Panasonic PT-40LC12 40 in. HDTV LCD TV

This is a television for the masses, not the high-end user. If you are willing to compromise on picture, and some space, then it is an good HDTV solution.
This is an LCD projection television and is designed for widescreen programming. Normally when you say projection television you are talking about CRT projection television but this is using fairly new technology and uses and LCD in lieu of a CRT.

The picture
The picture is good. It's a HDTV so it better be good. And in my opinion it is about as good a picture you can get for the size and price. With that said, the pixels do bleed into each other a little bit so the picture is not as crisp as it could be. The movies just do not have the same beauty as my Sony Wega. Also, the blacks are not as black as they could be. This means that the colors do not contrast with each other as well as the artists intended. But compared to my Toshiba CRT projection television the image is about the same (with me giving the edge to the Toshiba.)
But if you are going to compare this to a standard television then there is no comparison. When you put a HD signal through this television you will be amazed at the detail and wonder why you didn't get an HDTV sooner.

The sound
The sound is average in my opinion and will disappoint most people. Yes it is better than your standard CRT 4:3 television but that isn't saying much. My father-in-law has the sound turned off and is running everything through his 5.1 system because he likes the sound better.

Main features
Picture-in-picture- One input is in the lower right corner while another is viewed normally. The size of the smaller image can also be changed as well as swapped.
Twin-Screen- You can watch two inputs side by side. You can still change the input of one of the sides while in this mode. Nice feature for Sunday afternoon football.
Sleep timer-
CC- Closed captioning
Auto shutoff- Will shutoff in 5 minutes if there is no signal to the television. This is designed to preserve the bulb's life.
Noise reduction feature- in case you have a weak signal, the sound will be reduced.
Freeze picture- Freezes the current image until you press this button again.
Channel search- takes a still image of the other channels so you can see what is playing on them.
Automatic screen size change- The television can auto detect what type of screen size should be displayed.

Viewing angle
The viewing angle is very wide. It is around 150 degrees so it is good if you have a lot of people over. Unlike my Toshiba 57 inch, I have had not view problems when I am sitting on the ground playing video games.
In addition, you can set the screen in 5 modes depending on the video source. They are normal, just, full, zoom, and true. Which ones are available is dependent on the video source.

Menu options
Picture- This is where you adjust brightness, tint, etc. There also a pre-set settings for movies.
Audio- Adjust basic sound settings (treble, bass, balance, speaker on/off, etc). This also includes a surround sound setting, as well as some pre-set equalizer settings.
Position/size- Move the picture around much like you do with computer monitors. This is necessary for some video game systems.
Information- Displays input signal.
Language- English, Spanish, or French.
Channel- Set the channels.
Lock- If you need to limit the usage of the television for your children, or just to harass your spouce, you have the option of putting in a 4 digit code. You have a couple of setup options in regards to the rating of a program. For example, if you do not want your child watching pg movies then you can block that type of rated program.
Caption- Typical options plus you can have CC go on automatically when the television is muted.
Video- Basic video settings.

Inputs
In the front there is a computer input, an audio input (1/8 inch), a headphone output (1/8 inch), an S-Video, and the typical red/white/yellow RCA inputs.
On the back you have 3 composite inputs. Each one has an S-Video and the typical red/white/yellow RCA inputs. There is also a coaxial input. And of course, there are 2 component inputs with left/right RCA inputs.

Fixing it to the wall
There is a small hole in the back top of the television. You can string a rope or chain through this if you are concerned about it falling over during an earthquake.

Who is this for?
That depends on what you are looking at. If you have a lot of money to waste then get a plasma or large LCD. If you want the best picture possible and do not care about having a television larger than 34 inches (and are concerned about spending more than 2,000) then get the Sony Wega. If you want a large screen but do not have the money then get either a CRT projection television or an LCD projection television. Projections usually do not have the darkest blacks and the pixels sometime bleed into each other but they are a great value for the money.

The remote
The remote is your typical universal remote. It has a red backlight so you can see it in the dark. It can be programmed to your VCR, DVD, AUX, RCVR, TV, DTV, CBL, & DBS. The other buttons you have access to are power, sap, mute, aspect, tv/video, light, menu, recall, exit, page up & down, guide, numbers, r-tune, prog, vcr/dvd controls, picture-in-picture buttons, freeze, swap, search, tv/vcr, open/close, and the round volume/channel/enter button.
When I opened it up I found that the original batteries were still there. This is not a testament to the longevity of the batteries but rather that my father-in-law does not use this remote very much. He uses a couple of universal remotes and never bothered to program this properly. And the universal remotes he uses are better than this remote which is the reason he does not use it.

Cleaning & Maintenance
Use a soft cloth to dust it. A damp cloth should take care of anything.
Behind the right speaker cover is the filter. The television tells you when you need to clean it out. All you need to do is vacuum the dust out.
The bulb is also another thing that needs to be replaced. They estimate that the lamp has a life of 5000 hours.

Durability & Problems
There have been no problems or issues with durability to date.

What I like.
-The small depth for a projection television.
-Works with a computer.
-Good viewing angle.
-Beautiful picture.

What I do not like.
-Blacks not black enough.
-Not the best contrasting picture.
-It is a projection TV.
-Only two Component inputs.
-Only 40 inches.
-Runs a little hot.

Accessories
The only accessory I saw for this product is a stand. The stand is listed for $300 and fits the slim silver look of the television but my in-laws just use a normal television stand with no problem.

Upgrading?
Apparently there is also the option to download new software. You need a SD card to access this feature. But this feature hasn't been used on this television nor has anything gone wrong to warrant this measure.

Warranty
1 year parts, 1 year labor.

Weight and dimensions
Weight: 92.6 lbs
Depth: 16 inches
Width: 37 11/16 inches
Height: 35 inches

Summary
This is a LCD projection television. It is also a widescreen television that can display a HD signal. The picture is beautiful and at 40 inches it is perfect for a small or medium sized room. But if you are looking for the best picture possible then this is not it. Although you will be pleased with the picture the blacks aren't as black as they could be nor is the detail as good as the best CRT television out there. For that you want to check our the Sony Wega. But the television is lighter than a CRT and is only 16 inches deep which makes it ideal if space is an issue.

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