Panasonic Viera TH-42PX80U 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Even the "blue shirt" TV guys tell you: If you're going plasma, Panasonic is the best.
I spent a lot of time researching my first big-screen HD purchase and settled on the Panasonic 42-inch plasma (720p), by virtue of reviews and affordable price.
This set TV does everything I expected. Have you heard horror stories about how difficult it is to get your big-screen hooked up correctly? With this one, forget it. If you can hook up a DVD player, you can be watching this set in a matter of minutes (using the included base; not hanging it on a wall. Myself, I prefer having my nearly $1K set NOT dangling off the wall).
The picture is superb, and the built-in speakers are fine. The 720p suits me.
I got a 42-inch, which actually may be a little big for my compact living room; I could have gone smaller.


Note: You may be surprised at how crappy regular television signals look on the big screen; I was. Plan on upgrading to HD service in the near future.
My set came via the special Amazon delivery service for big-ticket items, and was a little wary after reading other reviews. The service I received was helpful, timely and excellent, but these are franchise-type operations so your mileage may vary.

Delivery service bad info- J&R gave $50 credit for problem but continued to get wrong info from CEVA- DELIVERY AT OVER $100 included no on site assist even to haul away box- TV WORKS FINE AND AGREE WITH OTHERS THAT 1080 NOT NEEDED IN THIS SIZE

CNET lead me to this TV (great review) and the picture is outstanding. Sounds good too (20 watt amp). Hard to imagine a better TV for the money.

This is my second TV from Amazon - first class service and delivery was excellent in both cases.

This entry level Panny plasma is just what I needed for my bedroom wall - and without the extra cost of upper tier units. I think the price is right at $799 with free shipping. Awesome. I was also able to find a smokin price on the extended warranty from DTVExpress/XpreServ - which has a great rating and gaurantee. As far as the TV goes the black levels are incredible as well as color and there is a discernable difference in the brightness level from past Panasonic plasma models. Since I dont watch much TV during daytime in my bedroom, ambient light is not an issue so plasma is the obvious choice (better picture than LCD). The one drawback I've noticed is a slight moire' pattern in stairs, blinds or verticle/horizontal lines. It's a challenge for all TVs so tihs is not surprising but it's something I can help but notice.

I have had this TV for two days now and after hooking it up I am very satisfied. I had shopped for a long time, and had decided to buy a 50" 1080p plasma. In the end I am glad I opted for 720p rather than 1080p, and I'm really glad my wife talked me down from 50". This unit looks huge in our 12x24 viewing room. Ignore the sites that tell you you have to have at least 50" if you view from 15' away - it is not true. Sports on this size HD screen is a fantastic new experience.

I have this hooked up via HDMI cables to a new upconvert DVD (Phillips, $80, also from amazon)and the HD cable box. Sound is excellent though I'm sure surround sound is a lot better. However I am satisfied with the tv speakers.

I got this from Amazon for a little over $800 (how much cheaper can they get??), which is a steal compared to what I planned on buying. Even the pros say 1080p doesn't gain you any viewing pleasure over 720p at sizes under 50", and I cannot say for sure whether I really need the enhanced contrast (whatever that really means) of the more expensive Panasonic models.

White-glove delivery was excellent - it arrived in about 4 days (the estimate was much longer) the guy set it up, showed me it was working, and took all of the packaging away, all in under 10 minutes. I advise keeping an eye on your package tracking, and as soon as indicates that it's near your town get in touch with the shipper directly to ensure that you are contacted promptly.

Hooking up the TV was really easy - just plugged in 2 HDMI cables and away we went. A far preferable approach to the old way. One thing I do not understand is now that you can buy an adequate HDMI cable for under $2 at amazon, why don't the TV companies provide them? Order a few with your tv. They do give you some audio and video cables in the box, which you can throw away.

If you are interested in an economical HD setup, this is really the way to go. We don't rent a lot of movies, let alone Blu-ray movies, so this setup is perfect for us. Count us as happy customers.