42in atscreens<GROUP TEST
Panasonic Viera TH-42PX70
Panasonic nally hits the grand mark for a 42in plasma TV, and theres clearly much to celebrate
With Pioneer about to go upmarket with its upcoming plasma TVs, Panasonic is well placed to claim the quality end of the mainstream plasma market for itself. And if the TH-42PX70 is anything to go by, its seizing this opportunity with both hands. For starters, the TH-42PX70 is only 1,000 (and you can nd it for just under that amount if you search online). The 42in plasma is also a bit of a looker in its slender and opulent matt black suit. Connectivity gets the job done, with two HDMIs and a component video jack for HD video duties, plus a PC port, two Scarts and a CAM slot to support a built-in digital tuner. You dont get either RCA composite or four-pin S-Video jacks. Towering over the rest of the features is V-Real2. This new image processing engine is Panasonics most sophisticated yet, with key elements being: upscaling of non-1080p sources to 1080p for playback; a Digital Optimiser that detects and removes noise types common to digital video feeds; motion pattern noise reduction to reduce false contouring; and a Sub-Pixel Controller that corrects image contours by adjusting each red, green and blue dot individually.

RATINGS

STYLE EASE OF USE FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE OVERALL

TEST SCENE

>Casino Royale
Stand comes with ready made shelving units Despite the low price, you still get two HDMI inputs Attractive, robust and well laid out. Job done
BLACK LEVELS LOOK THE MOST REALISTIC OF THE FLATSCREENS IN THIS GROUP TEST
Another strength of this TV is its colours. Bright, vibrant sources like the opening credits look dynamic, while subtler moments like the main poker games enjoy largely natural toning. The qualities so far make the TH-42PX70s HD pictures superbly easy and engaging to watch and the set is better than usual at scaling standard denition
images too. But thats not to say things are perfect.

Trace elements

Faster sequences can show tiny traces of zzing noise over skin tone peaks. Also, camera pans can judder slightly, and deep reds can have a slightly orange tone. All that matters about these glitches, though, is that even combined they dont make nearly enough negative impact to stop us loving the 42PX70 especially given its 1,000 price
Native resolution is set at 1024 x 768
The chase down the airport runway perfectly demonstrates this Panasonics terric black levels and smear-free motion handling

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES 42in plasma TV HD Ready 1024 x 768 native resolution Digital tuner with 7-day EPG Vreal2 processing 10,000:1 claimed contrast ratio 1080p playback Deep Black Filter Viera HDMI compatibility Sub-pixel controller 3D colour management Noise reduction Owner ID security Pseudo surround audio option CONNECTIONS Two HDMI inputs Two Scarts (both RGB) Component video input D-Sub PC input Stereo audio output Headphone jack Stereo audio inputs CAM slot RF input www.panasonic.co.uk 08705 357357

Taking note

The HDMIs are also noteworthy for 1080p though we didnt get any sound with 1080p/24Hz, for some reason and for allowing you to control other connected Panasonic gear using the TVs remote. Despite its low price, the TH-42PX70 doesnt compromise the brands traditional quality. The opening black and white scene of our Casino Royale Blu-ray disc immediately reveals black levels visible in the night sky around James Bonds second victims ofce that look more realistically dark and natural than on any other set in this group test even Samsungs entry. The outstanding detail visible during outdoor scenes is impressively well portrayed by the TH-42PX70, with plenty of clarity besmirched by precious little motion softness or other video noise.

Vreal2 image processing is on hand to introduce all manner of picture improvements
Theres plenty of space for your AV components too

WHC SEPTEMBER 2007 27

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Grouptest. 42in TVs

JVC LT-42DA8BJ

VC has put a lot of store behind its D-ILA technology rear-pros, but it still knows a thing or to about LCD
1,000 (approx) Overall Rating

Distinguishing features

The most important of these is denitely DynaPix, JVCs latest proprietary picture processing system. Elements of this system include Digital Image Scaling Technology (DIST), a sophisticated scaling system that adds in extra ne detail, especially with standard-denition sources; black level correction; noise reduction; and contrast and colour management. Theres also Digipure, which automatically ups/down contrast settings to compensate for any under/over contrast there may be in the source. Yet aside from DynaPix, the 42DA8BJ is pretty feature-light. In fact, the only nal point worth mentioning is something the 42DA8BJ lacks: 1080p support. saturated colours and lots of the brightness that so denes the LCD experience. HD images are also likeably sharp, with solid presentation of the extra nedetailing thats HDs trademark. You can pick out individual coins in the vast pile of Barbosas gold on the Pirates of the Caribbean Blu-ray, for instance. JVCs DIST system also helps the 42DA8BJ deliver crisper, cleaner standarddenition pictures than is common. So what are the problems? The main one is black level response. The scenes where The Bride is buried alive in Kill Bill take place behind a really quite obvious in this grouptest, and the tone of colours during dark scenes can look slightly unnatural. The 42DA8BJs audio performance is ne. There isnt the same raw power and frequency range heard on higher-end JVC sets, but you can still enjoy even something as histrionic as the Con Air soundtrack without fear of distortion or tinniness.
atpanels. How does this 1,000 42in model rate against the competition?

Design and connections

Aesthetically the 42DA8BJ is okay. The gloss black screen frame is pretty enough, but Im not so sure about the slightly untidy and plasticky silver outer frame. Connections are a similarly-mixed bag. Two HDMIs get the JVC off to a good start, and these are backed up by a component video input, and two RGB Scarts. Plus theres a digital audio output. However, theres no four-pin S-Video option, and worse, no D-Sub PC input. You can use the HDMIs as PC ports, but only if you set your PC to match the screens 1366 x 768 resolution.

Excellent

Performance
Although capable of sporadically excellent pictures, the 42DA8BJ has enough problems to ultimately seem rather outclassed by

LAB REPORT

Colour Black Level Contrast Resolution

Average

much of its competition today. Where the JVCs image is good is with bright, colour-rich material that doesnt contain many dark areas. HD coverage of football, for instance, looks really vibrant and engaging. This is down to some well-

Conclusion

We applaud JVC for delivering a perfectly affable 42in LCD TV bearing DynaPix processing for less than a grand. But at the same time theres no denying thanks in particular to a lack of black level that its far from the best TV in this group test.

SPECIFICATIONS

ITEM HD Ready Progressive Scan Digital TV Tuner Composite video S-video Scart Component video HDMI/DVI PC input Headphone SUPPORT DETAILS 720p and 1080i, but no 1080p Compatible with 480p and 720p With 7-day EPG 1 phono input Only via Scart 2 connections (both RGB) 1 input 2 HDMI But only via HDMI 1 output
pall of greyness, to the extent that its often difcult to see whats going on. Motion can also look a touch blurred, especially versus the plasma contenders
Sound: Nicam Stereo (2 x 6W) Resolution: 1366 x 768 Brightness: 500ANSI Lumens; Contrast: 1000:1 (claimed) Dimensions: 1030(w) x 672(h) x 108(d)mm; Weight: 22.1kg Also featuring DynaPix processing; backlight brightness adjust; Digipure processing; sleep timer; child lock; Hyper sound; 3D Cinema Sound; RF attenuator
A pair of HDMI inputs lurk above RGB Scart and component inputs
JVCs silver remote is easy to get used to OCTOBER 2007

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Tried&Tested.

LG 42LF66

1,150 (approx) www.lge.co.uk Overall Rating
that doesnt automatically make it the best of the bunch.
Gs new LCD screen is the only
To the untrained eye, the 42LF66s pictures probably look amazing. Colours, for instance, are blasted out with more vibrancy and intensity than I can recall seeing on any at TV before. Animated movies like Shrek can thus frequently look quite breathtaking, while more naturalistic sources like The Prestige on HD DVD also look remarkably rich and solid. Whats more, the intensity of the LGs colours doesnt preclude either natural skintones or some pleasing subtlety with colour blends. The 42LF66 scores an instant hit with its ne-detailing, too, reproducing sharp HD sequences like the opening space battle in The Revenge of the Sith (recorded from Sky HD) with exceptional snap. The sense of sharpness is enhanced by the panels crisp handling of motion. Its mostly downhill from here, though. The biggest problem is that old LCD chestnut of black level response. The infamous buried alive sequence in Kill Bill catches the LG out almost as badly as the JVC, with clear evidence of greyness where things should look nearly totally black. Whats more, dark areas also look hollow thanks to a lack of shadow detail. Elsewhere, quite a lot of noise slips into standard-denition playback (even though this does also look sharper than is common with Full HD LCD TVs), and edges occasionally looking over-stressed. Although the 42LF66s chassis is slender, it still produces good volume and range with the full-on Con Air soundtrack though a little more bass extension would have sealed the deal.

TV in our group test with a Full HD
1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. But
The 42LF66s design is great; a really sleek combination of high-gloss nish and unusually slender chassis. Its also very well connected. Two HDMIs lead the way, with the usual support from component video, D-Sub PC and Scart jacks. Then theres a digital audio output, and the discovery that the HDMIs will take in 1080p signals.
The 42LF66s 1920 x 1080 Full HD pixel count is, as Ive said, unique within this group test. And Im pleased to say LG backs it up with a 1:1 pixel mapping mode, for showing HD sources without any overscanning processing. There certainly is some picture processing going on, though, namely LGs venerable XD Engine system. The version here is optimised for Full HD performance, and is out to deliver its customary improvements to colour, black level, detailing, motion-handling and contrast. The screen also offers separate MPEG and standard noise reduction routines; a goodlooking claimed contrast ratio of 5000:1; and Simplink control via the TVs remote of other LG gear attached to the HDMIs.

Excellent Good Poor

13/8/07 16:04:50
a 42in Full HD LCD TV, and has a are for the dramatic that will win it many shallow friends. But more discerning eyes will nd all the sharpness/colour aggression and bluster hiding a denite aw or two.
ITEM HD Ready Progressive Scan Digital TV Tuner Composite video S-video Scart Component video HDMI/DVI PC input Headphone SUPPORT
DETAILS 720p, 1080i, and 1080p 480p, 720p and 1080p with 7-day EPG 1 phono input 1 input 2 connections (1 RGB) 1 input 2 HDMI 1 D-Sub connection 1 output
A dedicated PC input is a welcome touch from LG OCTOBER 2007
The handset is a vast improvement over previous LG models
Sound: Nicam stereo (2 x 10W) Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Brightness: 450ANSI Lumens (claimed); Contrast: 5000:1 (claimed) Dimensions: 1033(w) x 687(h) x 88.5(d)mm; Weight: 23kg Also featuring XD Engine processing, 1:1 pixel mapping, TruV panel wide angle viewing, MPEG NR, standard noise reduction, black level booster, cinema mode, XD Colour processing, MAX surround sound mode, digital audio output HOME CINEMA CHOICE 49

HCC147.group Sec1:49

The 42LF66 is remarkably cheap for

PANASONIC TH-42PX70

rguably the most consistent name in plasma makes its traditional talents available at by far the gures of our two LCD contenders, its nice to nd the 42PX70 claiming a more reassuring 10000:1. Naturally this is delivered with the help of Panasonics tried and trusted Real Black Drive technology, along with a new Deep Black Filter. Probably the 42PX70s main feature, though, is its V-Real 2 video processing engine. Elements of this include digital re-mastering for upscaling non-1080p sources to 1080p for playback; a Digital Optimiser that detects and removes noise types common to digital video feeds; and motion pattern noise reduction which reduces false contouring during motion. Otherwise the only thing really worth adding is that while the 42PX70s 1080p talents do extend to accepting the 1080p/24Hz format, 1080p/24 pictures oddly appear without any audio. immediately helps dark scenes, like those on the crashed alien ship in Alien, look much more cinematic and immersive especially as theres loads of subtle shadow detailing on show. The 42PX70s colours arent as vibrant as those of the LCD models, but they more than compensate for this with generally good toning and loads of expressive subtlety. Similarly, although HD images dont look as ultra-sharp as with the LCDs, they also appear less noisy and forced. Football coverage, meanwhile, shows the 42PX70 to be free of motion blur, and a little daytime TV viewing soon convinces me that the 42PX70 is unusually good at handling standard-denition sources. Normally I could just leave the review here, with the 42PX70s strengths And so now I must acknowledge minor aws in the 42PX70s make up. For instance, rich reds sporadically look a touch orangey. Also, I noticed traces of dithering over skintones during our footy viewing and camera pans can judder a little. Finally theres a visible ghost image if you watch off-axis caused by the Pannys thick front glass arrangement. The 42PX70s speakers, meanwhile, are an improvement over those of the screens predecessors, delivering enough power and clarity to handle our explosive Con Air DVD well.
1,000 (approx) www.panasonic.co.uk Overall Rating
cheapest price its ever managed. So is
there anything not to like?
Panasonic has ditched the rather uninspiring plasticky grey seen on its previous plasma generation in favour of a much more sophisticated all-over black. The 42PX70s connections unusually exclude the two lowest-quality connection options around, composite RCA and fourpin S-video. But you do get two 1080pcapable HDMIs and a component jack for HD applications, not to mention Scarts and a D-Sub PC port for computer use.
After the relatively low contrast ratio

After the slightly uninspiring efforts of our two LCD efforts, the 42PX70s pictures are a breath of fresh air. Particularly gratifying is its black level, which looks both much deeper and much more natural than those of the JVC and LG contenders. This
The advances of a rival in this grouptest have nally shown a Panasonic plasma TV to be less than perfect. But the 42PX70 does have one last saving ace up its sleeve: its price. At a grand it really is one heck of a bargain, and as such remains easy to recommend
DETAILS 720p, 1080i, and 1080p Compatible with 480p, 720p, 1080p With 7-day EPG RIP Ditto 2 connections (both RGB) 1 input 2 HDMI 1 D-Sub connection 1 output
speaking for themselves. But today is not a normal day, for the simple reason that elsewhere in this grouptest is the astounding new plasma TV from Pioneer.
Sound: Nicam Stereo (2x10W) Resolution: 1024 x 768 Brightness: No claim made; Contrast: 10000:1 (claimed) Dimensions: 1020(w) x 680(h) x 97(d)mm; Weight: 35kg Also featuring Vreal2 processing, 1080p playback, Deep Black Filter, Viera HDMI compatibility, Sub-pixel controller, 3D colour management, Noise reduction, Owner ID security, Pseudo surround audio option 50 HOME CINEMA CHOICE
The death knell has sounded for S-video and composite here
Panasonics remote has had a style bypass, but its easy to use OCTOBER 2007

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PIONEER PDP-428XD

1,800 (approx) www.pioneer.co.uk Overall Rating
50in model did in our last issue? Somehow, I suspect it might
an the rst 42in model from Pioneers KURO range make the same level of impact the brands
Other key facts about Pioneers 428XD are that it can be professionally calibrated to your room environment by an Imaging Science Foundation-approved engineer, and can receive 1080p signals in their 50, 60 and 24Hz formats. Even better, the set can show the 1080p/24Hz format using a 72Hz playback system that should reduce artefacting and image judder.
The ultra-minimal and high-gloss black design of the PDP-428XD is an exercise in opulent elegance. Its connectivity is also ttingly prodigious for what is after all a premiumpriced TV. Three HDMIs lead the charge, receiving support from a D-Sub PC input, component video jacks, all the usual analogue, standard-def suspects, an RS232 input, and even a USB2 port for direct playback of digital photos.

The 428XD produces the best picture Ive seen on a 42in at TV. And heres why. The black level it produces really is genuinely revolutionary (helped by an impressive real world contrast ratio of 1700:1 after calibration). The night-time assault on a Berlin factory in Mission: Impossible III enjoys absolutely immaculate blackness, with a perfectly natural tone, bags of shadow detail, and not a trace of the greyness that characterises so many at TV rivals. Colours are also the best Ive seen on a at TV, enjoying jaw-dropping vibrancy and total naturalism. Comparing the rich reds of the Sky News channel logo as shown by this Pioneer with how they look even on a screen as good as the Panasonic 42PX70 shows the rivals efforts to be looking decidedly orange. Theres also remarkable subtlety in the screens colour blends, motion is handled with complete clarity and smoothness (especially watching 1080p/24Hz in the TVs 72Hz mode) and Pioneers processing does a regal job of suppressing noise. Interestingly, all of the strengths just described combine to make the 428XD produce remarkably sharp, detailed pictures too pictures that look so sharp

Excellent Good

Pioneers 428XD is frankly so clearly ahead of the rest of the pack that if it wasnt for its premium price tag, everybody else might as well just pack up and go home
The Pioneer claims a contrast ratio of 16000:1 the highest Ive seen on a plasma TV (hence the KURO side name, since Kuro is Japanese for black). Delivering this black level is a quartet of technologies. Pioneers unique Ultra Black Crystal Layer ups the response efciency of the plasma cells; a Deep Wafe Rib pixel structure uses unusually high walls between cells to reduce light seepage; Pioneers Direct Colour Filter replaces the traditional thick glass front panel with a reection-absorbing lm alternative; and special image processing treats dark and light scenes in completely different ways.
a run for their money, especially when theres motion. The speakers supplied with the 428XD, meanwhile, are typical Pioneer. Which is to say theyre really very good indeed.
DETAILS 720p, 1080i, and 1080p Compatible with 480p, 720p, 1080p With 7-day EPG 1 phono input 1 input 3 connections (2 RGB) 1 inputs 3 HDMI 1 D-Sub connection 1 output
Three HDMIs and three Scarts make this plasma connection-tastic OCTOBER 2007
Obviously, the KURO remote was going to be black
Sound: Nicam stereo (2 x 17W) Resolution: 1024 x 768 Brightness: No claimed made; Contrast: 16000:1 (claimed) Dimensions: 115(d) x 679(h) x 1040(w)mm; Weight: 29.6kg Also featuring HD Digital Film Direct mode (24fps); HDMI CEC control; ISF C3 Ready; Ultra black crystal layer; Direct Colour Filter 3; Active; Home gallery by USB 2.0; I-Clear Drive; Various noise reduction systems; subwoofer output HOME CINEMA CHOICE 53

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they actually give many Full HD LCDs
from the screens 1024 x 768 pixels that

SAMSUNG PS42Q97HD

s the cheapest contender in this grouptest its barely half the price of the stellar Pioneer PDPscreens. Helping Samsung achieve this is the brands Ultra FilterBright technology, reckoned to remove up to 90 per cent of ambient light reections. Plus theres a new Optimal Light Filter element, which reduces light diffusion as the picture emerges through the screen. Next of note is a Movie Plus Mode, which interpolates extra frames of image to make moving objects look smoother and sharper. Plus theres a Silhouette Editor that smoothes out the PS42Q97HDs contour reproduction and reduces motion noise, and a Natural True Colour system that optimises colour tones even during action scenes. Finally on the processing front you get Samsungs Digital Natural Image engine for further tweaking colours, contrast, motion and sharpness. On the negative side, the PS42Q97HDs HDMIs dont take 1080p feeds but they
950 (approx) www.samsung.co.uk Overall Rating
428XD is this Samsung also the worst?
Samsung TVs are consistently among the prettiest around, and the PS42Q97HD is a chip off the uber-stylish old block. Its connections will set your pulse racing too, since they include three HDMIs. Whats more, a dedicated D-Sub PC input means you dont have to sacrice one of these precious HDMIs to computer use, and you get all the component/Scart/S-Video/ composite video standards.
The PS42Q97HD boasts a 15000:1 contrast ratio just 1000:1 short of the gure quoted by Pioneers revolutionary KURO
For starters, while its black level doesnt live up to the 15,000:1 promise (our real world measurement rates it at 700:1), it is nonetheless very good for a 42in TV retailing for 950. The space backdrop to the opening battle of Revenge of the Sith, for instance, looks inkier and more starpacked than I often see at this price point. The Samsungs pictures are also bright despite their black level accomplishments, and colours are vibrant, solid and mostly naturally toned. The pristine BD transfer of Casino Royale, meanwhile, is reproduced with good sharpness and solid detailing, ensuring plenty of impact from such HD delights as
with even plasmas common problem with dithering over skintones largely eradicated. My only caveat with this TV is that you can mess its pictures up if youre not careful with the settings. For instance, the Dynamic image preset option is far too aggressive, bringing forth otherwise dormant noise. The Movie Plus mode introduces a distracting shimmering effect at the edges of moving objects, too. The PS42Q97HDs speakers prove more potent and clear than those of Samsungs previous at TV range.

are CEC-enabled for one-remote control of any connected CEC-capable sources.
The PS42Q97HD is a more likeable performer than youve a right to expect for its money.
A typically appealing all-rounder from Samsung that treads just the right line between performance, design, features and price.
DETAILS 720p, 1080i, but no 1080p Compatible with 480p, 720p With 7-day EPG 1 phono input 1 input 2 connections (1 x RGB) 1 input 3 HDMI 1 D-Sub connection 1 output
the shot of St Marks Square that establishes the Venice sequence. The PS42Q97HD is also less prone to video noise than most budget screens,
Sound: Nicam Stereo (2x10W) Resolution: 1024 x 768 Brightness: 1300cd/m2 (claimed); Contrast: 15000:1 (claimed) Dimensions: 104(d) x 700(h) x 1055(w)mm; Weight: 30.6kg Also featuring Ultra FilterBright system; Silhouette Editor processing; Natural True Colour system; black, gamma, white balance and colour space adjust; DNIe, SRS XT audio processing, game mode, home theatre PC setting 54 HOME CINEMA CHOICE
Connectivity is good: there is a third side-mounted HDMI input
Samsungs minimalist handset is very user-friendly OCTOBER 2007

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CONCLUSION

slots of our league table. Bringing up the rear is JVCs 42DA8BJ. We should say that under certain conditions ie, with really bright, colourful sources this screen can look outstanding. But we ultimately cant forgive it for its fairly serious black level shortcomings. The same problem plagues the LG 42LF66, albeit to a slightly lesser extent, meaning that even the extreme HD sharpness delivered by its Full HD pixel count cant lift it into our medal positions today. In third Ive placed Samsungs PS42Q97HD. This plasma TV is yet another masterclass from the Korean brand in how to give the mass market exactly what it wants: loads of features, good performance standards and sumptuous looks all for a truly budget price. In fact, the Samsung model got dangerously close to achieving what would before today have been unthinkable, and edging ahead of a Panasonic plasma. But in the end Panasonics new aggressive pricing, together with its still very impressive picture quality, does just enough to give the popular Japanese brand the silver medal slot. Cruising home to take the gold medal by a good furlong or two is Pioneers PDP-428XD. When this TV arrived I had genuine concerns that it just wouldnt be able to justify its self-consciously premium price point. But its performance really is in a whole different league to even that of the Panasonic, meaning that quality-obsessives will have no hesitation whatsoever in declaring it worth every penny of its asking price and more

The picture says it all.

LCD technology has scored some notable successes in recent bigscreen shoot outs. But today is just not its day, as we nd both the LCD entrants occupying the bottom two

RATINGS

Picture

1. Pioneer PDP-428XD

1,800 (approx)
.a home cinema designed, installed, and calibrated for another happy client.

Panasonic

Plasma & LCD Specialists
Highs: Revolutionarily good pictures, lovely build quality, great features and connections Lows: All the splendour on offer will cost you

Sound

Features

Overall 1,000 (approx)

2. Panasonic TH-42PX70
Highs: Generally excellent pictures, especially with black level; nice design great price Lows: Slightly orangey reds, can see offset image if you watch from an angle

Overall 950 (approx)

CEDIA Pounds have been established for nearly 60 years as a family business, now in its third generation. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to help put a smile on your face when you watch a film in your own home cinema.

CERTIFIED RETAILER

3. Samsung PS42Q97HD
Highs: Gorgeous design, outstanding value, good all-round performer Lows: You need to be careful during setup, otherwise you can mess its pictures around
Whether its a discreet plasma based system in the lounge or a full-blown dedicated room, like the one shown, with THX sound and ISF calibrated picture..we can help.

Picture 4. LG 42LF66

Overall 1,150 (approx)
Highs: Well designed, affordable for a Full HD panel, really vivid colours, good feature set Lows: Noisy standard definition pictures, tepid black level
Picture 5. JVC LT-42DA8BJ
Highs: Decent price, bright colours, good picture detail Lows: No 1080p support, average black level, occasional colour tone issues

Overall

Home Cinema Choice Installer of the Year 2002, 2004, 2006
266-270 High Street, Ponders End, Enfield EN3 4HD Tel: 3000
www.poundstv.co.uk hello@poundstv.co.uk

OCTOBER 2007

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