Typical price: £1,600
What is it: Plasma TV with AV connectivity
What we think: Although this is intended as a budget plasma, it has too many flaws to make it a good-value purchase
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 1 July 2005
Tags: Sony, Sony KE-P42M1, menu system, DVD player, lacklustre
We like:
Wega Engine technology; nice remote; adequate with analogue sources; good allocation of Scarts
We don't like:
Low-resolution screen; clunky styling; no PC input
You might also need:
Scart cable; component cable; aerial
CNET UK judgement:
Sony isn't a prolific plasma manufacturer, and it shows on the KE-P42M1. It's clearly aimed at the budget market, so it lacks many notable features and has a low panel resolution. Wega Engine technology saves the day on performance, making analogue sources very acceptable, but for anyone who's even remotely interested in high definition, this would make a very poor investment
Full review:
Sony is the most prolific electronics manufacturer in the world, but the company hasn't made a huge impact in plasma TVs -- yet. The Japanese giant has been backing the technology, but it has let Panasonic and Pioneer woo the early adopters, before swooping in for the drop on the mass market. Continue Reading...
Sony KE-P42M1 History
1 Jul 2005 in Reviews
Plasma perfection: the 42-inch flat-screen shootout
Want a flat screen that won't break the bank? LCD is expensive at the 32-inch mark, and into the crazy price bracket above that. But plasmas offer big screen thrills at a competitive price -- three of the models here are well under £2,000...
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