Panasonic VIERA 1080p/720p LCD HDTV | 32 inch TC-32LX85 TC-32LZ800 and 37 inch TC-37LZ800 TC-37LZ85, and 26 inch TC-26LX85 Review

The Panasonic TC-32LX85 720p LCD HDTV has proved to be the most popular of this Panasonic VIERA LCD HDTV range which also includes the 26 inch TC-26LX85, 37 inch TC-37LZ800 and TC-37LZ85 as well as the 32 inch TC-32LZ800 and TC-32LX85.

Panasonic VIERA 1080p/720p LCD HDTV | 32 inch TC-32LX85

The LX models are the 720p models while LZ signifies 1080p models. The TC-32LX85 model is probably more popular as for a 32 inch screen you need to be 4.2 feet (1.3m) from the screen to see difference between 1080p and 720p. A reason for opting for the 1080p models might be for dual use gaming or as a monitor – hence the inclusion of the PC input on the 1080p resolution models.

All models have a Game picture mode for minimization of lag. However, there are other LCD HDTV models with a faster pixel response time than the 8 milliseconds of these models. Matching the game console output resolution to the native resolution of the HDTV is more important than both these considerations as explained in our HDTVs for Gaming technology guide. It should be noted that the 720p models do not accept a 1080p Full HD source via HDMI.

Static, 1200:1, and dynamic, 10,000:1, contrast ratios are excelent helped by Panasonic’s Clear Panel which maintains the contrast ratio and deeper blacks in brightly lit rooms. Panasonic’s use of an IPS Alpha Panel (In-Plane Switching) LCD panel gives a comfortably wide set of viewing angles at 178(H) x 178(V) without dimming or color shift.

Panasonic’s included Motion Focus Technology detects images with text and optimizes the backlight for improved sharpness making the text easier to read.
There is an SD memory card slot on the right side of the LCD HDTV for convenient loading of JPEG format digital images from a camera’s SD card (up to 2GB), SDHC card (up to 16GB) or miniSD card (up 1 GB) for viewing as a slide show.

Audio System

All models have twin comparatively large 20W speakers. They also include BBE High Definition Sound enhancement technology (featured in the BBE Sonic Maximizer range of professional audio signal processors) which is licensed by BBE Sound to consumer electronics manufacturers for incorporation into their products. See the fact sheet in Resources section below.

Other Notable Features:

Aspect Mode:

4:3 standard size image with bars along the sides
Zoom: uniform zoom (V + H) to fill screen
Full: horizontal stretch to fill screen
Just: stretches picture to fill the screen with aspect correction applied
H-Fill: enlarges 4:3 picture horizontally to fill the screen (side edges cut off)
Zoom Adjust: manual adjust of vertical size and image position

AI Picture: Control dark areas of display without affecting the black level or brightness in the overall picture.
Backlight: adjust LCD panel’s back light brightness
Picture Modes:

Vivid: enhance contrast and sharpness for a well lit room
Standard: for normal viewing conditions – low ambient light
Cinema: for a dark room to produce a soft, film-like picture
Game: for playing video games
Custom: adjusts picture, brightness, color, tint, and sharpness

Color Temperature: color temperature adjustment – warm (red), cool (blue), or normal.
Color Management: enhances green and blue color reproduction (eg. for outdoor scenes)
Video NR: (Noise Reduction) removes snow from a weak analog TV signal
MPEG NR: reduces noise of specific digital signals of DVD, STB …
Black Level: Dark or Light black level selection for specific external digital input signals
AI Sound: volume equalization across all the channels and external inputs.
Surround Function: enhances audio response for stereo programming (for the TV’s optional speakers).
Audio Leveler: minimizes the change in volume when you change inputs (for built-in speakers only)
Input Labels: inputs can be labelled from available set of label options to indicate connected source.
Lock: for blocking selected channels or inputs (via 4-digit password)
V-chip Parental Controls: allows parents to restrict the viewing of programs that they feel are inappropriate for their children to watch.
Sleep Timer: automatically turn off the TV after a selected amount of time.
Programmable On/Off Timers
Power Saving Controls: No Signal Shut-off, No Action Shut-off or Power Save (reduced screen brightness)
Remote Control: IR wireless remote control (not backlit).

Connectivity

All models have built-in digital and analog tuners plus a QAM cable TV tuner for those with a cable subscription to watch unscrambled channels without using a set-top box.
There are 3 HDMI connections available with all models, except for the LZ models which have four.

VIERA Link HDAVI Control

VIERA Link HDAVI Control provides single remote button operation of all HDMI connected Panasonic “HDAVI Control” compatible home theater components. VIERA Link (formerly EZ Sync) utilizes CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) which is supported by the HDMI v1.3 standard.

Connections

Rear Panel:
2x HDMI, 1x component, one AV input split between composite or S-Video( 4 pin mini-DIN ), 1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono ) 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono ) 1 x Digital audio output (optical) (LZ models) PC input.
Side Panel: 1x HDMI, 1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) SD card slot.

Comparing the Panasonic LX and LZ VIERA LCD HDTV Models

TC-32LX85 TC-26LX85 (base Models)

720p resolution, Native contrast ratio 1200:1, dynamic contrast ratio 10,000:1, game mode SD Memory Card slot, 3 HDMI connections, VIERA Link

TC-37LZ85 (next level up)

Steps up to Full HD (1080p) resolution and a PC Input is included

TC-37LZ800 TC-32LZ800 (premier models)

One sheet of glass design and add Motion Focus Technology, extra HDMI connection and a Universal Remote.

Resources

Brochure on VIVA HD3D Sound BBE (PDF)

Tweak MY TV Data Base of User Menu settings for Panasonic HDTVs. Recommended settings, based on field data collected by technicians performing professional calibrations, are designed to improve a HDTV’s manufacturer-factory preset settings for enhanced picture performance.