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Pioneer 42" PDP-42A3HD Plasma TV Review

by March 14, 2006
Pioneer PDP-42A3HD plasma

Pioneer PDP-42A3HD plasma

  • Product Name: PDP-42A3HD plasma TV
  • Manufacturer: Pioneer
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarStar
  • Review Date: March 14, 2006 19:00
  • MSRP: $ 2499

High Definition / XGA Resolution (1,024 x 768p)

42" Diagonal /16:9 Wide-Screen Aspect Ratio

PANEL TECHNOLOGY

Encased Cell Structure

VIDEO PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

- Video Noise Reduction System

- Color Temperature Control

- AV Selection Memory: Standard, Dynamic,

Movie, Game, USER Preset

CONVENIENCE FEATURES

- Built-in TV Tuners for receiving over-the-air

High Definition and Standard Definition

Broadcasts. (Over-the-Air Antenna not

included).

- NTSC Tuner and ATSC Tuner

- Picture-in-Picture mode and Swap Function

to meet customer operation preferences

- Aspect Ratio Control: Wide, Zoom, Cinema,

Full, 4:3

- Full Function Remote Control

OTHER

- Table Top Stand (included)

SOUND TECHNOLOGY

- 10 watt x 2 Stereo Amplifier with built-in Stereo

Speakers

- SRS TrueSurroundXT Surround Sound

VERSITILE VIDEO AND AUDO CONNECTIVITY

Inputs

- Antenna x 2 (F-Type Connection)

- HDMI (with HDCP) x 1 with composite L/R

Audio

- Composite or S-Video x 3 (Selectable) with

composite L/R Audio

- Component Video x 2 with composite L/R

Audio

- SPDIF Digital Audio x 1 (Dolby* Digital / PCM)

Outputs

- Composite Video x 1 with composite L/R Audio

DIMENSIONS(W x H x D)

Without Stand: 48.6" x 26.5" x 4.7"

With Stand: 48.6" x 27.5" x 9.9"

WEIGHT:

Without Stand: 77 lbs.

With Stand: 89.1 lbs.

Pros

  • Super slim display
  • Excellent quality and "bang for the buck"
  • High measured ANSI contrast ratio
  • ATSC and NTSC tuners

Cons

  • "S-curve" gamma with crushed blacks
  • Intrusive orbital screen saver on by default
  • Limited color temperature controls
  • Limited picture controls in user menu
  • Flimsy, extraneous remote control cover
About the author:
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Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.

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