Typical price: £2,300
What is it: Monster 42-inch plasma with high-definition compatibility
What we think: If you can afford the asking price, NEC's perfect picture performance shines through
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 31 August 2005
Tags: NEC, NEC 42XR3, digital TV, Freeview, picture quality
We like:
Picture quality; understated style; high-definition ready
We don't like:
High price; no RGB Scart input
You might also need:
Aerial; all cables (component, DVI, S-video)
CNET UK judgement:
NEC's plasmas offer superb picture quality, but they demand a price that's just too high to justify. Without a Freeview tuner or a Scart input, the focus of NEC's 42XR3 is squarely on the future of high definition, alienating those without a budget for Sky's HD service. But if you can afford this plasma in the first place, then you've probably already set aside a place for the Sky HD box and Blu-ray recorder
Full review:
NEC's 42XR3 is the smaller brother of one of our favourite plasmas, the 61XR3. Because of its huge size (and therefore price), the 61XR3 was only suitable for businesses and the super wealthy, and while this 42XR3 is still more expensive than most at this size, the performance will win over anyone who has picture quality high on their list of priorities. Continue Reading...
NEC 42XR3 History
18 Aug 2005 in Crave
NEC 42XR3: standing on the shoulders of giants
We peaked early with NEC's 61-inch plasma, but the 42-inch equivalent is nearly as good, despite losing 19 inches of screen. It offers just as strong a picture performance and high-definition compatibility, but more importantly it's perfect for the cricket
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