Size (not too deep like the Sonys), remote

Sound, menu system for setup

In shopping locally for a 13" TV set for the kitchen, I found all of the brands listed above except for Panasonic. Unfortunately I didn't like any of the above for one reason or another, so I ordered the Panasonic CT-13R42 from Amazon.com based upon my earlier, favorable experience with that brand's 10" TV. In terms of picture quality (the most important criterion, IMHO), the Panasonic falls in the middle of the above group. Specifically, the Panasonic is decidedly inferior to the Sony (KV-13FM12) and Toshiba (14AF41), approximately equivalent to the RCA (E13344), and better than the Sharp (13NM150), Philips (13PR12W), Sylvania (6413TA), and GE (13GP344). In case you're wondering why I didn't buy the Sony or Toshiba, I couldn't fit either one into the space available. The picture quality of the Panasonic is okay, not great.

The single small speaker is positioned on the lower right-hand side of the front and does not sound particularly good - perhaps it has a severely truncated frequency range (just a guess). Although the sound on this set is better than on some of the other sets that position the speaker on the side, Panasonic should seriously consider using a better quality driver or perhaps TWO speakers (even in mono).

The menu system is laid out nicely but is somewhat confusing to use due to inconsistencies in the keying for the "enter" command. Other TV brands I own (Sony, Mitsubishi) do this a lot better.

On the positive side, the Panasonic CT-13R42 has the necessary controls for adjusting video quality, is straightforward to use, and looks attractive in a kitchen setting (the set is white in color). For my purposes and in my setting, I am glad I purchased this set. I give it a 4 for value and 4 overall.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, RCA, Philips, Sylvania, GE