Panasonic TH-42PD12UK Plasma TV

With deep, satisfying blacks and colors that are among the most accurate of any TV, the Panasonic TH-42PD12UK Plasma TV is an excellent choice among big-screen plasma TVs. The unit boasts a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, 5,120 shades of gradation and improved 16-bit video processing power. While most plasma TVs look washed out in a well-lit room, the TH-42PD12UK shines thanks to an effective video processor and built-in video wall image enlarger.

Panasonic touts the plasma unit will provide 100,000 hours of life. In other words, that's 42 years of normal viewing (6.5 hours per day) or 11 years of 24/7 operation. In either case that is an amazing technological feat. It is designed for the eco-friendly consumer and is 100 percent lead-and-mercury-free.

It provides other key features like 4x digital zoom, 16:9 aspect ratio and dual picture mode. However, the dual mode functionality on the TH-42PD12UK cannot handle the following combinations of two analog signals: Component-Component, Component-PC (RGB), PC (RGB)-Component, PC (RGB)-PC (RGB).

Panasonic offers superb customer service, such as live chat with a plasma expert or consultation with a representative who will call you within 24 hours of notification to schedule an on-site service visit.