Panasonic TC-P42S2 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV |  | Brand: Panasonic
Buy New: Too low to display
as of 9/5/2010 14:28 EDT details
New (35) Used (3) Refurbished (1) from $599.12
Seller: Electronics Expo
Rating:  22 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Display Size: 42
Shipping Weight (lbs): 55.2
Dimensions (in): 40.6 x 12.1 x 27.8
Legal Disclaimer: We do not in any way represent that any part we sell is legal to possess in your jurisdiction. Check with you local authorities to ensure it is legal for you to possess before buying!
MPN: TC-P42S2
Model: TC-P42S2
UPC: 885170003118
EAN: 0885170003118
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| Currently For Sale On eBay | |
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| Features:
 | 1080 TV Line Moving Picture Resolution | | | VIERA Image Viewer | | | Clean touch bezel |
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Product Description
For the love of the game. VIERA S2 Series Plasma HDTVs are great for sports and cinema-quality movies. Our Neo PDP technology delivers sharp, detailed image and remarkable brightness - all with lower power consumption.1080 TV Lines Moving Picture Resolution - Clear Images in Every Scene
VIERA® S2 Series Plasma HDTVs feature 1080 lines of moving picture resolution. You enjoy clear, detailed images even in fast-moving scenes, with no blurring or afterimages. The NeoPDP technology's high-speed drive performance instantly generates a large electrical discharge and shortens the display time for each image frame to minimize afterimages. 600Hz Sub-field Drive* - Crisp, clear moving pictures
600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into dots. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects. *When using cinema mode. VIERA Image Viewer - Easy viewing of full-HD photos
It's easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos right after you take them. Simply insert an SD Memory Card into your VIERA HDTV to display photos a on the large screen. It's much more fun when you can view them on a large screen HDTV with family and friends in 1920x1080-pixel high definition and a wide 16:9 aspect ratio. 1. Shoot - Shoot photos.
2. Insert - Insert the SD Memory Card.
3. View - Enjoy seeing your full-HD photos on the big screen. VIERA Link - Operation with a single remote
VIERA Link allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting compatible devices to each other by an HDMI cable. *VIERA Link is a new name for EZ Sync. Not all VIERA Link features ar
Amazon.com Product Description
Building on its award-winning 2009 Plasma line, Panasonic's 42-inch VIERA TC-P42S2 Plasma HDTV features a new panel with NeoPDP technologies that provide the best balance of black and white under brighter environments while also offering higher energy efficiency. The new NeoPDP Plasma panel also further reduces reflections and creates sharper pictures with higher contrast in brighter environments. This S2 series model provides 1080p resolution, full-time 1080 TV lines of moving picture resolution, and 600Hz Sub-field Drive for superb motion clarity.  This and other models in the S2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote. This model also includes Panasonic's Clean Touch Bezel, which resists fingerprints to help keep the surface clean. Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. And you'll get a long Plasma panel life of up to 100,000 hours--more than 30 years of viewing when watched 8 hours a day--before the brightness of the panel decreases to half. | 
Panasonic's VIERA S2 series Plasma HDTV. | Key Features  | NeoPDP: By redesigning the Plasma panel's cell structure and developing an innovative new filter, Panasonic has tripled the luminous efficiency (compared to 2007 models) of its VIERA Plasma HDTVS--resulting in stunningly beautiful images while also reducing power consumption. |  | 1080 Moving Picture Resolution: With 1080 lines of moving picture resolution and integrated NeoPDP technology's high-speed drive performance, the display time for each image frame is shortened to minimize afterimages, making decisive calls in football matches and delicate motions in figure skating performances appear crystal clear. |  | 600Hz Sub-field Drive: 600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology, which converts the motion in each scene into data. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects (see an illustration of 600Hz technology). | |  | VIERA Image Viewer: View full-HD images with the integrated SD card slot, enabling you to view JPEG photos captured from your digital camera or camcorder on the big screen. Navigate your images via an easy-to-use thumbnail display. |  | VIERA Link: Allows the interlinked operation of various AV devices--from DVD and Blu-ray Disc players to home theater sound systems to digital cameras and camcorders--using only the VIERA remote control by simply connecting the devices to each other by an HDMI cable (see pop-up illustration). |  | Game Mode: With Game Mode, quicker image response increases the enjoyment of video games when a game console is connected to the TV. What's more, VIERA produces the dark images in video games more clearly. This mode works with the anti-image retention (wobbling) function, too.  | | Key Specifications - Series: S2
- Screen type: Plasma
- Screen size: 42 inches
- Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Contrast ratio: Native: 2,000,000:1
- Shades of gradation: 6,144 equivalent
- Receiving system: ATSC/QAM/NTSC
- HDTV display capability: 1080p, 1080i, 720p
- EDTV display capability: 480p
- Speakers: 2 full range, 20W total power; surround sound capabilities
- Image viewer: JPEG compatibility
- Aspect control: Normal, Just, Zoom, Full, H-fill
- Optional wall-mounting bracket: TY-WK4P1RW
- Multi-lingual menu: English/Spanish/French
- Energy Star qualified: Yes
| Connections - HDMI: 3 (1 side)
- Component (Y, PB, PR): 2; each with audio input
- Composite A/V: 2 (1 side); each with audio input
- Digital audio output: 1
Dimensions - TV with stand: 40.6 x 27.8 x 12.1 inches (WxHxD); 55.1 pounds
- TV without stand: 40.6 x 26.1 x 3.7 inches (WxHxD); 50.7 pounds
- What size TV should you get?
| What's in the Box Panasonic S2 series Plasma HDTV, removable stand, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions Panasonic 2010 VIERA Plasma and LCD Comparison | Series: | G25 Plasma | S2 Plasma | U2 Plasma | C2 Plasma | U22 LCD | X2 LCD | C22 LCD | | Models: | TC-P54G25 54"
TC-P50G25 50"
TC-P46G25 46"
TC-P42G25 42" | TC-P65S2 65"
TC-P58S2 58"
TC-P54S2 54"
TC-P50S2 50"
TC-P46S2 46"
TC-P42S2 42" | TC-P50U2 50"
TC-P42U2 42" | TC-P50C2 50"
TC-P46C2 46"
TC-P42C2 42" | TC-L42U22 42"
TC-L37U22 37"
TC-L32U22 32" | TC-L37X2 37"
TC-L32X2 32"
TC-L22X2 22" | TC-L37C22 37"
TC-L32C22 32" | | VIERA Cast | 
| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | VIERA Image Viewer |
(AVCHD, MPEG2, JPEG) |
(JPEG) |
(JPEG) |
(JPEG) |
(JPEG) |
(JPEG) |
(JPEG) | | VIERA Link |
webcam capable | | | | | | | | NeoPDP Panel | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | THX Display | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | Contrast Ratio | Infinite Black | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 2,000,000:1 | Dynamic: 20,000:1 | Dynamic: 20,000:1
22": 15,000:1 | Dynamic: 18,000:1 | | Moving Picture Resolution | 1080 lines | 1080 lines | 900 lines | 720 lines | -- | -- | -- | | Anti-Reflective Filter | | | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | Display Capabilities | 1080p, 1080i,
720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i,
720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i,
720p, 480p | 720p, 480p | 1080p, 1080i,
720p, 480p | 720p, 480p | 720p, 480p | | 600Hz Sub-field Drive | | | | | -- | -- | -- | | 120Hz | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | Game Mode | | | | -- | -- | | -- | | Speakers | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total | 2; 20W total
22": 6W | 2; 20W total | | Surround Sound | | | | | | | | | HDMI input | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side) | 2 | 3 (1 side) | 3 (1 side)
22": 1 | 2 | | Component input (Y, PB, PR) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | Composite input | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side) | 2 (1 side)
22": 1 | 2 | | PC input | 1 (side) | -- | -- | -- | 1 | 1 | 1 | | USB | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | Ethernet LAN input | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | Digital Audio output | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | iPod Universal Dock | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | | -- | | Energy Star | | | | | | | | | Series: | G25 Plasma | S2 Plasma | U2 Plasma | C2 Plasma | U22 LCD | X2 LCD | C22 LCD | Learn More
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room? 
| With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. - Minimum size = Viewing distance/3
- Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 22
 A truly exceptional plasma television March 13, 2010
Joshua Pearl (Port St. Lucie, FL)
76 out of 76 found this review helpful
I've owned this for 3 days now, and wanted to wait until I fully tested it to write a review. After seeing how it performs with videogames, blu-ray movies and basic cable, I feel I know the television enough to offer my thoughts.
Picture quality: Incredible. Blacks are as deep as the bezel surrounding the TV. Colors are bold - everything you'd expect from a top of the line plasma. I own a 62" DLP, a 26" LCD, a 50" panasonic 720p plasma and this plasma, and the plasmas are the only sets that really "pop." This model is head and shoulders above even the 50" 3-year-old model I own.
Video game play: There's a game mode, which bumps up the brightness and sharpness. It's great for PS3 games. I've played Demon's Souls and Wolfenstein on it so far, and both look amazing. The system touts "1080 lines of moving picture resolution" to help with motion blur. Honestly, I never felt plasmas had an issue with motion blur to begin with, so I'm not sure how much of a difference this feature is making, but from what I understand in doing research it helps to have it.
Cable: HD looks good - even the reds aren't blown out. Basic cable is standard definition - a thing on it's way out anyway, lol.
Aesthetics/connections: The TV is very sharp looking, and the anti-glare feature on the S model (as opposed to the U model) actually makes a difference. I rolled my eyes when I read the feature, but I'm watching it in the daytime in a well-lit room and the glare is really minimal. The only minor dissapointment is no VGA connection, but I'll figure out a way around that. Was going to use VGA to hook up my 360 (since I'm using computer speakers for audio at the moment), but will go the component route now. By the way, a TON of controls and an HDMI input are on the side of the tv, making it very easy to get to.
Burn-in/image retention/ghosting: Haven't experienced any signs of even ghosting yet. Had my game on pause for a few minutes a couple times to test it.
Audio: Haven't tested the TV's speakers, just using an external set of logitech speakers with subwoofer at the moment.
Overall: For the price, I highly recommend the set. Like I said, I own 4 televisions of 3 different technologies and this one shows off the best picture. I have a collection of almost 800 blu-rays, and stay up to date on all the high-def news, etc... I do extensive research before purchasing a product, and actually went into this thinking I was going to give in and get an LED. I don't want to get into an LED vs. Plasma thing here, but the LED's are simply LCD with different lighting, and it brings all the inherent LCD problems with it. They make catch your eye in the store, but once you get home and get into your environment, it's a different story. That said, this plasma in game mode gets the picture as close to LED as I've seen but with much better blacks.
Update 5/2/10: Just thought I'd add to this that I've had a videogame on pause for more than an hour a few times, and while I wouldn't make a habit out of it, there hasn't even been a hint of ghosting and certainly no issue with burn-in. Even so, the TV seems to have an auto shut-off function after 5 minutes or so of complete inactivity. There will be a message prompting you that it will shut off in 3 minutes and it counts down from there.
Superb - Settled on this after a lot of research - DOES work with Mac and PC April 27, 2010
P. Cook (East Coast, USA)
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
This TV really is something else.
I did research for months before finally settling on this. I was strongly considering the Panasonic G20 and G25 TV's, the 2010 steps up from the S2 series (which is a 2010 model as well, to be clear), but ultimately picked the S2, here's why:
First, only the G25 and S2 series have a 42" model (rumors of a 42" of the G20, but as of this review they were not available). Anything larger than 42" wouldn't fit properly in my space, so that knocked out the otherwise attractive G20 for me.
Let's talk about what features it doesn't have compared to the bigger brothers: First, it lacks the Panasonic 'Looks superb. The G25 series has the Panasonic "Infinite Black Panel" - the S2 does not, but I swear after watching the G25 in store and then watching a properly calibrated S2 at home, the average consumer cannot tell a difference. The blacks on this TV are very black, and merge well. The contrast ration on this is 2mil:1 vs the G25 5mil:1 if you want to know the numbers.
The other major features that this doesn't have over the G25 are the Viera Cast (youtube, netflix, twitter, etc) online features (there is no internet connection of any sort on the S2), and it also lacks the THX mode that the G20 and G25 have. Let me tell you why I'm not missing these, even as a filmmaker who might otherwise seriously consider the THX mode.
First, while the Viera Cast features sound nice and are convenient, they're essentially negating what my PlayStation 3 can already do in terms of online access. All I mean to say here is, if you're willing to use an external device (console, computer) to access these features a different way, then you can pay less and get this model. If you don't have a console or want the convenience of having these built in without another device, then set your gaze on the G25 (or a blu-ray player with the same features that the TV's have). Also, the THX mode does sound nice, but if properly calibrated, this TV looks masterful on it's own and is a true bargain for the price.
In the three days I've had it, I've tried PS3 games, Blu-Ray movies, Standard DVD movies, and streamed Netflix (one of the films they stream in HD, and let me tell you, it looked like Blu-Ray) and all three have looked truly superb. No shuttered motion (thanks to the 600Hz), great color reproduction and, folks, the brightness is fine. It really is. While this TV ***WILL*** have some glare if you have it in a room with TV's in the background, when the TV is on, any minor glare/reflection from lamps (etc) in the room will immediately be overcome by the image.
The sound is not masterful, but in no way is it bad. It's on the high end of "normal" from a TV, if you will. Absolutely worth listening to until you can get a sound system later, if you need or want to wait. I "want" a sound system, but it's not a priority, for what it's worth.
This TV does NOT have USB ports, but again, if you have a console you shouldn't miss it. A PS3 or XBox will substitute almost any need for a USB port. The Wii looks/works fine (I have one) but overall extended use should come from one of the HD systems if you have this TV (purely because the Wii lacks HD output, is all. Not knocking it!).
Some of the Picture modes are a little weak ("standard," for example), but with some adjustments or a true calibration you'll be fine. Nothing to shy away from at all.
Finally, ***BURN IN WORRIERS NEED NOT WORRY***. All the 2010 Panasonic plasmas have a pixel shifting technology that helps reduce burn in. They also have a "white wash" feature that erases burn in, and although I have yet to have need for it (burn in is worse typically in the first 100 hours of a plasma) - some other reviews I've read seem to think this feature will operate well as intended, IF you even need it.
My last thought is this: If you don't want to pay more for features you already have via another device, this TV is your best bet for 2010 model plasmas. For the cost of the 42" G25, I bought this TV, a Logitech Harmony One remote, an HDMI cable, a 4 year protection plan on the TV, and the Logitech device that makes the PS3 work with the Harmony One remote. All for under $1,200. That's outstanding, in my opinion.
 For the most part, a pretty good TV April 29, 2010
Carl M. Coleman Jr. (Houston, Texas United States)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful
I got this TV because it looked like the perfect fit for a price / performance ratio. Overall I'm pleased with my purchase, although there are a few things that Panasonic can improve on. I have seen and had lots of experience with the 2009 S1 model, as well as the 2009 G10. The 2010 S2 is better than the S1 but doesn't quite have the picture quality to match the G10. Its close though. So if you can find a G10 at the same price you may want to go with the G10. The reason I didn't go with the G10 is because Panasonic has had problems with some of their TV's losing a significant amount of their black levels in previous year's models. They said that they have addressed these issues in the 2010 model lineup. So to get a few more years out of my plasma, and sacrifice a slight loss in picture quality I decided to go for the S2.
Picture Quality
As far as black levels go, I have no quarrels with this TV. It has excellent black levels, and honestly I think this feature is a little over hyped in the industry. I do appreciate black levels but when TV's are this black, I much prefer color accuracy, which is where this TV has a few problems. Most colors look great and the red's specifically pop very well. Skin tones are also very accurate for the most part. But the greens don't look as good as other high end models and you can tell in a side by side comparison. Some of the HD sources I used to distinguish the picture quality of the TV are: Planet Earth, The Dark Knight (which is the best HD source that I've ever seen).Food Network (to accurately judge color), about a dozen video games, and a few other Blu-Ray movies. The fluid motion of action scenes is very good, and I couldn't really see any flaws as far as motion quality goes. The detail of the content that I viewed is pretty good, but you may notice a few flaws if you sit really close. Another complaint that I have about the picture quality is that sometimes the video processor doesn't handle older HD sources and doesn't do SD sources very well at all. SD sources, at times, look downright terrible, and the TV doesn't seem to clean up HD sources that were made four or five years ago as well as higher end models. This TV also seems to handle video games very well. There were only a few occurrences where I saw a difference in picture quality and they were minute. Overall, very good picture quality.
Sound
No one is going to mistake this for a good home theater setup, but to sound is pretty good for a TV. If you're serious about your audio, then you'll definitely want to get a home theater system to compliment this TV.
Features / Menus
It would have been nice to have an Ethernet port to get firmware updates, and have a few internet applications, but these apps are usually slow and I much prefer to use a set top box or gaming console. The Ethernet port is the feature that is any concern for me. As far as the menu goes, Panasonic has almost gotten it right. You'll have to go into the settings, and change a few things because the default settings are a little strange. They're also missing a few things like gamma, and an option to just turn up the brightness of the panel (not the picture). Mostly everyone will turn it on Vivid which may be a little to bright for some, but the alternative, Standard, is much to dim. It would have been nice to fine tune everything the way you like. The menus do a descent job of explaining what each setting does, which is a welcomed addition. They have also disabled some of the settings which is also a little strange. The remote is nothing special. They could have moved around a few buttons to make it easier to navigate but, I`ve seen much worse. The Viera Link feature (for me) is completely useless, and I can't imagine anyone using it very much. There is also a slot where you can put an SD card and show off photos. This is useful, but it is very slow going from image to image. It's also worth mentioning that this TV does have the ability to heat up a room.
Overall
This TV does what I want it to do. It has solid picture quality, and enough features to keep me satisfied. The fact is that technology changes so fast that it doesn't make sense to spend top dollar on hardware when that hardware will be trailing edge in a year or two. So, while I would love a higher end model, I am very satisfied with my purchase. With proper calibration it's hard to see the difference between this TV and higher end models unless you sit really close, so I do recommend this TV.
Beautiful display, great price, mediocre sound June 24, 2010
Andrew M. Keown (L.A.)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I received this TV from Amazon 2 days ago and so far I love it. I shopped around extensively, and it was by far the best value for a large plasma screen from a "name brand" manufacturer. The display is gorgeous. It creates a lush picture with dark blacks and vivid colors. I bought this to replace a 3-year-old 26" Panasonic LCD screen, and I am blown away by the improvement in picture quality. Now, I have to reprogram my DVR to ONLY record HD shows because they look so great; I never noticed that much of a difference between HD and standard-def with the old TV (which was probably only 720p while this new one is 1080p), but I can see a huge improvement with HD now! Overall, very impressive picture quality.
It has 3 HDMI inputs, so I could plug in my cable box, DVD player and Netflix Roku player with no problem. (How great to be able to ditch all those component wires!) Set-up was a breeze and the on-screen controls are intuitive. The remote control is very nice.
My only complaint with the TV is its poor sound quality. I suppose there must be a tradeoff for a $700 42" plasma, and if so, sound is most definitely that tradeoff. The speakers are tinny and echo-y. (By comparison, the speakers on the Panasonic LCD TV I replaced this with are much, much better... of course, I paid the same amount of money for that 26" TV 3 years ago, so I'll willingly take the larger, better screen any day.) I played around with the audio adjustments extensively, but could not find a sound setting that I considered acceptable. I am still giving this TV a 4-star rating because I assume most people purchasing this TV will also have a home theater system. Last night I purchased a Polk Surroundbar 2.1 speaker system, and I am happy with the sound now, but that was an additional $350. Before buying the Surroundbar, I was hoping to plug the TV into my Bose Sounddock, but the TV's ONLY audio output is optical audio, so you cannot make this TV work with inexpensive computer speakers or any speaker system that is not specially designed for home theater with optical audio capability.
As long as you're aware of the sound situation, then I highly recommend this gorgeous and well-priced TV.
I think I finally found it June 19, 2010
Movie Source
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It is nothing short of a headache shopping for a new TV. I find one I like and then a list of drawbacks sways me to another which has its own set of problems. I was beginning to think a I would be dissatisfied with any TV I got (especially in the price range I wanted). So after months of research I decided to go with the Sony EX 400 series 40" LCD. It was nice. Not fantastic, just nice. It had some slight motion blur that I convinced myself I would just have to deal with, but then I saw a my friend's plasma. Now I had considered plasma, but decided to stick with LCD because of reported burn-in problems, buzzing, and energy consumption. I live in Colorado Springs (over a mile high), and so I did not want to chance buying a plasma. However, after a brief demo at my friend's house, I was sold. After having the TV for a while I am happy to report no burn-in, buzzing, or other altitude related problems. It does slurp some energy, but that is a side-effect of plasma. Plasmas have a definite bonus for me though: no blur. Since the refresh rate is so fast it is almost like watching a CRT. The black levels are superb (almost dark enough to suck the light out of my bedroom), and the colors are accurate. The definition is astounding. I cannot comment on the sound, since I use a receiver and speakers. This TV does put out some heat, but is by no means going to heat the room. I used some configuration settings I found on the internet which meant putting most everything on 50 percent (except, of course, for sharpness). All in all, I am very happy with this TV and would easily recommend it to anyone.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 22
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