Spec savers..?
However, no 3D glasses are supplied with the set. Instead you’re asked to stock up on the brand’s Active Shutter eyeware as and when you need them. This will prove to be an expensive accessory drive. Is this Panasonic playing down the importance of 3D? Or is it simply trying to manage costs? Regardless, the TV maker is now only including glasses with its top-end VT30 models.
3D set with Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuners and Net TV on-board, what's not to like?
Audio quality is adequate for screen of this size. The two 10W, downward firing stereo speakers, are clear without sounding overly thin. For those that want to tinker there are User, Speech and Music DSP modes. The TV is sans subwoofer, but my advice would be to partner this with a separate sound system for movie watching anyhow.
Verdict
Overall, I would rate the TX-P42GT30 as an outstanding TV. And should you want to spring for those expensive Active Shutter glasses, the 3D image is clean and immersive, its network functionality is first rate and 2D image quality is deeply satisfying. A score of 90 per cent seemed fitting on performance, but loading ads onto the EPG is Panasonic's ongoing conceit that ignores the user experience and can't be endorsed. Tempting though it is to knock it down to 50 per cent, at least the Freesat tuner EPG is ad-free, so it escapes a punishment beating. ®
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Panasonic TX-P42GT30 42in plasma 3D TV
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.
