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Review: Pioneer Viera Plasma TC-P42UT50

Posted by jedrider on April 6, 2012 at 19:57:17:
Well, I've just had it for 1 1/2 weeks now. I don't have Blu Ray as I'm sure it gets better. I don't understand how it gives me the same cable channels (basic) and plays them in HD with Dolby EX sound, but it does. Some stations are in the UHF region that were missing before with a CRT TV (standards? I forgot all the names!)
Anyway, I am so impressed. I don't see any Pixels at all. I'm sure the new Samsung 3D LEDs are very fine TVs as well, and I will look for comparisons. (I doubt if I try 3D because they require active eyewear which is quite expensive. Oh well, I guess no Avatar for me!)
Of couse, this is not a thin flat screen as it is a plasma. The speakers probably take advantage of that extra volume and are quite good all by themselves. It doesn't get warm, but I can feel the heat in an enclosed space immediately on top of the TV, but still it is almost cool to the touch. I think one goes from 100-watt to 25-watt by comparing a recent plasma with an LED. Still, not bad and probably way better than before.
I have it on Cinema mode, which is brighter and is preferred, so I bet I use that full 100-watts now! I played with picture settings for NORMAL mode and made it better, but Cinema mode is just fine. Why tune any further? NORMAL mode was just too dark, as they probably show in the stores (at least for last year models).
Also, it has DLNA and I can play tunes stored in Windows Media Player;-) Apple iTunes need not apply.
I am just blown away by the technology and by the reasonable prices. I got it hooked up to a home theater, and I am going to figure out how to mount that center channel finally somewhere. The subwoofer may have to wait -- do I REALLY need one??
Kudos to Panasonic. I understand that SONY and Samsung and now, Panasonic, seem to be the top brands -- in case I am recommending sets to anyone. LG playing catch-up and getting close, possibly??
[Edit: I should add that the blacks are truly black, but I don't see much definition. I presume that's why they make an enhanced plasma screen with enhanced black levels. It does bother me that I can't see into the black scenes very well, but maybe just a little.]