Sony one of the most reputed brands, has launched a 42″ widescreen; Sony KZ 42TS2E 42″ Plasma TV recently. Stylish looks, good picture quality and astonishing audio effects are the main highlights of this plasma TV. This being a very user friendly TV, with a 1024 x 1024 pixels resolution and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, requires a seperate receiver to view HDTV signals. The broadcast formats displayed are 720p(HDTV), 480p(EDTV) and 480i(SDTV). The broadcast formats supported are 1080i(HDTV), 720p(HDTV), 480p(EDTV) and 480i(SDTV). The aspect ratio is 16:9. The viewing angle is 160degree. The connectivity is above average with 2 S-Video-in, 2 Component-in, 2composite-in, a DVI connection, 2Audio-in(RCA), 1RF-in, an audio-out(RCA) connection and a headphone socket. A memory card slot and memory stick is also availed. PIP allows the users to watch more than one channel, simultaneously.

The audio system of Sony KZ 42TS2E 42″ PLASMA TV is Virtual Surround Audio type. There are two stereo speakers that deliver an output of 2 x 9W. There is an NTSC built-in tuner. Parental control, a common feature in flat panel displays, is not there in this Sony Widescreen Plasma TV. Sleep timer is a useful feature in this TV. Another aspect that attracts many users is the fact that this plasma TV is Energy Star compilant. That means, it meets the standards of energy efficiency set by US EPA(Environmental Protection Agency). The frequency of Sony KE42Ts2E is 50Hz A single scan is utilised for fine resolution. The picture quality is amazing, especially with the DVDs. The rich tonal range gives vibrant frames. Apart from the good picture quality, looks and better audio renditions, users also appreciate the low power consumption, no heat output, very silent operation and easy set-up.

There is no built in sat tuner and no electronic program guide too. The major downside of the sony KE42TS2E 42″ Widescreen Plasma TV is that it is not HDTV compatible. The connectivity is also not upto the expectations. You cannot go to a particular AV Channel directly, which can cause some trouble for the users. One most noticeable drawback of Sony KZ 42TS2E 42″ Widescreen Plasma TV is its fan noise, which is very obvious at night and at times may even distract you from the screen.,The price tag is too heavy for a HDTV non-compatible Plasma TV, which is another demerit. To sum up, this is a good choice, but only till you go for a Full HD.