Panasonic 42\" Plasma EDTV Flat Panel TV TH42PD50U - TH42PD50U

Panasonic 42" Diagonal Plasma TV with Built-In ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners and Up to 4000:1 Contrast Ratio, Model TH42PD50U

Features:

Deep Blacks, Bright Whites, and Lush Colors
The realism of a TV's image is strongly linked to its contrast ratio, and this plasma features a high contrast ratio of up to 4000:1¹. Such a wide range from black to white means great depth and dimensionality with vibrant colors. Deep blacks provide excellent shadow detail during dark scenes, while brilliant whites allow our plasmas to render bright scenes with vivid realism.

A Single Cable Carries High-Quality Digital Audio and Video
If you have even a moderately complicated home theater setup, you probably have a pile of tangled cables on the floor behind it. Imagine replacing all those cables 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.

A Cinema-Style Viewing Experience At Home
This widescreen TV features a width-to-height ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing a theater-like experience at home. View widescreen broadcasts and widescreen DVDs the way they were meant to be seen.

Aspect Ratio
The term "aspect ratio" describes the relationship between the width and height of a TV or display screen. Traditional displays have an aspect ratio of 4:3, meaning that for every 4 inches of width, there are 3 inches of height. This results in a screen that looks almost like a square. Many newer displays have an aspect ratio of 16:9, so their screens are almost twice as wide as they are tall. Also referred to as "widescreen," 16:9 displays are better suited to widescreen DVDs and HDTV broadcasts. The term "aspect ratio" can also be used to describe the dimensions in which a film or TV program are shot. Traditional broadcasts are usually in 4:3 format, while HDTV broadcasts have an aspect ratio of 16:9.

HDTV Compatibility
Determines the types of high definition signals that a TV is capable of displaying. An HDTV monitor can accept signals in either 480p or 1080i format, with some models upconverting 480p to 540p for display. Some models can also accept 720p natively.

HDMI-HDCP
HDMI is a new standard digital connection between A/V devices, such as a set-top box, DVD player or A/V receiver, and a digital television. HDMI offers exceptional video and audio quality with a single quick-disconnect connector. It supports multi-channel digital audio transmissions and component video color spacing for true rendering of HD video. HDMI supports the HDCP copy protection standard, allowing transmission of copy-protected digital content to your display. The video portion of HDMI is also backwards-compatible with DVI-HDCP devices using a special cable adapter.

Contrast Ratio
A high contrast ratio provides deep blacks and bright whites. Contrast can vary depending on your viewing environment and lighting conditions. A dark room with minimal lighting will help maximize contrast ratio.

V-Chip Program Lockout
The V-Chip allows users to block programming that may be inappropriate for certain viewers. Using program ratings embedded in TV broadcasts, the V-Chip lets parents decide the programming to which their children have access. Blocked program material is accessible only by entering a 4-digit code that parents create.

A Closer Look
Interact with a Panasonic Plasma TV

Footnotes:

1. Panel contrast ratio.
2. For models with built-in ATSC/QAM/CableCARD: Optional external over-the-air antenna may be required for ATSC reception. Contact your local cable company for information regarding the availability and costs of CableCARD-related services.

   For models without built-in HDTV tuners: Optional HDTV set-top receiver required to view DTV programming. Optional external over-the-air antenna may be required for ATSC reception. If your cable company passes through a network DTV signal unchanged, an optional HDTV set-top receiver can decode and tune the program. However, FCC must-carry regulations for cable DTV pass-through have not been finalized.

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.