The TH-42PX500U continues the Panasonic tradition of building some of the finest plasma TVs available. It delivers the terrific high-def picture of the mid-level TH-42PX50U model, then adds more connection options, PC compatibility, plus some key user conveniences. If you're looking for a plasma TV that's versatile and rugged enough to be a multi-purpose display, this Panasonic TV is a perfect choice.
The TH-42PX500U is a "Digital Cable Ready" HDTV, which means it can receive analog and digital signals via cable, as well as over-the-air broadcasts. To get the most from the built-in cable HD tuner, you'll need a credit card-sized "CableCARD." The CableCARD slot on the rear of the set gives you the option of digital cable reception without a set-top box (ask your cable provider for details). With a CableCARD, there's one less component to hook up and you can do all your channel-changing using the TV remote. Picture quality is usually better, too. To simplify navigating among dozens of channels, the TV Guide On Screen program guide gives you point-and-click options to search for programs and schedule recordings to a separate VCR or DVD recorder.
With the TH-42PX500 you get the convenience of SD/PC card slots. These slots make it easy to view photos taken with your SD Memory Card-compatible digital camera. There's also TV Guide. This built-in program guide provides a handy on-screen list for checking what's on the tube. It also makes it easy to set up the recording of a broadcast on your DVD recorder or VCR. A PC Input lets you connect your computer and view images on your plasma panel. Another handy feature is the Multi Window function, allowing you to watch two programs on the same screen.
The Panasonic TH-42PX50U plasma HDTV features a CableCARD slot that will accept a small card that allows you to receive standard definition and high definition digital broadcasts. No bulky set-top cable box-perfect for a wall-mounted plasma TV. Contact your cable company to find out if they offer this service in your area.
Many local broadcasters offer sports, movies, and original network programming in high definition. Receive and view local over-the-air broadcasts on this plasma in stunning HDTV clarity using the built-in HDTV tuner. If your cable company passes through HDTV broadcasts from local broadcasters, you can decode and tune those as well.
The so often talked about "contrast ratio" is strongly linked to the realism of the picture. The Panasonic TH-42PX50U features upto a 3000:1 contrast ratio. Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colors-and this plasma can display an incredible 8.58 billion colors for a superior picture. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites allow plasmas to render bright scenes with vivid realism.
Imagine replacing that pile of tangled cables behind your TV with a single cable that carries both digital video and audio at the same time. With the new HDMI standard, that's exactly what you get. The HDMI connector on this TV accepts high-quality digital video and audio via the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from the source to the TV.
HDTV broadcasts and DVDs offer more detail and better color than analog broadcasts, and it takes a high-resolution display to deliver all that picture information. The high pixel count of this plasma display provides fine detail for outstanding HDTV reproduction. More pixels also translate into less stair-stepping artifacts; curved and diagonal edges look smooth and natural.
Share Digital Photos On the Big Screen with Photo Viewer
Now you can view the pictures you took with your digital camera on your big screen TV. Just plug your SD-card into the slot on your TV or use a PC card memory card adapter for other memory card formats (See the adapter in our accessory section).
Screen Size: 42" Diagonal
Native Resolution: 1366 x 768 Pixels
Displayable Colors: 8.58 Billion
Panel Type: 8th Generation Plasma Panel
Shades of Gradation: 2,048
Contrast Ratio: up to 3000:1
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
CableCARD Ready: Yes
Built-in Tuners: Tuners NTSC (Standard analog broadcasts)ATSC/QAM (SDTV and HDTV broadcasts)
Display Type: HDTV 480p/720p/1080i
Progressive Scan: Yes
Video Noise Reduction: Yes
Digital Comb Filter Motion Adaptive: 3D-Y/C
Aspect Control for TV/AV Modes: 4:3, Zoom, Full, Just
Mach Band Effect Enhancer: Yes
Color Purity Optimizer (3D Color Management): Yes
Sub-Pixel Controller: Yes
Motion Pattern Noise Reduction: Yes
Pixel Pitch: (H x V) 1.08 x 1.08 mm
Photo Viewer: Yes (SD and PC Card Slots) JPEG Photo Viewer
HDMI-HDCP Interface: Yes
Audio Input (for Video): x 3 (2 rear 1 front)
S-Video Input: x 3 (2 rear 1 front)
Component Video Inputs: x 2 rear inputs
Composite Video Output: x 1 rear
Audio Input (for Component Video): 2 rear
Audio Output: 1 rear
PC Input (RGB-VGA): Mini D-sub 15-pin (rear)
Audio Input (for PC): 1 (M3 Stereo Plug)
Speakers: x 6: (2 bass-reflex woofers: 6 ohms, 120 Hz - 2kHz, 10% THD) (4 tweeters: 8 ohms, 500 Hz - 15kHz, 10% THD) 26W Output Power
Surround Sound: Yes
BBE ViVA HD3D Sound: Yes
V-Chip Program Lockout: Yes
Pixel Pitch: (H x V) 0.90 x 0.67 mm
Timers - Sleep/On/Off: Yes
TV Guide On-Screen Program Guide: Yes
Picture-In-Picture: Split Screen Display (2 Sources) not scalable
Built-In Closed Caption Decoder: Yes
Remote Control: included
Pedestal Stand: Included
On-Screen Display Languages: English/Spanish/French
Video Input Labeling: Yes
Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption: 357 W
Dimensions: 28.7'' (H) x 44.7'' (W) x 5.4'' (D)
Weight: 88.2 lbs
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor