Insignia NS-42PDP (NS42PDP) Review – 42-inch Plasma HDTV
Originally Reviewed on October 3rd, 2007The Insignia NS-42PDP (listed as the NSPDP42 at Best Buy) is a 720p entry-level plasma HDTV. Insignia is a lesser known brand that is mostly sold through Best Buy. The major appeal to the NSPDP42 is its very low price compared to similar HDTV’s from other manufacturers. At under $900, the NS-42PDP is a great TV for the right user. It features a dark charcoal exterior with side-mounted speakers. Based on the looks and off-brand, it’s not going to be the fancy flat panel you want to show off to all of your friends but you will save quite a bit on that off brand name.
Insignia NS-42PDP features and Specifications
- Resolution: 720p (1024 x 768)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
- Built-in Tuner: NTSC/ATSC
- Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
- Brightness: 1500 cd/m2
- Comb Filter: 3D Digital
- HDMI Inputs: 2
- Component Inputs: 2
- S-Video Inpus: 1
- DVI Input: 0
- Composite Inputs: 2
- Warranty: 1 year
The Insignia NS-42PDP has its strong and weak points. It has pretty good picture quality and great simulated surround sound with SRS TruSurround. It’s also very slim and can be easily mounted to a wall. Unfortunately, it’s missing a few features like Full HD 1080p resolution and a shortage of rear and side inputs. There may be enough for some users but most flat panels are including more HD capable inputs. Overall, the NSPDP42 is a great set for the money. It’s obviously not a high end plasma but for the average viewer, it will definitely suffice.
HDTVUniverse.com gives the Insignia NS-42PDP 8/10 stars!
Insignia NS-50PDP Review | NS50PDP Reviews - 50 in Plasma by Insignia's reviewJune 25, 2008
[...] previously reviewed the NS-PDP42 and expect this larger version to perform similarly. It is in the same line and offers the same [...]
Mark's reviewNovember 27, 2009
Nice set..had it 20 months. Sound is great. Picture is very good, great in HD signal. Paid about $925 at Best Buy. Could use some extra features, like side jacks and more user friendly controls. (Don’t let kids touch the controls on the remote.) I hope this unit lasts a long time. I don’t want to buy another anytime soon. If there is a better set for the same money anywhere I would chalenge anyone to find one. Also, a small point, I really appreaciate the matte black finish of the case. Shiny, glossy plastic is distracting. VERY NICE TV FOR THE UNDER $1000 PRICE TAG….
Harrison's reviewAugust 25, 2010
We just purchased this television today and have yet to turn it on, as we are moving however; we paid 399 for it brand new at best buy. There is absolutely no way you can beat that. I’m sure it’s going to suffice to our needs. I like Insignia, I have pulled it out of the box, and it looks to be very high end. Maybe not according to the Actuall review. But… You Decide.
shawn chiatto's reviewSeptember 13, 2010
I bought this TV yesterday with my wife at Best Buy since it was on sale for 399. Let me just say it was sitting next to the Panasonic which I had been hoping to buy because I really wanted a “higher end” plasma television. So I as hoping to go along with samsung sony or panasonic. Well let’s just say Insignia amazed me with how much better the picture quality was than these TV’s. I personally only bought it for gaming and it’s amazing for my xbox 360. We have regular television so we don’t have any HD channels. But let me tell you the standard television looks just like HD television it’s amazing. Also don’t listen to what people say about it’s not 1080P. The only way you’ll notice a difference from 720P to 1080P is on a 55 inch or bigger television. 1080P on anything below 55 inches is a waste of money, for you will not notice any difference with movies, gaming, or HD television channels. I honestly feel like we ripped best buy off the price we got this TV at. Kudos to Insignia awesome TV.
Marcus B's reviewMay 24, 2011
I brought a 42″ and a 50″ from Best Buy. Both screens were easily damaged by a very small toy hitting it, which was thrown by my 2 yr old. PLASMA TVS SUCK!!!! THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE MORE THAN THE PRICE OF THE ACTUAL TV. DON’T EVER PURCHASE PLASMAS FROM BEST BUY… THEIR CONSUMER SERVICE SUCKS!!!!