Washington, D.C. (November 24, 2006) -- Panasonic's 42-inch TH-42PX60U Plasma HDTV is getting a lot of looks these days. The flat-panel set can be purchased for less than $1,300 at retail and online stores, a price that was once considered unthinkable.

However, how does the much-coveted Plasma set fare when tested in real life situations?

CNET.com, the technology web site, gives the 42-inch set a score of 7.5 out of a possible 10.

The site says the TH-42PX60U delivers images with "deep blacks and an accurate color that doesn't overaccentuate red." CNET also likes that the flat-panel comes with two HDMI inputs, which enables high-def owners to connect two different sources at the same time, such as satellite and cable.

However, the site's review says the display's "depth of black" depends on how much bright content is in a specific scene. Plasma TVs are generally better in dark rooms than well-lit ones.

Overall, though, CNET says the TV "sets the standard for value among full-featured 42-inch Plasmas."

The TV, which measures just 3.8 inches deep, can be mounted on a wall or atop of a stand. It doesn't have picture-in-picture, but it does have a SD card slot for displaying digital photos and a high-def tuner inside if you use an antenna to pick up you local HDTV channels.

Click Reviews to see more HDTV product reviews.