This is the 42" (TH-42PF20E) version of the Full HD professional Panasonic 20-series of 1080p High Definition Plasma Display panels, with
NeoPDP technology. The Panasonic TH-42PF20E
incorporates a host of leading edge technologies to reproduce clear, brilliant images with exceptional detail, true Full HD resolution
and outstanding depth perception. It has a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1.
Key changes from the previous model include:
- A full range of video inputs in addition to 'Slot 2.0' to support various digital interfaces
- LAN control
- Higher contrast ratio, up to 5,000,000:1 from 40,000:1 in the 11 series
The Panasonic TH-42PF20E model also provides smooth, sharp motion images, true to life colour and the equivalent of 6,144 graduation steps.
Why consider a Professional Plasma Display Panel rather than a TV?
TVs are useful where you want a convenient device for viewing terrestrial freeview or analogue broadcast signals. They come with the TV tuner built-in, an amplifier
built-in (albeit usually a very low power unit) and speakers attached or integrated.
However, if most of your viewing consists of watching SkyHD or Blu-ray Discs you probably very rarely use the TV tuner. You may also have a surround sound
system connected to make the most of the digital HD audio rather than listen to the stereo sound on often thin, shallow, reduced quality TV speakers. In this scenario
it makes sense to opt for a dedicated professional plasma display, integrated with your peripheral equipment, and removing unnecessary distractions to the
key function of a clean, high quality image in a narrow frame.
Professional displays designed for use 24 hours per day, 7 days per week often in harsh conditions such as shopping malls, airport terminals and so on.
They are expected to be tough and reliable. They also have multiple connections including HDMI, PC and RS232 serial, and slots for adding a wide variety of terminal boards for when your
requirements change. And of course they come with a range of unique professional features such as dual picture mode, digital zoom, weekly command timer,
and a number of energy saving functions, including the NeoPDP technology itself which halves the energy consumption of non NeoPDP models.
True Full HD images
The Panasonic TH-42PF20E has a "Super Cinema Mode" - perfectly tuned colour setting for true professional users. This enables a
reference monitor level of colour reproduction on its native 1080p high resolution panel. The TH-42PF20E features about 2 millions pixels (1920x1080),
about twice as many as the conventional HD models. Images are uniformly
clear, sharp and super-detailed across the entire screen surface.
To deliver the full beauty of HD images, the display needs to render moving images in clear detail. The TH-42PF20E uses a self-illuminating system to
boost resolution in images with fast motion.
Superior colour reproduction
HD sources are based on the HDTV standard rather than conventional PAL standard. The 'Full HD TH-42PF20E phosphor characteristics closely
match the HDTV standard colour gamut, reproducing the entire colour range specified in the HDTV standard, so images are natural looking
and faithful to the original HD source.
In Super Cinema mode, Digital Colour Reality boosts precision in the digital control of colour and brightness video data by a factor of four.
By continually adjusting the white balance and gamma correction as the scene changes, the new Full HD TH-42PF20E
creates the kind of faithful ambience that was difficult for previous systems to deliver.
Black tones and brightness
Instead of using first stage, basic processing like other brands, Panasonic displays use maximum 16-bit processing, the highest level in the
industry, to process video signals. The TH-42PF20E brings 6,144 equivalent steps of graduation.
To ensure deeper, richer black tones, often a problem for plasmas, the Panasonic TH-42PF20E uses a "New Real Black Creation"
system that reduces the pre-discharge emission and achieves a contrast of 5,000,000:1 in dark images areas.
Additionally, the front protective glass of the plasma dispay panel incorporates a
"Deep Black Filter" that suppresses light transmittance ensuring the highest level of contrast when viewed in bright conditions.
Brightness is further boosted by the Panasonic MACH (Multi-facet Asymmetrical Configuration Hyper-pixel) system of bonded
cell structure.
Combine these with improved panel materials and the result is an increase of 20% compared to previous HD models,
allowing better viewing in well lit areas.
Digital connectivity
A special feature of the whole Panasonic TH-42PF20E is the use of multi-function slots. The TH-42PF20E has two of these, which allow you to use a variety of Panasonic video boards,
available as options, meaning you can customise the unit to meet your specific needs.
All of the 'Full HD' 20 series plasmas come complete with a connection terminals in addition to two slots for 'Function' terminal boards.
These standard connections include HDMI 1.3, DVI-D, component video, PC (VGA) and composite video.
Examples of suitable video sources with HDMI digital outputs include AV streaming devices such as the
Sony PS3, Marantz Blu-ray and DVD players
the media center PCs Sky HD and Freesat digiboxes.
For inputting more than two DVI or HDMI source into the Panasonic TH-42PF20E, you can have two HDMI (or DVI) boards or use one of our
DVI or HDMI switchers.
We offer a range of high quality HDMI solutions for digital video connectivity:
We also offer wall plates in stainless steel to keep your installation tidy. These are available in three styles, DVI, HDMI and DVI+HDMI combination.
Viewing features
All Panasonic 20 series models can be vertically or horizontally mounted and are ideal for multimedia and home cinema applications.
These displays offer a wide viewing angle of more than 160 degrees and have a system that senses ambient lighting
conditions and adjusts brightness and gradation accordingly. Dual Picture, Digital Zoom and multi-screen capability enhance the
usability of the display.
Specification 42" Full HD TH-42PF20E
- Full Panasonic product code: TH-42PF20E (black)
- 42" screen size
- 16:9 wide screen aspect
- 4x digital zoom
- Black bezel
- XGA resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
- Video signal compatibility: 720p/50Hz, 720p/60Hz, 1080i/50Hz, 1080i/60Hz 1080p/50Hz (for others see specification leaflet)
- Standard video connections (each with associated stereo audio input): HDMI type A, DVI-D 24 pin, PC D-sub 15 pin, RS232C D-sub 9 pin, component video (Y,Pb,Pr - Y, Cb,Cr) composite video
- Multiple video board option 2 slots
- 100,000 hours PDP panel half-life
- 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- Auto power off
- Graduation: 6,144 steps equivalent
- 3 year on site collect, repair, return warranty
- Weight: 42kg
- Size: 1020 x 89 x 610mm
NB: All of our Panasonic Professional plasma screens are supplied by Panasonic UK, carry a UK warranty and are supported by us from our UK office.
(This is not the case with all suppliers of these screens on what appear to be UK based web sites. Buyer beware!)
Optional Accessories
- Pedestal stands
- Wall mounting brackets
Click here for specification sheet (219Kb)
Click here for Panasonic manual (Link to Panasonic downloads)
Click here for "Plasma facts and myths", by Panasonic (15Kb)
01603 660901
