Recently, we've witnessed a frantic round of flat panel TV price cutting. The latest evidence of this is Samsung's PS-42S5SD: a 42in plasma TV with built-in digital tuner and an HDMI jack that costs typically just - wait for it - £1,700.

You might expect such a tiny price to accompany a pretty ordinary looking plasma TV. But no, the 42S5SD enjoys a lovely gloss black screen frame, tasteful oval pedestal stand, and fancy-pants neon blue circle around the big LED receiver. All very swish.

The 42S5SD's connectivity isn't only distinguished by the HDMI jack. It's helpfully joined by, among other things, a set of component video jacks, a common interface slot to add extra functionality - including Top Up TV - to the set's built-in digital tuner, a VGA PC connection and a pair of Scarts.

Don't, however, let that HDMI digital video confuse you into believing that the 42S5SD is an HD Ready screen, as described by the European industry body EICTA's official definition. Unfortunately, although it can handle 720p and 1080i high definition pictures, its native panel resolution is merely 852 x 480 - which requires too much downscaling of the high definition signals to meet EICTA's approval. This is undoubtedly a pity - yet perhaps it's only to be expected when such a large and attractive screen is selling so cheaply?

Some of the set's other specifications are anything but 'second tier'. The most outrageous claim is a quoted contrast range of 10,000:1 - comfortably the highest number I've ever seen bandied around by a manufacturer. This is backed up by an extremely high brightness figure of 1,500cd/m2, too. Interestingly, in our Tech Labs, the screen doesn't disgrace itself. We actually rated contrast at 640:1.

In point of fact, the 42S5SD doesn't rely solely on the HDMI jack or its digital tuner for its feature appeal. There's some classy refinements on offer. Backing up the digital tuner is support for the Freeview 7-day electronic programme guide (EPG), including direct selection 'scheduling' throughout the period of the listings.