Panasonic TH-42PWD6UY 42-inch Plasma TV Review
MSRP: $4,995

Overview:
The TH-42PWD6UY is Panasonic's latest 42-inch Plasma TV, sporting a 852x480 resolution, and featuring a variety of enhancements over the previous TH42PWD5UY. By many accounts, the TH-42PWD6UY offers one of the best values in Plasma TVs today, and combines this value with a stunning picture quality that often isn't matched in sets costing over twice as much. Estimated street prices are currently arround $3000-3500. The 6UY is a commercial model, mainly produced for business, but also extremely popular with home theater enthusiasts. Panasonic also sells a consumer version of this TV called the TH42PA20U. Be sure to read both reviews to determine which is right for you, since both have advantages.

Picture Quality: 95/100
The picture quality of the TH42PWD6UY can be described as being simply outstanding, especially in this price range. Although the set is not a true high definition capable Plasma TV, it does do an excellent job of converting incoming HD signals, and has proven it's ability to fool many viewers into thinking they were watching native HD programming.

One of the particular strengths of Panasonic Plasma TVs, and the TH-42PWD6UY in particular is the deep, rich black tones it is able to produce. Other colors display quite brilliantly, and overall depth is great. One small negative is that the picture does not seem quite as sharp as compared to other sets, but the dark blacks (rather than dark grays) make up for this, especially if you sit at the proper distance.

An additional key benefit of the TH-42PWD6UY is it's ability to produce a high quality picture using traditional 480i NTSC signals thanks to it's quality built-in scaler. This is an excellent benefit over the next few years before HDTV programming becomes more widespread. The unit also does an excellent job converting HDTV formats. For DVD viewing, the TH-42PWD6UY performed stunningly well. As can be expected, when using component inputs, the picture quality appeared very close to HD, giving DVD movies a nearly 3D appearance - movies practically jump off the screen at the viewer.

Features: 88/100
As a commercial grade model, (see the Panasonic TH42PA20U review for the consumer version of this TV), the TH-42PWD6UY lacks integrated speakers, so a separate receiver/speaker system is required. Some buyers of course will see this as a benefit, since the unit is not as wide, and will fit into tighter confines. The TH-42PWD6UY also lacks a NTSC tuner, requiring standard TV signals to be tuned through a VCR or cable box connection. Also, again, since this is Panasonics' commercial series, the TH42PWD6UY does not include a stand, and includes a limited warranty that does not include in-home service. Any warranty repairs will need to be covered at one of Panasonics' registered service centers.

Other features of the TH42PWD6UY are quite strong, including the ability two watch two pictures at the same time from different sources, 9-point digital zoom, and a variety of power-saving functions. For connections, the TH42PWD6UY is a bit limited, with just one RGB/component-in, and no DVI for future upgradability to DVD and tuner devices that make use of this improved digital connection.

Value: 98/100
Currently, the TH-42PWD6UY offers one of the best buys in the marketplace. Panasonic has produced a truly world-class Plasma TV set - and it is quite cheap in price for the features and picture quality it provides. Overall, the picture quality of the TH-42PWD6UY can be described as being best in class in this price range.

Thumbs Up: Rich black tones, brilliant colors, excellent NTSC display, performance value

Thumbs Down: Picture could be sharper at times, Service Center-only warranty, limited connections