On test

32in LCD TV Approx price: 1,300

Panasonic TX-32LXD60

Panasonic may be turning to plasma for TVs over 37in, but its certainly not neglecting its LCD stable, as Michelle Long discovers
ith the battle for big-screen supremacy between LCD and plasma continuing to hot up its not surprising that the major manufacturers are busy working out which mast to nail their colours too and at what point. Panasonic has rather deftly managed to get a foot rmly established in both camps plasma for screens above 37in and LCD for screens of 32in and while it favours one technology for certain screen sizes, its not showing any favouritism when it comes to developing new technology. Thats if the amount of new technology the Japanese company has rammed into this latest LCD offering is anything to go by.

looks and features

Panasonic LCD screens have been very stylish of late, with recent models nished in a black screen surround/silver speaker combination, so it comes as a bit
Most of the new developments fall within the V-Real Advanced LCD AI image processing system, and its key elements are a new digital processing chip-set and Active Light Control. The chip-set performs two main functions. It processes HD signals in their original state without down-converting them, while a Digital Remastering Processor up-converts standard-denition video signals to improve detail. Active Light control meanwhile, makes real-time adjustments to the screens backlight depending on how bright the displayed image is, resulting in a rise in claimed contrast 1,200:1 on this model, as opposed to the 800:1 on previous Panasonic LCD TVs. A further improvement on the specication of previous Panasonic LCDs is the amount of colours the TX-32LXD60 is capable of showing now claimed at a staggering 3 billion rather than the old mark
but by no means least, the latest Panasonic Overdrive system keeps motion smearing under control with its 8ms response time. Moving on to connectivity brings more good news in the shape of a pair of HDMI inputs. Not only that, but theyre no ordinary HDMIs, since they also support Panasonics HDAVI system that carries control signals in addition to AV signals between this and other compatible Panasonic kit. Further inputs include component video, stereo audio and two Scarts round the back, while the side panel hosts composite video and S-video jacks. And if you want to add to the list of channels available via the built-in Freeview tuner, the CI slot can accommodate a Top Up TV card.
A rather uninspired look when compared to recent Panny screens

ease of use

As a result of the TX-32LXD60 concentrating more on its picture renements, theres not too much else in the way of features to worry about and as a result, its a very straightforward screen to get to grips with. All you really need to know is that Freeviews 8-day electronic program guide (EPG) is supported and an ambience audio mode has been thrown in to the mix too. Plugging it all in is easy enough thanks to clear labelling of the sockets (even down to what kind of signals the Scarts will accept) and theyre set horizontally so if you ever need to unplug or add cables you wont require an osteopath! The remote adds on a bank of buttons for use with a compatible VCR or DVD player and is nicely laid out. Things are once again generally well-labelled and it includes a button to let you switch easily

Test Data

TEST Colour temperature: Contrast ratio Luminance Colour Luminance READING 8,500k 955:1 95fL Excellent Excellent
The TX-32LXD60 is a screen that throws down the gauntlet when it comes to pictures
of a surprise to see the TX-32LXD60 sporting a predominantly silver chassis with just a thin black frame around the screen. Unfortunately, it looks uninspired even a touch bland when measured against Panasonics own high design standards. But then again, its picture quality that really counts and theres all that lovely new technology hidden away inside of 1.7 billion. This is thanks to the inclusion of Advanced 3D Colour Management and Contrast Management systems.Colour, brightness and luminosity are independently detected to reproduce colours in as high quality as possible, while contrast is matched to images in each scene to avoid making sections of the picture look too bright or too dark. And last
For a full explanation of test data, please see page 114

Details

FEATURES
Screen size & shape: 32in, 16:9 Tuner: digital and analogue Sound system: Nicam Resolution (pixels): 1,366 x 768 Hi-def ready: Yes Quoted contrast ratio: 1,200:1 Quoted brightness: n/a Screen dimensions (with stand): 791 x 615 x 301 mm Weight (with stand): 19.5kg Other features: Ambience audio mode; auto picture optimisation mode; variable backlight; 8-day EPG support, EPG category ltering; Active 3D colour management

Component video input

Usually the connection of choice for the best DVD playback

CI slot (not shown)

Add extra pay TV channels with a compatible card

Two HDMI inputs

Dual ports for your all-digital hi-def viewing needs

SOCKETS

Rear: 2 Scarts (2 RGB); 2x HDMI input; component video input; stereo audio output; RF input; CI slot Side: S-video input; composite video input; headphones output

CONTACT

www.panasonic.co.uk
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Also Consider >>

TOSHIBA 32WLT66 Similar connectivity with the addition of a PC input, and excellent pictures, but the audio lacks bass and treble Reviewed: Issue 306
SAGEM HD-L32T Has one less HDMI socket. Its biggest strength is HD material but looks good with standard def too. Reviewed: Issue 304
32in LCD TV HD Ready 1,366 x 768 pixels V-Real processing Integrated Freeview tuner between the digital and analogue tuners if necessary. with a vibrancy and dynamism that other manufacturers will envy. And a glance at the superb lab-measured contrast ratio (955:1) helps explain why theyre so rich and fulsome. In addition to its very impressive colours, the black levels on display contribute enormously to creating three-dimensional and solid looking pictures by adding a generous amount of shadow in darker scenes and avoiding the trap of greying over that blights some LCD screens. Ordinarily wed expect lesser LCD TVs to trip up when fed standarddenition footage via the integrated tuners, but happily the TX-32LXD60 doesnt suffer. Theres almost no MPEG blocking via digital tuner broadcasts and moving up through the inputs up to high-denition via HDMI, theres also an almost total absence of grain, edge shimmer and edge ghosting. Pictures remain sharp across the board, with high denition again proving the star turn thanks to its awesome rendition of the rolling ocean waves in seafaring epic Master and Commander. If theres one thing we could nitpick about, it would be that motion could be a shade smoother. But, this is a screen that throws down the gauntlet in no uncertain terms when it comes to pictures. Its a real shame that the sound doesnt live up to the high standards set by the picture of the TX-32LXD60, and its the one damper on an otherwise impressive performance. The onboard speakers are undone by a lack of bass thats most noticeable with lm soundtracks when you really need the extra depth of sound.You can of course sidestep this drawback if you intend to hook this screen up to a surround sound speaker set-up. Excellent pictures from all sources are only hampered by the audio

performance

So, how well does all that new picture technology work? Very well indeed as it happens, making improvements upon Panasonics already excellent track record. The company has always striven for a great deal of naturalism in its colour reproduction and it has outdone itself with the TX-32LXD60. From esh tones to blazing primary colours, virtually all are delivered

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Picture; price; digital connections

conclusion

While its not the most eye-catching of TVs (compared to its plasmas) and wont win any awards for its audio performance, the TX-32LXD60 does impress with excellent images that reinforce Panasonics already impressive credentials when it comes to natural-looking pictures. It manages to be that rarest of creatures a screen that looks good with all picture sources and if you can forgive the sonic shortcomings or partner it with a decent surround system the competitive price makes this high-quality offering from Panasonic well worth considering

WHATS BAD

Sound; only two Scarts, no PC input
Clear, easy to navigate layout and good labelling
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value

Looks Layout Labelling

VERDICT
Youll love the impressive pictures this TV delivers only its lacklustre audio performance might make you think twice
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Press Release February 2007
PIXmania dedicated to love!
Gift ideas to seduce all lovebirds Paris February 2007. PIXmania, the European leader in online sales of high-tech and digital entertainment products, is launching the month of love on its site. The month of love
PIXmania is launching a boutique dedicated to love. Whether its a love of photography, cinema, technology, well-being or cuisine, it can all be found on the same site. A host of boutiques is available online for Internet users with a large selection of gift ideas for HIM and HER. Lovebirds will be spoilt for choice. These boutiques have fifteen products per theme to satisfy all Internet users desires:
The boutique step by step
- Photography: Photography fans in search of the right equipment will find everything they need on the site, including the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 with its accessories for just 182 , and the silver Nikon D40 AF-S DX 18-55 mm for just 442. - Cinema: Movie fans can now enjoy a cinematic experience in the comfort of their own living room with the Panasonic TX-32LXD60 LCD television for just 565 and the Samsung LCD LE40S71B for just 841. - Music: For music fans, the silver Apple iPod Nano 2GB is at just 162 and there are many other products available, such as the black Creative ZEN V 4 GB MP3 player which costs just 81. - Technology: As for technology, theres a whole range of high-tech products available on PIXmania, including the Nabaztag rabbit for just 89.
Theres also a boutique devoted to HIM and HER. Lovebirds will be able to find all sorts of products here. - For HER : PIXmania has chosen the most stylish products on the market in order to blow HER away, such as the Samsung SGH-E570 in pink, for just 154.
- For HIM: PIXmania offers you a selection of products for the man in your life: the Canon EOS 400D + EF-S 18-55 mm lens for just 578.
- Well-being: For your well-being and comfort, PIXmania presents the MOGU Heart Shaped Medium Sized Pink Cushion for just 28 , so you can pamper your loved ones as well as yourself. - Cuisine: Calling all gourmet food lovers! The KENWOOD KM001051 Food processor for just 339 , so you can get really creative in the kitchen.
[About PIXmania and myPIXmania] Created in 2000, PIXmania is the largest European consumer electronics good store on the Internet. Present in 26 countries, PIXmania had 9 millions hits per month and more than 4 million customers by the end of March 2006. With more than 40,000 products, PIXmania owes its success to the high level of availability of its products, its low prices, its speed of delivery and its numerous other associated services. PIXmania also operates PIXmania-Pro, a site dedicated to professionals, and myPIXmania, the European leader site for online photo development and sharing. With more than 700 collaborators, PIXmania has increased its turnover 230 fold in 5 years and made 391m in sales by March 2006. Created at the end of 2002, myPIXmania is a portal dedicated to the printing and storing of digital photos and has 2 million hits per month and 90 collaborators. myPIXmania handles the filing, sharing and printing of digital photos. The site also has the widest range of albums and frames, boasting 260 products. In April 2006, PIXmania became part of the DSG International group, the third largest worldwide distributor of consumer electronic products, with more than 100 million customers per year, 1,400 shops and 40,000 collaborators. PIXmania and myPIXmania are brands of the Fotovista group.