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Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P 42" Enhanced-Definition Flat-Panel Plasma TV

Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P 42" Enhanced-Definition Flat-Panel Plasma TV

List Price: $2,999.99
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • 42-inch gas-plasma TV with built-in NTSC and digital ATSC/QAM tuners and super-high 4,000:1 contrast ratio; 46.1 x 25.9 x 3.9 inches (W x H x D)
  • 852 x 480 native pixel resolution with EDTV display capability (480p); offers front-panel PC/RGB analog input
  • High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers direct-digital A/V connection with compatible DTV receiver
  • Photo viewer through SD Card slot; CableCARD compatibility obviates the need for a separate box for digital cable reception
  • 8 watts per channel x 2 stereo speakers; BBE ViVA HD3D Sound simulates surround sound from any 2 speakers


Description:

Panasonic's flat-panel, big-screen, VIERA series TH-42PD25U/P will make you fall in love with movies all over again. The 42-inch, 852 x 480-pixel gas-plasma TV offers a 16:9 widescreen dimension, a JPEG photo-viewing SD Card slot, and an HDMI input for direct-digital connection with EDTV-resolution (480p) sources. Its ATSC tuner pulls 480p signals right out of the airwaves, however, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming, and 2-tuner/split-screen picture-in-picture gives you unparalleled viewing convenience with scalable image sizes.

The set's authorized CableCARD ability means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.

With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--the TH-42PD25U/P is a mere 5.5 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting. Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.

The TH-42PD25U/P's contrast ratio is rated at an extraordinarily lifelike 4,000:1, and the TV is capable of producing over 1 billion colors. Picture-enhancing technologies include the Mach Band Effect Enhancer, a Gamma Enhancement System, and Panasonic's New Real Black Drive System.

The way human eyes perceive objects is influenced by the colors of the objects surrounding it; this is known as the mach band effect. The TH-42PD25U/P's mach band effect enhancer uses this principle to improve image sharpness and vividness. And Panasonic's New Real Black drive system further enhances image clarity and realism to help the display reach its stunning 4,000:1 contrast ratio.

The set's gamma enhancement system, meanwhile, imparts greater nuance to dark scenes and heightens image depth by increasing the number of gradation shades at low brightness levels (the unit is capable of rendering a total of 1,536 shades). The gamma enhancement system employs non-linear signal processing to reproduce images that help accommodate the high sensitivity of the human eye.

A handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format is 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal. Digital video mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown reversal digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers uncompressed digital data transmission between compatible devices, as between the TH-42PD25U/P and a DTV satellite receiver. Other connections include dual SD/ED component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, and front-panel AV jacks for easy hookup with external devices, including an RGB PC input (15-pin mini D-Sub). A set of composite-video-based AV outputs (including an optical digital-audio output) simplifies hookup with an external AV receiver and speaker system.

The TV's internal stereo speakers are powered by 8 watts total per channel. BBE ViVA HD3D surround processing creates authentic-sounding 3D effects and exceptional sound-stage imaging, helping to ensure optimal clarity for centrally staged audio material such as dialogue. Artificial intelligence sound automatically adjusts the volume level on your TV to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming.

Other features include V-Chip Program lockout, picture freeze, on/off sleep timers, a remote control, and closed-caption decoding.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), a pedestal base, an AC power cord, F-type coaxial antenna adapters, ferrite cores, 2 clampers, a warranty card, a customer card, and a service-center list.

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