New Panasonic TC-L42U12?

[JKSonic]

Just popped up on Best Buy not too long ago, but I can't find much on it. In fact it doesn't even bring anything up when I search for it on Panasonic's own site. It's a great price and claims to have a 15,000:1 NATIVE Contrast Ratio? Anyway, does anybody know anything about this TV?

[fourtytwoinch]

It seems to be a bestbuy only model. It annoys me that they went with this model instead of a 1080p 42" plasma.

[JKSonic]

Well, online they don't list the 42" Plasma's, but I was in another BB earlier in the week (as opposed to my local one) and the had the 42S1 model. Odd since it's not listed online, but if you're interested I would make sure to check in-store.

[BigCanoer]

I have been trying to buy the Panasonic 42 inch LCD at Best Buy Online for $899.00.

This is an unbelievable buy.

But Best Buy has now canceled my online order after verifing my address and a delivery date by phone.

This Panasonic 42 inch LCD is not listed on the Panasonic website.

Google it and it is only found on the Best Buy Online site.

Is it possible that they posted the Plasma as a LCD?

[JKSonic]

Who knows? In a way I'd almost hope they accidentally posted it wrong. Because locally Sears in the only place that sells the Plasma and if both BB and Sears were selling it I'm sure I could work one or the other for a better price.

It's annoying I can't find ANYTHING about this TV if it really is an LCD. If it really has a 15,000:1 native cr that's pretty sweet and for two extra inches if it has a nice picture I'd for sure get this over the 40" Samsung 530

[BigCanoer]

Just got off the phone with a Best Buy customer service person.

I asked her if she was sure that this was a LCD and not a Plasma. She said that they had them in the warehouse; still not an answer of yes or no.

She retook my order.

The Panasonic 42 inch LCD is due to be delivered Thursday 4/23/09.

Want to take a bet whether the box will have PLasma or LCD on the side?

Stay tuned.

[JKSonic]

Definitely keep me updated, PM me if you need to. I'd like to know, I'll probably buy my TV by then but the report back is good I may consider a return.

[gomo657]

this is a plasma
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-e...00000000005702

there is a lcd version not avalable in the US

http://www.panasonic.net/avc/viera/e...uct/s_lcd.html

[dvduser8]

I am surprised that you've bought this TV without even looking at its image quality first or reading any review about it. Guess the price must be the selling point.

I am pretty sure this is a LCD TV and not Plasma. In US, it is TC-L42U12 but in Asia, this is TX-42LZ80, which became available here in Singapore just a fortnight ago. It is so new that even the Singapore Panasonic website does not have any information about it. Nor anywhere else in the world.

I used to be a Samsung fan and have been eyeing on some of its model for many months already but their price is ridiculous and puts me off. Many of us here are envious because Americans can get their Samsung at price way below what they charge here.

But for the first time, this Panasonic model changed all that. Bestbuy is selling for US$899 but I got mine here in Singapore for US$730 during a 1 day promotion. Couldn't believe my luck.

For those who have ordered but does not know what the image quality is like, all I can say is that having seen it, I am blown away by its images. Forget about Samsung. And don't be fooled by the low 15K contrast ratio. With its excellent image quality and low price, Panasonic have brought the LCD competition to a totally different level.

[gomo657]

Originally Posted by dvduser8

I am surprised that you've bought this TV without even looking at its image quality first or reading any review about it. Guess the price must be the selling point.

I am pretty sure this is a LCD TV and not Plasma. In US, it is TC-L42U12 but in Asia, this is TX-42LZ80, which became available here in Singapore just a fortnight ago. It is so new that even the Singapore Panasonic website does not have any information about it. Nor anywhere else in the world.

I used to be a Samsung fan and have been eyeing on some of its model for many months already but their price is ridiculous and puts me off. Many of us here are envious because Americans can get their Samsung at price way below what they charge here.

But for the first time, this Panasonic model changed all that. Bestbuy is selling for US$899 but I got mine here in Singapore for US$730 during a 1 day promotion. Couldn't believe my luck.

For those who have ordered but does not know what the image quality is like, all I can say is that having seen it, I am blown away by its images. Forget about Samsung. And don't be fooled by the low 15K contrast ratio. With its excellent image quality and low price, Panasonic have brought the LCD competition to a totally different level.

I'm glad you're enjoying your new set but you purchased an older model if you had read the panny website the u12 is a plasma there are 2 42" available but not in the US. I've had a panny lcd for several years in a bedroom and it's a great set but at the moment their focus at 42" is plasma U,X,S,G series

[dvduser8]

Maybe you are right. This could be similar to the TC-L37S1 that is available earlier. Maybe the 42" was not available yet.

I came to the earlier conclusion because the specs and images for both of this look very similar:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218065493446

http://www.aha.vn/sanpham/panasonic-...pec_77998.html

Anyway, I am really surprised that an old model like this can look so good, especially on a 42". Really great value for money I must say.

[dreadpirate]

If you have gotten one of these at home already, please post your thoughts on it. I am debating whether to get this set, but I am a little uncomfortable getting it without reading a review or seeing it myself.

There is one at the BB about 30 miles from the house...not sure if it is setup though...and I will try to get there on Wednesday to see it.

[gomo657]

Originally Posted by dvduser8

Maybe you are right. This could be similar to the TC-L37S1 that is available earlier. Maybe the 42" was not available yet.

I came to the earlier conclusion because the specs and images for both of this look very similar:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218065493446

http://www.aha.vn/sanpham/panasonic-...pec_77998.html

Anyway, I am really surprised that an old model like this can look so good, especially on a 42". Really great value for money I must say.

congrats there are plenty here in the Us that ould love that set

[gomo657]

Originally Posted by gomo657

congrats there are plenty here in the Us that ould love that set

sorry it is a lcd it was beside the 42s1 and 42x1 not bad but what panel is it because ips alpha site says 37 is the largest made

[Chevydudesixty9]

The New (or not) TC-L42U12 is a Plasma Panel (BB has it Listed as an LCD which is WRONG)... With a 15000:1 Native Contrast it seems to be using A 2008 PZ80U panel wrapped inside a new case (Not Confirmed)... Once I get one up Ill look to see if I can confim the Panel being the same as the PZ80U...

[RandyWalters]

Originally Posted by Chevydudesixty9

The New (or not) TC-L42U12 is a Plasma Panel (BB has it Listed as an LCD which is WRONG)... With a 15000:1 Native Contrast it seems to be using A 2008 PZ80U panel wrapped inside a new case (Not Confirmed)... Once I get one up Ill look to see if I can confim the Panel being the same as the PZ80U...

Don't bother - this is indeed an LCD TV. TC-L is the prefix for their LCD line. About 3 weeks ago a BB employee mentioned it in the G10 thread, then PM'd me a little more info about it. That was the first time i'd heard of it.

Here's what's printed on the front page of the Owners Manual:

Operating Instructions
42” Class 1080p LCD HDTV
(42.0 inches measured diagonally)
Model No. TC-L42U12

And here's the link to download the manual:

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TCL42U12.PDF


And in another thread there's a link to the Philippines Panasonic global site with their version of this LCD TV where they say "The IPS Alpha panel has a wide viewing angle":

http://www.panasonic.com.ph/web/pid/7053

[Chevydudesixty9]

I stand Corrected... I looked at it one more time and it appears to be using a Hitachi LCD Panel...

[gomo657]

thks randy I guess chevy did't read my post as I was a nay also but with my 4 eyes it is indeed a lcd I'm glad to hear about the panel I may upgrade my bedroom lx6

[BigCanoer]

Best Buy delivered my new Panasonic 42 inch "LCD" this morning. It does exist. The driver says that they have more in the warehouse.

Will set it up during the next few days and report back.

[greenland]

Model. TC-L42U12

Owner Manual. Pdf download. 58 pages.

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TCL42U12.PDF

[wunder9]

I'm in the Philippines. The TX42LZ80 recently became available here. I'm an htpc user so I prefer LCDs over plasma. The LZ80 looks very good, nice blacks without drowning details in shadows & rich color.

[paris72]

Just got one of these today and so far i'm very impressed. Color is impressive and the blacks look crips and dark. Picture is pretty stunning right out of the box. i've owned an Aquos which crapped out after a week and a Regza that developed severe verticle banding in Jan. This is my third lcd in a year and a half. Part of me is just waiting for something to go wrong

Haven't had much time to play around with it yet but so far I really like what I see. Will report back soon

[cougar99]

I see that is a 60hz television. Just how future proof is this tv say for the next 5 years it only being 60hz. I am interested in this tv it being well in my budget. I didn't see it in the specs but is this tv 1.3 hdmi compatible. I have been piecing my surround sound together for the past 2 months and the tv is the last piece of the puzzle. I have a typical joe 6-pack set up you could say. Polk rm6750 speaker set, Yamaha rvx-565(God bless Newegg for their good deals) and the Panny BD-60 player.

[akadoublej]

Originally Posted by cougar99

I see that is a 60hz television. Just how future proof is this tv say for the next 5 years it only being 60hz. I am interested in this tv it being well in my budget. I didn't see it in the specs but is this tv 1.3 hdmi compatible. I have been piecing my surround sound together for the past 2 months and the tv is the last piece of the puzzle. I have a typical joe 6-pack set up you could say. Polk rm6750 speaker set, Yamaha rvx-565(God bless Newegg for their good deals) and the Panny BD-60 player.

I imagine that they'll be coming out with a 120 Hz version in a few months.

Is this unit an IPS panel?

[gomo657]

Originally Posted by cougar99

I see that is a 60hz television. Just how future proof is this tv say for the next 5 years it only being 60hz. I am interested in this tv it being well in my budget. I didn't see it in the specs but is this tv 1.3 hdmi compatible. I have been piecing my surround sound together for the past 2 months and the tv is the last piece of the puzzle. I have a typical joe 6-pack set up you could say. Polk rm6750 speaker set, Yamaha rvx-565(God bless Newegg for their good deals) and the Panny BD-60 player.

why wouldn't this be future proof if it handles 1080/60p annd 1080/24p properly do you really want frame interpolation?

[gomo657]

Originally Posted by akadoublej

I imagine that they'll be coming out with a 120 Hz version in a few months.

Is this unit an IPS panel?

it may be an s-ips like LG and others but I don't think it is an ips alpha

http://www.ips-alpha.co.jp/en/products/index.html

[BigCanoer]

As I said, Best Buy delivered my new Panasonic 42 inch "LCD" this past Thursday.

Dish Network came out yesterday and replaced my old dish with a HD dish and installed RG6 cable all the way down to a new HD DVR receiver - all for just a $100 installation fee. I added their low-end HD channels package to my 200 channel package for $55 per month (total).

What is my opinion of the new Panasonic 42 inch "LCD". UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!! Again, just UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

I am very pleased.

[greenland]

Originally Posted by gomo657

it may be an s-ips like LG and others but I don't think it is an ips alpha

http://www.ips-alpha.co.jp/en/products/index.html

Since Panasonic Corp owns the IPS Alpha Corp, then it seems quite likely that it is actually an IPS Alpha LCD panel. The off angle viewing stat, for the panel, is a strong indictator that it must be an IPS unit.

[dvduser8]

Originally Posted by BigCanoer

As I said, Best Buy delivered my new Panasonic 42 inch "LCD" this past Thursday.

Dish Network came out yesterday and replaced my old dish with a HD dish and installed RG6 cable all the way down to a new HD DVR receiver - all for just a $100 installation fee. I added their low-end HD channels package to my 200 channel package for $55 per month (total).

What is my opinion of the new Panasonic 42 inch "LCD". UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!! Again, just UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!

I am very pleased.

Me too! My reaction when watching Ice Age Blu Ray on this TV is the same as the boss in this ad (0:23s).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-70TUKH_ZaY

[acesk8er]

How do SD channels look on this set? (I watch a lot of CNBC, CNN, etc., from analog cable TV.)