Panasonic's 37-inch TH-37PX60U is small for a plasma television, but this attractive HDTV delivers an excellent picture that would look great in a mid-size home theater system. The silver cabinet includes built-in stereo speakers below the screen, and it has front-panel composite video and S-video inputs for connecting a camcorder or video game console. The wide-format TH-37PX60U can be wall mounted or used with the included pedestal stand.

The TH-37PX60U has a native resolution of 1,024X720, and all images are presented at 720p. The 10,000:1 contrast ratio translates to very crisp, clear images, with rich blacks and bright whites. A motion-adaptive 3-D Y/C digital comb filter eliminates hanging dots and dot crawl, and video noise is greatly reduced thanks to several signal-processing functions. This plasma HDTV doesn't have a CableCARD slot, so digital cable users will still need a separate cable box, and there are also no PIP features.

The stereo speakers deliver a total of 20 watts of output, and the audio options include simulated surround sound and separate adjustments for bass, treble and balance. V-chip controls make it easy for parents to prevent the kids from watching inappropriate content, and the TH-37PX60U also offers video input labeling, closed captions and several timers. For viewing digital photos on the big screen, the TH-37PX60U includes an SD memory card slot.

The rear of the monitor offers a good selection of inputs and outputs for use with a host of associated components. The connections include two more composite video inputs, two additional S-video inputs, two component video inputs, two HDMI digital-to-digital inputs, a composite video output and an optical digital audio output. Unfortunately, there is no PC input. The universal remote control is well laid out for managing several associated components. In sum, the TH-37PX60U is a compact plasma HDTV that would be a great fit in a small to medium-size home theater, but it lacks some features common to competing models.

Pros: Great picture from compact plasma set, attractive and slim cabinet
Cons: No CableCARD slot, PC connectivity or PIP features

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, 2 years glass