Panasonic TH 42PZ800 42" VIERA 1080p plasma HDTV

The big switch is nearly here. By February 17, 2009 you'll need to figure out your plan for viewing television after the FCC-mandated switch to digital television goes into effect. Manufacturers and retailers know this, and they've been aggressively pushing the latest in LCD and plasma HDTVs.

This means the variety and pricing on HDTVs have never been better, so if you've been waiting for just the right moment to make the plunge into high-definition television, that time might be now. And the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800U profiled here might be just the right set to bring you into this brave new world.

Packed with the most modern HD features, the TH-42PZ800U is a plasma television that would have cost a small fortune just a few days ago (here's the latest Amazon price). Even in comparison vs. the top sets from the likes of Pioneer and Samsung, this Panasonic is well worth a closesr look. Keep reading for a quick feature review of the TH-42PZ800U.

The Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800U delivers 1080p, which is considered "full HD" meaning you'll see the fullest detail from high-definition video sources like digital television signals, Blu-Ray discs and videogame consoles like Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

The TH-42PZ800U boasts a native contrast ratio of 30,000:1 vs. a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. These numbers measure the deepest blacks and the brightest, purest whites that a display is capable of producing (with the dynamic number accounting for video tweaks the set is capable of producing.)

The TH-42PZ800U also includes x.v. Color, which is an extended gamut color system that is the new standard for HD color reproduction. This means you'll see nearly twice the number of reds, greens and blue gradations than standard RGB televisions are capable of displaying.

Other notable specs on the TH-42PZ800U include Panasonic Viera Link, which allows you to operate all your compatible home theater components with a single remote, assuming they're connected via HDMI cables.

And speaking of HDMI, the TH-42PZ800U will have you well-covered with 4 HDMI inputs. HDMI v1.3 is considered the most ideal way to send HD video signals from your high-definition components to your television. And the TH-42PZ800U offers a wealth of other conneciton options, with 2 component, 2 composite, and 2 S-Video connections to handle virtually any connection need.

Ultimately, what should influence you more than reviews like this or any other you'll read on the Internet, are the opinions of other buyers of a television... what do they think after putting it to the real test in their homes? Check out user reviews for the TH-42PZ800U at Amazon.com.

Compare the Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800U to these big-screen Plasmas: