NEC 42XR4 42" Plasma TV

[Roger]

Introduction

The 42XR4 is NEC's second try at a 42 inch HDTV plasma (XGA resolution = 1024 by 768), and a quite interesting display for me to test.

Traditionally, NEC Plasma Display Panels (PDP) focused on industrial markets like exhibitions, airports, fast food restaurants, etc. They looked like an industrial display - a simple grayish or silver bezel - and behaved like it too.

Their features allowed one to set up the PDP in "retina burn" mode that would actually compel one to wear sunglasses when too close to the display. This is in complete contrast with PDPs like Panasonic or Pioneer who targeted home theater audiences, forcing the displays to be a bit more protective of the panel from misuse.

Because the panels were intended to be in use primarily in bright environments, NEC PDPs were designed to be bright, with far less emphasis on contrast ratio and black levels.

NEC plasma facilities were purchased by Pioneer last year, and the factory now produces panels for both companies. Pioneer apparently had the idea that NEC would continue to concentrate on the industrial markets, while Pioneer could quietly center on the consumer business.

Link to full review: