Panasonic 42" plasma: U1, S1 or G10

[jesse94]

Hi everyone,

we just bought a house and while moving I'm planning to go HD and buy a Panny plasma TV. Yesterday I compared the THX 2009 models at 42". The specs were almost all the same, except for the G10 who has viera cast link (what does that do?).

Basically, what are the main differences between them besides the price? If the S1 suits me well, I will buy this one.

Can you help me? (I'm in Canada by the way)


S1 = $1 499.99
U1 = $1 699.99
G10 = $1 999.99

Edit: the S1 is $1 699.99 and the U1 is $1 499.99

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by jesse94

Hi everyone,

we just bought a house and while moving I'm planning to go HD and buy a Panny plasma TV. Yesterday I compared the THX 2009 models at 42". The specs were almost all the same, except for the G10 who has viera cast link (what does that do?).

Basically, what are the main differences between them besides the price? If the S1 suits me well, I will buy this one.

Can you help me? (I'm in Canada by the way)


S1 = $1 499.99
U1 = $1 699.99
G10 = $1 999.99

Hi Jesse. I'm in the U.S. and not to sure about canadian pricing, except that it's a bit more. The Panasonic displays are great & they are priced right too.

[pytheas2.0]

I'd be interested in some info on this, too. As for the viera cast, it's a way to bring some internet content to the screen such as weather channel, you tube, news, etc. I believe the tv can connect to your modem without the need to network through a pc or server. I've never used this, but considering one could just turn to the news or weather channel (and don't want youtube quality vids on a hi-def tv), I'm not sure how 'gimicky' this is.....

[allstar780]

I have the G10 and I love it! I have never used the vieracast but I could not be happier with this TV

[battousai147]

I personally think the G10 is an amazing set, and BB has it for a real nice price right now, really excellent black's, amazing color, and viera cast, sweet.....

[sarge1976]

I'm hoping they come out with a 58" version of the G10 series,any word on anything bigger than the 54" version?

[thechancellor]

Save your money and go with the S1. I don't know if you're familiar with the AVS forum, but a professional calibrator will be posting specific settings to make all 2009 Panasonic TV's as accurate as possible when it comes to colors and grayscale. It'll make a huge difference. The only other major features you're getting from the G10 are:

THX Mode - The industry standard for viewing movies. There's a CHANCE you'll like it, but THX mode isn't for everyone. A lot of people complain it's too dark.

Viera Cast - Waste of a feature on this model because it only has an ethernet port, IMO. If it were wireless like the higher end models, then I'd feel different about it. For me, it would just create a mess of wires. You'd have to put both your router and your modem down there to have it set up. Why bother when you already have a computer?

When I took away those two things, I couldn't justify paying the extra money for the G10. Do something else with the extra few hundred bucks you'd be saving.

[jesse94]

Originally Posted by thechancellor

Save your money and go with the S1. I don't know if you're familiar with the AVS forum, but a professional calibrator will be posting specific settings to make all 2009 Panasonic TV's as accurate as possible when it comes to colors and grayscale. It'll make a huge difference. The only other major features you're getting from the G10 are:

THX Mode - The industry standard for viewing movies. There's a CHANCE you'll like it, but THX mode isn't for everyone. A lot of people complain it's too dark.

Viera Cast - Waste of a feature on this model because it only has an ethernet port, IMO. If it were wireless like the higher end models, then I'd feel different about it. For me, it would just create a mess of wires. You'd have to put both your router and your modem down there to have it set up. Why bother when you already have a computer?

When I took away those two things, I couldn't justify paying the extra money for the G10. Do something else with the extra few hundred bucks you'd be saving.

Thanks for the good advice. I'll go with the S1. I will put the $500 difference on my home theater speakers.

[sadmaker]

for my tastes, i agree with the above. I went with the s1 knowing i'd get a pro calibration, so wouldnt need THX. I dont need the PC settings as i dont use the set for my PC. and no interest in the Vieracast.

If the vieracast is important, Id advise using the savings to pick up a Panny BDP60 or BDP80 blu ray player which includes those same features, and oh by the way, blu ray .

I would advise agaisnt the U1 however. its my understanding that this model has no anti-glare feature.

[AP99]

Originally Posted by thechancellor

Save your money and go with the S1. I don't know if you're familiar with the AVS forum, but a professional calibrator will be posting specific settings to make all 2009 Panasonic TV's as accurate as possible when it comes to colors and grayscale. It'll make a huge difference. The only other major features you're getting from the G10 are:

THX Mode - The industry standard for viewing movies. There's a CHANCE you'll like it, but THX mode isn't for everyone. A lot of people complain it's too dark.

Viera Cast - Waste of a feature on this model because it only has an ethernet port, IMO. If it were wireless like the higher end models, then I'd feel different about it. For me, it would just create a mess of wires. You'd have to put both your router and your modem down there to have it set up. Why bother when you already have a computer?

When I took away those two things, I couldn't justify paying the extra money for the G10. Do something else with the extra few hundred bucks you'd be saving.

The g10's VIERA Tools menu allows for hook up of 8 wireless panasonic netcams. It detects motion and will notify/display onscreen. Great for the front door or if you have small child.

The g10 also plays back AVCHD content from Panasonic HD Camcorders.

This sold me!

The U1 has no anti-reflective coating.
The S1 does and is a NeoPDP Panel. It is quite brighter than the U1.
NeoPDP is the S1 and above....30% brighter and 30% less energy consumption.

[jesse94]

Originally Posted by AP99

The U1 has no anti-reflective coating.
The S1 does and is a NeoPDP Panel. It is quite brighter than the U1.
NeoPDP is the S1 and above....30% brighter and 30% less energy consumption.

perfect. Panasonic 42S1 coming my way soon!

[kaliraver]

The G10 has these specs;
Progressive Scan Yes
24p Playback(2:3) Yes
Deep Color Yes
x.v.Color Yes
THX Mode Yes
Motion Adaptive 3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter Yes
3D Color Management Yes
Sub Pixel Control Yes
Motion Pattern Noise Reduction Yes

while the S10 features are;
Progressive Scan Yes
24p Cinematic Playback No
24p Playback(2:3) Yes
Digital Cinema Color No
Deep Color Yes
x.v.Color No
Studio Ref Mode No
Pro Setting No
THX Mode No
Motion Adaptive 3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter Yes
3D Color Management No
Sub Pixel Control No
Motion Pattern Noise Reduction Yes

There are some differences that might matter to you especially the no x.v. color on the S1. I personally would go with the G10 instead of the other models but the S1 isn't bad either.

[jesse94]

I guess I'm not as picky as a lot of you guys. Keep in mind that I will be going from SD CRT to HD plasma. The step will be huge and will be impressed no matter what.

Thanks for your point of view.