Panasonic TC-P42GT25 3D Plasma HDTV Review

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Value Comparison

The Sony HX800 series has better contrast ratio, much better streaming content, and a more stylish appearance. However, the Sony is also a lot more expensive, despite not even having the necessary 3D components (it requires separate purchase of 3D glasses and a 3D sync transmitter bar). In its favor, the Panasonic has a far more convincing 3D effect, and you'll only have to buy the glasses.

Blacks & Whites

The Sony can't compete with the Panasonic plasmas on black level, but the peak brightness was so much better than the contrast ratio is calculated to be much higher.

Color Accuracy

The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 proved to be a very good performer in our battery of color tests. The Sony was no slouch, but we preferred the Panasonic.

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Motion

The Sony KDL-46HX800 offers some advantages in motion performance. Most pointedly, it didn't show the same level of motion artifacting that plagued the Panasonic. In everyday viewing, expect the Sony to look sharper.


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Viewing Effects

The Sony HX800, as an LCD display, could not hope to match a plasma Panasonic for viewing angle, as you can see in the chart below.

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Connectivity

The Sony HX800 and the Panasonic GT25 have a roughly equal number of ports, but not necessarily the same ports. Sony offers an extra HDMI and an analog audio out, but the Panasonic has an additional composite AV input, a second USB port, and an SD card slot.