Although the G series is in the middle of Panasonic's plasma lineup, this is a serious set. Proof #1 is the inclusion of a THX mode, which offers near-calibrated quality. With the THX mode on, the picture is almost luscious -- the blacks are dark, shadow detail is strong and colors are stunning.

After seeing this set, I understand why videophiles prefer plasma to LCD -- not only are the blacks generally better, but the overall picture is less clinical and more natural.

The set is not perfect; I wish it had an EPG, variable audio out and PiP, and I wish Panasonic chose better internet widgets (why are the only general news widgets from Germany?) but these are personal preferences. I am also concerned about Panasonic's handling of the news that its precharge voltage adjustments are set too high -- rather than denying there's a problem, it seems to me a firmware upgrade would keep everyone happy.

Still, to buy an LCD set that offers the same level of performance as the TC-P42G15, one would have to spend a lot more to buy an LED-backlit model, and even then the 42G15 would probably have the better picture,