Panasonic TC-P42C2 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

7 Review to this product

• 

  Russell Baird
  June 16th, 2010 on 7:45 pm

  Rating

  This is the 3rd 42″ 720p panasonic TV I’ve owned. I bought this one to replace one that was fried in a freak electrical occurance at my house. The picture on these TVs is fantastic, and your really cannot beat the price to quality ratio anywhere. The only down side to this particular model is the lack of an anti-glare filter. This used to be STANDARD on even the lowest of models of these TVs. I didn’t realize when buying it that it was gone, my fault. It really does make a difference. I’m really surprised that they took this “feature” away on this model. I still love the picture (when ambient light sources are off), but, if I now have to, I’ll probably pay more to get one with an anti-reflective filter next time.
• 

  Joann Gallagher
  June 17th, 2010 on 12:01 pm

  Rating

  Having decided to look on-line for “best buys” for a replacement TV, I found the exact same model, same price on Amazon.com. that was offered locally. The difference could not be ignored! I paid no shipping, no sales tax (which is 9.25% in my state), and got the “White Glove” treatment when it was delivered. What more could a 73-year old grandmother want than a deal like this one! Thank you so much!
• 

  Grandma Jane
  June 17th, 2010 on 10:33 pm

  Rating

  I received my new TV quickly. It arrived in perfect shape. Couldn’t ask anymore for picture quality
• 

  K. Saxon
  June 19th, 2010 on 7:50 am

  Rating

  I love the TV, the only flaw I find is the volume level. On one program on cable I literally have to turn the volume up to 100, the highest it goes, to be able to hear and would’ve liked to turn it up even more. Usually its not that bad, just seems odd. Lots of turning it up.. then turning it down.. then turning it back up. Looked in the volume options and there isn’t anything in there to try to fix the problem. I could say that it may be the stations but other TVs in the house don’t have the same issue.
• 

  John Carenco
  June 20th, 2010 on 8:01 am

  Rating

  This set has nice picture but one little hiccough that I believe is going to only get more pervasive these days, is that Panasonic saved themselves 50 cents & didn’t provide those old fashioned RCA type output audio jacks. So if you don’t already have the latest in sound systems you’re going to have to replace it or find some kind of converter to hear this TV through your speakers. This adds up to more elecrical consumption or more E-Waste….Wish I’d been warned!
• 

  Opinunated
  June 21st, 2010 on 12:49 pm

  Rating

  What a great buy this HDTV is. I paid $469.00 (including delivery) for this 2010 42″ Panasonic Plasma.

  I own a 58″ Panasonic plasma which was top rated by CNET in 2008. In fact, CNET said it was the best HDTV they had tested that year.

  I see very little difference between this 42″ Panasonic and my $3000.00 top of the line 58″ Panasonic.

  For a number of reasons I’d suggest you purchase a plasma TV and if you can do without some bells and whistles, I’d recommend you purchase this exact model Panasonic.

  1.) While this is a 720P HDTV – I don’t feel it makes much difference compared to a 1080i set. While the public has focused their attention on the obvious numeric difference between 720 and 1080 and assumed the larger number was always better — that — in a practical sense — is not always the case. With smaller TVs, the difference between 720p and 1080 can not be easily detected unless you sit on top of the TV. Professional reviewers say the very same thing. Because of public perception – 720p TVs are becoming a dying bred and offer a unique buying opportunity. 720p displays process 1080 signals without a problem just as a 1080 display processes 720p signals without effort. People forget that most Xbox and Playstation games as well as ALL of the content on ABC, Fox, and ESPN are sent in 720p.

  2.) Viewing angle – almost every LCD has a poorer picture when viewed off center. CNET, HD Guru, Displaymate, etc all note how picture quality deteriorates when an LCD is viewed off angle. In some cases, just sitting one seat cushion away from the ideal sweet spot produces a much poorer picture on an LCD. Plasmas have never had a problem with off angle viewing. No matter where you sit, you will see the same picture on a plasma.

  3.) Motion: While this one perimeter has been given far too much importance in the specification wars – plasmas are inherently superior at displaying motion. LCDs at 120HZ or better are pretty good with motion but never the quite the equal of plasmas. What is interesting to note is that reviewers say it is not likely anyone can see the difference in every day viewing. The bottom line is that plasmas are better with motion handling but even the worst LCD will likely look fine to most viewers.

  4.) Black levels. How black is black is the specification that plasma lovers, love to cite. The blacks of most plasmas are far darker than those of a typical LCD although local dimming LED/LCD sets are close. This C2 Panasonic is no exception and even in my bedroom, with all the lights out, the blacks are very dark indeed. Panasonics, in the past, have been criticized because black levels increase over time, but in general, the blacks remain deeper than LCDs even after they have risen.

  5.) Reflections: The C2 has a flat glass screen behind which is a dark background. It reflects, fairly well, any bright objects opposite it. If you are viewing a program that is very dark in nature you’ll be able to see these reflections. With brighter program material – those reflections won’t be noticeable

  6.) Brightness: Plasmas are not overly bright. If you plan on viewing your TV in a sunroom or any room with a fair amount of ambient light then a plasma is probably not a good choice.

  I’d recommend an LCD if you are viewing your TV in a bright room. LCDs are often brighter than plasmas. If you are worried about reflections than an LCD with a matte screen would be a wise choice. Unfortunately matte screens are becoming increasingly rare on LCDs and have never been available on plasmas.

  While other Panasonics offer more bells and whistles and technically better performance, I really believe this model is the value leader in HDTVs – given its price point. If you are willing to spend a few hundred dollars more then look at the S2 series of Panasonics or if you are feeling somewhat rich – the G series.

  Highly recommended.
• 

  Christian Manalansan
  June 21st, 2010 on 11:34 pm

  Rating

  Sometimes you want a TV that just works. For the size, this TV is great.

  Of course, dont expect many frills like full 1080 resolution or a wide array of inputs.

  However, if what you are looking for is excellent color quality for most basic shows think casual family gatherings, not home theater, then you cant beat the combination of price, display size, and a reputable brand name like Panasonic.