Our High Definition Television Reviews show the Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK Delivers

This plasma is an inexpensive flat panel TV that has solid video processing with 2:3 pull-down and independent memory for each input. There are numerous picture adjustments with customizable inputs.

This is one of Panasonic’s industrial models which means it’s a no frills flat panel. As previously mentioned in our high definition television reviews you’ll have limited connectivity options and the plasma will be basic in its design. There’s no tuner included (but you can use your cable or satellite box as a tuner) and this plasma has no aspect-ratio control with HD sources.

Notable Features: Panasonic’s resolution 1,024x768 can handle just about any source. All incoming signals, including standard TV, DVD, HDTV, and computers, are scaled to fit the available pixels.

This flat panel TV has a dual-tuner PIP (picture-in-picture), POP (picture-outside-picture), four choices of aspect ratio for standard-def, but none for HDTV sources. When using non-HDTV sources the options include “Full”, which stretches the picture evenly to fill the screen; “Just”, which stretches the sides of the picture to fill the screen; “Normal”, which properly displays a 4:3 picture; and “Zoom”, which crops the top and bottom of the picture to fill the screen.

Like many flat panels TVs in our high definition television reviews this plasma TV has independent input memories which make it easy to calibrate this flat panel for various sources. The color temp controls include Normal, Cool, and Warm. The Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK plasma TV has numerous screensaver and power-saving options.

Connections: The Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK plasma TV comes standard with one non-removable PC VGA input, one removable S-Video or composite input (only one can be used at a time), and one removable BNC-style component input that can also accept an RGBHV source. If you want to use the component or composite input with a standard DVD player you'll need inexpensive BNC-to-RCA adapters.

Except for the fixed VGA input, all of the inputs are built into removable boards that fit into three slots on the back of the monitor, so you can add or remove inputs. The Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK comes with two of its three removable slots filled and one empty.

Conclusion: The Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK plasma TV’s excellent black-level performance, clean video processing, and customizable inputs make it a great choice for anyone who isn't scared off by following menus and a no extras included packaging. On the other hand if you’re uncomfortable with installing your own input boards or speakers Panasonic also offers it’s more expensive and more consumer-friendly cousin the Panasonic TH-42PX50U.

This flat panel TV is one of the best-performing flat panel TVs in our high definition television reviews. It has hallmark Panasonic deep blacks with fine detail in the dark areas of the picture. Most importantly the Panasonic TH-42PHD8UK plasma has accurate color temperature which delivers a highly satisfying picture.