Panasonic TH-42PHD6UY 42-inch Plasma HDTV Review
MSRP: $5,995

The TH-42PHD6UY is the commercial version of Panasonic's current 42-inch line of Plasma HDTVs. Offering a 1024x768 high definition resolution, the TH-42PHD6UY commands a premium price over it's TH-42PWD6UY enhanced definition sister. Street prices are currently (Dec. '03) about $1100-1300 higher for the PHD6UY over the PWD6UY.

In our short test period, we were able to compare the two Panasonic units side by side, viewing a variety of source materials including basic cable, both 480p and 480i DVD, and 720p and 1080i HD signals. Like the performance of the PWD6UY, we were very impressed with the picture quality of the PHD6UY. Panasonic definitely has another winner on their hands, showcasing excellent contrast, great brightness, and superior color reproduction. All in all, we were very impressed with all input signals, and the picture quality is amongst the best we have seen.

But, with all other practical features being the same between these two Plasma displays, is the premium pricing for the Panasonic TH-42PHD6UY worth it? To answer that you have you ask yourself if you will be mainly watching broadcast/cable and DVD sources, or mostly HDTV.

If the former, our recommendation would be the PWD6UY. In side by side tests, we actually found the PWD6UY to look slightly better - cleaner and crisper - for both cable and DVD. This is likely the result of the PWD6UY's native 480 lines of horizontal resolution, removing the need for internal scaling as the PHD6UY needs to perform. We also noticed slightly less 'screen door effect' (where pixels stand out as being noticeable because of the slight gaps between each plasma cell) with the PWD6UY. And, obviously, the PWD6UY is cheaper, helping to keep some cash in your pocket, or give you the chance to upgrade other elements of your home theater system.

If you are mainly going to be focusing on HDTV, or want a Plasma that truly showcases the benefits of high def, there indeed is a very appreciable improvement for HD signals with the TH-42PHD6UY over the PWD6UY. Again, both Panasonic Plasmas look very good with high def, and you really could not go wrong with either. However, the PHD6UY definitely offers a nice pop in picture quality improvement. The TH-42PHD6UY still needs to convert incoming HD signals to it's native 768 lines of horizontal resolution, but with a larger ratio to play with, the picture quality improvement is noticeable. Still worth the $1200 or so premium? That is a bit of a toss up however, and will really depend on your comfort level spending this additional amount.

Pros:

- Outstanding, rich black tones, brilliant colors, and good brightness
- Image quality is amongst the best available currently for Plasma HDTV's
- A performance value, at around $4500 street from online retailers, compared to other quality Plasma HDTVs

Cons:

- Gives up a very small edge to the PWD6Uy in display of non-HD signals
- Like all commercial Panasonic units, it offers a service center-only warranty,
- Limited input connections out of the box, but upgradeable

Note: The consumer model equivalent of the Panasonic TH42PHD6UY is is the TH-42PX20U. Both models are basically identical in regards to picture quality, with the TH-42PX20U offering many of the same advantages and disadvantages as the TH-42PA20U in comparison to the TH42PWD6UY Look for a detailed review of the TH-42PX20U in the near future.