Panasonic TX-P42GT30 42in plasma 3D TV
Class act
Review With its high contrast Infinite Black Pro panel, net connected features and 3D compatibility Panasonic’s new GT30 plasma TV range clearly isn’t looking to shortchange buyers. The screens even come with both Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuners, to ensure maximum reception flexibility. If there’s a box, Panasonic appears to have ticked it.
Plasma performer: Panasonic's Viera TX-P42GT30
There are three GT30 models to choose from: the £1,799 50inch TX-P50GT30, £1,499 46inch TX-P46GT30 and the £1,299 42inch TX-P42GT30 reviewed here. Connectivity is suitably accommodating. The TX-P42GT30 offers four HDMIs, Ethernet LAN, three USB ports, component AV and a legacy Scart.
Given that the panel is just 37mm deep, supplied adaptors are mostly required to deliver the requisite connectivity. With no integrated Wi-Fi you’ll need to use Panasonic’s DY-WL10 dongle (with USB adaptor) if you don’t have a wired network access point in your viewing room.
Set up is quick and straightforward. I auditioned the set with a Freeview HD feed, giving me access to BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV 1 HD and C4 HD, plus plenty of low bitrate SD slush. Menus are breezy and fast. Indeed the entire user interface has been given a revamp for 2011 and feels fresh – with the exception of the dreary TV guide, which still lacks a Live TV window. Moreover, Panasonic still insists on loading the EPG with ads despite the kicking it gets for it. The only way to avoid them is to use the Freesat option – its EPG is ad-free.
Viera Connect
Once on-line, the TX-P42GT30 offers one button access to the brand’s Viera Connect IPTV and apps platform. Here you’ll find diversions such as the BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Daily Motion, Ustream, Shoutcast, Skype and Picasa. You can also log onto your Facebook or Twitter account.
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COMMENTS
I have said it before and I'll say it again........
............without *any* glasses bundled this is in practice, sold as is, a *2D* TV - and a rather pricey 42 inch 2D telly at that. Fortunately we upgraded to a 55 in Sammy just before the producers started this shell game with 3D tellys. We won't in all likelihood upgrade again until they get OLED fixed - ie a genuine advance in display tech that is actually worth paying for.
EPG Ads?
That's the reason Panasonic are out of the reckoning for me...
Flicker = Fail?
Does it still flicker like a bitch? Could stand watching the last model for more than a few minutes.
Shame it still has the 50Hz bug
inherited from last year's models and still not fixed.
Lack of 3D glasses and ads on EPG
If I was British, the lack of glasses and ads in EPG would mean one thing to me: "Greedy UK management.".
If you won't bundle some cheap glasses, don't add 3d or add some 50 pounds to price and add them. These guys (whoever manages UK) makes Panasonic look like some el cheapo Taiwan no name manufacturer. Some hardware state of art which doesn't deserve it.
To that OLED fan: Plasma doesn't need OLED technology and it is affordable, even in such high end.
