Future Proof your Options with 2 High Definition Tuners

With many new LED HDTVs you will be required to choose between either an integrated Freesat HD or Freeview HD Tuner; with the Panasonic TXL42D25B you get both.
You will therefore be able to access tons of free to air channels without having to sign up with one of the digital providers and pay monthly for the privilege of accessing high definition content.

This kind of future-proof functionality is well worth the investment, because in the next couple of years far more HD channels will be coming to the consumer market and so it would be wise to prepare yourself now if you are considering an upgrade.

Note: The model reviewed here is also displayed as the Panasonic TX-L42D26B in Comet.

Great Picture even on Standard Definition Sources

The 42 inch display of the Panasonic TXL42D25B has an excellent viewing angle of 178 degrees, which means you could be sitting virtually parallel to the screen and still see the picture precisely as it was intended.
The display uses Panasonic’s IPS technology, which has a number of benefits, including the ability to automatically generate frames when the video source does not match up to the high native refresh rate of the television.
This means everything will look smooth and beautiful as the image processor works hard to iron out any bumps. You can watch standard definition channels and content upscaled to full 1080p HD on the Panasonic TXL42D25B and the television performs a fine job with any sub-HD films and programmes.

More than enough connectors for even the most demanding households

The Panasonic TX-L42D25B has four HDMI inputs, which should be more than enough for most people, as you will be able to plug in a Blu Ray player, set top box, games console and portable device without running out of space.
There are also two USB ports, into which you can insert portable hard drives for media playback not from optical discs, or a Wi-Fi receiver that allows you to access the VIERA CAST functions without the need for an Ethernet cable.
There is a connection for a PC output and you also get composite and component video inputs for older audiovisual sources.

Get connected to the internet with this Web Ready TV

The previously mentioned VIERA CAST features of the Panasonic TXL42D25B are becoming more familiar to high end TV owners, but have yet to become a mainstream attraction.
These are essentially online-only services which require a broadband connection to be hooked up to your television. This may seem a little unnecessary to anyone who is a regular home PC user, but when you appreciate the convenience of having a web-ready TV that you can control with your remote, it will begin to make sense.
You can check up on the latest news, weather and sports information, as well as getting access to popular social networking sites all from the comfort of your sofa.
You can also use the Skype application to make calls to fellow Skype users anywhere in the world whilst you are watching TV.

Final Thoughts on the TX-L42D25B

The Panasonic TX-L42D25B 42 inch HDTV is for serious home entertainment enthusiasts who do not want to compromise on size or picture quality and so its LED backlighting and full HD support mark it out as a competitive choice in an overpopulated area of the market.
It is a new addition to Panasonic’s LCD LED TV range and as such it has all of the modern goodies that you would expect, as well as some that you may not have anticipated.

Overall the Panasonic TXL42D25B is an excellent choice for the serious film and TV lover, with sensible features that will become more useful as time passes.

TXL42D25B Best Price

The price comparison table below displays the best online price for the Panasonic TX-L42D25B LED TV.
We have also included the Panasonic TX-L42D26B model from Comet which is the same telly in our review.

To visit a retailer please click on the Shop Now >> button where you will be directed to the shops website where you can view extra info and latest pricing.

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2. Panasonic TX-L37D25B LED TV Review

The LG 42SL9000 is the smallest screen in their new range of LED televisions but it offers all of the same technical attributes as its slightly larger stable mate the LG 47SL9000.

42″ LED Edgelighting Technology

The LG 42SL9000 is a 42 inch HD TV that like other LG products creates its image using LCD technology.
The difference between the LG 42SL9000 and other LCD screens is that LEDs arranged around the edge of the panel are used to light the image.
This allows the LG 42SL9000 to be under 3cm thick and makes it ideal for wall mounting.

This new technology is not just a stylistic improvement; it adds to the green credentials of the LG 42SL9000. If you turn on the economy mode offered by the LG 42SL9000 then you could be using just 40% of the electricity that similarly sized LCD screens would. Of course the brightness levels will suffer if you want to save the planet, but overall a greener approach to technology cannot be a bad thing.

Minimalist Approach to Design

The LG 42SL9000 is designed to be ‘borderless’, which means the screen is seamlessly integrated into the housing which holds it all together.
This minimalistic design is definitely a new approach to flat screen design and its one that is sure to be copied by the competition.
Overall the LG 42SL9000 is certainly easy on the eye and its slim design is a big bonus.

Midsize LG screen delivers decent Blacks

The LG 42SL9000 has a 42 inch screen and thanks to the XD picture engine it is capable of producing millions of colours and a whopping 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio for descent blacks and whites.
It also features a 100Hz refresh rate as well as 24fps compatibility for the ultimate cinematic experience at the frame rate in which most films are shot.

The 20 watt speakers built into the LG 42SL9000 are adequate, though most people buying this TV should consider purchasing a surround sound system if they do not already have one. There is not much logic in spending money on a cutting edge TV if it is not complimented by top quality audio equipment.

Bluetooth Connectivity plus DivX Playback

As you would expect the LG 42SL9000 has a built in Freeview digital tuner and a decent number of HDMI inputs (4 HDMI plus 2 SCART) for HD Blu Ray disc players and modern games consoles to take advantage of.

The LG 42SL9000’s most pleasant inclusion is the Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the LG 42SL9000 and upload pictures to view on the big screen.
You can also take advantage of the LG 42SL9000’s Bluetooth headset compatibility which will let you use the TV whilst leaving those around you in peace.

Like many HDTVs within this price bracket the LG 42SL9000 also features a USB port for HD DivX movie playback and also mp3 compatibility.
So if you have collection of DivX movies or mp3 music tracks in your collection just connect a suitable drive via the USB port and watch at your leisure. You can even pair a Bluetooth phone and play tracks direct from the TV.

Final Thoughts

Though the LG 42SL9000 is considerably more expensive than other LCD screens of a similar size, it is representative of a developing market.
Consumers will have to decide for themselves whether paying the extra money for the most cutting edge products is worth it in the long term.

As time goes on prices will inevitably fall and more competition from other manufacturers will produce a more comprehensive range of LED products. Along with the LED TV range from Samsung, this LG screen represents a step towards the future of television.

Note:
The 42SL9000 model is supplied to some retailers as the 42SL9500 LED TV.
If you are shopping at Dixons, Currys or PC World the 42SL9500 model in their showrooms or online is the same as the 42SL9000 LED TV in this review. There may be some a slight cosmetic difference in the televisions but they have exactly the same specification.

Compare LG 42SL9000 Prices

LG 42SL9000 42SL9500 specification

Related posts:

1. LG 47SL9000 LED TV Review