Model No. TC-42PX34 Owner’s Manual 42” Class 720p Plasma HDTV (41.6 inches measured diagonally) For assistance (U.S.A./Puerto Rico), please call: 1-877-95-VIERA (958-4372) www.panasonic.com/help For assistance (Canada), please call: 1-866-330-0014 www.vieraconcierge.ca English Thank you for purchasing this Panasonic product. Please read these instructions before operating your set and retain them for future reference. The images shown in this manual are for illustrative purposes only.
Experience an amazing level of multimedia excitement Enjoy rich multimedia SD memory card Camcorder VCR Cable box Amplifier with Speaker system DVD recorder/ Blu-ray Disc recorder DVD player/ Blu-ray Disc player ■ Do not display a still picture for a long time This causes the image to remain on the plasma screen (“Image retention”). This is not considered a malfunction and is not covered by the warranty.
VIERA Link™ is a trademark of Panasonic Corporation. HDMI, the HDMI logo and HighDefinition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries. Contents Please read before using the unit SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD3C, LLC. HDAVI Control™ is a trademark of Panasonic Corporation.
Safety Precautions CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or back. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. WARNING: The lightning flash with arrowhead within a triangle is intended to tell the user that parts inside the product are a risk of electric shock to persons.
● Do not place any objects on top of the Plasma TV. If water spills onto the Plasma TV or foreign objects get inside it, a short-circuit may occur which could result in fire or electric shock. If any foreign objects get inside the Plasma TV, please consult an Authorized Service Center. In the unlikely event that you receive a shock from this product it is possible that your household outlet may be wired improperly. Have an electrician verify that the TV’s outlet is properly wired.
CEA CHILD SAFETY NOTICES WARNING Flat panel displays are not always supported on the proper stands or installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Flat panel displays that are inappropriately situated on dressers, bookcases, shelves, desks, speakers, chests or carts may fall over and may cause personal injury or even death. The consumer electronics industry (of which Panasonic is a member) is committed to making home entertainment enjoyable and safe.
Accessories/Optional Accessory Accessories Check you have all the items shown. Accessories Remote Control Transmitter N2QAYB000570 Batteries for the Remote Control Transmitter (2) AC cord AA Battery TBLX0134 Child safety Quick start guide Product Registration Card (U.S.A.) Optional Accessory Wall-hanging bracket (angled) TY-WK4P1RW Please contact your nearest Panasonic dealer to purchase the recommended wall-hanging bracket.
Attaching the pedestal to TV ■Assembling the pedestal Fix securely with assembly screws A (Total 4 screws). Tighten screws firmly. Accessories A Pole Assembly screws (4 of each) R A L Pole XYN5+F18FN size (M5 × 18) (Silver) Front B Base THEL078N size (M5 × 30) (Black) ■Set-up Poles (2) Carry out work on a horizontal and level surface. Tighten screws firmly. L R Bottom view B Rear side Arrow mark L or R is printed at the bottom of the poles.
Installing the remote’s batteries Open Close Hook Note the correct polarity (+ or -). Caution Incorrect installation may cause battery leakage and corrosion, resulting in damage to the remote control. not mix old and new batteries. • Do not mix different battery types (such • Do as alkaline and manganese batteries). not use rechargeable (Ni-Cd) • Do batteries. Do not burn or break batteries. To attach Keep pushing both sides until they snap and pull.
Connections Connection Panels DIGITAL AUDIO OUT Front of the TV A SD card slot (p.21) B C Back of the TV Antenna or Cable connection * See page 9 (Power cord connection) VHF/UHF Antenna Back of the TV Cable TV Power Cord (Connect after all the other connections have been made.
AV cable connection Best To use HDMI terminals AV Equipment HDMI AV OUT e.g. Blu-ray Disc player AV Equipment DVI OUT HDMI-DVI Conversion cable L R AUDIO OUT Getting started ● VIERA Link connection, please refer to p. 25 ● The HDMI connection is required for a 1080p signal. e.g. Blu-ray Disc player To use COMPONENT terminals Y red green green PB COMPONENT Good blue blue VIDEO OUT AV Equipment PR red red e.g.
Identifying Controls TV controls/indicators Front of the TV Back of the TV Selects channels in sequence Volume up/down Displays the Main Menu Remote control sensor Within about 23 feet (7 meters) in front of the TV set Changes the input mode Chooses Menu and Submenu entries POWER button Power indicator (on: red, off: no light) C.A.T.S. sensor Plasma C.A.T.S. (Contrast Automatic Tracking System) (p. 33) Note ● The TV consumes a small amount of electric energy even when turned off.
First Time Setup The first time setup screen is displayed only when the TV is turned on for the first time after the power cord is inserted into a wall outlet and when “Auto power on” (p. 36) is set to “No”.
ANT/Cable setup Do you use a Cable, Satellite or Fiber Optic box with this TV? ANT/Cable setup Step 3 of 5 Do you use a Cable, Satellite or Fiber Optic box with this TV? Yes No OK Select Yes Return No b Select connection type for Cable or Satellite box and go to (Input labels) a Select signal type (Cable/Antenna) ANT/Cable setup Step 3 of 5 ANT/Cable setup Step 3 of 5 How does the TV receive its programming content? Cable service (No box) Which wiring method is used to connect your box
Label the inputs for easy identification (Label inputs) To name each input, follow the instructions on screen. When done, select NEXT and press OK to go to the next step. Label inputs Step 4 of 5 What is connected to HDMI 1 ? For your convenience, you may name each input for easy identification. The labels will be shown in the “Input select” menu. select set HDMI 1 Video or OK Select HDMI 2 GAME GAME Next Component RETURN 1 @.
Watching TV Turn power on (Remote) Note Please select correct input --> (TV) (p. 20) or Select a channel number up or To directly enter the digital channel number When tuning to a digital channel, press the button to enter the minor number in a compound channel number. down • Also available side CH button on the unit. [For Cable/Satellite box connection] - Use your connected box’s remote control.
Change aspect ratio and Zoom the picture ■ Press FORMAT to cycle through the aspect modes (p. 38) • 480i, 480p: FULL/JUST/4:3/ZOOM • 1080p, 1080i, 720p: FULL/H-FILL/JUST/4:3/ZOOM Use when the picture does not fill the whole screen (bars appears on either side of the image) or portions of the picture is trimmed. Note 1. Some content, such as film-based movies, are available in extra-wide format. Top and bottom bars are unavailable. 2.
■ Other Useful operations Entering characters You can use the remote control keys to enter the alphanumeric characters. ■ Switches input mode Menu Input labels HDMI 1 HDMI 2 ABC → abc → 123 ↑_____________| Component ■ Press each number key to cycle through the alphanumeric character OK Select RETURN ABC → abc 1 @. 2 ABC 3 DEF 4 GHI 5 JKL 6 MNO 7PQRS 8 TUV 9WXYZ LAST 0 - , Delete Navigation area Password setting/entering You need to enter the password when you access locked channel or inputs.
Using VIERA TOOLS VIERA TOOLS is the easy way to access the TV’s special features. They are displayed as shortcut icons on the TV screen. Display VIERA TOOLS Select the item select next VIERA IMAGE VIEWER Viewing photo with VIERA IMAGE VIEWER (p. 21-23) Basic Set each item VIERA Link Game mode Change to “Game” mode. Picture mode (p. 33) Eco mode ECO/energy saving (p. 36) Using VIERA TOOLS Watching TV VIERA Link (p.
Watching content from external devices With the connected equipment turned On Display the Input select menu Select the input mode Input select 1 ANT/Cable In Not used 2 HDMI 1 GAME 3 HDMI 2 4 Component 5 Video AUX or select (example) enter (shortcut) press the corresponding NUMBER button on the remote control to select the input of your choice. Or, press the INPUT button repeatedly, to cycle through the available inputs. * set unused input to “Not used” (below) for quick skipping.
Viewing photo with VIERA IMAGE VIEWER Viewing Contents Insert SD card • Auto play setting Image viewer auto play (p. 36) ■ Inserting or removing an SD card ● Insert the card ● Remove the card Gently insert the SD Card label surface facing front. Label surface Press in lightly on SD Card, then release.
Slideshow Display “Slideshow settings” Media Player settings Photo Slideshow Adjust items and select “Slideshow start” All photos Start Slideshow Frame Off Photo effect Off Transition effect Photo size Start Slideshow Off Normal Burst playback Off Display interval Normal Repeat playback On RETURN Select OK RETURN Sort Off Photo effect Off Info SD memory card (example) OK Off Photo size Select SUB MENU Slideshow Frame Transition effect Soundtrack settings Change select Slidesh
Other settings ■ Adjust the Picture and Audio Display “Menu” Picture 1/2 Reset to defaults Vivid Picture mode Select the item Menu select Picture Audio VIERA Link OK Contrast 0 Brightness 0 Color 0 Tint 0 Sharpness 0 adjust example: Picture menu Picture menu/Audio menu (p. 33-34) ■ Use VIERA Link function select VIERA Link control Set select Recorder change Speaker output TV Back to TV VIERA Link menu (p.
VIERA LinkTM “HDAVI ControlTM” Simultaneously control all Panasonic “HDAVI Control” equipped components using one button on the TV remote. Enjoy additional HDMI Inter-Operability with compatible Panasonic products. This TV supports “HDAVI Control 5” function. Connections to equipment (DVD recorder DIGA, HD Camcorder, Home theater system, Amplifier, etc.) with HDMI cables enables VIERA Link controls.
VIERA Link™ Connections (with VIERA Link function) ■ Terminal overview Back of the TV VIERA LinkTM “HDAVI ControlTM” ■ Connecting DVD Recorder (DIGA) HDMI cable DVD recorder (DIGA) with VIERA Link function ■ Connecting Home theater system/AV amp HDMI 1 is recommended.
VIERA Link settings and Available features To use all VIERA Link functions: After everything is connected, in VIERA Link settings menu, set “VIERA Link” to “On”. Some features are disabled depending on the “HDAVI Control” version of the equipment. Please check the list (p.
Automatic Input Switching When using a Blu-ray Disc player, DVD player/recorder or Home theater system, the TV will automatically change to the appropriate input, when playback begins on one of those devices. • For a Home theater system the speakers automatically switch to the theater system. Power on link Yes: The TV is turned on automatically and switches to the appropriate HDMI input whenever VIERA Link compatible equipment is initially turned on and the Play mode is selected.
VIERA Link menu and Available features Some features are disabled depending on the “HDAVI Control” version of the equipment. Please check the list (p. 24) Display the VIERA Link menu or select next Select the item select VIERA Link control Recorder Speaker output TV Back to TV in the VIERA Link menu may be grayed out • Items if no compatible equipment is connected (must be HDAVI Control 2 or later) or if the equipment has not initiated a connection with the TV.
Speaker control You can select the Home theater or TV speakers for audio output. Control the theater speakers with the TV remote control. This function is available only when a Panasonic Amplifier or Player theater is connected. select change Recorder Volume up / down Mute Select “Speaker output” Select “Home theater” or “TV” VIERA Link control ■ Home theater: Adjustment for the equipment Speaker output sound of the TV is muted. • The the equipment is turned off, the TV speakers • When take over.
Editing and Setting Channels The current channel settings can be changed according to your needs and reception conditions.
Manual program (Set manually) Use this procedure when changing the channel setup or changing the channel display. Also, use this to add or skip channels from the channel list manually. You can select a channel tuning mode (Digital only/Analog only) in “Channel surf mode”(p. 36) Edit ● Caption Edit CH caption Channel Select Apply Favorite Add ... Yes ... ... Yes 4 ... ... Yes 5 ... ... Yes 6 select next Caption Select or edit the station identifier.
How to Use Menu Functions Various menus allow you to set the picture, sound, and other functions so that you can enjoy watching TV best suited for you. Display the menu ● Shows the functions that can be adjusted. ● Some functions will be disabled depending on the type of input signal. Menu structure Menu Menu bar Press OK to move to the Menu items. Input labels HDMI 1 HDMI 2 Component Menu items Press OK to proceed to the next screen if available.
● “Reset to default” will be grayed out if no changes are made in the following menus: “Picture”, “Audio” and “Closed caption”. Picture settings Adjust the image or picture quality Settings Items Reset to defaults Picture mode Vivid Standard Cinema Game Custom (Photo) Color mgmt. C.A.T.S. Video NR Resets all picture adjustments to factory default settings except for “Advanced picture”. Provides enhanced picture contrast and sharpness for viewing in a well-lit room.
Settings Items Item Description • Some menus are grayed out depending on the input signal or condition. (e.g. “3:2 pulldown” will be grayed out if the input signal is high definition or you are viewing photos, etc.) Minimizes noise and cross-color in the picture.
Lock Locks specified channels or shows to prevent children from watching objectionable content. You will be asked to enter your password each time you display the Lock menu. • Password setting/entering (p. 18) Set “Custom” in “Mode” to specify “Channel”, “Game” and “Program” settings. Settings Mode Item Description Custom Mode Channel 1-7 On/Off Mode MPAA U.S.TV C.E.L.R. C.F.L.R. Change password Unlocks all the Lock settings of “Channel”, “Game” and “Program”.
Setup Settings Channel surf mode Language Clock ANT/Cable setup Input labels (Display labels of connected devices) Anti Image retention (Prevent Image retention) Other function settings Items All/Favorite/ Digital only/ Analog only English/Español/ Français Item Description Sets the mode to select the channel with the Channel up/down button. Favorite: Only channels registered as FAVORITE. (p. 17) Selects the screen menu language. Adjusts the clock. (p. 15) See p. 30-31 for more detail.
Ratings List for parental control “V-chip” technology enables you to lock channels or shows according to standard ratings set by the entertainment industry. ■ U.S. MOVIE RATINGS (MPAA) NR G PG PG-13 R NC-17 X NO RATING (NOT RATED) AND NA (NOT APPLICABLE) PROGRAMS. Movie which has not been rated or where rating does not apply. GENERAL AUDIENCES. All ages admitted. PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED. Some material may not be suitable for children. PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED.
Technical Information Aspect Ratio (FORMAT) Press the FORMAT button to cycle through the aspect modes. This lets you choose the aspect depending on the format of the received signal and your preference. (p. 17) (e.g.: in case of 4:3 image) ● FULL ● JUST JUST FULL Enlarges the 4:3 image horizontally to the screen’s side edges. Stretches to justify the 4:3 image to the four corners of the (Recommended for anamorphic picture) screen.
Data format information Photo • JPEG files (DCF and EXIF standards) Sub-sampling - 4:4:4, 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 Image resolution - 8 × 8 to 30,712 × 17,272 pixels DCF (Design rule for camera file system): A Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association’s standard EXIF: Exchangeable Image File Format Note ● Format the card with the recording equipment. ● The picture may not appear correctly on this TV depending on the recording equipment used.
VIERA LinkTM “HDAVI ControlTM” HDMI connections to some Panasonic equipment allow you to interface automatically. (p. 25) ● This function may not work normally depending on the equipment condition. ● The equipment can be operated by other remote controls with this function on even if the TV is in Standby mode. ● Image or sound may not be available for the first few seconds when playback starts. ● Image or sound may not be available for the first few seconds when input mode is switched.
4:3 side bars Do not display a picture in 4:3 mode for an extended period, as this can cause “Image retention” to remain on either or both sides of the display field. To reduce the risk of such “Image retention”, change the brightness of the side bars. See page 33 for more information ● The side bar may flash (alternate black/white) depending on the picture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) If there is a problem with your TV, please refer to the table below to determine the symptoms, then carry out the suggested check. If this does not solve the problem, visit the Panasonic website for further assistance. (see cover) Questions Picture 42 Answers How do I view the picture from devices such as a: Cable/ Satellite box, game console, Blu-ray or DVD player? Press the INPUT button on the remote to select the correct input source.
Questions Answers Sound Check that the correct SAP (Secondary Audio Program) is selected by pressing the SAP button on the remote control. Check that all connections of external equipment connected to the TV are secure. When using Cable or Satellite box, check the device’s audio settings.
Specifications TC-42PX34 Power Source AC 120 V, 60 Hz Power Plasma Display Consumption panel Rated Power Consumption 193 W Standby condition 0.2 W Drive method AC type Aspect Ratio 16:9 Visible screen size (W × H × Diagonal) 42 ” class (41.6 inches measured diagonally) (No. of pixels) 36.2 ” × 20.4 ” × 41.
Index A B C E F H I L P S Technical Information ........................................ 38-41 Timer ...................................................................... 34 V VIERA IMAGE VIEWER .............................. 19,21-23 VIERA Link ................................................... 19,24-29 VIERA TOOLS ....................................................... 19 Viewing contents .................................................... 21 Volume ...........................................
Limited Warranty (for U.S.A.
Customer Services Directory (for U.S.A. and Puerto Rico) Customer Services Directory (United States and Puerto Rico) Obtain Product Information and Operating Assistance; locate your nearest Dealer or Service Center; purchase Parts and Accessories; or make Customer Service and Literature requests by visiting our Web Site at: http://www.panasonic.com/help or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.
Limited Warranty (for Canada) Panasonic Canada Inc. 5770 Ambler Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2T3 PANASONIC PRODUCT – LIMITED WARRANTY Panasonic Canada Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and for a period as stated below from the date of original purchase agrees to, at its option either (a) repair your product with new or refurbished parts, (b) replace it with a new or a refurbished equivalent value product, or (c) refund your purchase price.
Note Limited Warranty (for Canada) Support Information 49
USA Only: Disposal may be regulated in your community due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information, please visit Panasonic website: http://www.panasonic.com/environmental or call 1-888-769-0149. Customer’s Record The model number and serial number of this product can be found on its back cover.
