The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 ($1699 MSRP) is a 42-inch plasma TV that displays 3D content (as well as 2D, of course). We're still not entirely sold on 3D TVs, but we're sure that at this point, plasma TVs have the advantage. This is a relatively inexpensive gateway into 3D, if you're interested enough to invest in an emerging technology, with good enough performance in everyday 2D viewing to satisfy most users

The major differences between plasma and LCD are performance-oriented, so we'll get to those further down the page. Differences in features tend to be independent of the display technology. The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 offers an ethernet port and optional WiFi (additional purchase required) to connect to a pretty good streaming content package, including Netflix, Twitter, YouTube, Amazon Video on Demand, Skype, and more. Panasonic doesn't have the breadth of options that Sony offers, but Netflix and YouTube cover an awful lot of ground. For local media, the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 connects to DLNA home theater networks. Both the SD card slot and two USB ports can play photos, video, and audio clips.

If you're setting up a home theater, the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 has three HDMI ports for newer devices, along with two composite AVs and two component AVs for older devices. The only notable omission here is the lack of an analog audio output.

The 3D display is obviously the big feature on the Panasonic TC-P42GT25. As with all the major brands right now, you're required to wear gigantic 3D glasses. The technology is quite different from what you've seen in movie theaters, and costs considerably more (about $100-150 per pair). Be aware that no glasses actually come with the purchase of this TV, so you're already shelling out an additional $300 for a 3D date night. You can start multiplying that if it's a family movie night. 3D at home is still very much in its infancy, so before you upgrade to a 3D-capable TV, be sure that you're Blu-Ray player will support 3D and if any 3D programming is available through your cable or satellite provider. Otherwise, you may want to sit out these first-generation models. 

Performance (Read the full lab performance results at Televisioninfo.com)

The Panasonic TC-P42GT25 is a plasma TV, which behaves very differently from an LCD TV. The black level is great, but a weak screen brightness means that the contrast ratio is a fraction of what you'd get from a similarly priced LCD. However, the color performance was good and the viewing angle is vastly superior to any LCD screen. Many people complain about plasmas having a "mosquito-like noise" in the picture, and we can't argue with that. It's the almost pathological obsession with black level that leads many people to plasma, but we can't buy that as a viable approach.

In it's favor, though, Panasonic plasma TVs offer the best 3D performance we've seen to date. After having reviewed nearly every first-generation 3D series, we can safely conclude that plasmas have far fewer cross-talk issues, the biggest culprit in destroying the 3D illusion.

Comparisons (Read more in-depth comparisons at Televisioninfo.com)

To put the Panasonic TC-P42GT25 in context, we compared it to three similar TVs. The Panasonic TC-P50VT20 is another 3D Panasonic plasma higher up the food chain. Retailing for nearly $1000 more, it includes two pairs of 3D glasses, as well as superior performance in motion processing, viewing angle, and contrast ratio. The Samsung UN46C7100, an LED-backlit LCD, is another 3D TV that costs about $1000 more. The boost in contrast ratio is enormous, though the viewing angle is much worse. The Samsung is remarkably thin and slick-looking, so if you need a TV that makes a visual splash even when the screen is off, this might be a good choice. Finally, the Sony KDL-46HX800 is an LED-backlit LCD 3D TV that also retails for about $1000 more. This model doesn't ship with glasses or the even the transmitter that sends the sync signal to the glasses, so you're off to a pretty bad start. However, the Sony's raw performance in regular 2D viewing was impressive.

Panasonic is making the best 3D TVs right now, but we don't think that's reason enough to buy one. Too much is uncertain about the future of 3D, and the buy-in in these first-generation products is steep.