This is quite a good performer at an extremely
competitive price.
Sampo endowed its least-expensive panel with the exact resolution
required for wide-screen DVD: 852x480 pixels. High-definition
TV formats 1080i and 720p, as well as all other incoming video,
are scaled to fit that pixel array.
We were happy to discover that the PME-42S6 can remember picture
adjustments for each input separately--a real plus if you want
to customize its settings for different sources. In addition to
the obligatory picture-enhancement options, such as selectable
color temperatures (6500D, Low, Mid, and High) and multiple aspect
ratios, the S6 also has quite a few convenience features not normally
found on plasma panels. PIP (picture in picture) and POP (split
screen) are in attendance, along with a built-in TV tuner for
non-high-definition channels. The S6 doesn't have an internal
cooling fan, so it's completely silent during use.
Further adding to the S6's "regular TV" appeal are
a 10-watt internal amplifier driving two small, upward-firing
speakers at the rear; a subwoofer output; and SRS sound processing.
SRS simulates the surround-sound experience using just a set's
left and right stereo speakers.
The jack pack around back is chock-full of options. Two broadband
component-video inputs ensure enough capacity for connecting a
progressive-scan DVD player and an HDTV receiver simultaneously.
A 15-pin VGA-style RGB input and a DVI input are on tap for computer
hookup--note that the DVI input lacks HDCP copy protection, so
it won't work with newer HDTV receivers. There is also one S-Video
and one composite-video input, as well as an RS-232 port for use
with touch-panel control systems such as Crestron and AMX.
Sampo's PME-42S6 plasma TV is a lower-resolution, lower-cost
cousin of the company's top-of-the-line 42-inch model, the PME-42X6.
The S6 doesn't boast the stellar black-level performance found
on the best plasmas, but its picture has plenty of other high
points. And the price is right: you can get it for $200 less than
the previous low-buck plasma champ, Gateway's GTW-P42M102.
Click Here to view the Sampo PME-42S6 Plasma TV
