CNET Rules Panasonic 1080p 42-inch Plasma Best

Panasonic says its new 1080p 42-inch plasma HD (TH-42PZ700) will begin shipping to retailers by July.

CNET, the technology product tester and online TV network, this month called this 42-inch model the best flatscreen HD unit in its class which it has tested, despite what CNET said was an expensive price tag.

The new 42-inch entry is part of Panasonic’s 700 Series of 1080p HD units, which also includes its 50-, 58-, 65- and 103-inch screens. Panasonic said its 1080p products strive to achieve deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more highly defined clarity than the other HD formats.

The TH-42PZ700U includes a pair of HDMI inputs and an SD card slot to enable viewing of digital still photos on the plasma screen.