Panasonic's V20 sets deliver most of the premium picture quality features developed for its top-end VT20 3D series without costing as much or limiting you to massive screen sizes. The P42V20 reviewed here, for example, is a 42in model for the reasonable sum of £1,200.
Elsewhere in the lineup you'll find a 50in version, while the step-down G20 models offer more affordable 50in, 46in and 42in options. The G20 series uses a slightly watered down version of Panasonic's contrast-boosting Infinite Black technology, only has two speakers versus the three in the V20 series and doesn't ship with the Wi-Fi adaptor included with the V20 models.
The S20 series is cheaper still, comprising the 50in TX-50PS20, 46in TX-P46S20 and 42in TX-P42S20. But this doesn't use Panasonic's latest NeoPDP technology, sticking with last year's less developed version, and so marks a considerable step down in quality.
At the bottom of the Panasonic pile is the X20 range, which doesn't use NeoPDP technology at all, and so is definitely only to be considered if you really can't afford one of the much superior NeoPDP models.
Your comments (3) Click to add a new comment
stanleysky
October 15th 2010
3. I had two V20s both with problems : buzzing, red/green posterisation with motion, poor audio and floating blacks. Have since ugraded to a Panasonic Z1 which has eradicated most of these issues.
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micks_address
September 6th 2010
2. Two problems I've found with my 42V20
1) It buzzes - buzz intensity is relative to the contrast of the picture on screen - white screen lots of buzz, darker screen no buzz. Its not a deal breaker but quite annoying!
2) Flucuating blacks/brigtness aka 'floating blacks' Take 'The Matrix' blu-ray start play at 3 minutes 5 seconds in, where Trinity sits in the room and the gops burst in. On my screen and another V20 i have checked - the brightness level of the picture increased (by about 4 clicks) and then settles down again. Its very apparent and annoying with darker scenes, so films like The Matrix, and Fight club are very difficult to watch in a darkened room. I have contacted Panasonic about it, they say it should not happen - but as I've seen it on at least 2 samples its hard to believe its not a problem with all sets.
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ripsnorter
September 6th 2010
1. As lovely as the Panny's picture is, during my recent IFA troll it's obvious just how dated and lacking Panasonic's designs are. We're talking thick, slabby, plastic bezels, sometimes with a 'go faster' chrome stripe. It's old school and ugly, especially compared with what Samsung, Sony, LG and Philips are turning out now.
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