HDTV - The Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1

If you restricted most viewers to seeing only the screen few of them would be able to tell whether they were looking at an LCD or a plasma. The Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 might just be an exception. This unit offers such rich, deep blacks that it would be hard to mistake for anything else.

LCDs definitely offer a superb picture. But, except at the high end, it is possible to find a difference in certain scenes when it comes to reproduction of dark areas and other aspects. Even in relatively light scenes those darks provide the needed contrast to make the image appear vivid and colors to look realistic. The 42" TC-P42X1 really does the technology proud in this area.

Even more astounding is how Panasonic has achieved that while offering a set in the USD 500-USD 999 range. The promise of plasma technology at the modest price of a mid-level rear projection set has finally arrived, and with gusto.

Fortunately, that modest price has not been achieved by sacrificing quality. The same 600Hz sub-field drive used in high-end models is present in the TC-P42X1. Blur is virtually non-existent. Also, the native contrast ratio of 30000:1 ensures that you get a rich visual experience across every kind of scene.

Unlike some plasmas, viewers will also be grateful that the delicious picture is still extremely good in a brightly lit room. For those who watch sports, films, or any other kind of material on a sunny afternoon, the TC-P42X1 continues to deliver high-contrast, accurate-color scene. Leave the lights on in the evening while you enjoy dinner and a movie and you still get a superb picture. And, thanks to plasma's superior off-angle viewing capability, you can sit anywhere and see just what those in the center see.

There is one attribute that might give consumers pause: 720p resolution. It certainly doesn't sound as impressive as the full 1080p available on most models today. Apart from the cost difference, few will ever notice, though. Attach a Blu-ray player and you may be astonished that even a 720p TV can produce a shocking blue sky, skin that shows every pore, and superb definition overall.

The sound system is also in the very good to excellent range. The onboard speakers won't match a high-end stereo or home entertainment system. Nevertheless, only true audiophiles will be disappointed. For those who want the best sound possible it isn't difficult to connect the TC-P42X1, anyway. With three HDMI slots along with an SD card slot you have lots of hookup spaces.

For such a modest cost set there are some nice extras, too. This Viera lacks the webcast feature of higher-end offerings, but the Image Viewer lets you display photos from an SD card. And, courtesy of the Viera Link feature, the remote also works with a Panasonic DVD player/recorder, a Blu-ray player, and the home theater sound system, as well as an HD camcorder.

Check out the Panasonic VIERA X1 Series TC-P42X1 and prove to yourself how it's possible to get a lot for just a little.