Review

The TX-P42G20 is also known as the TXP42G20, the TX-P42G20B or the TXP42G20. The B at the end denotes that it is the 3 pin British plug version.

It is a plasma HDTV with integrated Freesat and Freeview tuners.

At a first review the Panasonic TX-P42G20 looks very similar to Panasonic’s 2009 models, with a glossy black bezel and matching swivel base. however it is both slimmer and lighter.

The user controls are of the usual Panasonic user-friendly variety. However, Panasonic has been criticised in the past for making its TVs too user-friendly by omitting the ability to make detailed adjustments. This has been rectified in the TX-P42G20 which allows extensive tweaking. Most users, though, will probably appreciate the THX picture preset which provides great quality images right out of the box.

The NeoPDP plasma panel on the TX-P42G20 delivers very accurate vibrant colours, together with the outstanding black level reproduction and contrast levels expected from a top-notch plasma TV. The ability to view the screen from wide angles is also a major benefit that this plasma TV offers over LCD televisions.

Sound quality is the weakest point. The slim casing and downward facing speakers deliver only an average sounding output. However the audio performance on competitors’ models are similar and many purchasers will want to add external speakers at some point anyway. The sound quality on the Panasonic TX-P42G20 does remain surprisingly reasonable at loud volumes for such slim speakers.

Two USB ports are included which allow you to playback music, pictures and video files through the TV, and also record HD or SD TV content to an external hard drive like a PVR. PVRs are expensive. This is a very useful feature.

The model offers a built in Freesat tuner as well as the first HD Freeview tuner incorporated into a TV in the UK. Although Freeview HD is not widely available yet, this feature makes the TX-P42G20 as future-proof as possible for a TV bought at the moment. It is also able to connect to your WiFi network.

To conclude this mini review of the Panasonic TX-P42G20, the model offers the great picture expected from a top plasma TV. It also provides unexpectedly good colour rendition. Although the sound output is distinctly average, the picture and build quality, together with Freesat and Freeview HD tuners, and ability to connect a recorder via a USB port make the TX-P42G20 a TV that will be on many people’s shortlist.