While in many ways a very well specified LCD TV, the Planar PD420 does have a trio of shortcomings.

One is the fact that its HDMI sockets only meet the v1.2 specification and not v1.3a that would have allowed the screen to receive Deep Color signals from suitable sources such as JVC and Panasonic’s upcoming HD camcorders.Disappointing, too, on a premium product, is that you only get two HDMIs, not three.

A premium LCD

The Planar PD420 doesn’t have a built-in TV tuner or speakers. But this isn’t as mad as it sounds, for the PD420 is designed as a custom installation product, meaning it will almost certainly be connected to an external TV source, such as a Sky HD receiver, and accompanied by a separate surround sound system.

Now for the good stuff. For starters, the set’s connectivity includes PC compatibility via a DSub port; easy system integration via an RS232C jack; and an optical digital audio output capable of outputting audio from any of the TV’s inputs.

This means the Planar PD420 can, handily, be used as an AV switching box. The screen also boasts a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and an impressive ‘native’ contrast ratio of 1,500:1 (rising to a mighty 5,000:1 when the dynamic contrast feature is enabled).

Planar's secret weapon

Where the PD420 really justifies its price, though, is with its picture processing. The single most important and currently unique element is its single, Genesis Cortez-Plus LCD TV control chip, which accommodates a whole raft of premium processing technology from highly respected third-party outfit, Faroudja.

Key elements include Faroudja’s 10-bit DCDi Cinema Video converter for eliminating jagged edges from contours; its TrueLife system for enhancing colours, depth perception and detailing; and Faroudja’s Intellicomb 3D for reducing artefacts when upscaling standard-definition sources to the PD420’s full HD pixel count.

An Advanced Colour Management 3D function is also included to boost tone and luminance control, resulting in dynamic yet lifelike video.

User-friendly TV

Final tricks worthy of mention include a hard-coated, anti-glare surface, an exceptionally robust, diamond-polished, brushed aluminium finish, high-definition picture in picture and 1080p/24fps support, plus extreme picture adjustment flexibility.

In some ways, the PD420 is commendably easy to use, considering its complexity. The onscreen menus are mostly well organised, while the remote proves pretty straightforward, despite being arguably a touch cluttered.