TV's of the 70's and 80's, but I think the dark charcoal/black frame of the Panny commercial model looks way better.

I ordered the Panasonic 42" EDTV TH-42PWD7UY from an online retailer for $1600 plus about $200 for shipping. I don't remember which company it was. There are about a million selling this TV. I also ordered the tilt wall mount found on ebay for the panasonics. There are a couple reason why I chose the EDTV over the HDTV version. I've read several times that the differences between the two become almost non-existent past a 10' viewing distance. In looking at the native resolutions of these two TV's it doesn't make sense to me why the HDTV is actual called an HDTV. 1024x720. Considering it doesn't actually display the full 720p picture without scaling down was a major issue for me. Another interesting thing is that if you divide 1024 by 720 you get, 1:42 (like SDTV) but if you divide 852 by 480 you get, 1:78 (like HDTV). It also happens that if you do the same for the 50" Panasonic HDTV you get 1:78 (1366x768). Now, looking at these three TV's, which two seem better suited for DVD and HDTV material? This is nothing more than an observation I've made and I'm sure plays a very little role in picture. The question has to be asked though, why spend $1000+ more on a TV that is basically enhanced-enhanced definition TV. With more than 200 lines being cut off the HDTV horizontally, it isn't too far from the 852 of the EDTV. Anyways, enough rambling.

I spent a week with the TV without HDTV waiting for comcast to deliver the new box. SD material immediately jumped out to me. My parents own a Sony Wega Tube HDTV and SD material looks awful due to the low resolution on a high resolution TV. I remember when they brought that TV home and turned it on they thought it was broken. SD just plain looks bad on HDTV. SD material on the Panny EDTV looks fantastic. No pixelation or noise. This is worth money if you ask me. Most TV you'll be watching is SD and if you want it to look its best, you'll have to go with an EDTV. DVD's look insanely good. I remember watching a DVD on my friends Toshiba plasma and being really bummed out. It wasn't as bad as SD TV material, but it had some of those problems. Due to the fact that the resolution of the EDTV basically matches that of the DVD format, the picture is great. I always loved my tube Sony Wega for DVD's and I didn't think this new TV would be able to hold its own against that, but it does.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this 42" plasma EDTV beats other 42" plasma HDTV's displaying high definition material. Color definition, deep blacks and detail are a sight to behold. I honestly didn't expect this TV to look this good in HD. I've had the TV for a couple weeks now and I have to say that the $1000 I saved was the best decision I could have made. That is $1000 toward a REAL high definition 50" plasma.

Hey...you better watch out guy...people will start hating you as much as they hate me for saying such blasfamous things. You and I are both laughing all the way to the bank...aren't we..?...

swimfan · 06-06-2005, 01:10 PM

I have to admit the first time I heard about EDTV's I was thinking it was the worst idea ever. It seemed like a scam at the time. Now, the scam to me is the idea of a 42" Plasma being called HD. For prospective buyers, I'm going to break it down for you:

1)EDTV Plasma 42" - Much lower price, better general performance (contrast levels, etc.), better handling of standard definition material, better handling of DVD material.

2)"HD"TV Plasma 42" - Slightly sharper image within 10'.

These are comparisons against the same brand. Like the Panny ED 42" up to the Panny HD 42". When I mentioned earlier about how my ED would beat most other HD models I was thinking more along the lines of comparable price. Like what you'd find at costco. A sub 2000 dollar Maxent HD 42" plasma. Which to me seems like the biggest waste of money ever.

myers830 · 06-06-2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swimfan

I have to admit the first time I heard about EDTV's I was thinking it was the worst idea ever. It seemed like a scam at the time. Now, the scam to me is the idea of a 42" Plasma being called HD. For prospective buyers, I'm going to break it down for you:

1)EDTV Plasma 42" - Much lower price, better general performance (contrast levels, etc.), better handling of standard definition material, better handling of DVD material.

2)"HD"TV Plasma 42" - Slightly sharper image within 10'.

These are comparisons against the same brand. Like the Panny ED 42" up to the Panny HD 42". When I mentioned earlier about how my ED would beat most other HD models I was thinking more along the lines of comparable price. Like what you'd find at costco. A sub 2000 dollar Maxent HD 42" plasma. Which to me seems like the biggest waste of money ever.

Better watch out...they will either run me for mayor on here...or crucify me....ED Panny Plasmas are just amazing engineering.

Damnit · 06-06-2005, 10:11 PM

after viewing many hd tv's i bought the panny th42pd50u.........love the picture............no compliants, even when i watch hd content i have to remind myself its an edtv

06-05-2005, 04:53 PM	#1
swimfan What is HD? Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2	Panasonic 42" EDTV review from first time plasma buyer After spending months researching DLP, Lcos, LCD, etc. I was about to spend $2500-3000 on a large screen 55'+ projection television. A friend of mine had purchased a 42" Toshiba HD plasma a couple years ago and was immediately put off by the picture. Moving into my new house resulted in a medium size living room that was dominated by my 36" Sony Wega SDTV. It wasn't until I realized that mounting a plasma on the wall would result in a lot more floor space and an over-all spacious feel that I decided to look into plasmas (i still don't understand why one would buy a plasma without indending to mount it on the wall). Reading reviews (cnet, etc.) and looking through forums like this one, it seemed like the Panasonics were the first place to look. I was immediately drawn to the commercial models. I'm an Apple computer purest and I am always looking for a sleeker minimalist design. Not only do I think silver is going to date TV's like the awful wood framed TV's of the 70's and 80's, but I think the dark charcoal/black frame of the Panny commercial model looks way better. I ordered the Panasonic 42" EDTV TH-42PWD7UY from an online retailer for $1600 plus about $200 for shipping. I don't remember which company it was. There are about a million selling this TV. I also ordered the tilt wall mount found on ebay for the panasonics. There are a couple reason why I chose the EDTV over the HDTV version. I've read several times that the differences between the two become almost non-existent past a 10' viewing distance. In looking at the native resolutions of these two TV's it doesn't make sense to me why the HDTV is actual called an HDTV. 1024x720. Considering it doesn't actually display the full 720p picture without scaling down was a major issue for me. Another interesting thing is that if you divide 1024 by 720 you get, 1:42 (like SDTV) but if you divide 852 by 480 you get, 1:78 (like HDTV). It also happens that if you do the same for the 50" Panasonic HDTV you get 1:78 (1366x768). Now, looking at these three TV's, which two seem better suited for DVD and HDTV material? This is nothing more than an observation I've made and I'm sure plays a very little role in picture. The question has to be asked though, why spend $1000+ more on a TV that is basically enhanced-enhanced definition TV. With more than 200 lines being cut off the HDTV horizontally, it isn't too far from the 852 of the EDTV. Anyways, enough rambling. I spent a week with the TV without HDTV waiting for comcast to deliver the new box. SD material immediately jumped out to me. My parents own a Sony Wega Tube HDTV and SD material looks awful due to the low resolution on a high resolution TV. I remember when they brought that TV home and turned it on they thought it was broken. SD just plain looks bad on HDTV. SD material on the Panny EDTV looks fantastic. No pixelation or noise. This is worth money if you ask me. Most TV you'll be watching is SD and if you want it to look its best, you'll have to go with an EDTV. DVD's look insanely good. I remember watching a DVD on my friends Toshiba plasma and being really bummed out. It wasn't as bad as SD TV material, but it had some of those problems. Due to the fact that the resolution of the EDTV basically matches that of the DVD format, the picture is great. I always loved my tube Sony Wega for DVD's and I didn't think this new TV would be able to hold its own against that, but it does. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that this 42" plasma EDTV beats other 42" plasma HDTV's displaying high definition material. Color definition, deep blacks and detail are a sight to behold. I honestly didn't expect this TV to look this good in HD. I've had the TV for a couple weeks now and I have to say that the $1000 I saved was the best decision I could have made. That is $1000 toward a REAL high definition 50" plasma.

06-05-2005, 06:04 PM	#2
TopperHarley This baby only has 1 arm! Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 265	Interesting observations. If I find out I took a step down by spending another $500 to go with the PX over the PD that is already in my living room I am going to go absolutley ape %^&! I could give a ratz about loseing the 200 lines (Don't miss what you don't see for me) but if I end up with a worse picture like everyone said I wouldn't,,, mamma freaken mia! I swore up and down that the ED had a better picture and the propeller heads convinced me that it was all an illusion and that tvs look different at home. Yeah right, tell me another one. I am going to feel like a real horses a$$ when I have to bring the better of the two TVs back because I can't return the crappy one. It's only money and a long time purchase right? &(%^(&)%&^%^%^(&^(^()*^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

06-06-2005, 08:47 AM	#3
slowmo High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 759	Why do you think the propeller heads are prohibited from leaving their windowless offices at work? Their employers don't trust them to talk to the general public. You should have known.

06-06-2005, 09:47 AM	#4
RSawdey Mr. Wizard Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ferndale, Michigan Age: 61 Posts: 5,981	We tend to blurt out things like the TRUE SPECS, when the official company line comes direct from the fantasies of marketing... and is often more rosy than real.

06-06-2005, 01:10 PM	#7
swimfan What is HD? Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2	I have to admit the first time I heard about EDTV's I was thinking it was the worst idea ever. It seemed like a scam at the time. Now, the scam to me is the idea of a 42" Plasma being called HD. For prospective buyers, I'm going to break it down for you: 1)EDTV Plasma 42" - Much lower price, better general performance (contrast levels, etc.), better handling of standard definition material, better handling of DVD material. 2)"HD"TV Plasma 42" - Slightly sharper image within 10'. These are comparisons against the same brand. Like the Panny ED 42" up to the Panny HD 42". When I mentioned earlier about how my ED would beat most other HD models I was thinking more along the lines of comparable price. Like what you'd find at costco. A sub 2000 dollar Maxent HD 42" plasma. Which to me seems like the biggest waste of money ever.

06-06-2005, 10:11 PM	#9
Damnit ? Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 24	after viewing many hd tv's i bought the panny th42pd50u.........love the picture............no compliants, even when i watch hd content i have to remind myself its an edtv