Brief Comparison Of Popular 42 Inches Plasma Televisions
October 4, 2008
Walking past a TV store, one’s attention will certainly be captured by the Plasma TVs on display in the window. What a great treat to the eye that would be, to see the TVs, standing elegantly, basking in the admiration of the on-lookers. With the big giants of the plasma market, like LG, Samsung, Pioneer, Philips, Panasonic and Toshiba, constantly striving to bring out the best plasma models, laden with the latest technologies, consumers will always find themselves in great dilemma while making a choice.
A brief comparison of 6 most popular plasma TVs is made below, hoping to help consumers in their decision making process. Our contenders are - Pioneer PDP-428XD plasma TV, Samsung PS42A457 plasma TV, Panasonic TH-42PX80B plasma TV, Philips 42HF7444T plasma TV, LG 42PG3000 plasma TV and Toshiba 42WP46P plasma TV.
| Physical Features Attribute/Name | Pioneer PDP-428XD | Samsung PS42A457 | Panasonic TH-42PX80B | Philips 42HF7444T | LG 42PG3000 | Toshiba 42WP46P |
| Screen diagonal measure (inches) | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 |
| Dimensions W x H x D (mm) | 1040×679x115 | 1055×667x 96.2 | 1020×727x327 | 1240×680x104 | 1040×674x84 | 1273×710x137 |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | Not provided | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Weight (kg) | 30 | 26.8 | 28 | 42 | 25.5 | 25 |
| Display
Attribute/Name |
Pioneer PDP-428XD | Samsung PS42A457 | Panasonic TH-42PX80B | Philips 42HF7444T | LG 42PG3000 | Toshiba 42WP46P |
| Resolution (pixels) | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 | 852 x 480 |
| Screen brightness (cd/?) | Not provided | 1500 | Not provided | 1200 | 1500 | 1000 |
| Image contrast ratio | 16,000:1 | 30,000:1 | 15,000:1 | 10,000:1 | 20,000:1 | 3000:1 |
| Display Formats | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 480p |
| Connections
Attribute/Name |
Pioneer PDP-428XD | Samsung PS42A457 | Panasonic TH-42PX80B | Philips 42HF7444T | LG 42PG3000 | Toshiba 42WP46P |
| HDMI | 3 (ver 1.3) | 3 (ver 1.2) | 3 | 2 | 3 (ver 1.3) inputs. 1 Port PC Mode - SIMPLINK 1/2 Port | Nil |
| SCART | 3 RGB | 2 | 2 RGB | Nil | 2 (1-Full and 1–Half) | 3 (2-RGB and 1–S-Video) |
| VGA/PC | 1 | 1 D-Sub PC input | 1 | 1 | 1 RGB input and 1 audio | 1 |
| Headphone | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 |
| Composite | 1 | 1 audio + video | 1 | 2 (1–audio + video, 1– video) | Nil | 1 |
| S-Video | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Component | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| RF | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil | 1 | 1 |
| Audio output | Nil | 1 optical | Nil | Nil | 1 optical | 1 audio line-out |
| Others | 1 USB port, 1 CI slot, RCS audio output | 1 RJ-45 input, 1 RJ-12 input, 1 SmartCard Xpress | 1 RS-232C, CI Slot, USB 2.0 port | 1 Subwoofer output, 2 audio line-in |
Audio
| Pioneer PDP-428XD | Samsung PS42A457 | Panasonic TH-42PX80B | Philips 42HF7444T | LG 42PG3000 | Toshiba 42WP46P |
| 2 stereo SRS; SRS Focus; TruBass with sub woofer | 2 Down-firing SRS TruSurround XT speakers | 2 stereo speakers | 2 Virtual Dolby Surround stereo speakers | 2 SRS TruSurround XT/Clear Voice Speakers, with Dolby Digital Decoder Invisible speakers | 2 integrated NICAM stereo speakers with BBE High Fidelity Sound and Bass Boost |
Colour (Appearance)
| Pioneer PDP-428XD | Samsung PS42A457 | Panasonic TH-42PX80B | Philips 42HF7444T | LG 42PG3000 | Toshiba 42WP46P |
| Black, simple yet stylish | Black with a silver tinge at the bottom | Piano black | Silver frost, Black deco | Black glossy | Black and silver titan |
What’s special about these plasma TVs?
Pioneer PDP-428XD Kuro plasma TV - “Kuro” means “black” in Japanese, and this TV, true to its name, gives rich black levels. Pioneer has implemented the “true matrix imaging with deep waffle rib structure” technology, which plays an important role in producing bright and crisp images, while reducing any blur. The i-CLEAR drive, employed in the plasma TV, enables reproduction of the most subtle colour differences. The in-built Intelligent Brightness Control, automatically adjusts the screen brightness in accordance with room lighting and on-screen lighting. The TV features a Movie Mode as well, that does a good job in displaying lifelike movie images. Also noteworthy, is the menu system of the TV, which is well designed and easy to use. The Kuro Link HDMI CEC feature enables controlling the AV devices connected to the TV with a single remote control. The HD plasma TV also includes Colour Temperature Control, Picture-in-Picture, TeleText, integrated Freeview and Analogue Tuners, a user-friendly Electronic Program Guide and noise and flicker reduction routines.
Samsung PS42A457 plasma TV – This plasma TV incorporates the DNIe+ technology, which enables portray clear pictures with fine details. The Colour and Motion optimizers employed in the TV, produce images that look true to life. Also doing a great job are the Contrast and Detail Enhancers, which create great colour depths. The Filterbright technology implemented in the plasma TV, removes unwanted reflections by absorbing external light that approaches the screen and transmitting its internal light, thus achieving rich contrast levels. There are 3 modes offered, for cinema, sport and games respectively, to make picture quality suitable to the viewing content. Clear, fluid motion pictures are achieved with the 100Hz picture processing technique, that has been employed in the plasma TV. The HDMI CEC functionality called Anynet+ by Samsung, allows easy control of the AV devices connected to the TV, with a single remote control. A wide viewing angle of 175° is presented by the screen. The HD plasma TV also includes a 3D comb filter, digital noise reduction techniques, a clock, sleep timer and anti burn-in technology, all performing their jobs with great fidelity.
Panasonic TH-42PX80B plasma TV – This plasma TV employs techniques like Real Black Drive system, 24p Playback and x.v. Colour standard to achieve great picture quality with brilliant colours. The Real Black Drive system enhances contrast, 24p Playback allows film-like reproduction of pictures and the x.v Colour provides a large palette of colours. A rare feature that this TV provides, is the power on/off button, which could turn out to be a good power saving option. Another rare feature is the SD card slot, for displaying pictures from your digital camera. Like the plasma TVs discussed above, this one too supports HDMI CEC functionality, thus avoiding confusion while handling multiple AV gadgets. The HD plasma TV promises great black levels and very low noise levels. If you are a games freak, then this TV would surely impress you with its judder-free graphics quality. This plasma TV comes with integrated Freeview Tuner and Colour Temperature Control as well.
Philips 42HF7444T plasma TV – Philips too, is no way behind in the race. Philips 42HF7444T plasma TV also incorporates a basket full of features for delivering great picture quality and performance. The Pixel Plus feature focuses on enhancing analogue broadcast signals. Cinema like images are produced by the Digital Crystal Clear technology. Other features like Smart Picture Control, Luminance Transient Improvement, Colour Transient Improvement, Contrast Enhancer and Video Noise reduction techniques contribute to displaying clear images, with good black levels and natural looking colours. This HD plasma TV supports both PAL (2:2 pulldown compensation) as well as NTSC (3:2 pulldown compensation) encoding systems. A 3D comb filter is employed for filtering out the brightness and colour details in the incoming video signals.
LG 42PG3000 plasma TV – Here is a tough contender in the plasma arena. Throwing a glance at the lengthy features list of this plasma TV, we have the 100Hz processing technique, Dual XD Engine, Vivid filter, Colour Temperature Control, TeleText, Clock, Sleep Timer, built-in digital Freeview tuner, 3:2 as well as 2:2 pull down compensations, 3D Noise Reduction techniques and modes like Picture mode, AV mode and Expert mode. Phew!!! The 16 bit panel of the TV enables displaying pictures with large gradation of colours. The HDMI CEC functionality - Simplink, makes way for ease of control of AV devices connected to the TV. An eight day Electronic Program Guide, which is user friendly and well laid out, is also available. The HD plasma TV is also equipped with an integrated Freeview tuner and a 3D comb filter.
Toshiba 42WP46P plasma TV – Toshiba has kept things simple, yet efficient here. This EDTV comes equipped with a digital comb filter, Colour Temperature Control, Video noise reduction methods, Colour Detail Enhancer and built-in digital and analogue tuners. There is a simple to use on-screen menu with options to control various picture quality attributes. Picture-in-Picture, Auto Power off and Teletext are some of the other features that come along with this HD plasma TV. The black levels of the TV are accurate and deep and the picture performance is also good. While Toshiba 42WP46P would prove to be light on your pockets, it definitely does not compromise on performance and quality.
The plasma world will always have tough competitions, with the big brands always striving to reach the top. Pioneer PDP-428XD plasma TV, Samsung PS42A457 plasma TV, Panasonic TH-42PX80B plasma TV, Philips 42HF7444T plasma TV, LG 42PG3000 plasma TV and Toshiba 42WP46P plasma TV are some of the strong players, which are here to stay, perhaps for a long time.
LG 60PC45 Full HD Plasma TV
September 28, 2008
LG 60PC45 Plasma TV is built with silver and piano black finish that looks gorgeous and attractive in its own way. It comes with digital TV tuner and features Freeview facility. This is HD-Ready TV meaning that it can display high resolution pictures. It comes with digital tuner to tune in to various Freeview digital channels. This TV comes with built-in stand that can be placed on the table. The colour of the table is black.
Display
The screen comes with size of 60 inches. The aspect ratio of LG 60PC45 Plasma Television is 16:9. The resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels produce clearer and brighter pictures. The contrast ratio comes to 10000:1. This is the ratio of darkest black and brightest white. Larger the ratio, clearer and brighter will be the images. The brightness of 1200cd/m2 produces excellent pictures. This model TV supports 24p signal.
Sound
Two speakers produce Surround MAX sound effect with a total output power of 20W. It comes with built-in 3D surround sound. It features auto volume adjustment too.
Connections
Connections such as Component Inputs, Composite Inputs, Digital Audio out, HDCP, HDMI Input, S-Video Input, Scart Connections and VGA (HD-15) Inputs.
Some Important Features
Some important features of LG 60PC45 HD Ready Plasma TV are Video noise reduction, parental control, Auto Power Off, 2:2 pull down compensation, 3:2 pull down compensation, on-screen menu, DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing), channel labelling, XD Engine technology and progressive scan. Back light life comes to about 60000 hours. It comes with remote control that is of infra red type. Another important feature of this model plasma TV is Teletext that comes with a memory of 1000 pages.
Sockets
Various sockets are 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video and PC input.
Power
Internal power supply requires voltage of AC 120/230 V and a frequency of 50/60 Hz. While in use it consumes power of 630W and in standby or sleep mode it consumes power of 1W.
Dimensions and Warranty
This model plasma TV measures 97cm (H) x 161cm (W) x 9.8cm (D). It comes with one year warranty.
Sony KE-P42M1 Plasma TV
September 26, 2008
Sony is a well known and an established company in the manufacture of various products such as TV, projectors, digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 player, home theatre system and more. The name alone is sufficient to tell us about its value. A product becomes well known and most famous only if it is designed with advanced features that are useful for the customers.
Video
The resolution of Sony KE-P42M1 Plasma TV comes to 852 x 480 pixels and the image contrast ratio is 400:1. Brightness comes to 450cd/m2. The quality of the picture depends on the resolution, brightness and contrast ratio of the product model. More the number of pixels brighter will be the picture or image. The image aspect ratio of Sony KE-P42M1 Plasma Screen is 16:9.
Sound
Speakers produce Dolby Virtual surround sound and BBE digital sound. The speakers produce a total output power of 20W.
Connections
Various connections of this model plasma TV are S-Video, Scart, RGB-Scart and Component.
Power
This model consumes power of 365W in use and 0.6W in standby mode. It requires voltage of 220-240v and a frequency of 50/60Hz.
Dimensions and Weight
Sony KE-P42M1 Plasma Television measures 42 inches. This product measures 110mm (W) x 750mm (H) x 1075mm (D) and weighs 39.5Kg. The accessories that are included in this TV are remote control and aerial loopthrough.
Other features
Remote control that comes with this model is of infrared type. RGB, S-Video, Component Video and Composite Video are the various analog video signals of this product model. Table top stand is included along with this model plasma TV. Other important features are sleep timer, teletext that can display a capacity of 250 pages. Sony KE-P42M1 Display Screen comes with one year warranty.
Loewe Xelos A42 Plasma TV With Freeview
September 25, 2008
Loewe Xelos A42 Plasma TV is a HD Ready TV with Freeview option that can display high definition pictures. HDMI provides high definition playback quality of digital sound and picture signals. With the digital tuner you can watch more than 40 digital Freeview channels. This is HDTV compatible. You can place this TV in different positions such as table top stand, wall bracket or Loewe Xelos rack.
Display capabilities
The resolution of Loewe Xelos A42 HD Ready Plasma TV is 1024 x 1024 pixels. The contrast ratio of 1000:1 is the difference between the brightest white and darkest black. The screen brightness of this TV is 1100 cd/m2. Resolution together with contrast ratio and screen brightness produces clear and bright images that are soothing to the eyes. Hence the quality of the picture produced depend totally on resolution, brightness and contrast ratio. The viewing angle of this model is 170 degrees.
Audio and Other Features
Two speakers that come with this model produce a total output power of 20W. It features Picture in Picture, which means you can view multiple channels simultaneously. RGB, Component Video, S-Video and Composite Video are the different analog video signals available in this model plasma TV. Remote control that comes with Loewe Xelos A42 Plasma TV is of infra red type. Sleep timer and proprietary parental control are other features that are available in this TV.
Another important feature is that Loewe Xelos A42 High Definition Plasma TV comes with integrated digital hard disk memory that can record about 100 hours of continuous programme and even pause a programme and view it later. It also comes with a feature of automatic recording of 30 seconds following a scene and 30 seconds of leading up to scene and view it whenever you wish for.
Connections
Various connections of this model plasma TV are Composite, S-Video, RGB-Scart, Scart, Component and HDMI.
Dimensions and Weight
Loewe Xelos A42 Plasma TV comes with a screen size of 42” and an image aspect ratio of 16:9. The dimensions and weight is 1043mm (W) x 640mm (H) x 90mm (D) and 40Kg respectively.
Fujitsu P42HTA51 HD Ready Plasma Television
September 21, 2008
Fujitsu P42HTA51 Widescreen plasma TV is a 42-inch plasma TV with PC connectivity and detachable speakers. It is one of Fujitsu’s numerous attempts to make a more domestic or home focused plasma TV rather than a business oriented one. Relatively cheaper than most Fujitsu plasmas, this TV comes equipped with the normal in-built TV connections.
This slender, silver coloured plasma TV with curved edges can be mounted on the wall or on its desktop stand. There are 2 detachable speakers that can be fitted to the screen or mounted separately on the wall. Other sound systems can also be used instead of these speakers.
The plasma TV has a standard analogue tuner. There are two Scarts that can handle premium-quality RGB signals as well. An HDMI jack is also available for high-definition input. A component video input with progressive scanning is present too. The TV is Sky-box as well as HDCP compatible. The most note-worthy of all the connections is a PC socket to connect to your computer.
This 1022(W) x 610(H) x 96(D) mm sized plasma TV weighs about 27 kilograms. It has an image aspect ratio of 16:9. The resolution of this screen is 1024 x 1024 pixels and it is compatible with the key, 720p and 1080i HD formats. The image contrast ratio is an average 3000:1 while the screen brightness is a high 1400 cd/m2. With a total audio output power of 30W, the sound effects are pretty good. The television also features a colour temperature control option. The other accessories that come along with the TV are a power cable, an infrared remote control, batteries and an instruction manual.
The Fujitsu’s native Alternate Lighting of Surfaces (AliS) technology used, gives a visual effect of 1024 horizontal lines though only about half the lines are present. The AVMII image processor is used by the set, which takes care of MPEG blocking noise, buzzing noises, jagged and ghosted edges. A light sensor is present that can adjust the picture with respect to the amount of light in your room. A White wash feature is also present that floods the screen with white to handle screenburn problems and individual ’signal’ and ‘drive’ contrast settings.
However, there have been complaints referring to the poor picture standards and unnatural looking colours of this television. Also, the absence of an integrated Freeview tuner and a digital tuner are seen as drawbacks. S-Video inputs and composite video inputs are unavailable too. Also, the features that can be set through the menus are not as interesting as one would expect. The thumbs-up aspects of the Fujitsu P42HTA51 42” flatscreen plasma TV like space saving design, good sound effects, low noise, smooth colour blends and fine details on the screen are masked by its poor coloured images and lack of certain advanced connections. Thus giving a poor competition to its rivals.
