Every rule has an exception, and when it comes to flat panel TVs, the Panasonic TH-37PH10UK is just such an example. It is a 37-inch plasma display, and it breaks the unsaid rule that plasma doesn't go smaller than 42-inches. In fact, before LCD sets grew in size you generally had LCD displays up to 37-inches, with plasma in sizes 42 inches and up.

So why haven't more plasma manufacturers jumped to the smaller sizes? Well, because LCD fills the void very well--so well, in fact, that there is no need for a plasma at this size for home use. As with the larger models from the PH10UK family, this 37-inch panel actually comes from the professional display line, therefore lacking some of the features of true HD "television sets." In the early days of plasma TV, these professional models were an affordable alternative; now it is just a good way of seeing what you're missing.

The most notable item missing from this display is the lack of an HD tuner. This could be seen as a moot point, because most users actually rely on a set top box for cable or satellite anyway. However, if you are one of the few who do in fact get your TV signal from over-the-air then you should keep looking, since you'll need to buy another box to use this set.

Likewise the TH-37PH10UK has no speakers, and while we typically recommend using the set with external speakers anyway, this set doesn't even have the option of turning on to catch the morning news without powering up an external receiver. Panasonic does offer an optional speaker package, but that inflates the price. For a 37-inch set, we'd almost demand it have a built-in speaker system.

On the plus side, the lack of speakers and tuner means this is a near featherweight of a panel. But then again, it is really just an oversized monitor, with a thickness of only 3-1/2 inches. It weights just 48.5 pounds and thus can be very easily wall-mounted.

The set does an above adequate job with the picture, with a native resolution of 1,024x720. It handles 480p and 720p content very well, and downscales 1080i and 1080p source material accordingly. The TH-37PH10UK produces very deep blacks. But as with other current generation plasma sets from Panasonic there is a bit too much of a green hue, and the colors seem a tad unnatural in some scenes. This is a minor complaint for an otherwise crystal clear picture, thanks to multiple picture-enhancing features.

Where the shortcomings are most apparent are with the connectivity options. The set lacks a built-in HDMI input, and it supports a single component-video input. This is as expected, as the panel is meant for professional users, and thus connectivity options are often single uses such as retail display. However, the TH-37PH10UK does feature hot-swappable inputs including those for S-Video, component and most importantly HDMI. On the downside, there are only four total slots, so you might still need to rely on external switchers. All these options just increase the price--which frankly, wasn't that attractive to begin with considering the falling price of plasma sets.

The TH-37PH10UK does have some major shortcomings, and the price doesn't really make up for it. But if you absolutely must have a plasma set in the 37-inch size, there are no other options. There is a plethora of LCD TVs to choose from, so really, this is a set that is best left to the professionals.

Pros: Great black levels, super thin set, about the only option in plasma at 37-inches
Cons: Colors tend to skew towards too much green, speakers are only optional, lack of input options, professional sets not really geared to the home