A little skeptical of
rave review the HD Guru gave to Panasonic's NeoPDP-equipped G10 plasma? After reviewing the smaller 42-inch TX-P42G10 from the G10 plasma series, the good folks at
TrustedReviews have another data point for you. The set turned in a solid performance without blowing away the reviewers -- which to our reading back up
feelings around these parts that plasma still has an edge over LCDs in some performance areas, including black levels, off-axis viewing and motion resolution. It's interesting that even though the review itself is pretty reserved, the set scored very highly (9 out of 10) in the "image quality," "value" and "overall" categories. It sounds like TrustedReviews was torn between pulling the trigger on the G10 or waiting a few weeks for the
V10 models -- a feeling we know all too well. Hemming and hawing aside, it sounds like the mid-tier G10 sets (below the V10 and
Z1 lines) have plenty to offer those not ready to jump the plasma ship just yet.
posted May 13th 2009 7:21PM
"Impressive though all of this sounds, though, it would be remiss of me not to point out that the P42G10 actually only sits somewhere around the mid-point of Panasonic's latest range, lacking the internet connectivity and super-slim designs that help distinguish its truly premium models (due here in the next few weeks). "
Does the 42 inch model not feature the internet? Or is it a UK thing? I am pretty sure (at least from what I have read) the 50 inch model in the US has it.
The 42" has connectivity to the internet with Amazon streaming, YouTube streaming and a few other features. It's fairly slim too, but not overwhelmingly.
Also, its the TC-P42G10 not TX-P42G10. The TX must be a Euro model.
I'd love to get this set, but I have a feeling it would be better to get the lower priced S-Series and have it ISF calibrated (Comes out to be the same pricewise). The Internet features don't interest me (though I do like the THX certification).
Internet features like Amazon and Youtube are one thing, but it is pretty nice to update easily the G10's firmware over IP. Also there are a number of other features that separate the G10 from the S1:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=16111113&postcount=3207
As for ISF calibration, on a display so inexpensive it seems wasteful. Many folks at AVS Forum share their user menu and service menu calibration details. Granted copying those settings won't replicate a full custom calibration, but it will get you pretty darn close and you'll be a few hundred bucks richer for it.
I suppose that's true. I have an in with an ISF Certified guy, but not everyone does...
@ edward,
there's no info you can google to take the place of a real calibration. that's some bad advice youre handing out, man. besides, panny locks out advanced picture adjustments through the S1's user menus. also, just because a display isnt expensive doesnt mean it wont calibrate well. the $1400 50S1 can hand most tvs their asses.
As far as I'm aware, there are differences between the U.S. (TC) and European (TX) versions of the G10 series. The U.S. version has THX (but only rudimentary image controls), Internet connectivity, and 48-Hz 24p support, whereas the European version has better image (color temperature and grayscale) controls but no THX, no Internet connectivity (that's available with the G15 series), and 96-Hz (as well as 48-Hz) 24p support. From the reports I've read, the U.S. G10's THX implementation is inferior to that of the 800U or 850U. Whether the THX issues will be corrected -- or better image controls and 96-Hz capability can be enabled -- via firmware upgrade in the U.S. G10 is unclear.
Posted by Edward," Granted copying those settings won't replicate a full custom calibration, but it will get you pretty darn close..."
Close to what? There's typically a 10% differential of parts in HDTVs, so if you calibrate 2 exact HDTV models with the exact same source, you will still end up with different settings. Do you have the same Cable/Sat service? How about the same BD player? Did the calibrator make adjustments in the service menu? If you said yes to any of these questions, then copying settings puts you worse off than using a disc like AVIA or DVE. BTW, no one on the Calibration forum @ AVSforums advises on copying settings.