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Panasonic TC-32LX20 32

60

Fair
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  • Panasonic TC-32LX20

PC World Editor's Review

by Richard Jantz

Limitations on color calibration and a sometimes frustrating on-screen menu undercut this otherwise full-featured (and rather expensive) 32-inch LCD TV.

Panasonic's TC-32LX20 is one of the few sets here with an HDMI input, which receives video and audio signals through a single cable from another HDMI-enabled device (such as one of the newer set-top boxes or DVD players). This 32-inch model provides easy presets for video and audio modes and for aspect ratio. Advanced adjustments include gamma (for midtone brightness) and controls for making blacks darker and whites brighter.

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Unfortunately, you can't control individual red, green, and blue levels to perform basic calibration, and there's no picture-in-picture feature either.

The set earned middling picture-quality scores on most of our tests, but it finished first in the group for brightness and contrast.

In addition to the usual video and audio connectors on the back, this model provides several extra inputs in front for plugging in a camcorder, a video game console, or the like. You also get slots for viewing images stored on SD (Secure Digital) Cards or on PC Card-based media adapters. A pair of side-mounted two-way stereo speakers (10 watts each), a sound equalizer, and virtual surround sound can project concerts and soundtracks effectively in small rooms.

The TC-32LX20's on-screen menu was frustrating at times, mostly because the finicky thumbpad on the universal remote often failed to respond to our selections. The documentation, which is satisfactory though a bit thin, lacks an index.

Upshot: Advanced adjustment options and a generous array of presets augment middle-of-the-road picture-quality ratings, but ease-of-use issues and limited color calibration tools prevent this model from ranking higher.

Richard Jantz

User Reviews for Panasonic TC-32LX20 32

  • Reviewed by: toprak

    Duration of ownership:

    Strengths: Very nice picture quality and sleek design. Comes with SD card reader in addition to PCMCIA Type II slot for a generic PC Card reader

    Weaknesses: A little heavier than similar sized models, no direct PC video input

    Overall Evaluation: I have been using TC-32LX20 for about a week now. No issues so far. I purchased the unit from a local Coscto Store for $1800.00, after a 10% discount. It was the last one and was a display unit. I ordered HD Programming from DishNetwork after purchasing this TV and am able to watch the HD channels now. The picture quality is perfect with true HD brodcast shows. Also very nice quality with DVD player. Regular (non-HD) programming is also acceptable quality. I didnt try SD card playback feature yet. I dont have a SD card. I have several Sony Memory Sticks, so I ordered a all-in-one PCMCIA PC Card for them. I will update this review when I receive the PC Card and try out the still picture display quality of Panasonic TC-32LX20.(July 02)It is more then 2 months now and I am quite happy with this LCD. No problems, and I am still impressed with picture quality of channels like HDNet, HDDiscovery, HDMovie. Regarding the still picture viewing, I received a SanDisk 6-in-1 reader and this works nicely with the Panasonic LCD. No configuration or compatibility problem. You can browse, view, focus (x2, x4) into still pictures. One thing I noticed is, switching from one picture to another is a little slower than it should be. It takes up to 4-5 seconds for the next picture to load after you press the remote button. Looks like there is a relatively slow jpeg decoder in there.

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