Friday, September 17, 2010

The Panasonic Viera TX-P46G20 - A First Look

By Beth Woodard

Taking the measure of the Panasonic TX-P46G20 plasma display television reveals a very nice 46-inch model in the Viera line of high-definition TVs that have stood the test of time well for this innovative Japanese maker of consumer electronics. It offers an array of features and conveniences that are sure to please most any UK consumer, as well.

As with many of the better LCD and plasma flat-panel big-screen televisions in the Panasonic lineup, this one includes a couple of handy tuning filters, the first being its Freeview-HD offering. With it, one will be able to tap into more than 100 UK-specific channels for free. As well, there's no need for satellite dish or any other equipment to get up and running and enjoying these channels.

There's another filter included with this particular Panasonic, and it's Freesat, but this time with full HD capability. It requires a satellite dish and it allows the TV to pick up many channels that Freeview can't. At any rate, the TV itself is made with a high level of build quality that's evident throughout, even upon casual examination.

All of this on-screen activity is put forth on a plasma screen that handles 1080 pixels (1080p) quite easily, meaning that it's a true high definition wizard. Panasonic has included several new or updated technologies for building on that picture through use of its proprietary NeoPDP technology. As well, its contrast ratio -- at 2,000,000 to 1 -- will enable the screen to display bright whites and deep blacks with ease.

Panasonic has also included a 600 Hz motion control engine/processor that does a very good job of keeping track of all the action occurring on the screen. In other words, there'll be little or no evidence of any blurring or smearing or any artifacts left behind, especially during quick action depictions. Panasonic uses what it calls "Intelligent Frame Creation Pro" to handle all this movement.

The TXP46G20 is also WiFI and Skype-ready, needing only an optional dongle and a USB adapter to bring these two features to the television. As well, Panasonic rates the plasma screen's lifespan at over 100,000 hours, meaning that the TV will probably last longer than many of its consumers will! It also has a number of useful connectivity capabilities, meaning that many other devices can be hooked to the TV.

The TV comes with four separate HDMI input ports as well as Ethernet and audio outs along with a couple of different USB ports. The TV is made to connect to laptop and desktop PCs and it has an SD memory card slot to bolster all of its other features. Lastly, the sound put out by the television is top-notch, and it boasts a solid suite of Dolby THX surround sound features to go along with everything else.

When looked at in its entirety, there's much to be pleased about when it comes to the Panasonic TX-P46G20 plasma screen television. It's a noticeable improvement over the older line of TVs it's meant to replace, as well, and it also looks stylish in glossy piano black. Most UK buyers will be able to find the TV for around 1300 British pounds, after application of a 60-pound voucher and inclusion of VAT. - 40730

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