Along with an integrated 'Freesat' tuner, the Panasonic TH42PZ81 also comes complete with digital Freeview and analogue terrestrial tuners. The recently launched Freesat service currently offers around 80 subscription free channels which includes all the major terrestrial stations (BBC1, ITV etc) apart from 'Five'. You also get the BBC HD and new ITV HD (exclusive to Freesat) channels. It is worth remembering that access to the 'Freesat' service requires a satellite dish.

Along with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, the PZ81 range sports the latest Panasonic G11 panels which come with a very fast 0.001 second response time (how long it takes the plasma cells to react after they have been sent an electrical signal). The screens have a claimed 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and no viewing angle limitation.

Having witnessed a truly remarkable HD performance from Panasonic's PZ85 we were eager to put the PZ81 through its high definition paces. Once again we were presented with one of the most accomplished High definition performances we have seen. Panasonic's Full HD screens really do fulfil the promise of stunning realism that we were led to expect from high definition TV. Pin sharp rendering of pictures along with incredibly fine detail create one of the few truly involving home cinema experiences.

Read a full review of the Panasonic TH42PZ81 here