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It's fair to say this generation of Panasonic TV's has had a bit of a rough ride, with model after model garnering lukewarm verdicts. We're sorry to say that the TX-P42G15B continues the trend. It does kick off with a rather exciting specification, though. It boasts not only Freesat, but 600Hz sub field drive motion processing, internet connectivity and network streaming via its ethernet socket, as well as four HDMIs. It's one of Panasonic's high-end. NeoPDP plasma panels, too. Impressive black levels That panel certainly has its benefits. Play The hurt Locker on Blu-Ray and its recreation of blacks lends extra foreboding to the night-drenched streets of Iraq as the soldiers search for bombs. The Pana's insight means we see virtually everything, and when they open fire, muzzle flashes are realistically bright and punchy. It's not all good news, though. Even on the "cool" setting, colors are warmer than they should be, with a touch of pink to whites tones. Generally speaking, this isn't unpleasant, but on occasion it can add an unnatural vividness to skin tones. The other disappointment is that its 600Hz processing makes so little difference to motion: it's decent, but not as stable as the best on test. Detail levels are marginally lower than the best when playing a Blu-ray, but the gap widens when you switch to standard-definition DVD the characters and sets of Funny People look a touch on the soft side, expecially in comparison with the Samsung. Having said that, the picture is certainly clean and stable, and black levels continue to impress. When it comes to the Freesat and Freeview tuners, the result is as we'd expect: there's not much to choose between the two. A little extra control alongside HD content will ensure those with a satellite will opt for Freesat, but both tuners are respectable, if a bit over-exposed in colors when pushed. Like the rest of the performance, the Panasonic's sound is reasonable, if unexciting. And, that's the best way to sum this TV up: it won't annoy you, but it won't excite you too much, either. Panasonic fans will be hoping the company's next generation puts them back among the class leaders.
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