Choosing a 42-inch Plasma HDTV – What to Look For
Knowing some of the important features available in 42-inch plasma HDTVs can help you make the right decisions before making a purchase. These days, 42 inches is a popular size for a high-definition television screen and plasma provides the thin profile consumers are looking for. Of course, size is only one feature. You also want a television with good contrast ratio, a high-quality picture, standard definition and a video processor.
Out of all the brands on the market, Samsung stands out as one of the more popular ones. They have more than one model of 42-inch plasma HDTVs, so you will want to compare features. There are 3 of them that are particularly impressive:
Samsung PN42B450
This model has 720p resolution along with SRS TruSrround high definition surround sound. For inputs, you can use 2 component or 1 composite video input jacks and there are 2 10 watt bottom speakers. You’ll always get life-like images with the Mega dynamic contrast ratio. You can also use A/V compatible devices such as Blu-Ray.
There have been reported issues with this Samsung model, with an echo developing in some sound channels. A factory reset can help clear that up without too much added difficulty.
Samsung HPT4254
Also with 720p resolution, this model has DNIe enhancement that brings an unprecedented level of contrast, brightness and quality clear picture. The video quality with this TV has greatly reduced motion blur, a broad viewing angle and the colors are exceptionally brilliant. Not too much to complain about with this model, but you will have to switch your standard set-top box to one that is HD capable.
Samsung PB42A450
This HDTV has 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 720p resolution and 18-bi Natural True Color processing capabilities. It’s 3D compatible, so you can use it with any 3D games or movies and the 175 degree viewing angle makes it flexible for most home theater arrangements.
It has a unique FilterBright anti-glare filter for good contrast even in a room with bright lights. You will have to watch out for posterization and the occasional stuck pixel with this HDTV model.
There are many other brands of HDTVs with excellent features but you really should consider one of the Samsung models if you want high-quality and outstanding picture resolution.
About the Author
Capemay Rich is the editor of The-HDTV-Review.com which is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to modern flatscreens. Find more information on 42 inch plasma HDTVs at his site.
Testing 3D TVs from Consumer Reports
|
|
Belkin Conserve Switch, Energy-Saving Surge with Remote $37.34 Belkin F7C01008Q Surge Suppressor F7C01008Q Surge Suppressors… |
|
|
TIVAX STB-T8 Set Top Box (Converter Box) With Analog Pass Through!! $69.95 Main features ? Receives free on air High Definition TV broadcast ? Analog pass through Auto scan ? Electronic program guide and program information Parental control ? Supports both 4:3 and 16:9 TV aspect modes Closed-Captioning ? Dolby Digital Full operation by remote control ? ENERGY STAR compliant NTIA certified, Qualified for $40 coupon ? English, Spanish & French on-screen display Specs ? Inc… |
|
|
Vizio M420VT 42 Razor LED 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV $511.04 This Vizio 42″ LED LCD HDTV features full 1080p high-definition resolution with Razor LED backlighting for brilliant color and contrast in a razor thin design that?s less than 0.87″ thin (max depth 1.85″). This sleek HDTV delivers superior audio using SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD audio for advanced virtual surround sound and has 4 HDMI ports to connect up to 4 HDMI devices to your HDTV. Th… |
|
|
Datacolor S4TV100 Spyder4TV HD for Calibrating Color on TV Display $124.00 The Datacolor Spyder4TV HD Color Calibration System is an easy-to-use calibration system for your home theater display as well as any other TV in your home, and is intended for use by home theater enthusiasts system installers. It provides the correct adjustments to brightness, contrast, color, tint and color temperature for your display, so you’ll see your favorite movies exactly as they were int… |
|
|
Optoma HD72 720p DLP Home Theater Projector $749.99 Offering true 720p high-definition resolution, the Optoma HD72 DLP (digital light projection) home theater projector features new technologies to deliver brighter images and truer colors to the projected picture. With a proprietary 7-segment color wheel with BrilliantColor and TrueVivid color enhancement technologies, the Optoma HD72 produces superior color and deeper dark settings at the same tim… |
|
|
Paper Thin Leaf Indoor HDTV Antenna – Made in the USA! $49.99 The patent pending Leaf indoor television antenna is a paper thin antenna that connects to your TV and mounts on the wall, behind a picture, or just about anywhere to enable you to receive free over-the-air broadcasts. Because the majority of television antennas on the market today are unsightly and tend to be an “eye-sore”, design aesthetics were a primary driver in the design of the Leaf antenn… |
|
|
VideoSecu Tilt TV Wall Mount for Most 32-65 LCD LED Plasma TV Flat Screen, Sturdy Steel Wall Plate Free HDMI Cable and 6 Bubble Level M43 $29.99 The VideoSecu MP501B is compatible with LED, LCD, and Plasma TVs and other flat panel display between 32 and 65 inches weigh less than 165lbs. Supports all VESA mounting standards up to 710x450mm and many odd size mounting patterns (mounting holes on the rear of the TV or panel should be no more than 28″ apart horizontally and up to 17.7″ vertically). Over 12 lbs solid heavy-gauge steel constructi… |
|
|
Leaf Plus Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna $73.99 Leaf Plus HDTV Antenna… |
|
|
EXPOSED: What Vizio Doesn’t Want You to Know About Their 720 and 1080p LCD LED Flatscreen HDTV (Includes 42 32 47 55 37 26 inch TV, Wall Mount, 3D, Internet) Learn the 28 facts that Vizio hopes you’ll never find out in this comprehensive report. Covering all models of the Vizo HDTVs. To be sure that this report is what you’re looking for, click on the picture of the cover to look inside the book for a sneak preview or send the free sample to your device…. |
|
|
EXPOSED: What LG Doesn’t Want You to Know About Their LCD and LED Flatscreen HDTV (Includes 1080 & 1080p series LG 32 42 47 55 inch 3D) Learn the 28 facts that LG hopes you’ll never find out in this comprehensive report. Covering all all models of the LG HDTVs. To be sure that this report is what you’re looking for, click on the picture of the cover to look inside the book for a sneak preview or have a free sample sent to your device…. |