This 42 inch Vizio P42HDTV is the best value for money plasma set we have reviewed so far. Never mind the brand name. It does it’s work impressively, especially with it’s brightly lit screen.

Despite it’s rock bottom price, this set offers 1,024×768 resolution and is equipped with an analog NTSC and digital ATSC tuner for receiving over the air HDTV signal. It’s also packed with PiP (picture in picture) capability and other no frills input-output connection at the rear of the tv.

Vizio P42HDTV covers all the basic. It has a HDMI input but lacks a DVI input to use with a PC or CableCard slot.

Setting up can be a bit difficult since it’s connection is at the back. It’s menu is a bit slow and the remote requires a near perfect aim for it to work.

However, for a very low price, such small nuisance are to be expected. The most important thing is the HDTV quality is as good as more expensive sets.

Specs:

• Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
• Weight: 104.5 pound
• HD Formats: 720p, 1080i

Other Reviews:

• At CNet, the Vizio P42HDTV receives a 6.2 rating. The editors said ” Discerning viewers won’t be satisfied with its home-theater performance, but nobody can deny that the Vizio P42HDTV is a great bargain for casual TV watching.”
• At PCWorld, this Vizio P42HDTV received a high 8 point ratings. The site said that “Never mind the unfamiliar name; check out the Vizio P42HDTV in person. You may be shocked by its impressive picture, particularly its surprisingly bright screen. Then take a look at the price tag of $1599 (as of 6/6/06); you’ll have a hard time finding better image quality at this price level.”

RETAIL AT: around $1400