Panasonic TX-P42G10, The first with NeoPDP technology

• The overall verdict on the TX-P42G10 is very positive: it is true that it has aspects that could be improved, but it is equally true that its strengths more than make up for them.

• Price: €1,199

• Specialists' rating: 5

• Text: Javier SAIZ

At this time last year I had the opportunity to review the TH-42PZ80, from Panasonic's eleventh generation of plasma panels and the predecessor of the TX-P42G10, the star of this review, which belongs to the recently launched twelfth generation. In the following lines we will see whether the latter can leave as positive an impression as the former did.

If the previous generation was a small evolution over its predecessor, improving its weaker points without introducing major changes, the introduction of the new NeoPDP panels now promises a bigger qualitative leap, thanks to a significant increase in luminous efficiency which, according to Panasonic, doubles the figures achieved by last year's panels. This increase achieves, at least in theory, a major reduction in power consumption and at the same time greater brightness, allowing higher contrast levels to be reached, with the manufacturer claiming figures of 2,000,000:1 dynamic and 40,000:1 native. These two arguments are especially relevant when it comes to competing with LCD panels, which have traditionally outperformed their plasma-based rivals in these two areas. As for the first of these advantages, on more than one occasion, browsing the TV section of a big-box store, I have heard comments about how "dull" plasma panels looked compared with LCDs, and although once at home, after proper adjustment, those differences disappear or are minimized, in the store, when it comes to making the sale, this characteristic carries considerable weight in the buyer's decision. Likewise, for those who usually watch TV with high levels of ambient light, this improvement will be very welcome. As for the second quality, doubling energy efficiency represents a major advantage for the user and the environment, allowing a 12th-generation Panasonic adjusted to the same brightness as a 10th-generation one to consume up to 40% less electricity, bringing it closer to the consumption of conventional LCD panels, although still far from the results being achieved by some latest-generation LCDs based on LED technology. In addition to what was mentioned in the previous paragraph, Panasonic's twelfth generation introduces another notable new feature: a system generating 600 "sub-images" (sub-fields) per second, called Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, which promises greater definition of moving images while also claiming to eliminate "judder".

As usual, Panasonic's new range of plasma panels is very wide, ranging from the most affordable "HD Ready" PX10 series (720p) to the luxurious Z1 (not yet available), which will feature a spectacular design whose highlight will be its slim depth of barely an inch (25.4 mm). Between these two extremes are, from simplest to most sophisticated, the S10 series, the G10, the G15, from which point the 2"-deep (50.8 mm) panel becomes available, and the recently launched V10 series. The two most basic, the PX10 and the S10, are not based on NeoPDP panels, so their performance is lower than that of the higher models, offering a more affordable price in return. The main difference between them is the panel resolution: 720p "HD Ready" for the former and 1080p "Full HD" for the latter. The G10 series arrives as the successor to the PZ80s, that is, as the entry step into the "full-featured" ranges, and since it has a NeoPDP panel it shares most of their qualities. Even so, as we move up, new features, picture and sound improvements, more sophisticated designs and higher-quality materials and finishes are added.

The TX-P42G10's exterior has a very functional design and finish: the frame is made entirely of glossy black plastic, and its only decorative element is an aluminum-colored strip running across the bottom of the screen. In my personal opinion, the whole is perhaps too simple and conventional, lacking some element that would allow it to stand out from its competitors. On the other hand, since there is no accounting for taste, there will surely be those who consider this a virtue, as it is more discreet than other, flashier designs.

The buttons on the right side of the panel give access to the most common functions, such as volume and TV channel control, source selection and the brightness, contrast, color, etc. settings. However, it is not possible to reach the menu, so if the remote control is lost or broken, many of the setup options cannot be changed. As for connectivity, we again find a "basic" configuration, offering on the back two HDMI connectors (V 1.3), a component video input with analog audio (RCA connectors), two SCART inputs (both accepting RGB) and analog stereo (RCA connectors) and coaxial digital (S/PDIF) audio outputs. In addition, on the left side there is another connector area with an additional HDMI input, a VGA connector for connecting a PC, an S-Video input and a composite video input, which shares RCA analog audio inputs with the VGA connector, so the two cannot be used at the same time; as well as a PCMCIA slot for conditional access modules (pay TV) and finally a slot for SD memory cards compatible with the HC standard (greater capacity and speed), from which it is possible to play high-definition AVCHD video recorded with camcorders. Nor should we forget that the G10 can tune and decode high-definition DTT broadcasts (whenever they become available), thanks to its ability to play H.264 as well as MPEG2 content.

The supplied remote control is a good size and has a very sensible button layout, which makes it quite easy to memorize their positions and operate it without looking. The large size of the most frequently used keys also helps, so touch can aid memory and make up for the lack of any visual aid when the room is poorly lit.

Once the initial setup process was complete, in which all the available radio and TV channels are tuned and the basic settings made, I went into the user menu, which brings nothing new in design and structure compared with previous models. It allows easy navigation between the different sections and quick access to most functions. It is welcome that when adjusting any of the picture parameters, the overlaid menu is minimized and does not tend to maximize again within "milliseconds", giving time to see the image unobstructed and measure the effects of the changes, something very difficult on some displays. One new feature, for which I take this opportunity to congratulate Panasonic, is that some picture controls have finally been included that more and more equipment offers but that the Japanese brand had relegated to the service menu; specifically, I mean those allowing color temperature adjustment, gamma control and the option of eliminating image overscan. Let us hope Panasonic continues in that direction and the next generation surprises us with a complete Color Management System. Thanks to the new controls it is possible to achieve (see calibration and analysis box) a more than notable accuracy when adjusting the panel to the D65 standard, far higher than that obtained by previous models, without resorting to the "dangerous" service menu. However, the color space used by this model continues the house tradition and is wider than it should be, oversaturating colors, which, although it provides a visual "impact" that many will find very attractive, means a loss of accuracy for videophiles that takes us away from the director's intent. The V10 and Z1 series models include a preset mode called THX that supposedly has a gamut in line with the standard.

The 42G10's video processing gives mixed results. On the one hand, it excels in aspects such as diagonal processing, in which it manages to handle even angles close to 10º. On the other, its inability to detect film-source cadences is surprising, and, for example, in the image detail test on the HQV NTSC disc, in which a Formula 1 car passes in front of some grandstands, the Panasonic is unable to eliminate the moiré effect because it does not apply the necessary pulldown. Also with the HQV PAL disc, jaggies can be seen in the cadence tests (Telecine A and B). As for scaling, regardless of the image source (DTT, DVD via HDMI or DVD via component), it produces a certain softening of the image, which, although a relatively common effect on most 1080 panels, is on this occasion slightly more noticeable than usual. The importance of all this is relative: if we have a BD or DVD player capable of good video processing, and what we usually watch, or want maximum quality for, is movies on DVD, we will not notice any drawback. On the other hand, if what we normally watch is series or movies on DTT, or we have nothing more than a DVD player connected via SCART, S-Video or composite video, it would be worth considering buying a DTT recorder with HDMI output to get the most out of this plasma. Finally, it should be mentioned that processing of video-source content, such as live TV, game shows, etc., is better than that of film-source material.

Although I usually disable digital processing because of its tendency to alter the cadence of movies, turning them into "home videos", the Intelligent Frame Creation Pro included in this new series is so unintrusive that it is perfectly usable, preserving the original cadence while increasing the definition of moving images, clearly surpassing the results not only of the PZ80 but even of reference panels such as the Pioneer LX5090H. Whether watching high-definition or standard-definition content (properly deinterlaced and scaled), the P42G10 shows spectacular sharpness without falling into the artificial excesses seen on some LCD panels, and correct reproduction of 24p material, producing a first-class cinematic feel.

The improvement in black level compared with the previous generation is obvious. The black bars typical of 2.35 movies appear clearly much darker than on the PZ80. But achieving a deep black is not all that matters: the gamma curve must have the right value and be as flat as possible so as not to lose shadow detail, which is satisfactorily achieved in this case. In dark movies such as The Matrix (BD), the textures and folds of Neo's clothing can be made out effortlessly, while at the same time there is a "black" background that provides a gratifying sense of depth and three-dimensionality.

The G10's sound is handled by a pair of small drivers powered by a 10W-per-channel amplifier. It is fine for everyday use, but falls very short for enjoying movies if you are at all demanding. Speaking of sound, something not to be overlooked is the noise emitted by the panel. Whereas with the PZ80 it was practically inaudible, the G10's fans can be heard whenever there is silence in the room and in what we are watching at that moment. On the positive side, it should be noted that, fortunately, it is not an annoying noise, either in volume or in its "tune".

CONCLUSION

The overall verdict on the TX-P42G10 is very positive: it is true that it has aspects that could be improved, as I have mentioned in the article, but it is equally true that its strengths more than make up for them. In addition, and as it could not be otherwise, the economic factor must be taken into account. If the PZ80 had a launch price of €1,599 a year ago, its replacement lowers that figure to a very attractive €1,199, and if that price follows the same trajectory over time, it will soon be possible to buy it for well below that amount. With its level of performance and such a cost, this plasma's value for money makes it worthy of our recommendation.

WE LIKE

- Motion definition.

- Black level and gray scale once adjusted.



COULD BE IMPROVED

- Standard-definition image processing.

-Color adjustment.

Jordi Rincon, Senior Product Manager VIERA Flat TV.



We had a challenge: to reduce the power consumption of our plasmas while also improving picture quality, and we have achieved it. The new NeoPDP technology, and its first series in Europe, the G10, are proof of this. The 600 Hz Sub-field Drive with Intelligent Frame Creation for moving images and Infinite Black contrast deliver unprecedented motion picture quality, with 40% energy savings compared with previous years' models.

Panasonic TX-P42G10, The first with NeoPDP technology

Specifications

RESOLUTION 1920 x 1080 p. NATIVE CONTRAST 40,000:1 with 6,144 gray levels. ANALOG AND DIGITAL TUNER MPEG2 and H.264. CONNECTIVITY 3 x HDMI (1 on the side), 1 x component video, 2 x SCART (both RGB), S-Video and CVBS. SDHC card slot. PCMCIA module. AVERAGE POWER CONSUMPTION approx. 200W. DIMENSIONS (with stand) 1029 x 704 x 334 mm. WEIGHT (with stand) 28 kg. DISTRIBUTOR Panasonic (902153060).

Price: €1,199