Summary: Panasonic PT-53WX42 a great HD digital 1080i TV
Comment: We bought our PT-53WX42 in early 2003. I also done a good bit of research (and showroom comparing) before deciding on this one. Now into our "Fifth" year of every day use, we still are not disappointed with the TV, (actually it's a Monitor class receiver), or its accessories in any way.
The picture still looks 'great', and now that some worthwhile Hi-Def material is "finally" coming on TV, it is "stunning".
Cons - only one (minor) involving the TV itself - The set is a rear-projection type which means you have to sacrifice a little in screen "brightness" - compared to flat-screens (& LCDs) - which at the time was selling for 'several thousands' of dollars more.
A common misunderstanding about 'High Definition' broadcasts: The 'HD' name only implies that the -(broadcast signal)-"picture" is sharper -and to be sure, it is - but, that's only part of it - in addition to being sharper the picture (screen) is also much 'brighter' with far better contrast and more vivid color saturation. WOW!
So, all this combined makes the old 'rear-projection' "Dim TV Screen" complaints about all earlier-generation RP TV's, a non-issue nowadays. This set is a full-fledged DIGITAL 1080i, and now 5 years later I peruse occasional electronics sales fliers and find my set still provides all the essentials that any 2008 model offers.
Tho, 'bright light' in about any TV room would be annoying - even modest shades over large window areas (such as ours) reduces (ambient) light enough to make viewing comfortable at any daylight hours.
My greatest "CON" issue - is with PANASONIC's Owner Manuals - and it has been the same for decades. I've always found Panasonic products to perform rock-solid - over the same span of years i've also found their product User manuals to "In the Toilet", among the worst of any manufacturer, large or small.
English syntax is horrible and 'subject-continuity' and sentence structure are abysmal - and product support doesn't fair much better... But, their stuff is really good :)
Robert G. Harris
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great product
Comment: With the HD Cable input we get a totally new experience watching TV with our new Panasonic 53Wx42 TV. The DVD viewing is even better. I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of purchasing a wide screen TV to consider this product - it is absolutely worth it for the money (we paid $1200 at Costco) without having to send a few thousand more for a plasma or an LCD of the same size. Would be nice if it came with a screen protector.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great HDTV Set
Comment: Best bang for Buck by a TON.
Purchased sight unseen as this has awesome review on every site, amazon, CC, BB, etc...
Customer Rating:
Summary: In top 3 for QUALITY vs COST -- a non-technical review
Comment: QUICK SUMMARY: PT-53WX42
If you are looking for a quality widescreen at a reasonable price, this is definitely a model to consider.
As of Feb '03, in my opinion this Pansonic model is the biggest screen with the most quality features for the best price. NOTE: there is a similar model that ends in a "52" instead of a "42"... the biggest difference is that the "52" has the protective screen shield ... but don't let that stop you... many people try to take off screen shields to get rid of the annoying glare and to brighten their widescreen tv's. Also, you can always purchase & install a separate Micro-Perf brand screen shield (90% glare free) down the road.
DETAILED SUMMARY:
I finally decided on this model after several weeks of serious research, including at online and offline at major stores (CC, BB, WM), not-so-big-of-a-name stores, price comparison websites, user opinion websites, consumer reports, home theater forums, etc. I researched TOSHIBA, PANASONIC, RCA, ZENITH, HITACHI, PHILIPS, SAMSUNG, and SHARP... 45"-61" widescreens. Originally I was also comparing the "normal" 4:3 projection screens, but then decided to go wide so that I don't have to purchase another tv in a few years. I also went into the buying scene without an opinion of any particular brand, I already had a mish-mash of these manufacturers in my house so it didn't matter to me what name was on the product... I was looking for quality vs price.
The whole process was challenging, since each store seems to cater to certain brands (they don't admit it though). :) It also makes it hard to compare "features/quality vs. cost" when everybody is throwing different deals at you. The icing on the cake... you read the reviews of products... and you see that some people give certain models horrible reviews, yet others give top notch praise. What is a consumer to do? :) Oh wait... I forgot about the obscene prices certain stores charge for an extended warranty (Visa Gold-Platinum holders: remember that Visa instantly doubles the manufacturers warranty, and sells 3-5 year extended warranty's at a fantastic price, check their website). Also, this tv comes with a little mail-in thing to learn more about extending the manufacturers warranty.
MORE INFO:....
Definitely pick up high quality cables (this goes for any HDTV), and a progressive scan DVD player. And if you like to tweak things, get the AVIA home theater DVD to help you calibrate your tv so you get the best viewing quality out of your set. You'll never want to go to the movie theater again.
That said... this is a great HDTV for the money. I'm not allowed to list the price I paid here, but... to date, I'd say it's one of the top 3 values in the 50-57" range (comparing price vs. screen size vs. features). Until I pickup a 2nd satellite receiver I am unable to take advantage of the Picture-in-Picture and split-screen features... but, even without that perk I have no regrets about owning this widescreen projection tv.
CONS..........
1) From the moment eagleUSA delivery service unpacked this tv I've been impressed. The only thing I would change about it is to make a wider flat-top to put your electronic goodies on. This is a challenge with 95% of widescreens. There is roughly a 6" top flat lip, but only 1/2 of a dvd player can rest on it.... it's a balancing act. So, keep in mind that with any widescreen, you will probably need to have a little table nearby, or be creative and use velcro to secure your devices.
2) The remote is not backlit. However, this is the first universal remote that actually works all my mix-n-match brand goods. A nice suprise indeed, the coffee table looks much less cluttered. If you want a remote that lights up, go buy one. :)
All the best to you in your widescreen shopping experience!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great TV
Comment: Great tv for a great price!