Fujitsu P42HTA51 Widescreen plasma TV is a 42-inch plasma TV with PC connectivity and detachable speakers. It is one of Fujitsu’s numerous attempts to make a more domestic or home focused plasma TV rather than a business oriented one. Relatively cheaper than most Fujitsu plasmas, this TV comes equipped with the normal in-built TV connections.

This slender, silver coloured plasma TV with curved edges can be mounted on the wall or on its desktop stand. There are 2 detachable speakers that can be fitted to the screen or mounted separately on the wall. Other sound systems can also be used instead of these speakers.

The plasma TV has a standard analogue tuner. There are two Scarts that can handle premium-quality RGB signals as well. An HDMI jack is also available for high-definition input. A component video input with progressive scanning is present too.   The TV is Sky-box as well as HDCP compatible. The most note-worthy of all the connections is a PC socket to connect to your computer.

This 1022(W) x 610(H) x 96(D) mm sized plasma TV weighs about 27 kilograms. It has an image aspect ratio of 16:9. The resolution of this screen is 1024 x 1024 pixels and it is compatible with the key, 720p and 1080i HD formats. The image contrast ratio is an average 3000:1 while the screen brightness is a high 1400 cd/m2. With a total audio output power of 30W, the sound effects are pretty good. The television also features a colour temperature control option. The other accessories that come along with the TV are a power cable, an infrared remote control, batteries and an instruction manual.

The Fujitsu’s native Alternate Lighting of Surfaces (AliS) technology used, gives a visual effect of 1024 horizontal lines though only about half the lines are present. The AVMII image processor is used by the set, which takes care of MPEG blocking noise, buzzing noises, jagged and ghosted edges. A light sensor is present that can adjust the picture with respect to the amount of light in your room. A White wash feature is also present that floods the screen with white to handle screenburn problems and individual ’signal’ and ‘drive’ contrast settings.

However, there have been complaints referring to the poor picture standards and unnatural looking colours of this television. Also, the absence of an integrated Freeview tuner and a digital tuner are seen as drawbacks. S-Video inputs and composite video inputs are unavailable too. Also, the features that can be set through the menus are not as interesting as one would expect. The thumbs-up aspects of the Fujitsu P42HTA51 42” flatscreen plasma TV like space saving design, good sound effects, low noise, smooth colour blends and fine details on the screen are masked by its poor coloured images and lack of certain advanced connections. Thus giving a poor competition to its rivals.