Panasonic released the TX-P42S10B in the spring of 2009 and although there are now more current models, this Full HD Plasma TV is still a good buy for those that just want a great performing TV inside their homes for a great value. Many of Panasonic’s high end TV units have been getting great reviews, but like any other entry levels, there’s much to be desired with the Panasonic TX-P42S10B with regards to its features. But quality-wise, this is as good as it gets for the class that it’s in.

Just by looking at its external features, you will first get an impression that it’s a solid TV and has all the promise to deliver. Its frame comes with the industry standard glossy black bezel, and a stand that disappointingly, doesn’t swivel. For its size, it has a dimension of 1929 mm by 704 mm by 334 mm, and surprisingly, it is lightweight as compared to other 42 inch Plasma TVs. But the serious business ends, and its allure, comes with the performance of the technology that Panasonic has bestowed inside.

One of the driving forces behind the superb picture quality that the Panasonic TX-P42S10B provides is its massive 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, couple this with its 400 Hz Sub field Driving processing, and intelligent Frame Creation, you get a video performance that’s unparalleled. Lacking though is Panasonic’s famed NeoPDP system for Plasma Technology that has made its high-end plasma’s very remarkable.

Even when there is fast motions, the images don’t get blurred and remain very sharp. This quality though suffers a bit when using standard definition quality. The Panasonic TX-P42S10B tends to display a slightly skewed colours and skin tones. Another downside to the Panasonic TX-P42S10B is that it’s not particularly bright. Although bright enough for normal viewing, it is best to keep the lights low to achieve optimum performance.

The Panasonic TX-P42S10B may have some connectivity issues, there’s not much of them. There are the standard ports though that are basically found in every Plasma or LCD TV like HDMI inputs, there are three of them, two at the back and one at the side, but there is no DVI or VGA input. A solitary composite video input can be found at the side of the frame of the Panasonic TX-P42S10B, at the back, you will find two component video inputs though. The one good thing about the connectivity of the Panasonic TX-P42S10B is that there are four analogue audio inputs that are integrated with one HDMI port, the composite port, and the two component ports. Connecting with a PC can be very difficult with the Panasonic TX-P42S10B, if you really need to, then you would just have to purchase a separate DVI to HDMI adapter. Another problem would be the lack of output ports, there is only a single output port and it is an optical digital output, you won’t find any video or analogue audio outputs. There is also no USB port but there is a solitary SD card slot for playing back music or viewing photos, sadly, videos are not supported.

The Panasonic TX-P42S10B Plasma TV though provides good quality audio; it’s not spectacular, but adequate enough for simple TV viewing. There are two 10 watt speakers integrated into the body that provides fair bass output.

The Panasonic TX-P42S10B is a Plasma TV that doesn’t fail to deliver, knowing that its in a price range designed to reach every home, it has sufficient capabilities to provide a satisfying viewing experience. While there may indeed be some issues about it, its top video quality output makes it still a desirable addition to any home. If you can leave with the flaws, then most certainly, this is a great bargain.