Saturday, November 8, 2008

Panasonic TH-42PX25U/P 42" High-Definition Plasma TV with Matching-Base Installation

Flat-panel, big-screen luxury is yours with Panasonic's 42-inch VIERA series TH-42PX25U/P. This 1,024 x 768-pixel gas-plasma TV offers a 16:9 widescreen dimension, photo-viewing SD and PC Card slots, and an HDMI input for direct-digital connection with high-definition sources. Its ATSC tuner pulls HD signals (480p/1080i) right out of the airwaves, however, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming, and 2-tuner/split-screen picture-in-picture gives you unparalleled viewing convenience with scalable image sizes.

The set's authorized CableCARD ability means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.

The Benefits of HDTV
Standard TVs (SDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the interlaced scan method, which creates a picture with alternating lines of information.
Enhanced-definition TVs (EDTVs) display a maximum of 480 lines using the progressive-scan method, which creates an image using consecutive lines of information for a crisp, flicker-free picture.
High-definition TVs (HDTVs) display a maximum of either 1,080 interlaced lines or 720 progressively scanned lines for the sharpest possible image.
With a plasma screen you get vivid colors like you've never seen before, extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--the TH-42PX25U/P is a mere 5.5 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting. Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.

The TH-42PX25U/P's contrast ratio is rated at an extraordinarily lifelike 3,000:1, and the TV is capable of producing over 1 billion colors. Picture-enhancing technologies include the Mach Band Effect Enhancer, a Gamma Enhancement System, and Panasonic's New Real Black Drive System.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers uncompressed digital data transmission between compatible devices, as between the TH-42PX25U/P and a DTV satellite receiver. Other connections include dual HD component-video inputs, 3 each composite- and S-video inputs, and front-panel A/V jacks for easy hookup with external devices, including an RGB PC input (15-pin mini D-Sub) offering up to 720p resolution. A set of composite-video-based A/V outputs simplifies hookup with an external A/V receiver and speaker system.

The TV's internal 2-way, biamplified stereo speakers are powered by 13 watts total per channel and use 5 separate drivers per speaker for extra richness and clarity. BBE ViVA HD3D surround processing creates authentic-sounding 3D effects from stereo speakers and exceptional sound-stage imaging, helping to ensure optimal clarity for centrally staged audio material such as dialogue. Artificial intelligence sound automatically adjusts the volume level on your TV to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming.

Other features include V-Chip Program lockout, on/off sleep timers, a remote control, and closed-caption decoding.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, remote batteries (2 AA), a pedestal base, an AC power cord, F-type coaxial antenna adapters, ferrite cores, 2 clampers, a warranty card, a customer card, and a service-center list.
Customer Review: Two years later and still going strong.
I realize this particular model is not anymore available, I only post this to illustrate the staying power of the Panasonic design which was lambasted 2 years ago as having a very short projected lifespan. Actually, this model was rated at 60,000 hours, so I wont need to replace it anytime soon. The newer 8UK HD Panasonics are a drastic improvement over this model with higher contrast levels, deeper blacks, and richer colors. But you may end up paying for all the inputs you need. They were all standard features on this old model with the exception of DVI.


For the home theater enthusiast, there are different types of acoustic treatment that you can use to create a great sounding acoustic environment. Not only are you limited to thousand-dollar products that are being used in the world's top notch home theaters and studios, you can also use less expensive ones available online and even make DIY solutions.

Categories of acoustic treatment

There are three types of acoustic treatment that you could use in the treatment of your home theater: absorbers, diffusers and reflectors. Reflectors are surfaces that allow sound to bounce off of it relatively untouched. Absorbers are materials that trap sound (or particular frequencies of that sound), which are useful in creating a dead sounding space. Diffusers are surfaces that serve to scatter sound in a variety of directions according to its surface pattern.

Choosing what sound treatment to use in your home theater

Your home theater might be located in your den, the living room, or even in your own bedroom! You may or may not use a carpet for your floor (especially if you've got beautiful wooden floors), but don't skimp on the wall absorbers; these panel absorbers (usually made of fiberglass inside a wooden frame) are the bread and butter of your theater acoustic treatment.

For the corners of your room, don't forget to invest in some bass traps, either the wedge type or the tube shaped one. Although earth-shattering bass is great for action flicks and chase scenes, an inaccurate bass response in your theater causes some bass frequencies to be louder than others, resulting in an inconsistent bass sound that will leave you puzzled.

You can opt to place a single large diffuser at the rear end of your home theater if you wish. These diffusers have a staggered surface that throws sound that bounces off of it in different directions. Having one at the wall behind your seating position is a great place to start.

Shopping for acoustic treatment products

There are many sites online that specialize in making absorbers, traps and reflectors. Companies such as GIK Acoustics and RealTraps have sites where you can order their products online and even customize them. They offer individual panel absorbers, bass traps and diffusers, or even entire room treatment packages that deal with all the nuances of your home theater. It also helps that these two companies are among the most respected in their field and are constantly recommended by enthusiasts the world over.

Do it yourself acoustic treatment

If you don't have the cash to set up your home theater, don't fret; you could get along pretty well using some DIY treatment. Although they may not look as professional or be as accurate as the high end ones out in the market, they'll serve as grunts that tame the brunt of the acoustic work for you.

Since, in principle, they use the same materials and construction, you should be able to come up with some nifty theater treatment by downloading plans and schematics online. Once you've placed the bare amount of panels and traps in your theater, that's when you can perhaps splurge on a quality piece of treatment or two for your home theater.

Emics is a leading laboratory providing calibration and Inspection services

Panasonic Plasma TV 58 inch

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